About RDP Law
RDP Law is a multi-disciplinary law firm. We represent clients within the fields of real estate, private client, agriculture, litigation and commercial/corporate law.
We act for businesses, landowners, farmers, charities and individuals from across Wales, the South West of England and the Three Counties.
We are a forward-thinking, progressive business offering a comprehensive legal service to our clients.
See our brochure here for more information.
Our people
Caitlyn Bennett
Job Title: Associate Solicitor
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Caitlyn Bennett
Associate Solicitor
Caitlyn is an associate solicitor in RDP’s Real Estate team.
Caitlyn deals with a variety of matters including Landlord and Tenant, real estate funding, commercial acquisitions and disposals and aspects of development and renewable energy.
Caitlyn first joined RDP in 2022 to carry out a secondment to her training contract before qualifying in December 2022. She returned in October 2024 as a solicitor in the Real Estate Team.
Adrienne Brigden
Job Title: Senior Associate Solicitor
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Testimonials:
"Throughout my career I have only met a handful of people who stand out from the rest and make a difference with ease. You are one of them."
"We were very happy with the efficient and professional service"
Adrienne Brigden
Senior Associate Solicitor
Adrienne is a senior associate solicitor in RDP’s Real Estate team.
Adrienne first joined RDP as a paralegal in 2018; she then progressed to trainee solicitor in 2019 before qualifying in October 2021. Adrienne was promoted to an associate in April 2024.
Adrienne currently works on commercial leases and real estate financing, in addition to commercial and agricultural acquisitions and disposals.
Rachel Brown
Job Title: Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives
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Testimonials:
"Can I just thank you for your attention to detail and slick, proactive responses today!"
"I just wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for all the hard work and effort you’ve put into completing everything for us today. Your professionalism and dedication have been truly invaluable, and we greatly appreciate the time and attention you've given to ensure everything was handled seamlessly. We understand that this has been a detailed and sometimes challenging process, and we are extremely grateful for your expertise in getting us across the finish line. Your support has been essential to us, and we couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with. Thank you once again for all your efforts."
"I remain in awe of your professional competence, empathy and intelligence when dealing with an old boy like me. You and your team are the stuff of legend and if you and your team ever, ever need a reference, referral or testimony please do not hesitate to ask.
I have no doubt James is already proud of the work you do although, I’d bet it is often taken for granted by clients like me, who have become accustomed to your world class support. Job well done Team RDP!"
"As always, you have all been absolutely fantastic and the speed you can get the completions done in is not replicated anywhere! So appreciated and look forward to working with you all in the future."
"It’s been great to work with RDP Law on this and know that we were in safe hands!!"
"Very prompt and efficient on the sale of our house"
"Rachel was efficient, approachable and reliable, I was very pleased with the work completed by RDP."
"Rachel, James and Amy have been excellent throughout all transactions showing diligence, patience and professionalism throughout."
"I want to say a big thank you to you for your service. It has all gone so smoothly. You have kept me informed and I have not had to progress the matter to keep it going forward. You have done the job so well and efficiently, I am very grateful and appreciative."
Rachel Brown
Chartered Institute of Legal Executives - Paralegal Member
Rachel is a Chartered Institute of Legal Executives - Paralegal Member and sits within RDP's Real Estate team.
She specialises in:
- Residential and commercial conveyancing
- General land law
- Assembly and sale of development plots
Natasha Bunclark
Job Title: Partner
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Testimonials from clients:
“Natasha has been absolutely brilliant. She has been exceptionally efficient and gone well beyond the call of duty, to the extent that I have had to tell her off a few times for dealing with my emails!”
"I feel that we must write and express our huge thanks and gratitude for Natasha. Her work ethic is amazing, she has acted above and beyond our expectations in a super professional manner. She is a credit to your company and her efficiency is spectacular. We will remain forever in her debt for the work on our behalf and she is the type of solicitor that as a client you dream of."
"I really cannot thank Natasha enough. She is a credit to herself and to RDP Law. I hold both Natasha and RDP in very high regard and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Natasha in the future."
"Natasha was exceptional in every aspect. As we have not previously moved house, she held our hands throughout the process, kept us updated and generally tried to push things along as much as she possibly could. I have received excellent feedback from my Estate Agent, my buyer and the seller regarding Natasha, each of them being fully aware that Natasha was driving the pace. They were all equally impressed with her."
"A huge thank you for arranging and executing our legal side of the property purchase and sale. Everything amazingly, went well in all departments, considering the current [COVID-19] situation. Your approachable professionalism by far exceeded our expectations and we're very grateful for that."
"At no point have I had to chase Natasha, she is so on the ball."
"Unrivalled skill, support, service, knowledge and speed. Thank you."
Testimonials from agents:
“This is the quickest transaction I’ve had for a few years…Just goes to show with the right vendor and buyers…plus fab solicitors…transactions CAN move quickly!”
“Wonderful, thanks for all your exemplary work! I wish all the solicitors I have to deal with were as proactive and good as you!”
“Thanks for everything, this sale would never have happened with any other solicitor, you’ve been brilliant as always!”
"I wish all solicitors I deal with were as good as Natasha. Superb."
Natasha Bunclark
Partner
Natasha is a partner in RDP’s Real Estate team and the Head of RDP's Residential Property team.
Natasha deals with high-end residential acquisitions and disposals.
Her residential expertise includes:
- Acquisition and disposal
- Remortgaging
- Transfer of part
- Transfer of equity
- General land law
Natasha has over 10 years’ experience working in residential property. She undertook her training contract with a local firm while completing the Legal Practice Course part-time, in which she was awarded a distinction and the Leicestershire Law Society Award. Natasha qualified as a solicitor, and joined RDP, in September 2018. Natasha was promoted to partner in April 2024.
Henry Clarke
Job Title: Consultant
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Henry Clarke
Consultant
Henry is a consultant who works with RDP’s Commercial and Corporate team on corporate transactions and on general corporate commercial advisory work.
He also supports the Real Estate team and other teams with his banking and finance law and construction law expertise.
Henry qualified with a Magic Circle law firm and has worked internationally in central Europe and in the Gulf with leading law firms. On returning to the UK he became general counsel for a growing investment firm before completing his MBA with a distinction, and then continuing his legal practice.
- Sale of a retirement village business
- Restructuring of a multi-site care home group
- Refinancing of a hotel business
- Construction documentation for a 40 residential unit project in a historic warehouse
- Finance advisory work for a residential housing development funded by Homes England
- Shareholder agreements for various start-ups, scale ups and family businesses
James Davies
Job Title: Director
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James is recommended by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as a real estate lawyer, one of only two lawyers in Wales outside of Cardiff to be so listed. He is also recommended by the Legal 500 for his work as an agricultural lawyer.
Testimonials:
"James is an outstanding solicitor. There is a swift turnaround and a commercial approach to legal issues. He is about getting the deal done and finding solutions." Chambers & Partners, 2026 (Real Estate)
"James is an excellent lawyer. He is well versed in all areas, exceptional in commercial property, and has a pragmatic, sensible approach to even the most complex of scenarios." Chambers & Partners, 2026 (Real Estate)
"Outstanding" Legal 500, 2026 (Real Estate)
"James Davies has exceptional experience and forensic attention to detail." Legal 500, 2026 (Agriculture and Estates)
"James Davies is an excellent lawyer to work with on all property transactions. He is always prepared to consider input from the client in the drafting stage if required or if he feels appropriate." Chambers & Partners, 2025
"James Davies is a commercially astute, practical and very responsive lawyer who is a pleasure to work with." Chambers & Partners, 2025
"Talented, knowledgeable and commercially savvy" Legal 500, 2025
"Great deal making smarts" Legal 500, 2024
"Exceptional." Legal 500, 2023
"James Davies has been excellent, especially in relation to development land related matters. He is always responsive and communicative, with superb attention to detail and practical legal advice to reassure clients and fellow professionals." Legal 500, 2022
"Excels in handling commercial real estate work for developers." Legal 500, 2021
In 2018 James was shortlisted for a Law Society Award for Excellence in Practice Management. He also spoke at the 2019 Lexcel Conference on the subject of legal practice management.
James Davies
Director
James is head of RDP’s Real Estate team.
He practices in all areas of commercial real estate but with a particular focus on three core areas:
Development:
James acts for both landowners and developers on the acquisition, sale and strategic assembly of development land. He also advises developers on planning / infrastructure agreements and site assembly.
James’s experience covers both commercial and residential land and ranges from smaller schemes to those spread over large acreages, often with multiple landowners.
He also advises on more complex development joint venture agreements, forward funding agreements and forward purchase agreements.
Renewable energy:
James acts for landowners on all kinds of renewable energy schemes. He has experience of wind, solar, biomass and tidal development projects across the country.
He is particularly experienced in complex schemes spread over multiple land holdings.
Portfolio strategy and management:
James advises clients with large land holdings on the administration of their portfolios. This includes day-to-day management (which often revolves around landlord and tenant law) but also on more strategic mid-to-long-term advice.
Coming soon...
New phosphate guidance in Wales - a red flag for developers
Use it or lose it - 'Right to Regenerate' consultation issued by Housing Secretary
Freezer clauses in options - landowner's guide
Planning Agreements Explained...
Minimum Energy Efficient Standard - A Guide for Landlords
Robert Davies MBE
Job Title: Chairman
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Robert Davies MBE
Chairman
Robert is the chairman of RDP Law. He has practised in South East Wales since 1974, and has connections across the commercial sector and throughout the agricultural community.
He practises company and commercial law and also works closely with Sioned Thomas in RDP’s agricultural department.
Robert has particular expertise in commercial and residential property development and is regularly instructed in relation to some of South Wales’ larger and more interesting development proposals.
In 2007 Robert was appointed MBE for his contribution to legal services in South East Wales.
Patrick Duggan
Job Title: Senior Associate Solicitor
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Patrick Duggan
Senior Associate Solicitor
Patrick is a senior associate solicitor in RDP’s Dispute Resolution team.
Patrick is a solicitor advocate and has over 25 years’ experience in civil litigation.
He covers a wide range of disputes with a focus on giving early, commercially aware, advice.
Patrick joined RDP in 2025.
Amber Ellis-Martin
Job Title: Senior Associate Solicitor
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Testimonials:
"Big thank you Amber Ellis-Martin at RDP Law for her help with this. Great to work with a solicitor who works quickly and communicates regularly throughout the process."
"Associate Amber Ellis-Martin is also recommended and has been pivotal to the firm’s strategy to grow its roster of developer clients." (Legal 500 2024)
Rising Star of The Year winner at the Wales Legal Awards 2023
Amber Ellis-Martin
Senior Associate Solicitor
Amber is a senior associate solicitor in RDP’s Real Estate team.
She joined the firm as a trainee solicitor in September 2018 before qualifying in October 2020. In September 2022, she was promoted to associate solicitor before becoming a senior associate in April 2024.
Amber currently works on acquisitions and real estate financing, as well as providing advice to commercial clients on a variety of complex development deals.
Tom Jones
Job Title: Associate Solicitor
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Tom Jones
Associate Solicitor
Tom is an associate solicitor in RDP’s Dispute Resolution team.
Tom specialises in all aspects of commercial dispute resolution; including partnership disputes, public law, insolvency, shareholder disputes, debt recovery, and breach of contract claims. Tom also advises in relation to property litigation matters, including trespass, boundary disputes, landlord and tenant work, as well as contentious planning cases.
Tom has been involved in cases heard at all levels of the civil courts in England and Wales, as well as the Supreme Court.
Tom started his career as a planning appeals consultant in mid-Wales, before completing the Legal Practice Course at Cardiff University. Tom qualified in 2021, and joined RDP in 2025.
Kate Kurtz
Job Title: Senior Associate Solicitor
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Testimonials:
“Kate Kurtz is warm and friendly, extremely diligent with a can-do attitude.” (Legal 500)
Kate Kurtz
Senior Associate
Kate is a senior associate solicitor in RDP’s Real Estate team.
Kate deals with high-value commercial property transactions.
Her commercial property expertise includes:
- Acquisition and disposal;
- Re-financing and financing of commercial property portfolios;
- Site assembly;
- Landlord and tenant – the granting and taking of commercial leases and all aspects of property management;
- Development.
Kate has 10 years’ experience working in commercial property. Kate undertook her training contract with a North West firm while completing the Legal Practice Course part-time, in which she was awarded a distinction. Kate qualified as a solicitor in 2015 and joined Kuits in Manchester, where she worked for 8 years, before relocating to Cardiff. Kate worked for a Cardiff firm, before joining RDP Law in January 2025.
Daniel Parkinson
Job Title: Trainee Solicitor
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Daniel Parkinson
Trainee Solicitor
Daniel is a trainee solicitor in RDP’s Corporate Commercial team.
Daniel joined RDP as a paralegal in June 2024 and began his Period of Recognised Training in October 2025.
He is currently part of our Commercial/Corporate team, assisting on a range of matters such as company formations, shareholder agreements, and the drafting and reviewing of commercial contracts.
Samantha Pocknell
Job Title: Conveyancing Practitioner
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Testimonials:
"Your professionalism and effective communications provided the process (of the sale) to be smooth and efficient. It was a pleasure to work with you and thank you for your service."
"Just wanted to reach out and thank you for the completion. This has to be a record for us in timescale just 6 weeks. Appreciate you and the team for getting this completed. Here's to many more." (Cardiff Agent)
"Very efficient service. Emails always answered within the hour."
"Your exceptional efficiency throughout this process has been outstanding (we cannot fault you!)."
"I want to thank you for your work and service for the sale of my house. The way we could communicate relieved me of any added stress and the office staff were great whenever I popped down there. Isabelle too with her communication at completion. I have left a review via the rdp law Facebook page. I contacted three companies that were recommended to me when I decided to selll. Your prompt, concise and no pressure communication far surpassed the other companies. Although your quote was a little higher than others, it was well worth it for the work you did and the faith I quickly developed for you to complete it swiftly. I will certainly recommend (and have already)."
"Excellent service. Always returning calls and answering questions in a way that can be understood. My case was sorted efficiently and quickly. Thank you very much."
"We both just wanted to thank you for all your work with the house. We are so grateful that you managed to get us in so quickly! You have been fantastic and very efficient!"
"I just want to personally thank you for acting on my behalf on the sale of the above property. As buying and selling lease holder properties are problematic you have been outstanding. It has been a very stressful time with trying to get the Insurance Schedule from the Landlady, your tenacity won the day and I have no hesitation in highly recommending you to anyone who is looking for a Solicitor for conveyancing."
Samantha Pocknell
CILEx Conveyancing Practitioner
Samantha is a CILEx Conveyancing Practitioner who deals with high-end residential acquisitions and disposals.
Samantha has over 20 years' experience in residential conveyancing and became a CILEx Conveyancing Practitioner in 2019.
Her residential expertise includes:
- Acquisition and disposal
- Remortgaging
- Transfer of equity
- General land law
Sarah Porter
Job Title: Partner
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Testimonials:
"Sarah is an excellent communicator and provides clear advice that is presented to clients in a digestible way." Chambers & Partners, 2026 (Real Estate Litigation)
"I find Sarah extremely efficient. She responds very quickly and thoroughly. She has been very helpful to us and has a broad range of experience and expertise." Chambers & Partners, 2026 (Real Estate Litigation)
"As a qualified mediator, Sarah Porter has excellent insight into different litigation methods and is key to the firm’s success in handling a myriad of commercial disputes, including an increasing number of unfair prejudice petitions." Legal 500, 2026
"The Litigation Team at RDP Law quickly analysed the pros and cons of my complex boundary dispute and implemented a route through to a very successful and just conclusion."
"Just a card to thank you very gratefully for your professional help and personal support during the past two months."
Sarah is a member of the Agricultural Law Association
Sarah is Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at RDP.
She qualified in 2008 and has almost 15 years’ experience working in dispute resolution. She has been involved in a variety of types of litigation matter, both for private individuals and commercial clients, including:
- Consumer disputes, breach of contracts etc.
- Contentious probate
- Negligence claims
Sarah specialises in property litigation, with a focus on boundary disputes, trespass claims, rights of way, restrictive covenants, and adverse possession. She also has significant experience in dealing with both private and commercial, landlord and tenant disputes.
Sarah was a Board Member of the Wales and West Housing Association for a number of years using her legal knowledge and experience to help the board in its decision-making.
Sarah is also a qualified mediator, having trained with the London School of Mediation. As well as being a member of the Agricultural Law Association, the UK’s largest inter-professional organisation dedicated to the law and business of the countryside.
Thomas Rees
Job Title: Trainee Solicitor
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Thomas Rees
Trainee Solicitor
Thomas is a trainee solicitor in RDP’s Commercial / Corporate team.
He joined our Dispute Resolution team in April 2023 as a paralegal and started his period of recognised training in October 2024, whilst also commencing his SQE studies.
Thomas currently sits within our Commercial/Corporate team working on matters concerning corporate formation, governance, and regulation, as well as drafting of commercial agreements.
Sam Saysell
Job Title: Solicitor
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Testimonials:
"During now and previous advice, Sam has always given me time to reflect on what's important to me. Outstanding service from RDP Law."
"Being a newcomer to legal matters, I found the experience to be much more relaxed and comfortable than expected. Would highly recommend to others."
"RDP have dealt with two important matters on my behalf and have provided a first class service throughout. I can highly recommend RDP and will use again in the future."
"I would recommend RDP Law for the speed and efficiency they dealt with our business."
"Our thanks to you and the team for the helpful, proactive attitude and the quick responses."
"My husband was unwell during our dealings with RDP and Sam showed a very caring patient attitude."
"Thank you Sam and your team for your professionalism handling my fathers estate."
Sam Saysell
Solicitor
Sam is a solicitor within RDP's private client team.
Sam joined RDP as a paralegal in September 2020 working within RDP’s Real Estate and Private Client teams. He then became a Trainee Solicitor in April 2022, before qualifying in October 2023.
Sam deals with areas such as Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and estate administration services as part of the Private Client team.
Jordan Thomas
Job Title: Trainee Solicitor
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Jordan Thomas
Trainee Solicitor
Jordan is a trainee solicitor in RDP’s Real Estate team.
Jordan joined RDP as a paralegal in November 2023 and started his period of recognised training in April 2025.
He currently sits within commercial property supporting the team on development, renewables and commercial acquisitions.
Sioned Thomas
Job Title: Partner
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Sioned is listed as a Leading Individual in the Legal 500 and ranked in the Chambers & Partners for her Agriculture work.
Testimonials:
"Sioned Thomas takes time to explain any complicated issues around the subject and doesn't rush us to make a decision. She has a wealth of experience, and that is very important to us." Chambers & Partners 2026, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
"Highly professional" Legal 500, 2026
"Always an outstanding service"
"Sioned has become more of a family friend than just our solicitor. Her knowledge and her ability to share it in simple terms are excellent." Chambers & Partners, 2025
"Sioned has vast knowledge and is extremely efficient." Chambers & Partners, 2025
"Warm and friendly team head Sioned Thomas is an 'expert in her field', and is particularly skilled at advising clients with significant business and/or agricultural assets, which she is able to do so through the medium of Welsh, if required." Legal 500, 2025
"Particularly well-versed at advising on estate administration and succession planning" Legal 500, 2025
"Very proactive." Legal 500, 2023
"Sioned Thomas has always been very easy to approach and has shown us a great deal of patience." Legal 500, 2022, client testimonial
"Thorough and approachable." Legal 500, 2022
"Very detailed, meticulous and knowledgeable." Chambers & Partners 2022
"Professional, very approachable and efficient." Chambers & Partners 2022
“Provides a highly personal service and always strives to understand the detailed background to all the issues.” Legal 500
“Provides a first-class service when dealing with rural matters.” Legal 500
Sioned Thomas
Partner
Sioned is head of RDP’s Private Client and Agricultural teams.
Private Client:
Sioned deals with succession planning for high-net-worth clients, including advising on wills and setting up and administering trusts.
She deals with complex estate administration, with a particular focus on the agricultural sector.
She also deals with lasting powers of attorney and deputyship applications.
Charities:
Sioned is well-versed in setting up new charities, and advising existing charities on matters such as sale and purchase of land and legacy management.
Agriculture:
Sioned deals with acquisition, sales and refinancing of farms and farmland, farm business tenancies and partnership agreements and, because of her private client experience, is able to take a holistic approach to farm succession planning and the impact of changes to the future of the farming business.
Sioned is STEP-qualified and a fluent Welsh speaker.
- Dealing with an application for succession tenancy under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986
- Purchase of 200-acre land holding in South wales with complex access and easement provisions
- Acting in the administration of an estate of clients with various land holdings and business assets with successful agricultural relief claim
- Sale of various barns forming part of a large farm holding for development
- Sale of 100-acre farm with listed farmhouse and buildings
- Succession planning for farming family who had diversified to include partnership agreements, farm business tenancies, shareholders agreements, wills, lasting powers of attorney and sale of property
Charlotte Turner
Job Title: Marketing Manager
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Charlotte Turner
Marketing Manager
Charlotte is responsible for all marketing activity at RDP.
Charlotte has 16 years' marketing experience within the aerospace, financial and legal industries, and currently manages the firm’s marketing initiatives whilst working closely with the wider team to lead the strategy, planning, execution and analysis of a defined marketing plan.
Charlotte is also responsible for the management of Human Resources, overseeing the welfare of staff at RDP.
Clare Waller
Job Title: Consultant
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Clare Waller
Consultant
Clare is a Consultant in RDP’s Commercial and Corporate team providing specialised commercial advisory services.
With over two decades of experience in the legal field, Clare brings a unique perspective to her role, having served as a top in-house lawyer with extensive senior management experience. Her expertise spans not only the legal domain but also encompasses the broader realm of business operations.
Throughout her career, Clare has lent her valuable insights and guidance to a diverse array of businesses across various industries and sectors, both in the private and public spheres. Her expertise extends to collaborating with numerous government agencies in both the UK and international settings.
Dawn Watling
Job Title: Associate Solicitor
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Dawn Watling
Associate Solicitor
Dawn is an associate solicitor in RDP’s Private Client team.
Dawn trained at Wilsons Solicitors in Salisbury and qualified as a solicitor in 2012. She remained at Wilsons Solicitors for 5 years after qualification undertaking a range of work from advising high net worth clients, Wills and Trusts, Probate, elderly client and Court of Protection matters. Dawn then moved to Clarke Willmott in Bristol where she continued to expand her knowledge.
Dawn has a wealth of experience in private client work. Dawn now works with individuals on Wills, lifetime planning and wealth preservation, collaborating with RDP Law’s other teams such as residential, agriculture and commercial property.
Dawn enjoys working with and helping all types of private clients from high net worth families to landed estates focusing on and understanding each individual client’s unique circumstances and goals. She works closely with the client and their other professional advisors to create tailor made solutions.
Donna Wilkins
Job Title: Solicitor
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Donna Wilkins
Solicitor
Donna is a solicitor in RDP’s Dispute Resolution team.
She qualified in July 2024 and specialises in property litigation matters, including landlord and tenant, boundary disputes, trespass claims, right of way, restrictive covenants and adverse possession.
