Sandra D. Lanaway, LL.B. (Hons) (aka Sandie) joined Cooper Lingard in 1987 as trainee Solicitor under the supervision of Frank Collyer. Sandie has specialised in Family Law since qualifying as a Solicitor in 1991. Her specialised area includes Divorce, Financial proceedings ancillary to Divorce and Children Act proceedings including International child abduction proceedings and Wardship. Sandie assumed the role of Managing Partner in April 2006 following the retirement of Frank Collyer. Sandie is active in the Community, sponsoring and supporting several local and national Sport and Charity ventures. She has served as a Governor of a local Primary School since September 2000 and is currently President of Southend and District Law Society. Sandie subscribes to Resolution (formerly The Solicitors Family Law Association) and several periodicals as well as a continuing education programme .
M. Anthony F. Nehammer B.A.(Lond.) Tony is a well known and experienced local Law Practitioner and joined Cooper Lingard as a Partner in April 2006. Tony was admitted as a Solicitor in 1989 and practises all aspects of Commercial and Domestic conveyancing, Wills Probate and Civil Litigation. Tony's Law practice operates from the offices of Francis, Thatcher & Co where he is Managing Partner. Sandra is a Partner in the Firm Francis, Thatcher and Co. Sandra and Tony are proud of the success of the Association between the two Firms, which are among the most established in the South East.
Richard J. Phillips, having practised Law in the South East for several years, qualified as a Solicitor in 2003. Richard joined Cooper Lingard in July 2005 and worked alongside Frank Collyer until Frank's retirement in April 2007. He was appointed as a Partner with Cooper Lingard in April 2008. Richard has a wide area of expertise and many years of experience in Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Commercial Law, Employment Law and Landlord and Tenant. Richard is a member of the Law Society's Personal Injury Panel.
Anita Cottis, F.Inst.L.Ex. Anita joined Cooper Lingard in 1968 and is a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives. Anita is experienced in all areas of Civil Litigation and Accounts and Taxation. Anita heads the Probate and Wills Department. Anita worked alongside Frank Collyer for many years and more lately alongside Richard Phillips. Anita has a wide knowledge of all areas of Law and practice including Inheritance Act claims, Wills, Administration of Estates and claims relating to Estates.
Shirley Vickers joined Cooper Lingard in 1988 and is a Family Law Executive with wide and extensive experience of Family Law including Divorce, Financial Proceedings ancillary to Divorce and Children Act proceedings. Shirley subscribes to a continuing education programme to ensure that she is fully up to date on all developments of Family Law and administration of the Public Funding Scheme (Legal Aid) as offered by Cooper Lingard.
Michael Martin, F.Inst.L.Ex. joined Cooper Lingard in 1992. Mike is a key team member and specialises in domestic conveyancing. Mike subscribes to a programme of continuing education to keep abreast of all developments and changes to conveyancing practices.
Alison Cotgrove joined Cooper Lingard in 2003 as Cashier. Alison is responsible for the financial management and planning of the Firm. Alison is a highly qualified and experienced Legal Cashier having worked in this area of expertise for many years at several prestigious and busy Law Firms. Alison is also responsible for staff management and day to day records of the Practice. A key member and centre pin of the team.
Cooper Lingard offers a programme of training for all staff, including Continuing Professional Development training where applicable. The Firm subscribes to Central Law Training, Practical Lawyer and Institute of Legal Executives Training schemes.
