Professional with personality: Insights from our Partners

Put people first

From lawyers to support staff, everyone at Ellis Jones appreciates the importance of understanding the needs of our clients and going above and beyond to reach desired outcomes.  

We have 24 Partners and have asked them what inspires them in their careers at the firm. See some of their comments below: 

Carla Brown – Partner and Head of Wills, Trusts & Probate 

Carla has more than 25 years experience in Wills Trusts and Probate work, and joined Ellis Jones as a Partner in the summer of 2018.

“I love how people focussed Ellis Jones is. It really is at the heart of our decision-making processes.  We constantly strive to make things better for our staff and clients. I want to see this develop further and become something that we are widely recognised and respected for.” 

Neil Cook – Partner and Head of Business Services 

Neil has a business background, having trained and worked in commerce and having owned his own business.

“What inspires me the most about being a Partner at EJ is being able to help business clients achieve their goals and to be able to train the next generation of lawyers who pass through my department.” 

Victoria Riddleston – Partner, Dispute Resolution 

Victoria has experience acting for individuals and charities in Disputed Wills, Inheritance & Trusts, and regularly advises beneficiaries, potential beneficiaries, executors and trustees.

“I joined Ellis Jones as a Junior Lawyer in 2015 and have been fully supported in my career development, becoming a Partner in early 2022. From the outset I have been supported and encouraged in the continued development of the firm’s Contentious Trust and Probate, Court of Protection and Charity Services. I have also been closely involved in the firm’s mentoring programme, in training and developing lawyers and I lead the firm’s ESG policy group. Our core values are present in all decisions, and this creates a happy and progressive firm.” 

David McWilliam – Partner, Solicitor and Head of Personal Injury & Sports Law 

David has been dealing with accident claims for over 25 years and has recovered millions of pounds for injured clients.

“After working at EJ for nearly 30 years, I have seen the firm grow and different departments develop niche areas of law and become successful.” 

Nicola Hall – Partner, Wills, Trusts and Probate 

Nicola has expertise in Wills, Inheritance Tax Planning, Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection applications, Estate Administration and Declarations of Trust.

“As a Partner I am inspired to make a difference and to move away from the stuffy image that lawyers have had historically.  I like that I have built strong client relationships, and I can help to mentor the younger generation to grow and progress in their careers.” 

Paul Kanolik – Partner, Dispute Resolution 

Paul acts on a diverse range of commercial disputes, with particular specialisms in betting and gaming, banking and finance and intellectual property.

“I am fortunate to be inspired in my role as a Partner by a motivated team around me, and the job satisfaction of helping clients to achieve their objectives, often in challenging circumstances.” 

Our Partners are key to steering the direction Ellis Jones takes and we look forward to the years of growth to come, shaping the future of our firm. To find out more about the firm, visit our about, careers and our promise pages.

You can also gain further insight into our people by reading their stories – from Partners to our support staff.