Our Departments

Criminal Law

Steven Meredith

Steven Meredith

Director / Senior Solicitor

Steven joined WMB Law as a Director in May 2015. He qualified as a Solicitor in 2007 and is also a qualified Duty Solicitor and Accredited Police Station Representative. Steven has the unique expertise to be a legal advisor right from an initial arrest, interview, charge, court representation and (if unfortunate enough to be convicted and sent to prison) he can continue advising throughout the detention period, ensuring that the earliest possible release can be secured.

  • Motoring law
  • Magistrates Court representation & Police station advice and interviews under caution (benefit fraud, military law)
  • Prison adjudications & Parole applications
Chloe Byrne

Chloe Byrne

Solicitor

Chloe is a Solicitor in our Criminal department. Chloe completed her undergraduate LLB Law Degree at the University of Chester in 2019 and then went on to complete the Legal Practice Course LLM at the University of Law in Chester. Chloe joined the firm in August 2020 and began her Training Contract in December 2020, she qualified as a Solicitor in September 2022 and gained Duty Solicitor status from October 2023. Chloe is also an Accredited Police Station Representative and regularly provides legal advice and representation to those arrested and detained at the Police Station and/or interviewed under caution. 

Chloe provides Magistrates Court representation and assists in the preparation of Crown Court cases for Trial and is able to represent clients throughout all stages of criminal proceedings. 

Katie Philpott

Katie Philpott

Crown Court Case Worker

Katie is a Crown Court Caseworker in our criminal law department and first joined our firm in January 2021. She works closely with Barristers to build strong defences, ensuring every aspect of a client’s case is thoroughly explored. Whether preparing cases for trial or mitigation packages for sentencing, Katie is known for her meticulous approach and keen attention to detail, whilst providing clients with guidance and reassurance throughout the Court process.

Emmie Bradley

Emmie Bradley

Legal Secretary

Emmie is a legal secretary in our criminal law department who joined our firm in April 2024. She is an efficient, kind member of our team. Emmie generally does Crown Court file admin but also assists with the Magistrates Court and Police Station sectors as well.  Emmie completed a year at Shrewsbury Sixth Form but wished to pursue a career in law so decided to complete an administration apprenticeship at a Shrewsbury based Law firm. Once completing this apprenticeship Emmie then stayed and worked as a legal secretary in personal injury and civil litigation for a year.  Emmie has always had an interest in Criminal Law so therefore decided to join WMB Law in our criminal department to progress her career.

John McMillan

John McMillan

Senior Solicitor

John McMillan is a Solicitor-Advocate with Crown Court audience rights and has over 40 years of daily practice in the criminal courts. He is a Duty Solicitor who still offers suspects in the police station his expert advice and is proud of the 24/7 service this firm offers. John qualified as a Specialist Fraud Panel supervisor and is our Very High Cost Case supervisor which means that he is qualified to conduct the gravest and most complicated cases.John’s experience includes murder cases, rape trials,burglary, theft and robbery charges, Courts Martial in the UK and abroad, fraud and white collar crimes, internet abuse cases and motoring cases where his experience contributes greatly to the client’s chance of avoiding a ban.

  • Magistrates Court
  • Crown Court
  • Police Station
Abbie Neuchterlien

Abbie Neuchterlien

Trainee Solicitor

Abbie began working in criminal defence in 2012 and knew immediately that she had found her vocation in life, she completed the police station qualification in 2017 and has enjoyed representing clients at the police station ever since. Abbie began working at WMB Law in May 2019 as a Crown Court caseworker and subsequently completed her CILEX law degree part time, she is now completing a level 7 qualification and will be sitting the Solicitors qualifying examinations in 2026. At present Abbie works closely with barristers to meticulously prepare cases and also represents clients before the Parole Board, she is however, looking forward to being able to help clients at the Magistrates Court when she eventually qualifies as a solicitor. During her spare time Abbie enjoys cooking and creating new recipes , she also loves to read romance or fantasy novels and also enjoys looking after the office sausage dog Richmond, who she loves to spoil.

Jane Williamson

Jane Williamson

Jane is a Police Station Representative and Criminal Caseworker with many years of experience in criminal law.  Jane is very popular with clients for her down to earth, easy to understand approach and her local knowledge. Jane always does a very thorough job on behalf of clients.

  • Magistrates Court Casework
  • Police Station
  • Crown Court Casework
Natasha Walrond

Natasha Walrond

Trainee Paralegal/Police Station Representative

Natasha is a soon to be paralegal/police station accredited representative in our criminal law department who joined our firm in December 2022. She is a meticulous, reliable member of our team and professes to always put the client first. Natasha assists with the day-to-day tasks for the Magistrates Court and Police station whilst also attending the Police station to represent our clients personally.  Natasha is looking forward to furthering her legal career at WMB Law.

Zoe Pearson

Zoe Pearson

Administrator

Zoe has been with the company since March 2024 , serving as the initial point of contact for visitors and callers. Her role includes both reception and administrative duties. She primarily provides administration support to the crime department ; however, she also assists colleagues across all departments with reception duties and various tasks. Her role includes greeting visitors, answering calls, scheduling appointments, composing letters and emails, and supporting the solicitors and secretaries in any other tasks they may need fulfilling.

Martin McNamara

Martin McNamara

Solicitor

Martin has worked as a Criminal Defence Advocate for 26 years in the West Midlands, Black Country, and Shropshire. He has represented clients both at Police Stations and Courts for all types of cases and always brings a professional and courteous attitude to every matter that he is involved in.   Martin is also a keen film and sports enthusiast.  

Mike Surzyn

Mike Surzyn

Consultant Solicitor

Mike qualified as a solicitor in 1987 having been trained as a Magistrates clerk.
He became a higher Rights advocate in 1998.
He is a duty solicitor with over 30 years’ experience undertaking all types of criminal advocacy.
In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar, gardening and spending time with friends and family.
Claire Mills

Claire Mills

Legal Assistant

Claire is a Crown Court Caseworker within the Criminal Department at WMB Law. She works closely with Barristers to prepare Crown Court cases for trial, exploring all aspects of a client’s defence. Claire is extremely experienced, as she has been with the firm since 2000. She has dealt with a number of high profile cases, including those where clients have been charged with serious sexual offences and murder.

  • Crown Court criminal cases
  • Proceeds of Crime Act matters
  • Appeals against convictions and sentence
Jessica Hardy

Jessica Hardy

Police Station Representative

Jess is an Accredited Police Station Representative within our Criminal Law Department. Jess joined the firm in July 2022 and has since successfully completed the Police Station Accreditation. Jess is also currently completing her Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Degree on a part-time basis. Jess is passionate about continuously enhancing her legal knowledge and skills, combining practical experience with academic knowledge. Jess regularly provides legal representation to those interviewed under caution at the Police Station, ensuring that their rights are protected, and their cases are handled with the utmost care. Jess also provides support to our Magistrates Court department, facilitating conferences with clients to ensure readiness for trials and assisting with trial preparation. Jess is keen to provide support to those in need of legal advice and assistance throughout the early stages of criminal cases.

Lily Childs

Lily Childs

Business Apprentice

Lily is a Business apprentice in our criminal law department who joined our firm in December 2024. She is a helpful, friendly member of our team. Lily assists with administration in our Magistrates Court and Police Station Departments.  Lily had begun a college course but decided that an apprenticeship would be a more hands-on approach to get into her dream career in criminal law. As an apprentice Lily will gain the knowledge and experience needed to continue on into a legal career.  

Family Law

Sarah Phillips

Sarah Phillips

Director/Senior Solicitor

Sarah became a Director in WMB Law in May 2015 and has worked for WMB Law now for over 20 years. Sarah specialises in Family Law. She is a member of the Law Society Children Panel representing both children and parents.
  • Care Proceedings/Social Services involvement
  • Divorce/Financial Matters
  • Children disputes about contact/residence etc
Tia Evans

Tia Evans

Trainee Legal Executive

Tia is a Paralegal and trainee Legal Executive in the Family Department. Tia is in the process of completing a five-year CILEX qualification. Tia provides support to clients; she has a compassionate approach and is committed to ensuring that clients receive the guidance and attention they need during challenging times. Outside of work, Tia enjoys maintaining a balanced lifestyle through Reformer Pilates. She loves exploring new destinations around the world with friends, creating lasting memories and she also enjoys spending time with her dog, Meeka.

Nicole Brown

Nicole Brown

Solicitor

Nicole qualified as a Solicitor in August 2022.  She joined the Firm in 2018 as a Caseworker and studied her LPC and Masters in law part-time at the University of Law in Chester.  Nicole also previously obtained a Psychology Degree and a Graduate Diploma in Law.  Nicole has experience representing parents in respect of proceeding relating to their children and parties in divorce proceedings. 
Care Proceedings/Social Services involvement   
Divorce/Financial Matters
Children disputes about contact/residence etc..
Hannah Sumnall

Hannah Sumnall

Trainee Paralegal/Legal Secretary

Hannah has been a Legal Secretary in the Family Department since September 2021. Within Hannah’s role she provides essential administrative support to the fee earners, schedules appointments with clients and liaises with third parties and other professionals. She has a keen interest in family law procedures and is currently completing a Trainee Paralegal Course. Hannah assists with document preparation, client communication, and case management tasks. Outside of work, she enjoys long walks and cherishes spending quality time with friends and family.

Melanie Thomas

Melanie Thomas

Legal Assistant

Mel is a dedicated Legal Assistant in the Family Department, she supports the team in providing expert legal services and ensuring our clients receive the best possible outcomes in family law matters. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for helping others, Mel handles various administrative and legal tasks, ensuring smooth processes and clear communication for all involved.  Mel has a wealth of experience having worked in the legal profession for many years. Outside of work, she love the outdoors, enjoying long walks with her dog and she is a lifelong supporter of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Mental Health

Lacey Bright

Lacey Bright

Trainee Solicitor

Lacey is a trainee solicitor in our Mental Health Department. She joined WMB Law in July 2024 as a legal assistant after graduating with a Law LLB from University of Liverpool. She is looking to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in 2027 through the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship. Lacey has experience in providing legal advice to those subject to the Mental Health Act 1983 and has a future of representing them in Hospital Managers Hearings.

Sian Cummins

Sian Cummins

Solicitor

Sian is Head of the Mental Health department and represents patients who are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. This includes representation at Mental Health Tribunals, Hospital Managers Reviews and also Care Programme Approach meetings and has extensive experience in representing clients who suffer with learning difficulties, children detained under the Act and clients with forensic backgrounds. She also, advises clients subject to Community Treatment Orders, Guardianship, or clients subject to S117 aftercare arrangements. Sian also has experience with the Mental Capacity Act in particular assisting clients who wish to appeal against a Deprivation of Liberty authorisation and representation within the Court of protection for welfare matters.

Sian is accredited as a member of the Law Society Mental Health Panel.

Sian completed her Law degree at the University of Birmingham and thereafter completed her master’s in legal Practice Course at Wolverhampton University. She then climbed the ladder from paralegal to qualified solicitor to Head of Mental Health Department. Sian is dedicated to her clients and committed to providing a thorough service. Sian is very popular with clients for her down to earth, easy to understand and pragmatic approach. In her spare time, Sian enjoys spending time with her family, travelling and cooking. Sian is a Wolverhampton Wanderers fan and comes from the Black Country.

Claire Cutting

Claire Cutting

Legal Secretary

Claire joined WMB Law in May 2022 in the Wills & Probate Department.  In January 2024 she moved to the Mental Health Department, as Legal Secretary, assisting the team in preparing for Mental Health Tribunals and Hospital Managers Meetings for clients subject to the Mental Health Act 1983. Claire still assists in dealing with our existing Wills and Probate clients and can be contacted concerning existing Wills held by the firm. 

Management & Accounts

Demelza Anderson

Demelza Anderson

Practice Manager

Demelza joined WMB Law in 2011. She has experience in Legal Cashiering having worked in the accounts department since 2015. Demelza took over the role of Practice Manager and Accounts Manager in 2020. She has worked hard to promote a friendly and approachable atmosphere within the office and played a large part in organising and overseeing some of the renovations of the Madeley office and the subsequent office move. Demelza has completed a mental health in the workplace NCFA certificate and is an advocate for this within the firm, she is also up to date with the SRA accounts rules and is responsible for implementing compliance within the firm. In her spare time Demelza enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Rachel Ram

Rachel Ram

Legal Cashier

Rachel joined WMB Law in 2023 and quickly adapted to office life and her new role as a legal cashier. Rachel instantly fit into the accounts department team and assists the Practice Manager on a daily basis. Rachel ensures the seamless running of the Business’ accounts, managing all payments and bills including Legal Aid. Rachel is up to date with the Solicitors accounts rules ensuring the firm is compliant.