TRUSTED LEGAL ADVICE SINCE 1983
Foster Harrington Solicitors have been trusted legal advisers to individuals in Camberley and across Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire since the firm was established in 1983.
Matthew Bell and Michael Calfe acquired the firm in 2022 looking to carry on the incredible reputation the firm has for offering a high level of expertise with a personal service.
The Foster Harrington Team
Matthew Bell
Director
About Matthew
Matthew is able to assist clients with the formation of simple to complex Wills, advising on matters of mental capacity (such as Lasting Powers of Attorney and Deputyship Orders), along with assisting clients in the administration of estates. Matthew, also, advises on lifetime planning to mitigate Inheritance Tax.
In addition, Matthew advises on the formation, administration and winding-up of trusts, along with the relevant tax implications.
Matthew’s focus is on providing a high-quality service through the formation and development of a positive relationship with clients, with an overarching emphasis on finding clear solutions to legal problems.
Career Highlights
- Providing estate planning advice for high net worth individuals to mitigate Inheritance Tax to include:
- Lifetime gifting;
- Formation of trusts;
- Business Property Relief (now known as Business Relief); &
- Formation of an efficient Will.
- Assisting clients through mental capacity matters, such as the formation of Lasting Powers of Attorney (including acting as Certificate Provider) and Court applications for Deputyship Orders.
- Drafting complex flexible Wills for clients with business and international assets, with advice in finding appropriate solutions in passing assets tax efficiently to loved ones.
- Advising on the administration of estates for UK residents who held assets abroad, ranging from assets in countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, North and South America.
Michael Calfe
Director
About Michael
Michael is able to assist clients in drafting simple or complex Wills, administering estates and offering lifetime planning advice to mitigate inheritance tax.
Michael also advises clients on the administration of trusts, including the tax implications as well as advising on matters of mental capacity such as Lasting Powers of Attorney and Deputyship Orders.
Michael’s matters are often complex in nature, dealing with international and business assets, non-domicile clients and vulnerable beneficiaries. Michael has a straight forward friendly approach and finds solutions to your legal problems.
Michael has been ranked in the Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide.
Career Highlights
- Advising non-UK domiciled clients on their UK tax liability and ways in which they can mitigate UK inheritance tax.
- Acting for Executors on a cross jurisdictional estate with assets in France and the UK and ascertaining the domicile of the deceased.
- Providing estate planning advice for a high net worth individual to mitigate Inheritance tax, to include, structuring life time trusts, advising on Business Property Relief and gifting.
- Acting as a trustee for a personal injury trust in respect of a vulnerable individual.
- Drafting complex flexible Wills for clients with business and international assets and advising on how best to pass these assets to their beneficiaries and the tax implications.
Chris Dixon
Partner and Head of Commercial Property
About Chris
Chris qualified as a solicitor in 1998. After working in London and Crawley, he joined Bowles & Co in May 2017 and became part of the Foster Harrington team following their acquisition of Bowles & Co in April 2026. Chris now heads up the Commercial Property team but is also part of the Residential Property team in Epsom.
Chris has accumulated a wealth of commercial and residential property experience throughout his career. He specialises in non-contentious property matters – the sale and purchase of commercial and residential property, commercial and residential investment purchases and sales, development work (including site assembly projects and options for both landowners and developers), as well as the grant and taking of commercial and residential leases, other Landlord and Tenant and estate management work.
Chris works for a diverse spectrum of clients – private individuals, families, banks, entrepreneurs, private companies, SMOs and large multi-national organisations. As a result, he also deals with a broad and varied range of freehold and leasehold properties – houses, flats, buy-lets, shops, offices, care homes, factories and warehouses, as well as development land.
He comments:
“I aim to get to know my clients, to understand them and their aims and concerns in relation to any particular transaction. For my commercial clients I want to understand their business. I do what I can to build a relationship with my clients which lasts. That way every time I can offer a tailored service and give appropriate advice to meet my client’s particular needs. Dealing with property transactions, particularly when buying or selling your home, can be very stressful when you’re not used to them, but I do all that I can to make the transaction as easy and straightforward as possible for my clients.”
Career highlights
- Acting as part of a team on one of the largest “sale and leaseback” financing transactions in the UK.
- Acting for a developer on numerous site assembly projects and then acting for them on the sale of the subsequently newly built properties.
- Acting for a commercial investor buying a commercial office block and then dealing with the grant of new leases of refurbished units within the building, as well as now dealing with lease renewals.
- Acting for a pension fund on the commercial letting of properties within their portfolio and dealing with other licences and consent applications for those lettings.
- Acting for a commercial tenant, taking new premises, within a newly renovated building.
- Acting for various neighbours, all granting Options to a developer, and then dealing with the subsequent sales when the Option was exercised.
- Acting for homeowners on the sale and purchase of their home, finding suitable solutions to any issues revealed by the legal due diligence.
- Acting for first time buyers and helping them through the process of buying their first home.
Kerry Parsons
Senior Associate and Head of Private Client
About Kerry
Kerry is a qualified Solicitor based predominantly at our Camberley office with over ten years of experience in Private Client.
Kerry has extensive experience in dealing with both simple Wills and complex Wills incorporating Trust structures, advising clients in relation to Inheritance Tax Planning, preparing and registering Lasting Powers of Attorney, registering Enduring Powers of Attorney, preparing Deeds of Variation, preparing both simple and complex Declarations of Trust, Court of Protection Applications to include Deputyships and Statutory Will applications, the creation of lifetime trusts as well as Trust administration and Estate Administration.
Kerry is STEP qualified and is a full accredited member of Lifetime Lawyers (formerly Solicitors for the Elderly).
Career Highlights
- Dealing with the Estate of a Deceased individual who was a US citizen but who died domiciled here in the UK to include reporting into the US, dealing with assets both here in and the US and dealing with the beneficiary who was resident in the US.
- Dealing with the Estate of a Deceased individual who was domiciled in Grenada but who died without having made a Will and with assets here in the UK which included liaising with Grenadian lawyers, working out the Inheritance Tax with exempt and non-exempt beneficiaries and identifying how the various assets pass and to whom.
- Dealing with an Estate which comprised an Equestrian centre which was rented out for shows and for DIY livery. This involved a successful claim for Business Property Relief where we were able to show that it was more than a rental/investment business with the Deceased providing services for the horse shows, providing hay for the livery and assisting with the livery when owners were unable to attend to their horses.
- Advising Executors based in New Zealand on the resealing of a Grant obtained in New Zealand in the UK to include the preparation of all required documentation and obtaining the same.
- Advising individuals on the transfer of their property to their children to include a full Inheritance Tax advice to include Inheritance Tax calculations on their current position vs their position if they make the gift and survive/not survive 7 years.
- Advising clients on the implications of leaving the UK following the change of rules from a Domicile based system to a Residence based system and following advice, preparing appropriate Wills.
Vaishali Paul
Senior Associate and Head of Residential Property
About Vaishali
Vaishali is a qualified Solicitor based predominantly at our Epsom office and heads up our Residential Property team with extensive experience in Residential Property.
Vaishali deals with a range of conveyancing matters including freehold and leasehold sale and purchases, transfer of equities, remortgages, lease extensions, first mortgages, help to buy loans, auction and probate matters.
Vaishali provides exceptional client service by offering clear, practical advice with a tailored approach to suit clients accordingly whether to first time buyers or property investors. Vaishali also strongly believes in building and maintaining good rapport with all parties involved in a transaction.
Vaishali is fluent in English, Hindi and Urdu.
Career highlights
- Completion a £5 million purchase within 3 weeks of instructions.
- Taking over conduct of files from other law firms where clients were not happy with the service and completing the transaction smoothly and efficiently as well as rebuilding trust.
- Dealing with non-resident clients and international source of funds, as well as aiding with international relocations by buying or selling UK properties.
David Read
Partner in Commercial and Residential Property
Sarah Lambert
Partner in Family Law
About Sarah
Sarah is a specialist family lawyer. She qualified in 1993 and was a Partner and Head of Family Department at Bowles & Co for over 20 years.
Sarah has a wealth of experience in dealing with all aspects of family law including Separation/Divorce, Finances, Children, Unmarried couples and Nuptial Agreements. A trained Collaborative lawyer, Sarah seeks to offer practical solutions to the often complex and technical issues that arise in relationship breakdown. She has a particular interest in dealing with complex financial matters and challenging private children disputes.
Sarah is valued by her clients for her common sense and constructive approach. Her extensive experience is invaluable in explaining the process and options to clients in a clear way and helping clients through what can be a very challenging period.
As a committed member of Resolution, Sarah prefers to find a negotiated settlement and will seek out of court resolution where possible. Where an out of court settlement is not possible Sarah is confident in securing the best possible outcome through Court proceedings and has longstanding relationships with a wealth of experienced barristers, including KC’s, pension advisors and financial advisors who are able to assist where necessary.
Sarah is respected by her professional colleagues and receives significant referrals from former clients.
Shilpav Patel
Partner in Residential Property
Avril Turner
Senior Associate in Private Client
About Avril
Avril has over 30 years’ experience in all aspects of private client work, including Wills, Estate Administration, IHT Planning, Wealth Preservation and Powers of Attorney.
Avril has been with Foster Harrington for 11 years and has built up a loyal client base, developing longstanding relationships with clients and their families providing an outstanding and personal level of service.
Prior to joining Foster Harrington, Avril practised at law firms in Windsor.
Avril is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.
Charlotte Savage
Solicitor in Private Client
About Charlotte
Charlotte Savage joined the private client team in December 2025, having previously worked across Berkshire and Surrey.
Charlotte has a wealth of experience gathered over the last 10 years specialising in private client matters. Previously following the legal executive route, Charlotte recently decided to become a solicitor and qualified in 2025.
She deals with all areas of private client work, including Wills and Probate matters, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Deputyship applications. She has experience dealing with complex probate applications, liaising with Local Authorities regarding care fee disputes and intestate estates.
Elizabeth Maurice
Senior Associate in Private Client
About Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a Senior Associate solicitor. She is a member of the Society of Trusts and Practitioners (STEP). Elizabeth initially studied Theology at King’s College, London university and the University of Cambridge obtaining a BA and M.Phil. Having obtained the Post Graduate Diploma in Law and the Legal Practice Course at Guildford College of Law, Elizabeth then qualified as a solicitor in 2005. She has practised at various law firms in Northamptonshire, London and Surrey before joining Foster Harrington, (previously Bowles & Co) in September 2025.
Elizabeth is an experienced private client solicitor specialising in Wills, Probate, estate administration, Tax, Trusts, Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection work.
Elizabeth lives locally and enjoys theatre, cinema, music and reading.
Ellen Johnson
Associate in Private Client
About Ellen
Ellen qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2015, having worked in Private Client since 2010.
Ellen deals with all aspects of Private Client work, including a wide range of matters both complex and straightforward. She has extensive experience of preparing Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney. Ellen advises clients about all aspects of estate administration, including both taxable and non-taxable estates. Ellen can assist with Trust matters and Deputyship applications.
Ellen provides practical and clear advice in a sensitive and empathetic manner, helping her clients to navigate through the complexities of the estate administration process as easily as possible.
Emily Hastilow
Paralegal in Family Law
About Emily
Paralegal in the Family Department, assisting with a wide range of matters including divorce, finances and private children matters.
Main responsibilities involve supporting the fee earner with drafting, administrative tasks, diary management and being a contact point for clients.
Graduated with a 2.1 Law Degree with honours from the University of Exeter in 2025.
Aspirations to become a family Solicitor.
Member of Resolution.
Helen Barker
Paralegal in Private Client
Jo Harrison
Paralegal in Private Client
About Jo
Jo is a paralegal in the private client department having worked as a legal secretary/paralegal for 36 years in various areas of law.
Jo drafts Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and assists with administering estates. Jo builds very good relationships with clients by offering a personable service and is always on hand to answer any queries.
Joanna Soteriou
Associate in Private Client
About Joanna
Joanna is an Associate Chartered Legal Executive based in the firm’s Epsom office. She graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology and went on to obtain her legal qualifications through CILEX while working at another Surrey law firm.
Joanna qualified in 2018 and joined Foster Harrington in March 2026. She advises clients on the administration of estates, the preparation of Wills and Powers of Attorney, and assists Court-appointed Deputies and Attorneys.
Joanna was recognised as a Recommended Lawyer in The Legal 500 2026.
Katherine Lanzuolo
Paralegal in Private Client
About Katherine
Katherine has worked as a Paralegal within Private Client since 1999, building extensive experience supporting clients with a wide range of matters including wills, probate, and estate administration. With over two decades of experience, she is known for her approachable manner, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering a high standard of client care.
Pavan Dhami
Associate in Residential Property
Rebecca Welford
Paralegal in Residential Property
Richard Ince
Associate in Residential Property
About Richard
Richard is a highly experienced residential property solicitor. With many years of legal expertise behind him, he graduated with an LLB (Hons) from Thames Valley University in 2000 and has since dedicated his career to delivering exceptional client service in property law. His deep understanding of the conveyancing process, combined with a client-focused approach, ensures that every transaction is managed smoothly and effectively.
Sophie Kaler
Conveyancing Executive in Residential Property
About Sophie
Sophie began her Conveyancing journey in 2016 and has extensive knowledge specialising in residential Conveyancing transactions from assisting individual clients in their personal sales and purchases to dealing with business owners acquiring residential property.
Sophie is known for her conciseness and attention to detail always striving to deliver an exceptional service ensuring her clients interests are protected along the way.
Sophie maintains strong relationships with estate agents in the surrounding areas which she believes is essential to ensure a smooth process and transition for all her clients.
Tazaiyan Baig
Associate in Family Law
About Tazaiyan
Taz has experience handling a wide range of Family matters ranging from Divorce, Financial Remedy Proceedings, Private Children matters, Separation and Domestic Violence matters, including applications for injunctions.
Taz graduated from Buckinghamshire New University with First Class Honours in 2016 with a Law degree. She studied the Legal Practice Course with a master’s in law at the University of Law in Guildford and qualified as a Solicitor in 2021. Taz gained valuable family law experience working as a paralegal in a Berkshire law firm and was retained to complete her training contract. Taz has also worked for the UK’s largest recognised national law firm dedicated exclusively to family matters and has secured positive results for her clients.
As a member of Resolution, Taz is fully dedicated to minimising conflict and resolving challenging disputes in a constructive manner and is known for her clear and calm communication. However, she is prepared to adopt a more assertive approach when necessary. Taz prioritises building positive relationships with her clients from the outset and approaches their cases with empathy and sensitivity. She always strives to achieve the best possible outcomes for her clients while providing realistic and pragmatic advice on potential options and outcomes.
Victoria Sims
Associate in Residential Property
About Victoria
Victoria qualified as a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives in 1999. She specialises in residential conveyancing.
Her clients, many of whom come to her as referrals from satisfied clients, benefit from her in-depth experience gained from dealing with a wide variety of property transactions. Clients appreciate her friendly and approachable manner and her strong commitment to an attentive, supportive and personalised service. Victoria keeps her clients informed every step of the way.
She comments:
“I love my job. I aim to give every client an unsurpassable service. I do my utmost to ensure their property transaction runs smoothly and is as stress-free as possible. I hope they find the whole experience an enjoyable one”.
Zahra Iqbal
Trainee Solicitor in Residential Property
CAREERS
Foster Harrington are always keen to hear from ambitious lawyers who are interested in joining us and we would encourage you to send your CV to info@fosterharrington. co.uk with a covering email as to what you are looking for and why you are interested in joining us.
No current roles available at this time.
REASONS TO CHOOSE FOSTER HARRINGTON
ESTABLISHED
We guide you through some of the most important moments in life.
TRUSTED
We guide you through some of the most important moments in life.
PERSONABLE
We guide you through some of the most important moments in life.
How can we help you?
Working with clients in Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire and surrounding areas
WANT TO TALK?
Call us with any queries on
01344 425637 (Bracknell), 01276 692233 (Camberley) or 01372 725655 (Epsom)
