Meet the Committee

Clare Thompson

Chair 

Director and Solicitor, Switalskis Solicitors 

I am a Director in the clinical negligence team at Switalskis Solicitors.

I look forward to working with the committee and helping to organise some amazing events over the next 12 months. In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family, walking my dog, eating, drinking and travelling.

Lauren Hall

Vice President and Treasurer

Partner, Hay & Kilner LLP

I am a partner in the clinical negligence team at Hay & Kilner, which I thoroughly enjoy. I have a little girl who keeps me very busy when I am not at work.

I live by the coast and love spending time on the sea front. I also enjoy catching up with frirends and going to new bars and restaurants, especially to see if we can host events in new places!

Bethany Herbertson

Committee Member

Associate Solicitor, Hay & Kilner LLP

I'm a Disputes Resolution solicitor - but as I studied literature before coming to law, I love going to the theatre and spending evenings reading with a glass of red wine! My weekends typically involve discovering a new spot to eat, going to the beach and seeing my family - with some kayaking, gardening and pottery thrown in.... 

Rosalind Hughes

Committee Member

Solicitor and Head of Just Caring Legal

I set up my own law firm in 2016 specialising in seeking NHS Continuing Healthcare funding on behalf of vulnerable and elderly people to pay for their care. In my spare time I love swimming, theatre and live music. I love socialising and eating out and I am looking forward to forthcoming social events organised by the committee. 

Anna Curphey

Committee Member

Solicitor, Hay & Kilner LLP

I am a Senior Associate in the Family law team at Hay & Kilner LLP. 

I enjoy netball, going to the gym and walking my springer spaniel Rosie. I love being out and about at weekends, enjoying the beaches of the North East coast with a dip in the sea and a beach sauna. 

Hope Gallant

Committee Member

Solicitor, Latimer Hinks Solicitors 

I am a Solicitor in the Private Client Team at Latimer Hinks. I am proud to be within the first cohort of Solicitor Apprentices in the north east, completing my apprenticeship and qualifying as a Solicitor in September 2024.

Outside of work I love exploring new places with friends and family, attending reformer pilates classes and finding new dog-friendly day trips with my pomeranian, Teddy.

Emma Bundy

Committee Member

Solicitor, Ben Hoare Bell LLP

I am a Solicitor in the family team at Ben Hoare Bell LLP.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my young family having fun days out to the coast or the local parks. When I get the chance, I also love travelling and finding new places to have a nice meal and a glass or wine or a cocktail. I look forward to planning future events with the WLD committee.

Sara Devennie

Committee Member

Solicitor, CLR Law

I am a Solicitor in the Employment team at CLR Law.

When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, preferably outside. I get out as much as I can running, cycling, fell walking and going to the gym - I encourage my family to come along too!

I like to travel where I can and enjoy cuisine from all around the world, accompanied by a nice glass of wine.

Philippa Jones

Committee Member

Associate Solicitor, Ward Hadaway LLP

I am a solicitor in the construction and engineering team at Ward Hadaway LLP. 

Outside of work I enjoy keeping fit and regularly take part in half marathon runs for charity, such as the Great North Run. I look forward  to contributing ideas to the committee and providing a platform for legal professionals to network over the next 12 months.

Anna Ramsden

Committee Member

Associate Solicitor, CLR Law 

I am an Associate Solicitor in the employment team at CLR Law and have been at the firm since the start of my legal career.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends which is usually centered around my cocker spaniel Branston. I love to travel, and I try to squeeze in a last-minuate weekend break whenever I can. I can also be persuaded to take part in hald marathons either for charity or as a way to keep fit.

I'm looking forward to contributing to the committee's ideas and meetings lots of other like-minded women at our events.

Isobel Clark

Committee Member

Solicitor Apprentice, Womble Bond Dickinson  

I am a Solicitor Apprentice in the Public Law & Projects Team at Womble Bond Dickinson. 

Outside of work I love to find new places to eat around Newcastle and to travel (usually anywhere I can find a cheap flight!). I also enjoy bouldering and sitting on the sofa reading a good book.