Meet the Committee

Clare Thompson

Chair 

Partner, Hay & Kilner LLP

I am a partner in the clinical negligence team at Hay & Kilner. 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

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. 

Helen Morland

Committee Member

Partner, Hay & Kilner LLP

I came into law later in life having trained and worked as a professional dancer. I now specialise in Clinical Negligence work. In my spare time, I am pretty active and I practice yoga, attend the gym and cycle. I am also a seasonal skier and scuba enthusiast. In my downtime, I like hanging out with my springer spaniel, Bella.

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 and completed my apprenticeship, qualifying as a solicitor in September 2024. Outside of work I love to travel and explore new places, socialise with friends and family and take my dog Teddy, for walks on the beach.

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

Legal Director, Burnetts Solicitors

I am a Legal Director in the Employment team at Burnetts Solicitors.

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.