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

Senior Associate, Hay & Kilner LLP

I am a solicitor in the clinical negligence team at Hay & Kilner which I thoroughly enjoy. In my spare time, I enjoy seeing friends, going to new bars and restaurants, going the gym and Pilates. My dog, Fred, also keeps me pretty busy! 

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 have two hugely energetic young boys and I enjoy activities with them such as cycling, swimming, motorsport, going to the cinema and eating out. I also like to keep fit and have done a half marathon for charity and other 10k challenges. I enjoy musical theatre and have previously enjoyed singing in a choir which I am looking to return to when I have more time.
 

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.

Philippa Jones

Committee Member

Associate Solicitor, Ward Hadaway LLP

I am a solicitor in the construction and engineering team at Bond Dickinson. 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.

Sara Devennie

Committee Member

Senior Associate, Burnetts Solicitors

I am an Associate Solicitor at Burnetts Solicitors and specialise in Employment Law.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am very active and enjoy triathlons, running, cycling, fell walking and going to the gym.

When I have time for a night out, I enjoy going out for dinner with a glass of fine wine to accompany it.

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 during the week, you can find me out running or at the gym doing spinning or a Zumba class, and then my weekends are spent entertaining my niece or cooking tasty food at home with a nice chilled glass of prosecco, or two.

Anna Curphey

Committee Member

Solicitor, David Gray

I am a Solicitor in the family team at David Gray, undertaking mostly children law matters. During the week I try to attend the gym and a few exercise classes. At weekends, I enjoy socialising with friends and family, eating out (with wine!) and travelling. Planning an adventure is always high on my to do list and I am always looking forward to my next holiday.

Hope Gallant

Committee Member

Solicitor Apprentice, Womble Bond Dickinson

I am a sixth year Solicitor Apprentice at Womble Bond Dickinson, hoping to qualify in September 2024. So far, I have spent time in Residential Real Estate; Construction and Engineering; Planning and Infrastructure and the Employment team. I am also involved in the CSR committee at WBD and love helping to fundraise and volunteering for local charities. Outside of work I love to travel and explore new places, socialise with friends and family and take my little Pomeranian Teddy, for walks on the beach

Natasha Kular

Committee Member

Chartered Legal Executive, Browell Smith & Co

I am a Chartered Legal Executive in the clinical negligence team at Browell Smith & Co Solicitors, which I am passionate about. I have a keen interest in digital & social media marketing and I am very excited to help grow the online presence of WLD North East. In my spare time, I am a singer who loves performing at weddings, open mic nights, charity events and creating YouTube song covers. I also love spending time with my family & friends, running, hiking, travelling and trying different cuisines & desserts!