CooperBurnett LLP
Rankings
Leading firm in UK 2026
Ranked Departments:
Ranked Individuals:
Overview
Provided by CooperBurnett LLP
THE FIRM
Over more than 40 years, CooperBurnett LLP has built an enviable reputation across Tunbridge Wells, the South East and beyond for its legal knowledge and expertise. The firm prides itself on providing an exceptionally high level of service to every single client. CooperBurnett is focused on establishing long-term relationships with its clients, built around not just high levels of service, but excellent communication too. Clients are supported by the same lawyer throughout, which helps to build exceptional trust and a long-term relationship.
COMMUNITY
CooperBurnett is very much part of both the business landscape and the local community. Partner Joseph Oates is an active member of the board of Royal Tunbridge Wells Together Business Improvement District, a role he shares with Partner Victoria Sampson.
Partners Victoria Sampson, Katie Gillam and John Spence have all held the role of President of Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & District Law Society, while Victoria was President of West Kent Chamber of Commerce and Industry on two occasions. After the demise of the Chamber in 2020, Victoria joined with two other Tunbridge Wells-based business owners to launch enTWine, a business forum for the town, which has recently celebrated its fifth anniversary.
CooperBurnett sponsored the Large Business Award as part of both the Tunbridge Wells Business Awards 2025 and the Tonbridge Business Awards 2025.
The firm has an active charity committee – Senior Associate Katie Hilsdon, Associate Solicitor Ayla Clissold and Partner Lisa Connolly – and supports a charity of choice for a two-year period; this is currently Jigsaw (South East), which works with children and young people before, during and after bereavement. In June 2025, TeamCB walked ten marathons in a single day as part of the CB Charity Coastal Challenge for Jigsaw South East. This raised £10,000 - a figure which was pound matched by the firm's equity partners, resulting in £20,000 heading to the charity.
Partner Gemma Gillespie volunteers for Citizens Advice Tunbridge Wells & District, while she and Associate Solicitor Melissa Gire support DAVSS (Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Service). In both cases, they offer free guidance sessions on family matters.
The firm is officially recognised by Kent County Council as a Dementia Friendly Business, the first in Tunbridge Wells to achieve this status; and Associate Solicitor, Katie Hancock, is a Dementia Friends Ambassador.
CooperBurnett has supported the Walk Tonbridge Festival since its inception in 2021, which encourages the community to get outside to enjoy Tonbridge and its surroundings. In September 2025, this event raised an amazing £19,305 for charity, with £10,740 heading to the Tonbridge food bank, Sustain, based at Tonbridge Baptist Church.
Recently, Partner Katie Gillam from our Private Client team has been providing free monthly legal clinics for older people locally, in conjunction with Age UK Tunbridge Wells.
PRINCIPAL AREAS OF WORK
CooperBurnett works closely with both business and private clients, and boasts expertise in industry sectors including construction, care homes, charities, planning and education.
CooperBurnett’s Corporate and Commercial team deals with enterprises at every stage of their lifecycle, providing advice to entrepreneurs looking to launch their new ventures to business owners considering a sale, acquisition or merger. The firm excels on supporting business and employers with employment, insolvency and contested issues advice.
CooperBurnett works with private clients at every stage of their life, through good times and bad, helping them buy their first home (CooperBurnett was one of the very first firms in the UK to be awarded the Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation by The Law Society), providing specialist tax planning, preparing Wills, and supporting them through family issues.
CLIENTS
CooperBurnett acts for all types of businesses across a broad range of sectors, including manufacturing and supply, professional services, education and healthcare. The firm works closely with its private clients – some of whom have been clients for more than 40 years. They have remained loyal – and recommended CooperBurnett to others - because of the firm’s caring and professional approach.
PEOPLE
At the heart of CooperBurnett are its people and it has a ‘3P Plan’ – where the first two Ps simply stand for people and people! The firm promotes an inclusive culture, flat structure and training opportunities and it boasts a number of team members who have been with the firm for more than 30 years. Victoria Sampson and Joseph Oates, who co-lead the firm, have both been part of TeamCB for more than 25 years.
Over recent years,CooperBurnett has recently welcomed some key Partner hires – including Russell Brinkhurst in the Corporate and Commercial team; Oliver Bussell, who boasts wide experience in Planning, including working in-house at Kent County Council; David Brown, who brought with him extensive knowledge of the Construction sector; and, more recently, Anna Dunn, in Residential Property. These Partners were joined by internal promotions - Lisa Connolly and Glen Webb in Residential Property.
Across the firm, growing and developing the team is absolutely key. CooperBurnett recently awarded training contracts to a number of aspiring lawyers, while it continues support recently qualified lawyers. CooperBurnett also has successful apprenticeship and work experience schemes in place and recently launched a mentoring programme.
Ranked Offices
Provided by CooperBurnett LLP
UK - Head office
Kent
Napier House 14-16 Mount Ephraim Road , Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK, TN1 1EE, Tunbridge Wells
Ranked Departments
Ranked Individuals
Articles, highlights and press releases
51 items provided by CooperBurnett LLP
CooperBurnett continues its support of the Tonbridge Business Awards
CooperBurnett LLP is proud to be sponsoring the ‘New Business of the Year’ award at the Tonbridge Business Awards 2026, the third year we have supported this programme.
Last Night of the Proms Concert for dementia
CooperBurnett LLP is proud to once again support the ‘Last Night of the Proms Concert’ in aid of the Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells Dementia Friendly Communities.
CooperBurnett unveils The Good Company People as its next chosen charity
Following a period of nominations and voting by everyone at the firm, CooperBurnett LLP has announced The Good Company People as its chosen charity for the next two years.
Litigation and dispute resolution solicitor, Shannen Sinclair, has joined CooperBurnett as a Senior Associate, where she will be primarily working in the Property Litigation team.
CooperBurnett and Charles Stanley to co-sponsor Sevenoaks Chamber business breakfast
CooperBurnett LLP is proud to once again be co-sponsoring the Sevenoaks District Chamber of Commerce breakfast on Wednesday 11 March
Hilary Palmer joins our Commercial Property team
Experienced commercial property lawyer, Hilary Palmer, has joined our team at CooperBurnett LLP as a Senior Associate, working alongside Partners Tom Lumsden, Jon Rowe and Oliver Bussell, and Associate Solicitor, Imogen Fleur.
Are commercial lease ‘upwards only’ rent reviews on the way out?
In July 2025, the Government proposed major reforms to business tenancies in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (the Bill), including a ban on upwards-only rent review (UORR) provisions in new commercial leases.
Glen Webb becomes a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association
Residential Property Partner, Glen Webb, has become a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association (ALA), the first lawyer at CooperBurnett LLP to achieve this accolade.
Jigsaw South East thanks CooperBurnett LLP
Freddie St. George MBE, Grants & Business Partnerships Manager at Jigsaw South East visited our offices on Wednesday 4 February to thank TeamCB for supporting the children’s bereavement charity over the past two years.
Under the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, children have a universal right to be heard but, sadly, that is not the experience of many children who have found themselves within the family courts in England.
Employment Rights Act 2025: An overhaul for UK Employers
The Employment Rights Bill which gained Royal Assent in December 2025 to become the Employment Rights Act 2025 (‘the Act’), represents one of the most significant reforms to UK employment law in a generation.
What the Autumn Budget means for you
After months of speculation, and an unprecedented early release of details by the UK’s budgetary watchdog, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, finally announced her second Budget at the end of November.
Here Partners Joseph Oates and Victoria Sampson look back at the last 12 months at CooperBurnett LLP and ahead to 2026.
Partners Victoria Sampson and Joseph Oates had a brilliant evening at The Spa Hotel on the evening of Wednesday 17 December celebrating our vibrant local business community at the Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine Awards 2025.
Here at CooperBurnett LLP, we are proud that Partner, Victoria Sampson has been named as a finalist in the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ category of the Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine Awards 2025.
CooperBurnett is a member of charity’s Titanium Circle
Our Head of Residential Property, Jennifer Irving, played a ‘spin the wheel’ game on the Taylor-Made Dreams stand at the recent Tunbridge Wells Business Exhibition and came away with six months’ membership of the charity’s Titanium Circle.
The UK National Security and Investment Act – it may be more relevant than you think…
The UK National Security and Investment Act 2021 (NSIA or ‘the Act’) represents a significant reform to the UK’s investment screening regime.
Gemma Gillespie continues TeamCB’s long association with TWTDLS
As the Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & District Law Society (TWTDLS) holds for its annual dinner, here are CooperBurnett LLP, we are celebrating our long association with our local Law Society.
Table Talk with Katie Hilsdon, Molly Mackay and Iola Cameron
In our sixth Table Talk, we catch up with Senior Associate, Katie Hilsdon; Associate Solicitor, Molly Mackay; and Trainee Solicitor, Iola Cameron, about their careers at CooperBurnett LLP and what makes TeamCB so special.
The total raised for Sustain during the Walk Tonbridge Festival has grown to £11,589.07 – with the Festival raising just over £20,000 in total (taking into account fundraising for other charities during the Walk Tonbridge Marathon).
Care fees and deliberate deprivation of assets
Many people may require care at some point in their life. When determining the type of care and support you may receive, your local council will look at the assets that you own at the time to decide how much you’ll need to contribute towards your care.
The Tunbridge Wells Business Show
Here at CooperBurnett LLP, we are looking forward to exhibiting at the Tunbridge Wells Business Show 2025, organised by Brilliant Businesses of Tunbridge Wells.
The role of PRs in claims under The Inheritance Act 1975
Where a person resident in England and Wales dies and is survived by a spouse/civil partner, former spouse/civil partner, child, child of the family, or dependant, that person may apply to court for an order under The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (‘the Act’).
Supporting staff – menopause in the workplace
Saturday 18 October is World Menopause Day and this year we are reflecting on what employers can do to support their staff throughout the menopause.
The fifth Walk Tonbridge Festival raises £19,305
The fifth Walk Tonbridge Festival (13 to 28 September 2025) – proudly sponsored since its launch by CooperBurnett LLP – has raised £19,305 for charities including Stocks Green Pre-School, Nightwatch, Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity and Mission Rwentobo, with £10,740 of this total being donated to
Employment Rights Bill: Seismic changes on the horizon
Late 2025 and the years that follow are set to bring some of the largest changes in employment law, seen for a generation.
CooperBurnett to sponsor 'Large Business' award
Entries are now open for this year’s Tunbridge Wells Business Awards, organised by Jess Gibson from The TN card – celebrating the best of Tunbridge Wells.
Inheritance Tax: Could the Autumn Budget implement major changes?
Last year’s Autumn Budget introduced some major changes to the way unused pension pots and death benefits will be treated when someone dies.
Paws for thought: The latest on cat and dog disputes post-separation
Pet ownership disputes are, unfortunately, becoming increasingly common when a couple is separating.
Who is responsible for the boundary?
This is a question asked by many buyers and, in fact, is a common query which can arise at any time during property ownership. If you are unsure about whether you have a responsibility for a particular boundary, here are three things to consider.
CooperBurnett continues its support of the Tonbridge Business Awards
CooperBurnett LLP is proud to be sponsoring the ‘New Business of the Year’ award at the Tonbridge Business Awards 2026, the third year we have supported this programme.
Last Night of the Proms Concert for dementia
CooperBurnett LLP is proud to once again support the ‘Last Night of the Proms Concert’ in aid of the Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells Dementia Friendly Communities.
CooperBurnett unveils The Good Company People as its next chosen charity
Following a period of nominations and voting by everyone at the firm, CooperBurnett LLP has announced The Good Company People as its chosen charity for the next two years.
Litigation and dispute resolution solicitor, Shannen Sinclair, has joined CooperBurnett as a Senior Associate, where she will be primarily working in the Property Litigation team.
CooperBurnett and Charles Stanley to co-sponsor Sevenoaks Chamber business breakfast
CooperBurnett LLP is proud to once again be co-sponsoring the Sevenoaks District Chamber of Commerce breakfast on Wednesday 11 March
Hilary Palmer joins our Commercial Property team
Experienced commercial property lawyer, Hilary Palmer, has joined our team at CooperBurnett LLP as a Senior Associate, working alongside Partners Tom Lumsden, Jon Rowe and Oliver Bussell, and Associate Solicitor, Imogen Fleur.
Are commercial lease ‘upwards only’ rent reviews on the way out?
In July 2025, the Government proposed major reforms to business tenancies in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (the Bill), including a ban on upwards-only rent review (UORR) provisions in new commercial leases.
Glen Webb becomes a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association
Residential Property Partner, Glen Webb, has become a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association (ALA), the first lawyer at CooperBurnett LLP to achieve this accolade.
Jigsaw South East thanks CooperBurnett LLP
Freddie St. George MBE, Grants & Business Partnerships Manager at Jigsaw South East visited our offices on Wednesday 4 February to thank TeamCB for supporting the children’s bereavement charity over the past two years.
Under the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, children have a universal right to be heard but, sadly, that is not the experience of many children who have found themselves within the family courts in England.
Employment Rights Act 2025: An overhaul for UK Employers
The Employment Rights Bill which gained Royal Assent in December 2025 to become the Employment Rights Act 2025 (‘the Act’), represents one of the most significant reforms to UK employment law in a generation.
What the Autumn Budget means for you
After months of speculation, and an unprecedented early release of details by the UK’s budgetary watchdog, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, finally announced her second Budget at the end of November.
Here Partners Joseph Oates and Victoria Sampson look back at the last 12 months at CooperBurnett LLP and ahead to 2026.
Partners Victoria Sampson and Joseph Oates had a brilliant evening at The Spa Hotel on the evening of Wednesday 17 December celebrating our vibrant local business community at the Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine Awards 2025.
Here at CooperBurnett LLP, we are proud that Partner, Victoria Sampson has been named as a finalist in the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ category of the Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine Awards 2025.
CooperBurnett is a member of charity’s Titanium Circle
Our Head of Residential Property, Jennifer Irving, played a ‘spin the wheel’ game on the Taylor-Made Dreams stand at the recent Tunbridge Wells Business Exhibition and came away with six months’ membership of the charity’s Titanium Circle.
The UK National Security and Investment Act – it may be more relevant than you think…
The UK National Security and Investment Act 2021 (NSIA or ‘the Act’) represents a significant reform to the UK’s investment screening regime.
Gemma Gillespie continues TeamCB’s long association with TWTDLS
As the Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & District Law Society (TWTDLS) holds for its annual dinner, here are CooperBurnett LLP, we are celebrating our long association with our local Law Society.
Table Talk with Katie Hilsdon, Molly Mackay and Iola Cameron
In our sixth Table Talk, we catch up with Senior Associate, Katie Hilsdon; Associate Solicitor, Molly Mackay; and Trainee Solicitor, Iola Cameron, about their careers at CooperBurnett LLP and what makes TeamCB so special.
The total raised for Sustain during the Walk Tonbridge Festival has grown to £11,589.07 – with the Festival raising just over £20,000 in total (taking into account fundraising for other charities during the Walk Tonbridge Marathon).
Care fees and deliberate deprivation of assets
Many people may require care at some point in their life. When determining the type of care and support you may receive, your local council will look at the assets that you own at the time to decide how much you’ll need to contribute towards your care.
The Tunbridge Wells Business Show
Here at CooperBurnett LLP, we are looking forward to exhibiting at the Tunbridge Wells Business Show 2025, organised by Brilliant Businesses of Tunbridge Wells.
The role of PRs in claims under The Inheritance Act 1975
Where a person resident in England and Wales dies and is survived by a spouse/civil partner, former spouse/civil partner, child, child of the family, or dependant, that person may apply to court for an order under The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (‘the Act’).
Supporting staff – menopause in the workplace
Saturday 18 October is World Menopause Day and this year we are reflecting on what employers can do to support their staff throughout the menopause.
The fifth Walk Tonbridge Festival raises £19,305
The fifth Walk Tonbridge Festival (13 to 28 September 2025) – proudly sponsored since its launch by CooperBurnett LLP – has raised £19,305 for charities including Stocks Green Pre-School, Nightwatch, Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity and Mission Rwentobo, with £10,740 of this total being donated to
Employment Rights Bill: Seismic changes on the horizon
Late 2025 and the years that follow are set to bring some of the largest changes in employment law, seen for a generation.
CooperBurnett to sponsor 'Large Business' award
Entries are now open for this year’s Tunbridge Wells Business Awards, organised by Jess Gibson from The TN card – celebrating the best of Tunbridge Wells.
Inheritance Tax: Could the Autumn Budget implement major changes?
Last year’s Autumn Budget introduced some major changes to the way unused pension pots and death benefits will be treated when someone dies.
Paws for thought: The latest on cat and dog disputes post-separation
Pet ownership disputes are, unfortunately, becoming increasingly common when a couple is separating.
Who is responsible for the boundary?
This is a question asked by many buyers and, in fact, is a common query which can arise at any time during property ownership. If you are unsure about whether you have a responsibility for a particular boundary, here are three things to consider.