CooperBurnett LLP
UK Guide 2025
CooperBurnett LLP
www.cooperburnett.comEmail address
[email protected]Contact number
(01892) 515022Share profile
About
THE FIRM
Over the past 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.
CooperBurnett is the Headline Sponsor of the Tunbridge Wells Business Awards 2024 and supported the ‘Large Business Award’ category in the Tonbridge Business Awards 2024.
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. CooperBurnett pound matches what is raised for the charity of choice.
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 2024, the event raised nearly £37,000 for charity, with close to £15,000 heading to Sustain, the community food and fuel bank in Tonbridge.
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; and David Brown, who brought with him extensive knowledge of the Construction sector.
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
- Tunbridge WellsNapier House 14-16 Mount Ephraim Road , Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK, TN1 1EE
- Web: www.cooperburnett.com
- Tel: (01892) 515022
- Fax: (01892) 515088
CooperBurnett LLP rankings
Articles, highlights and press releases
27 items provided by CooperBurnett LLP
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.
Courtney Magnus qualifies as a solicitor
CooperBurnett's Courtney Magnus, has qualified as a Solicitor. She joined the firm in March 2023 as a Paralegal and was awarded a training contract last year.
The emerging Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to deliver 1.5 million homes in five years.
CooperBurnett supporting older people
The Private Clinic team at CooperBurnett LLP is proud to be partnering with Age UK Tunbridge Wells to deliver new monthly Legal Clinics at its day centre in the town.
Molly Mackay joins the CooperBurnett LLP team
CooperBurnett LLP has welcomed Associate Solicitor, Molly Mackay, to its Corporate and Employment teams.
TeamCB completes ten marathons in a single day and raises £20,000 for children’s bereavement charity
The Tunbridge Wells-based law firm, CooperBurnett LLP has smashed its latest colossal charity challenge of walking ten marathons in a single day!
The recent press coverage about a high-profile celebrity, dying suddenly without having made a Will, has highlighted the potentially devastating consequences for loved ones left behind.
The worrying myth of ‘common law marriage’
In England and Wales common law marriage is not legally recognised. Couples who live together, even for many years and with children together, do not have the same legal rights and protections as those who are married
'No-fault divorce is not the end’ warn family mediators
April marked three years since no-fault divorce became law in England and Wales, offering a blame-free way to end a marriage.
A recent case has highlighted the importance of properly drafted articles of association, that are then kept up-to-date, particularly when it comes to how many directors are required to make key decisions regarding a company’s future.
The new Pathfinder Family Court Procedure
If you and your ex-partner are unable to agree on arrangements for your children, you may need to turn to the family courts. However, the traditional court process can be lengthy and emotionally taxing. To address this, a new method called the Pathfinder Family Court Procedure is being piloted.
On Saturday 14 June, ten separate teams from CooperBurnett will be setting off on the CB Charity Coastal Challenge. They will be tackling ten individual marathon-length walks, along part of the King Charles III England Coast Path in Kent and Sussex
Imogen Fleur completes her tenure as Kent JLD President
Imogen Fleur, a Solicitor in the Commercial Property team at CooperBurnett LLP, has stepped down from three years serving on the committee of the Kent Junior Lawyers Division (JLD), two years of those as its President.
CooperBurnett and Charles Stanley to co-sponsor business breakfast ahead of West Kent Expo ‘25
CooperBurnett LLP is proud to be co-sponsoring the Sevenoaks District Chamber of Commerce breakfast on Wednesday 12 March alongside the Tunbridge Wells office of the wealth management business, Charles Stanley. The breakfast is being held at The River Centre in Tonbridge and precedes this year’s Wes
Ongoing equestrian sponsorship
MARK Education Trust schools, Beacon Academy in Crowborough and Uplands Academy in Wadhurst, are celebrating their ongoing partnership with CooperBurnett LLP, which is continuing its sponsorship of each school’s equestrian team.
CooperBurnett to support the Tonbridge Business Awards for a second year
CooperBurnett LLP is proud to be sponsoring the ‘Large Business’ award at the Tonbridge Business Awards 2025 for a second year running, while we will also be part of the judging panel.
Why should I enter into a prenuptial agreement?
Prenuptial agreements are primarily used to safeguard the assets, including businesses, each brings into the marriage, and inheritances and gifts received during the marriage.
CooperBurnett LLP to support Walk Tonbridge Festival for a fifth year
CooperBurnett LLP is thrilled to be supporting the fifth Walk Tonbridge Festival, which will be taking place in September 2025.
CooperBurnett to sponsor CRUK lunch in Crowborough
CooperBurnett LLP is looking forward to sponsoring the ‘Welcome Drink’ at this year’s Cancer Research UK Acorns Crowborough Committee (CRUK) lunch in Crowborough on Wednesday 2 April.
Promotions for Ayla Clissold and Katie Hancock
Ayla Clissold and Katie Hancock who have both been promoted to Senior Associate level.
Anna Dunn joins CooperBurnett's Residential Property team
Experienced Residential Property solicitor, Anna Dunn, has joined CooperBurnett LLP as a Partner. She is relocating from Brighton, where she has lived and worked for 11 years and brings with her particular experience working with housing associations and developers.
Joseph Oates marks 25 years at CooperBurnett LLP
Head of CooperBurnett LLP's Contentious department, Joseph Oates, is celebrating 25 years with the firm. He became a Partner in 2002 and, since 2003 when he joined the Management Board, has led the firm, most recently alongside Victoria Sampson and Jennifer Irving.
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.
Courtney Magnus qualifies as a solicitor
CooperBurnett's Courtney Magnus, has qualified as a Solicitor. She joined the firm in March 2023 as a Paralegal and was awarded a training contract last year.
The emerging Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to deliver 1.5 million homes in five years.
CooperBurnett supporting older people
The Private Clinic team at CooperBurnett LLP is proud to be partnering with Age UK Tunbridge Wells to deliver new monthly Legal Clinics at its day centre in the town.
Molly Mackay joins the CooperBurnett LLP team
CooperBurnett LLP has welcomed Associate Solicitor, Molly Mackay, to its Corporate and Employment teams.
TeamCB completes ten marathons in a single day and raises £20,000 for children’s bereavement charity
The Tunbridge Wells-based law firm, CooperBurnett LLP has smashed its latest colossal charity challenge of walking ten marathons in a single day!
The recent press coverage about a high-profile celebrity, dying suddenly without having made a Will, has highlighted the potentially devastating consequences for loved ones left behind.
The worrying myth of ‘common law marriage’
In England and Wales common law marriage is not legally recognised. Couples who live together, even for many years and with children together, do not have the same legal rights and protections as those who are married
'No-fault divorce is not the end’ warn family mediators
April marked three years since no-fault divorce became law in England and Wales, offering a blame-free way to end a marriage.
A recent case has highlighted the importance of properly drafted articles of association, that are then kept up-to-date, particularly when it comes to how many directors are required to make key decisions regarding a company’s future.
The new Pathfinder Family Court Procedure
If you and your ex-partner are unable to agree on arrangements for your children, you may need to turn to the family courts. However, the traditional court process can be lengthy and emotionally taxing. To address this, a new method called the Pathfinder Family Court Procedure is being piloted.
On Saturday 14 June, ten separate teams from CooperBurnett will be setting off on the CB Charity Coastal Challenge. They will be tackling ten individual marathon-length walks, along part of the King Charles III England Coast Path in Kent and Sussex
Imogen Fleur completes her tenure as Kent JLD President
Imogen Fleur, a Solicitor in the Commercial Property team at CooperBurnett LLP, has stepped down from three years serving on the committee of the Kent Junior Lawyers Division (JLD), two years of those as its President.
CooperBurnett and Charles Stanley to co-sponsor business breakfast ahead of West Kent Expo ‘25
CooperBurnett LLP is proud to be co-sponsoring the Sevenoaks District Chamber of Commerce breakfast on Wednesday 12 March alongside the Tunbridge Wells office of the wealth management business, Charles Stanley. The breakfast is being held at The River Centre in Tonbridge and precedes this year’s Wes
Ongoing equestrian sponsorship
MARK Education Trust schools, Beacon Academy in Crowborough and Uplands Academy in Wadhurst, are celebrating their ongoing partnership with CooperBurnett LLP, which is continuing its sponsorship of each school’s equestrian team.
CooperBurnett to support the Tonbridge Business Awards for a second year
CooperBurnett LLP is proud to be sponsoring the ‘Large Business’ award at the Tonbridge Business Awards 2025 for a second year running, while we will also be part of the judging panel.
Why should I enter into a prenuptial agreement?
Prenuptial agreements are primarily used to safeguard the assets, including businesses, each brings into the marriage, and inheritances and gifts received during the marriage.
CooperBurnett LLP to support Walk Tonbridge Festival for a fifth year
CooperBurnett LLP is thrilled to be supporting the fifth Walk Tonbridge Festival, which will be taking place in September 2025.
CooperBurnett to sponsor CRUK lunch in Crowborough
CooperBurnett LLP is looking forward to sponsoring the ‘Welcome Drink’ at this year’s Cancer Research UK Acorns Crowborough Committee (CRUK) lunch in Crowborough on Wednesday 2 April.
Promotions for Ayla Clissold and Katie Hancock
Ayla Clissold and Katie Hancock who have both been promoted to Senior Associate level.
Anna Dunn joins CooperBurnett's Residential Property team
Experienced Residential Property solicitor, Anna Dunn, has joined CooperBurnett LLP as a Partner. She is relocating from Brighton, where she has lived and worked for 11 years and brings with her particular experience working with housing associations and developers.
Joseph Oates marks 25 years at CooperBurnett LLP
Head of CooperBurnett LLP's Contentious department, Joseph Oates, is celebrating 25 years with the firm. He became a Partner in 2002 and, since 2003 when he joined the Management Board, has led the firm, most recently alongside Victoria Sampson and Jennifer Irving.