Head of Department

Rob Smith is the head of the commercial department. He has over 30 years’ experience of advising small and medium size businesses. He obtained an MBA in 2006 which helps him understand what businesses need in order to thrive.

Rob relaxes by getting frustrated that Spurs do not win any trophies, England cricket do not offer him a central contract and tennis balls do not go where he hits them. He is a keen reader, inexpert gardener and confirmed Alfa Romeo nut.

robsmith@slpsolicitors.co.uk

Commercial Specialist

Kerr qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives in 2000 and then went on to study various diplomas in law. He has recently completed the Legal Practice Course by attending University part-time in order to qualify as a solicitor.

Kerr has a broad range of experience in commercial matters ranging from Leases & other Landlord & Tenant issues, property development, shopping centres, corporate securitisation & secured lending for the country's leading specialist commercial lender.

Having spent the last 7 years studying for various exams, Kerr is keen to renew his vows with the golf course & resuscitate his 19 handicap. He is a keen follower of football & regularly attends the gym.

kerrclement@slpsolicitors.co.uk

Employment Specialist

Lara Colgan qualified as a solicitor in 2004 having gained a 2:1 law degree at Essex University. She trained at an international law firm and during her contract was seconded to Paris. Lara specialises in employment law and has particular interest in helping smaller and medium sized firms navigate the ever-changing minefield that is employment law. She is also a solicitor advocate having obtained higher rights in 2006. More recently Lara also studied for a Masters degree in advanced employment law while working in 2006/08 and was awarded a distinction. Lara's dissertation was on stress at work and she has a particular interest in this type of work.

As for spare time, Lara gets up early most mornings for a class with her friends at the gym. When not getting her fix of her favourite singer, Michael Bolton, she likes to be jetting to some new and exciting destination, having got the travel bug on her world trip in 2001, during which she worked in Sydney as a paralegal. Lara finds it hard to choose a favourite destination but thinks that Australia certainly tops the charts!

laracolgan@slpsolicitors.co.uk

Legal assistant

Diane Greenwood works as a Legal Assistant within the department, making full use of her varied experience in both Residential and Commercial work (including working for the Legal Department of a Local Authority).

Diane was once a professional horticulturist and is still a keen gardener, supplying family and friends with produce grown on her allotment. She is also a big fan of Billy Connolly.

Pauline Fuller joined Smith Law Partnership in July 2006 as a trainee Legal Secretary having worked with the elderly and in child protection in the past. She is now working on a Conveyancing Diploma Course through the Institute of Legal Secretaries and PA's.

Pauline likes listening to 60's and 70's music and enjoys the odd glass or two of wine at weekends. Pauline is the firm's champion fancy dresser - her Red Nose Day outfits are eagerly anticipated by the rest of her team.

paulinef@slpsolicitors.co.uk

Commercial Secretary

Ruth is a legal secretary and she joined Smith Law Partnership in August 2007.  Ruth previously worked in Human Resources for a global insurance company and prior to that at Lloyd’s Register of Shipping since leaving school.

Ruth’s hobbies include swimming (every 5 x a week), baking, bird watching and walking with her Jack Russell dogs!

ruth@slpsolicitors.co.uk