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

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

Commercial Secretary

Ruth Bearfoot 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

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.