Director

E: richard.wallace-lower@merriman-partnership.co.uk 

DD: 01489 774827

Richard became a Director of the firm in July 2023. He provides advice in relation to all aspects of work concerning the preparation of Wills, the Administration of Estates, the preparation of Powers of Attorney and the creation and management of trusts. He enjoys getting to know his clients, understanding their needs, and helping them to achieve their objectives. Richard is also a Partner of Eric Robinson Solicitors, where he heads the firm’s Wills, Trusts & Succession department.

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

• 2:1 Law Degree, Collingwood College, Durham University
• Distinction, Legal Practice Course, Oxford Institute of Legal Practice
• Admitted as a Solicitor, September 2012
• Appointed Director, July 2023
• Partner of Eric Robinson Solicitors, 2020

Experience and Expertise

• Over 10 years’ experience of working in law
• Advising and assisting in relation to all aspects of estate administration from the registration of death to the obtaining of a grant of representation (with or without a Will present) and the distribution of assets
• Advising as to the taxation aspects of estate administration (including Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax and Income Tax), including the preparation of Deeds of Variation
• Advising on and drafting Wills of all types, including complex high value estates involving Inheritance Tax considerations and the creation of Will trusts
• Preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney, and advising as to their management
• Registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney
• Preparation of Declarations of Trusts as between property owners
• Preparing, and advising as to, all types of Court of Protection applications

Director

E: ben.upward@merriman-partnership.co.uk

DD: 023 8021 8012

Ben became a Director of Merriman Solicitors in August 2023, and is both a Partner and Head of Real Estate at the firm’s sister business of Eric Robinson Solicitors (encompassing both the Residential Conveyancing and Commercial Property departments). His passion is in dealing with all aspects of commercial property, and he also has significant experience in relation to business disposals and acquisitions.

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

• LLB (Hons) 2:1 Nottingham Trent University and achieved the highest dissertation mark in the year (2008)
• Legal Practice Course, Distinction (2010)
• Admitted as a Solicitor (2013)
• Appointed Director, August 2023
• Partner of Eric Robinson Solicitors (2020)

Experience and Expertise

• Ben acts for a wide variety of clients across a broad range of sectors, from start-ups to established SMEs. He is always happy to discuss matters with those requiring advice on any aspect of business or property law, including:
• Sale and purchase of freehold commercial and residential property
• Sale or purchase of leasehold and residential property
• Acting for landowner or developer in relation to pre-emption rights, option agreements and conditional contracts, subject to planning.
• Advising tenants, assignees, and landlords in relation to the assignment or transfer of leases
• Granting of new leases and underleases of commercial premises
• Negotiating and advising on leases, rent deposit deeds and licences on behalf of landlords or tenants
• Advising as to deeds of variation, licences for alterations, surrenders etc in relation to existing leases
• Providing independent legal advice on personal guarantees including for directors of limited companies
• Section 106 planning agreements
• Deeds of easement
• Loan agreements and secured lending
• Advising buyers and sellers as to all aspects of business disposal and acquisition including liaison with accountants as to financial and taxation considerations of such transactions
• Department supervisor

Laura is a highly experienced legal assistant working in the Residential Conveyancing Department

Helen is a highly experienced legal assistant working in the Residential Conveyancing Department.

Sophie is a highly experienced legal assistant working in the Wills and Probate Department

Catherine is a highly experienced legal assistant working in the Wills and Probate Department.

Receptionist.

Receptionist