Mark Butson
Partner
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Mark Butson
Mark joined the firm in 1983 as a trainee and qualified as a solicitor in 1985. He has been a partner/member since 1990 and is now our senior partner.
He has expertise in the preparation of wills and has considerable experience in the administration of estates - both where there is a Will and where there is none (an ‘Intestacy’) and in dealing with issues of interpretation where these arise. He can also advise on drafting deeds of family arrangement and related inheritance tax issues.
He regularly advises upon the creation and tailoring of Lasting Powers of Attorney and the operation of these in practice.
Mark advises in all aspects of conveyancing (both commercial and residential), including commercial landlord & tenant transactions. He has experience of dealing with boundary and rights disputes concerning property and ownership claims – including those by adverse possession.
He also advises small businesses in the practical resolution of employment issues.
Direct Line: 01289 301284
Email: mtb@tcsmith.co.uk
Frances Cowan
Partner
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Frances Cowan
Frances joined the firm in 2000, completed her training with T C Smith and qualified as a solicitor in 2002. She became a partner in August 2014.
Her interests are in all aspects of commercial conveyancing, including residential developments. She also has considerable experience in assisting with residential conveyancing.
Her family are actively involved with farming, and she has a keen interest in agricultural matters – heading up the firm’s agricultural section. In 2014 Frances qualified as a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association, and this has enhanced her expertise in all areas of rural practice – including agricultural holdings, farm sales and purchases, estate planning & taxation
Frances also advises as to the preparation of Lasting Powers of Attorney and Wills – and the administration of estates.
Direct Line: 01289 301294
Email: fc@tcsmith.co.uk
Carly Calder
Solicitor
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Carly Calder
Carly joined the Firm in 2017 and qualified as a Solicitor in March 2025 through the Apprentice Solicitor programme.
Carly has experience in all aspects of Residential Conveyancing including selling, buying, re-mortgaging and transfers of equity and is an ideal point of contact for sound advice and assistance.
Direct Line: 01289 301289
Email: cec@tcsmith.co.uk
Rhiannon Murray
Apprentice Solicitor
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Rhiannon Murray
Rhiannon joined the Firm in 2022 having initially obtained her degree in psychology and then working in the field of teaching before deciding upon a career in the law. She is currently working through the Apprentice Solicitor programme with the aim of qualifying as a Solicitor in 2026.
Rhiannon has experience in all aspects of Residential Conveyancing including selling, buying, re-mortgaging and transfer of equity. She also has experience in Landlord & Tenant and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Direct Line: 01289 301292
Email: rm@tcsmith.co.uk
Isobel Miller
Apprentice Solicitor
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Isobel Miller
Isobel joined the Firm in 2023 having decided upon a career in the law. She is currently working through the Apprentice Solicitor programme with the aim of qualifying as a Solicitor in 2027.
Isobel has experience in Will writing and in the administration of estates and related private client work.
Direct Line: 01289 301293
Email: im@tcsmith.co.uk
Janice Thompson
Conveyancing Paralegal
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Janice Thompson
Janice joined the firm in 1985 and has remained with us ever since. She is a highly-experienced conveyancing paralegal, specialising in Residential Conveyancing.
Janice has years of experience in the procedural aspects of buying, selling and re-mortgaging of property – and she has a very practical and thorough approach to getting the job done. Appreciating that conveyancing can be a stressful experience – Janice will always do her level best to provide an informed and helpful service.
Direct Line: 01289 301288
Email: jt@tcsmith.co.uk
Susan Dunbar
Probate Paralegal and Accounts Executive
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Susan Dunbar
Susan initially joined the firm in 1979 and is now a paralegal specialising in the administration of estates in all aspects. Susan brings years of practical experience to the role and offers a helpful and effective service in this very important area of our work.
She has a friendly and approachable manner and is always willing to explain what has to be done to properly administer an estate to its correct conclusion, paying attention to the details that are so important to all concerned.
Susan also has many years working as our accounts executive and still retains a role in the area within the Firm, complementing her probate work.
Direct Line: 01289 301291
Email: smd@tcsmith.co.uk
Clare Buckham
Paralegal
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Clare Buckham
Clare joined the firm in 2018 and initially specialised in working as part of the Family Law team. She then moved disciplines to work with Mark Butson assisting mainly with Residential Conveyancing and Estate Administration.
Clare is a friendly, helpful and informed point of contact and is highly focused on ensuring the smooth progress of transactions.
Direct Line: 01289 301287
Email: cb@tcsmith.co.uk
Andrea Sergeant
Accounts Executive
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Andrea Sergeant
Andrea is an invaluable member of the team, having an acute eye for financial detail. She administers the day to day financial aspects of our busy accounts department.
Direct Line: 01289 301286
Email: as@tcsmith.co.uk
Katherine Wootton
Legal Secretary
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Katherine Wootton
Katherine provides reliable and accurate secretarial support to the Solicitors in the firm to enhance the services that we provide. She is also a helpful point of client contact should queries arise in the course of a transaction.
Direct Line: 01289 301295
Email: kw@tcsmith.co.uk
Jane Bolam
Legal Secretary and Administrative Assistant
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Jane Bolam
Jane joined the firm in 2018 having previously worked for many years with a local firm of agricultural land agents. Jane also provides valuable secretarial assistance to the Solicitors in the firm as well as carrying out important administrative functions. She is a very helpful and informed point of client contact and feedback.
Direct Line: 01289 301283
Email: jb@tcsmith.co.uk
Tara Brown
Paralegal and Legal Secretary
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Tara Brown
Tara joined in October 2024 as a legal assistant, mainly involved in the conveyancing department, whilst completing her final year of university. Graduated July 2025 with an undergraduate LLB Bachelor of Law degree. Tara is set to undertake her solicitor apprenticeship course with the view to qualify in 2028.
Direct Line: 01289 301290
Email: trb@tcsmith.co.uk
Rachel Allan
TC Smith Reception
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Rachel Allan
Rachel joined the firm in March 2025 and is our Receptionist and usually the first point of contact on calling or visiting our offices.
TC Smith: 01289 301280
Email: reception@tcsmith.co.uk