Dorset solicitor duo reunite at local firm to continue 30-year relationship
Two of Dorset’s most experienced solicitors have teamed up again to continue a working relationship spanning more than three decades.
Planning and licensing specialists, Sandra Graham and Lionel Fynn, are heading up the planning department at leading Bournemouth-based law firm, Trethowans.
Acting as colleagues for 33 of the last 36 years, the pair began their working relationship at a prominent international firm in 1984, later moving to a Bournemouth-based organisation, followed by other local practices.
Sandra, head of planning and a consultant solicitor in the licensing department, joined Trethowans in 2017. Lionel followed shortly after, starting with the firm in 2019 as a consultant in both planning and licensing.
The planning team covers a wide range of services in which, between them, Sandra and Lionel are recognised experts. They include enforcement, noise, pollution, tree and conservation issues, judicial reviews and the planning dimension of proceeds of crime.
Trethowans’ licencing team, headed up by Karen Lush, is known nationally for its experience acting for restaurant chains including Nando’s and Pizza Hut, amongst others.
Sandra, who is also a notary public, acts as vice chair and regional secretary of the South West Region of the Institute of Licensing, Affiliate Member of the Institute of Acoustics, a member of the National Association of Planning Enforcement and a director of BH Area Hospitality Association (BAHA).
She commented: “I am delighted about Lionel’s appointment and the opportunity this gives us for major development to our planning services across Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and beyond.
“Lionel is hugely experienced and respected. We have worked together for almost our entire careers and make a brilliant team.”
Lionel has extensive experience in local planning inquiries, compulsory purchase, First Tier Tribunal cases (formerly Lands Tribunal). He is an Affiliate Member of the Institute of Acoustics.
Lionel added: “This is a very opportune moment for me to have joined Trethowans and to be working with Sandra again. There is a great deal happening in the planning world, especially in the local area – it’s a really exciting time.
“Together we will be looking after all aspects of planning and licensing which are very much interlinked specialisms.”
Sandra and Lionel will play a key role in business development, establishing greater reciprocal arrangements with planning consultants. There will also be a focus on growing the licencing team’s multiple operator client base to compliment the duo’s alcohol and entertainment licencing experience.
Trethowans’ managing partner, Chris Whiteley, said: “We are all absolutely thrilled to have both Sandra and Lionel with us. They bring a huge wealth of knowledge and expertise. Sandra has now been with us for three years and with Lionel joining, it’s a wonderful boost for our planning and licensing services.”