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Meet the martin searle solicitors Support Team

Your first point of contact will be Kat, Janice or Sarah, our front of house staff and hard working secretaries. Marisa will deal with any of your queries about your account.

Kat Smith

martin searle solicitors making sense of the law
Legal Secretary
email Kat Smith

Lead secretary, Receptionist and PA

I have a number of roles in the Brighton office the key one of which is PA to Fiona Martin. As a receptionist I am also the first point of contact for new clients and I am responsible for maintaining their files. I have recently taken on the role of environmental champion and enjoy finding new ways to reduce the firm’s carbon footprint.

 

 

My experience

I have been a secretary in a number of fields including at a local university where I helped students with their applications. I have also worked for a civil engineer and a firm of architects. I joined martin searle solicitors in July 2006.

I have a life too

I have an avid interest in social history and visit historical spots around the country. I enjoy reading firsthand accounts of the Second World War but I also read a wide range of fiction – especially Iain Banks and Ian McEwan. I also love music and socialising so local gigs are a must. My ultimate dream is to go to Machu Picchu in Peru.


Sarah Spittle

Martin Searle Solicitors employment law support teamLegal Secretary

email Sarah Spittle



Legal Secretary

I am based in the Brighton office where I provide administrative support to director Cate Searle. I help out with the employment law team when they are busy.

I also ensure we are meeting our Lexcel requirements such as setting up and complying with office protocols and standards, and auditing files.

Other experience

 

After obtaining a degree in Hispanic Studies from the University of Liverpool, I began my career as a mainframe analyst/programmer in London. After moving to Brighton I carried out voluntary work when my children were small. I started working for martin searle solicitors in 2007 and  have enjoyed contributing to its growth and success..

I have a life too

Outside of work I enjoy keeping fit and I cycle to work – weather permitting. I also swim, run and visit the gym when I can fit it around the children. I relax by reading, and cooking.


Janice McGrellis

Legal Secretary

email Janice McGrellis

Legal Secretary and Receptionist

As well as answering the phone and dealing with new client enquiries, I provide secretarial support to all our lawyers. I also help with the smooth day-to-day running of the office. As a qualified first aider I ensure the firm is up to date with the latest health and safety and fire regulations.

My experience

I have many years’ secretarial office experience including as executive assistant to the MD of a large hotel group. I worked for ASB Law for nearly 10 years before it relocated. I also ran my own restaurant in Hove for a number of years.

I have a life too

I enjoy line dancing, crosswords and word games. I am also teaching myself to crochet.


Marisa Copus

Martin Searle Solicitors legal support team
Legal Cashier
email Marisa Copus

Legal Cashier

As the legal cashier I maintain and control all aspects of the firm’s accounts and payroll. I provide monthly management accounts and annual finance analysis to the finance director.

 

 

My experience

I am a member of the Institute of Legal Cashiers and Administrators. Before joining martin searle solicitors I worked as an accounts and payroll manager for many years.  While my children were small I studied manual book keeping and a three-year part-time AAT accountancy course at Eastbourne College.

I have a life too

Outside of work most of my time is taken up looking after my two  sons and our puppy Boris. Given the chance I enjoy reading and socialising – preferably without the kids.