Meet Our Team
At New Wave Law we are dedicated to doing things differently and each of our team brings a new approach but with the same mission, to put you at the forefront.
We are delighted to introduce you to the people behind the purpose.
Kirsty Batchelor, Paralegal
Having spent many years in the probation service, working in rehabilitation, compassion and empathy have always been key skills that Kirsty has had to draw on.
With a Graduate Diploma in Law, as well as a certificate in civil and commercial mediation, Kirsty provides practical advice for our clients when they are taking the important steps of estate planning.
Outside of her professional life, Kirsty lives in Bath with her two children. She enjoys reading, cooking, time spent outdoors and with her family and friends.
Kirsty Batchelor
Paralegal
kirsty@newwavelaw.co.uk
T: 01225 551069
LinkedIn
Sophie Hookings, Legal Assistant
Sophie is a Legal Assistant with a strong interest in private client law, currently supporting work across Court of Protection, Wills, and Probate matters. She enjoys being part of a supportive team and helping to ensure that processes run smoothly, particularly when working on matters that require sensitivity and care.
Prior to joining the legal sector, Sophie spent three years working within the Special Educational Needs (SEN) department of a mainstream secondary school, where she worked closely with students, families, and professionals. This experience shaped her patient, organised, and empathetic approach, as well as her ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
Sophie also has a background in elite rhythmic gymnastics, which developed her resilience, discipline, and strong work ethic, qualities she continues to bring to her role every day.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading and staying active through sport, and is currently working towards her degree with the Open University. Sophie is passionate about continuing to build her career in private client law and aspires to further develop within the legal profession.
Sophie Hookings
Legal Assistant
sophie@newwavelaw.co.uk
T: 01225 551069
LinkedIn
Sarah Lawton,
Managing Associate Solicitor
Sarah qualified as a solicitor in 2006 and joined New Wave Law in 2024. She brings a wealth of experience and has worked the Wiltshire and Bath areas since qualifying. Sarah advises clients on a broad range of private client matters and specialises in the administration of estates, Lasting Power of Attorneys and Deputyships.
She prides herself on her approachable, empathetic, professional and friendly character. She is pragmatic and sensitive to clients needs, especially in difficult situations.
Outside work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and friends, holidays, yoga and going to the beach!
Sarah Lawton
Managing Associate Solicitor
sarah@newwavelaw.co.uk
T: 01225 551069
LinkedIn
Georgia Patterson, Legal Assistant
Georgia joined us as a Legal Intern last Summer as part of her final year of studies at the University of Bath and she became such a valued part of the team, we couldn’t let her go! So she now works part time with us alongside completing her final year of studies.
A key aspect of her role consists of supporting applications to the Court of Protection with our clients and their families, particularly those who do not have mental capacity to make certain decisions.
Georgia has worked in the care sector for several years and seen the challenges faced by vulnerable people and their carers and families and is keen to use her skills and experience to support them. Working to ensure their best interests remain at the heart of every decision made.
Georgia Patterson
Legal Assistant
georgia@newwavelaw.co.uk
T: 01225 551069
LinkedIn
Emma Shiner, Probate, Tax and Trust Manager
Emma joined the team in July 2026 as our Probate, Tax and Trust Manager. She bring with her over 20 years' experience advising individuals and families on a broad range of personal tax matters. Emma provides clients with comprehensive personal tax services, from annual tax compliance and reporting to specialist advice on the tax implications of probate and matrimonial matters. In addition, she has extensive experience in the administration of deputyships and probate estates and provides practical support and guidance throughout the process.
Emma is a Fellow of the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) and a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
Away from the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and supporting Bath Rugby, regularly attending matches with her father.
Emma Shiner
Probate, Tax and Trust Manager
emma@newwavelaw.co.uk
T: 01225 551069
Becky Ricards Small,
Managing Director
Since qualifying in 2002, what has mattered most to Becky is exceptional client service; helping and supporting her clients through often very emotional periods of their lives is at the core of what she does. Over the past 20 years, she has consistently gone above and beyond when supporting clients in need of personal legal advice and it is what makes her remarkable. Becky’s clients like and trust her. They appreciate her sensitive, authentic and careful approach. They welcome her integrity and value her years of experience. Becky has honed her career in personal law, especially in Court of Protection and Mental Capacity cases, Wills, Probate and Estate Planning.
Becky has always had a vision to create a different type of law firm that breaks the mold of the traditional corporate entity. Starting her own law practice has always been a dream for her. Confident she had the dedication, determination and client-centric principles to make the dream a reality, she finally took the leap of faith to start New Wave Law. Becky’s compassionate approach, in an often complex and emotional area of law, is not only refreshing but outstanding. She cares deeply about the individuals, couples and families who New Wave Law advises. Becky, and every valued member of her team, embodies professionalism, kindness, and empathy – everything that New Wave Law stands for.
Outside of her professional life, Becky is married with two children. She loves the outdoors, time spent on the water, skiing, travel and enjoying quality time with family and friends.
Becky Ricards Small
Managing Director
becky@newwavelaw.co.uk
T: 01225 551069
LinkedIn
Sheila Ricards, Legal Assistant
Sheila is a key part of our Court of Protection team, working as a Legal Assistant.
She manages the day-to-day contact with clients who have experienced a life-changing event or brain injury. Sheila also does significant work with the elderly and has experience managing relationships with those who suffer from Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Sheila’s career began in the NHS, where she worked for many years at the Royal United Hospital, Bath. In 2022, Sheila played a key part in the launch of New Wave Law and is now an intrinsic member of our Court of Protection Team.
Sheila was born in Bath and is a lifelong supporter of Bath Rugby. She loves spending time with family and watching her grandchildren play rugby and hockey.
Sheila Ricards
Legal Assistant
sheila@newwavelaw.co.uk
T: 01225 551069
Angela Skardon, Office Manager
With a career in public-facing and administrative roles, Angela creates the personal and reassuring atmosphere that clients are met with when they work with New Wave Law.
Angela’s calm but efficient presence, attention to detail and genuine care were formed when running her own business, prior to joining the Royal United Hospital in Bath, where she spent 16 years in a patient-facing administrative role.
As well as making sure our operations run smoothly, she loves welcoming our clients to the office and keeping our team on track.
Angela joined us in 2024 and we’re never letting her leave!
Angela Skardon
Office Manager
office@newwavelaw.co.uk
T: 01225 551069
Laura Wood, Solicitor
Laura has worked in the legal profession since 2015 and qualified as a Solicitor in 2022. She joined New Wave Law in May 2026 to pursue her keen interest in private client work.
Prior to joining us, Laura worked in family law and brings with her an empathetic and pragmatic approach to dealing with sensitive matters. She prides herself on building meaningful relationships with clients and her ability to guide them through personal matters.
Outside of work, Laura is married with one child. As well as spending time with her family, Laura can often be found surfing, at the gym or relaxing at the beach.
Laura Wood
Solicitor
laura@newwavelaw.co.uk
T: 01225 551069
Michael Young, Trust Consultant
Since June 2026, Michael has been working with us as a consultant, advising on complex trust, estate and tax matters.
Michael’s career started in banking, before switching to accountancy and qualifying as a Chartered Certified Accountant in 1976. In 1981 he switched again, joining Thrings LLP Solicitors where he initially headed the Tax Team before also taking on leadership of the Trust Administration Team, a role he retained until he retired from the firm in 2022. During that time, aside from managing the Trust and Tax Teams, Michael also specialised in inheritance tax and capital gains tax planning for high-net-worth clients.
Michael is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), the worldwide professional body whose 20,000+ members specialise in trust and estate law. Michael served as chair of STEP for three years.
Michael Young
Trust Consultant
michael@newwavelaw.co.uk
T: 01225 551069