Our People

Rumi Begum

Rumi practised in a boutique City of London firm before joining the team at Palmers where she now advises and represents on family matters including divorce, matrimonial finance, disputes involving children, domestic abuse, and injunctions.

She is a very empathetic and approachable solicitor with strong communication and organisational skills.

She deals with matters from a constructive rather than combative approach, with a keen focus on trying to conclude matters promptly and with minimum costs.

Rumi works hard to ensure that the legal jargon is removed from her vocabulary, and she aims to provide a clear and simple process for her clients.

Outside of work she is keen to develop her food palate and is always looking for new gourmet cuisines to try from around the world.

She likes to combine this culinary love with her passion for travelling.

Supervisors: Karen Bishop & Jeremy Sirrell

Karen Bishop

Karen is the Head of the Family Department, specialising in Family Law, Divorce, and Children’s cases.

In her role, she aims to build a strong and thriving Family Law team, and she is always motivating her colleagues with her positive mindset.

She is particularly skilled in assisting vulnerable clients, offering a sympathetic ear and a calm, collected approach to legal matters.

Outside of work, Karen is devoted to caring for her two young children and supporting them in their activities.

Supervisor: Jeremy Sirrell

Dashna Morarji-Sagoo

Dashna qualified as a lawyer in 2005 and works as an Associate Solicitor in our banking and finance department, based in our Thurrock office. Prior to joining Palmers Solicitors, Dashna worked at a leading well established London based global law firm for over 15 years.

She specialises in general banking and finance and corporate insolvency, with experience of advising on a wide range of corporate finance transactions, including acting on real estate finance transactions, acquisition finance transactions, restructuring existing finance arrangements, loan book sales and realisation of security, acting on behalf of lenders, borrowers and developers.

Dashna also has significant experience in advising financial institutions, borrowers, administrators, liquidators, receivers and distressed investors in relation to lending structures, non-contentious corporate insolvency and restructurings.

With this experience, Dashna brings sizeable knowledge and experience to Palmers Solicitors which is of great benefit to clients. Dashna understands the importance of delivering work on time and on budget, and is very commercially focussed. Her practical approach to transactions and advice on technical legal detail in layman, comprehensible terms, is highly valued by her clients.

Dashna enjoys working as part of a team, together with colleagues across all the Palmer’s offices, but also enjoys working autonomously. Client care and meeting deadlines, on budget is crucial to Dashna. She likes being involved with the development and growth of organisations.

Outside of work, Dashna likes spending time with her family. She also enjoys cooking, fine dining, exercise and travelling.

Supervisor: BJ Chong

Jonathan Hol

Jonathan began vocational training in 2008, and in 2010 practiced as an attorney and partner at a law firm in Cape Town, South Africa before moving to Johannesburg. In September 2023, Jonathan joined Palmers Solicitors, and practices in in a broad range of commercial and corporate issues. He also holds experience in South African law and media and advertising law. He also holds experience in South African law and media and advertising law.

Jonathan is based in our commercial hub in Basildon and is always willing to go above and beyond for his clients.

Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors, and playing guitar.

Supervisors: Luke Morgan & Matthew Johnson

Lorna Boorman

Lorna qualified in 2013 and has since specialised in estate planning for life’s journey. This includes Lasting Power of Attorney, Wills, Trusts, and Probate.

Lorna became an Associate Solicitor in November 2024 and is particularly skilled at catering to our older client’s needs.

She takes great satisfaction in working in an area of law that allows her to meet so many different people. She prides herself on always being friendly and approachable and aims to give advice concisely and clearly.

When Lorna is not working, she enjoys running, kayaking, spending time with her family and going for walks in the countryside.

Lorna is a Dementia Friend.

Supervisors: Donna Smy, Laura Stock & Lee McClellan

Lisa Judd

With over 20 years’ experience in employment law, Lisa is the Head of our Employment & HR Advisory department.

During her career, Lisa has acted for both claimants and respondents in matters including advisory, litigation, and corporate support work.

In her role as Head of Department, Lisa advises on all areas of employment law, including drafting and reviewing contracts and policies, educating on internal processes, and negotiating exit packages.

Lisa also liaises with ACAS and provides representation in employment tribunal claims or appeals to the Employment Appeal Tribunal

Lisa’s approach to her work is to identify achievable outcomes regarding her client’s best interests and measure out the cost risk and benefit of any action which might be taken, with a view to identifying the most sensible way forward.

Lisa enjoys the outdoors and loves to walk her Tibetan Terrier, Bertie, out in the countryside. She also likes gardening and spending time with her friends and family.