Our Team
Stuart Underwood, Partner
Stuart was a partner at Gadsby, Coxon & Copestake for 24 years before the firm's merger with Nelsons in 1999 where Stuart remained a partner until founding Underwood Vinecombe in 2008. After a number of years in residential conveyancing, Stuart went on to focus on commercial property in which he has practiced for over 20 years. Stuart has advised on a variety of landmark developments in the region including Swanick Court (Alfreton), Beeches Park (Burton-on-Trent) and Outram's Wharf (Little Eaton) and has also advised on lettings to tenants including McDonalds, Derby Primary Care Trust and Derbyshire Building Society.
Mark Vinecombe, Partner
A co-founder of Underwood Vinecombe, Mark graduated at Birmingham University and studied at York Law School before joining Flint Bishop & Barnett. Mark then worked as a Commercial Property Agent for 18 months prior to rejoining Flints where he worked for four years in commercial property and general company/commercial work. A three year period with Spearing Waite in Leicester was followed by four years in commercial property with Nelsons where Mark was made a partner in 2007, leaving in 2008 to found Underwood Vinecombe.
Dan Furness, Partner
Dan graduated from Kingston University, London with a Law Degree before attending Law School at the University of Sheffield. After completing his training contract at Nelsons in Derby, Dan qualified as a solicitor in his chosen specialism of commercial property. Having worked very closely with both Stuart Underwood and Mark Vinecombe during his three year period at Nelsons, Dan joined Underwood Vinecombe as an Associate in January 2009, becoming a Partner in September 2011. Dan specialises in all forms of commercial property work.
Jill Benbow, Consultant
Jill qualified as a solicitor in 1991 and has been a commercial litigator for many years. She has significant experience in relation to large scale commercial multi-party disputes, in the areas of professional negligence, insolvency, commercial property and construction.
Jill was previously a Partner and head of litigation at Fraser Brown in Nottingham. She has handled a wide range of disputes, and their resolution, for individuals, as well as for all sizes of business. Her experience means that she can offer advice on many levels.
Sue Roe, Legal Executive
Sue qualified as a legal executive in 1997 whilst working as a legal secretary at Astleys in Derby. Sue specialises in residential conveyancing.
Linda McCauley, Legal Secretary
Linda has over thirty years experience as a legal secretary. Specialising in commercial and residential property, Linda first worked with Stuart Underwood shortly after joining Gadsby, Coxon & Copestake in 1998 and has continued to do so for the past ten years. Linda is also on the committee of the Derby Property Lawyers Association.
Christine Hinkley, Legal Executive
Christine has over 15 years experience as a private client lawyer, having previously worked at Ellis Fermor & Negus Solicitors before joining Nelsons Solicitors in 1999. Christine qualified as a Legal Executive in 2004 and joined Underwood Vinecombe in December 2010. Christine specialises in all forms of private client work including will drafting, inheritance tax planning, administration of estates and Court of Protection work.
Ruth Broadhurst, Legal Secretary
Ruth has many years experience as a legal secretary specialising in commercial and residential property matters. After previously working with both Mark Vinecombe and Dan Furness at Nelsons Solicitors, Ruth joined Underwood Vinecombe in March 2010.