In this second edition to our ‘An Interview with our Family Team’ series, we meet Sarah Walls, Chanelle Kimber and Meesha Ghovanloupoor from our Exeter and Truro offices.
Sarah Walls
Sarah Walls is a Partner in our Family Finance Team in the Exeter office. Sarah specialises in high value and complex financial aspects in divorce.
Sarah is described by her colleagues as empathetic and supportive whilst also being pragmatic and practical.
What job would you want if you were not in your current role?
I’ve always been interested in physical geography so perhaps a job connected to rocks or volcanoes. I think this is one of the reasons why I love living and working the South West – we are surrounded by a fascinating natural landscape.
What experience do you bring to your role and how does it help?
I have been a family solicitor for 16 years, specialising in finance on divorce for majority of them. I understand the importance of trying to resolve matters as quickly and proportionately as possible.
What do you think clients should look for in a family lawyer?
It is important that you connect with your solicitor on a personal level. You need to feel comfortable speaking about sensitive subjects with them.
Describe a passion you have outside of work
I am a Plymouth Argyle supporter and attend every home match with my family.
What do you like about working for Stephens Scown?
The firm’s ethos and values – they align very closely with my own.
Chanelle Kimber
Chanelle Kimber is a family finance solicitor based in our Truro Office and joined us in 2023. A recent example of Chanelle’s work includes dealing with sharing public sector pension schemes on divorce, including military and NHS pensions.
Chanelle is known for her dedication, perceptiveness and understanding.
What do you think clients should look for in a family lawyer?
A lawyer with good technical legal knowledge is a must, an ability to absorb stress but maintain calm and a lawyer with compassion.
What is your biggest achievement in or outside of work?
My greatest achievement are my children, but being a successful family lawyer isn’t far behind!
What was the first CD you bought?
Michael Jackson – BAD
Describe a passion you have outside of work
I am a keen bio hacker. Saunas, cold-water immersion, grounding, walking desks etc – you name it and I’ve tried it!
What do you like about working for Stephens Scown?
Being surrounded by an amazing team who are always there to support and encourage me.
Meesha Ghovanloupoor
Meesha Ghovanloupoor is solicitor in our Exeter Office specialising in divorce and the resolution of finances. Meesha joined as a trainee solicitor in 2021 and qualified into our Family Team in 2023.
Meesha is praised by her colleagues for her diligent, compassionate and caring approach.
What job would you want if you were not in your current role?
I would have loved to be in the West End. I did a lot of dancing and some musical theatre throughout my childhood.
What do you think clients should look for in a family lawyer?
I think one of the most important things is to be personable. Clients need to feel that they can trust you and confide in you and being able to relate to you helps in building a strong working relationship.
Describe your role within the team and what do you like most about it?
In addition to my own files, I assist the partners in the team so work on a variety of cases. The reason I chose to become a family solicitor is the clients. Being able to guide and assist clients through the divorce process knowing you’ve helped to achieve a settlement for them so that they can start a new chapter in their lives is rewarding.
What do you like about working for Stephens Scown?
The people. I was always told that the people at Stephens Scown were great to work with, and that is exactly the experience I have had.
We hope you enjoyed the second edition of ‘An Interview with our Family Team’ and got to know us a little bit better.
You can read the first edition of ‘An Interview with our Family Team’ here.