Our People

We are friendly and approachable, and our partners and most of our staff have worked in Croydon for many years.

John Beynon

John Beynon is the managing partner of the firm and deals with company/commercial work, employment law and commercial litigation. He is an adviser on the panel of the REC, the leading organisation representing the recruitment industry and is also a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.

John was admitted as a solicitor in 1985 and has extensive experience in commercial law. He acts for both large and small/medium sized businesses and also private individuals. His interests include swimming, live music and supporting Crystal Palace FC. Please feel free to call or email him for a confidential discussion as to how we can assist you.

Elizabeth Williams

Elizabeth Williams is a partner in the firm, and is head of the Probate and Wills and Conveyancing Departments. She is a member of the Society of Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Elizabeth was admitted as a solicitor in 1985 and has considerable experience in dealing with all aspects of property work as well as expert knowledge of Probate and will drafting and can advise on Inheritance Tax Planning, Powers of Attorney (to include Lasting Powers of Attorney) and dealings with the Court of Protection. In her spare time she enjoys swimming, going for long country walks and visiting the cinema.

Please contact her either by telephone or email to discuss how she can best assist you.

Clive Lawrance

Clive Lawrance is a partner in the firm and is head of the Matrimonial Department. He is a member of Resolution (formerly known as the Solicitors Family Law Association). Clive was admitted as a solicitor in 1997 and specialises in all aspects of matrimonial/family law. He has specialist knowledge in all aspects of divorce with particular emphasis on the resolution of financial matters arising from separation including representation at Court. He is also able to provide comprehensive advice and assistance in relation to issues involving children on divorce and separation including contact and residence.

As well as providing advice on all aspects of divorce and separation, Clive is also able to advise on the following matters:-

• Cohabitants as to their rights on separation including advice in relation to property and children
• Pre-nuptial Agreements
• Living Together Agreements
• Emergency protection in cases involving domestic violence
• Inheritance Act claims
• Change of Name Deeds

Outside of work his interests include travel, Formula 1 and European history.

Please feel free to contact him either by telephone or email and he will be happy to discuss how he can best assist you.

Catherine Fromant

Catherine Fromant was admitted as a solicitor in 1981. Catherine has worked at Gowens since 1983, specializing in private client work. She is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

Outside of work Catherine enjoys playing tennis, walking, swimming, reading, the theatre, cooking and family life. She is also involved as a committee member of her local amenity association and local community partnership and chairs her local rail group.

Frances Kelly

Frances Kelly is a Trainee Solicitor working across the family and commercial departments assisting John Beynon and Clive Lawrance. Frances joined Gowens in July 2011 following the successful completion of her Legal Practice Course, attaining a distinction, and Graduate Diploma in Law at BPP. She assists on employment and commercial litigation claims and matrimonial/family law matters including divorce and financial resolution.

Prior to her legal training Frances worked in the field of market research for a number of years. In her spare time Frances enjoys dancing, swimming, cooking, reading, travel and going to the theatre.