Invested in Sussex

From beautifully refurbished offices to bold mergers and a certified B Corporation accreditation, Mayo Wynne Baxter is on a mission to prove that sustainable growth, purposeful leadership and deep local roots can all thrive under one roof.

Walk into any of Mayo Wynne Baxter’s newly transformed offices in Eastbourne, East Grinstead or Chichester and you’ll feel it immediately – this is not a law firm stuck in tradition.

With its wellness rooms, agile workspaces and diverse team of legal professionals, this Sussex-based firm is building something rare – a future-focused legal practice with a community-first heart.

But this isn’t about aesthetics. These changes signal something far deeper, strategic and intentionally local.

With more than 200 people across 10 offices (and counting), Mayo Wynne Baxter is showing how a regional law firm can grow boldly, act purposefully and remain authentically grounded.

“We’re not growing for the sake of it,” says chief executive Dean Orgill. “Every office move, every hire and every decision is rooted in our values and in our belief that local investment is the key to long-term success.”

This is the story of a modern law firm investing in its people, places and purpose – one town, one merger and one strong relationship at a time.

Where the story starts: Jack the Ripper, Lewes and legal roots

Steeped in history, Mayo Wynne Baxter was originally founded in Lewes by Wynne Edwin Baxter, a man whose work extended far beyond the typical remit of a solicitor.

Wynne Edwin Baxter was the first mayor of Lewes and served as a coroner in the late 19th century.

In this role, he conducted inquests into some of the most notorious cases of his time, including three recognised victims of Jack the Ripper in 1888.

His investigations also extended to the death of Joseph Merrick, known as the Elephant Man, as well as casualties from wartime bombings and other unexplained fatalities.

150 years of evolution

Mayo Wynne Baxter is no stranger to change.

Over the past 150 years, the firm has navigated more than 15 mergers, each bringing new expertise, expanding regional coverage and enhancing its client base.

Every merger has been carefully chosen to complement the firm’s culture and values, building a truly full-service regional heavyweight with roots firmly planted in Sussex.

And now, it’s entering a new phase of transformation – one defined by space, strategy and sustainability.

What’s driving this evolution? A powerful belief that the future of legal services lies not just in national reach or digital systems, but in local leadership, human connection and bold, values-led investment.

“We’ve always been deeply rooted in Sussex,” says Dean. “But now we’re doubling down – not just maintaining a presence in our communities but investing in them meaningfully.”

From office transformations to new leadership hires and a commitment to B Corporation values, Mayo Wynne Baxter’s recent evolution is purposeful and ambitious.

A legacy merger

In early 2023, Mayo Wynne Baxter significantly expanded its East Sussex presence by merging with respected firm Lawson Lewis Blakers – a move that added around £2 million in turnover, more than 30 legal professionals, and further deepened the firm’s expertise in private client, family law, property and litigation.

The merger wasn’t just about scale. With origins tracing back to 1875, Lawson Lewis Blakers brought a rich legacy and deep community ties in Eastbourne, Peacehaven and Lewes, echoing Mayo Wynne Baxter’s own commitment to long-term, local service.

Eastbourne: A century-long commitment meets a new chapter

In July 2024, Mayo Wynne Baxter opened the doors to its new Eastbourne office in Ivy House, a newly refurbished space in the very heart of the town.

But while the location may be new, the firm’s presence in the seaside resort dates back more than a century.

“Eastbourne has always been incredibly important to us,” says Nadine Ashford, partner and property specialist, who joined the firm during the Lawson Lewis Blakers merger.

“It’s not just an office; it’s a hub where we can truly connect with the local professional services community.”

And modern it is. The refurbishment has delivered a purpose-built, fully accessible hub that boasts hot-desking options, collaborative open-plan zones and seamless tech integration.

Just a short walk from Eastbourne Station and the Beacon Centre, the new space positions the firm literally and figuratively at the centre of local life.

Designed for flexibility, it supports hybrid working and team collaboration. At any one time, up to 50 staff can work from the hub, with hot desks available for visiting team members.

“We wanted something that reflects how people want to work now,” says Nadine. “But equally, we wanted a space that says to our clients: you’re welcome here and we’re ready to help.”

It’s a dual mission – excellent service and an excellent workplace – that echoes across every Mayo Wynne Baxter location.

East Grinstead: Workplace culture in action

Just nine months later, in April 2025, the firm unveiled another milestone: a new office in East Grinstead’s Medway House.

Moving from East Court to Cantelupe Road – just a 12-minute walk from the railway station and close to the town’s amenities – brought the firm back into the vibrant heart of East Grinstead.

The new space marked a significant upgrade, both in style and in substance. With its dedicated client reception area, two external meeting rooms and a quiet focus zone, the office is thoughtfully designed.

But what truly sets it apart is its emphasis on wellbeing: from a dedicated wellness room to height-adjustable desks and breakout spaces, the environment reflects a workplace culture that prioritises people.

“We’ve always been committed to delivering excellent client service,” says Emma Van Bunnens, family law partner based in East Grinstead. “But to do that, you need a happy, motivated team and this space really supports that.”

Emma, who leads much of the firm’s work with families and individuals in the area, says the move has already made a tangible difference.

“Clients have commented on how welcoming and fresh the new office feels,” she adds. “It sets the tone for a modern, accessible legal service.”

And it’s more than just perception. The East Grinstead move is part of a broader people strategy, ensuring that as the firm grows, it remains a place where talent thrives.

“These aren’t just office moves,” says Dean. “They’re part of a broader, intentional strategy to embed Mayo Wynne Baxter more deeply into the fabric of the communities it has served for generations.”

Chichester: A strategic merger that put down real roots

In September 2023, Mayo Wynne Baxter officially merged with employment law specialists Pure Employment Law, a respected Chichester-based firm co-founded by Nicola Brown.

It was a meeting of minds, experience and ambition.

“We’d grown Pure Employment Law steadily since 2010 and were looking for a partner with the infrastructure to help us scale up, without compromising on client care,” says Nicola, now a partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter.

“Mayo Wynne Baxter ticked every box – regional roots, a great culture and real investment in people.”

The merger added four team members, approximately £500,000 in annual revenues and created a stronghold for the firm in West Sussex.

“Nicola and her team brought incredible depth of expertise,” says Dean. “But what impressed us most was their passion for helping clients navigate difficult situations with empathy and clarity.”

Today, the Chichester hub is a springboard for growth, with active recruitment to strengthen both legal expertise and local ties.

“Being local means being present, visible and active,” Nicola says. “Chichester is buzzing with independent businesses, growing families and a real sense of community pride. We’re not here just to do business – we’re here to be part of the story of this city’s success.”

People first, always

Behind the buildings and mergers lies something even more enduring: people.

In the past two years alone, Mayo Wynne Baxter has grown its team by more than 40, including senior hires in commercial, litigation and family law.

Every office now serves as a regional beacon – not just of service delivery, but of culture, inclusion and local connection.

“People want someone local, someone they trust,” says Emma. “And when they step into our new space and see that we’ve invested in being here for the long haul, it means something.”

From legal apprenticeships to lateral hires, the firm’s recruitment strategy is grounded in community knowledge and culture fit, not just credentials.

“We don’t grow for growth’s sake,” Dean explains. “We grow where we can do more good and where our services make life easier for real people and real businesses.”

Mayo Wynne Baxter is also deeply committed to promoting social mobility within the legal profession.

The firm’s apprenticeship programmes and structured training initiatives provide opportunities for aspiring legal professionals from diverse backgrounds, helping to nurture the next generation of Sussex-based legal talent.

In 2025 alone, the firm celebrated four internal promotions, showcasing its investment in career development and rewarding commitment.

Financial strength underpinning strategic growth

Mayo Wynne Baxter’s evolution is as much about sound business fundamentals as it is about values and community.

The firm has achieved an impressive 10% annual growth, aligning with or even slightly exceeding market trends.

“Our continued growth is a testament to the strength and commitment of our people, as well as our ongoing mission to serve our communities with integrity and excellence,” says Dean.

This financial progress is more than just numbers. It underlines Mayo Wynne Baxter’s ability to invest confidently in its people and places.

Despite these milestones, Dean emphasises that sustainable growth and alignment with core values  remain paramount.

“We are proud of these results but remain focused on growth that is sustainable and purposeful,” he says. “Our close ties to Sussex communities, our investment in people and the quality of our legal services are the cornerstones of our success.”

The Ampa effect: Local identity, national reach

In 2022, Mayo Wynne Baxter joined Ampa Group – a legal and professional services group designed to share resources, talent and operational infrastructure.

The move expanded the firm’s reach, opened doors to national expertise and ensured access to top-tier support functions.

But importantly, it did so without sacrificing the firm’s independence or regional identity.

“Joining Ampa Group wasn’t about losing who we are,” says Dean. “It was about gaining a platform to scale sustainably and grow our impact while staying true to our Sussex roots.”

Today, that decision is bearing fruit – not just in bottom-line growth, but in the quality and breadth of service the firm can offer.

More than law: Purpose, profitability and B Corp certification

In January 2023, Mayo Wynne Baxter, along with Ampa Group, achieved certified B Corporation status – joining a global movement of businesses balancing purpose and profit.

The rigorous B Corp assessment spans everything from governance and staff wellbeing to carbon emissions and social impact.

For Mayo Wynne Baxter, it was both a validation of its existing ethos and a launchpad for future accountability.

“Being B-Corp certified isn’t just about what we’ve done,” says Dean. “It’s about what we’re committing to do every day. It shapes how we work with clients, how we hire people and how we invest in our local towns.”

From reducing landfill waste to enhancing diversity, every corner of the firm is being reshaped with purpose in mind.

The firm has set ambitious environmental targets, including achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Initiatives include transitioning to renewable energy in all offices, reducing paper consumption by 70% and encouraging sustainable commuting options for employees.

Additionally, Mayo Wynne Baxter actively supports local environmental charities and community clean-up projects, reinforcing its commitment to Sussex’s natural heritage.

Charity begins at home: Community at the core

Mayo Wynne Baxter’s commitment to community doesn’t end at the office door.

Its charity and outreach programmes span everything from pro bono work and sponsorships to hands-on volunteering.

A standout initiative is the firm’s partnership with Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) – a life-saving service that reflects the firm’s belief in supporting those who serve others.

“Being a community-focused firm means showing up, not just writing a cheque,” says Dean.

“Our teams are encouraged to get involved and genuinely care about making a difference.”

From fundraising to awareness campaigns, the firm has become a core partner in KSS’ mission, helping ensure vital emergency services remain operational.

In line with Mayo Wynne Baxter’s partnership KSS, all offices are now equipped with a defibrillator.

The firm is also actively hosting CPR and defib training events for local businesses, empowering them with life-saving skills.

Its commitment extends to sponsoring Eastbourne Pride and launching the “MWB Presents” series, which celebrates Sussex’s professional landscape.

This series includes networking events and insightful interviews with local key figures like Tim Cobb, of Cobb PR, fostering collaboration and strengthening community ties.

Elsewhere, Mayo Wynne Baxter sponsors local awards, supports regional events, and helps schools with mock interviews and legal insight days – ensuring the next generation of Sussex professionals sees law as both accessible and inspiring.

#TogetherStronger: A community of communities

Mayo Wynne Baxter’s commitment to community was powerfully showcased at the recent annual staff conference in June.

With a unifying community theme, the event truly demonstrated the strength and warmth of the firm as a collective.

“It was a testament to our core belief that people – both clients and staff – are always at the centre of what we do,” says Dean.

“We extend our sincere praise to the Ampa Group speakers and the entire Mayo Wynne Baxter team for making the conference such a resounding success. We truly are a community of communities, proving that we are stronger together.

“By actively listening to friends, colleagues and like-minded leaders, we continue to learn and evolve, forging an even bigger, better and braver community moving forward.”

Future growth plans

Over the next year, Mayo Wynne Baxter is looking to grow further both organically and by taking on practices and lateral hires that fit with its ambitious plans for growth.

Seeing opportunities in the commercial and litigation spheres, the firm has already appointed new partners in these areas, with plans to focus on expanding other areas already developed.

“We are recruiting proactively across Sussex, Surrey and Kent,” says Dean. “We are also looking for like-minded teams or smaller firms in our current localities – and further into Kent and Surrey – who share our culture and values and are looking for a firm where they can flourish.”

Looking ahead: A vision built to last

As Mayo Wynne Baxter continues its strategic investment across Sussex, the message is clear: this is a firm rooted in place, powered by people and committed to progress.

From Eastbourne’s Ivy House transformation and East Grinstead’s wellness-focused hub, to Chichester’s expert employment team and a growing reputation across the South East, Mayo Wynne Baxter is setting the bar for what a modern regional law firm can be.

“It’s not just about growing,” says Dean.

“It’s about growing the right way – sustainably, locally and in a way that reflects who we are. Eastbourne, Chichester, East Grinstead – these towns aren’t just office locations. They’re communities we’re proud to be part of. Our investment in them is long-term and personal.”