Providing Legal Services within South East Essex for over 100 years
Richard J. Phillips,
Having practiced Law in the South East for several years Richard qualified as a solicitor in 2003. Richard joined Cooper Lingard in July 2005 and worked alongside Frank Collyer until Frank's retirement in April 2007. He was appointed as a Partner with Cooper Lingard in April 2008 and became an equity partner in 2026. Richard has a wide area of expertise and many years of experience in residential and commercial conveyancing, commercial law, settlement agreements, and landlord and tenant. Richard is a local family man and he is committed to supporting local activities and the local community. He is a keen runner and can be seen at the local gym on a treadmill or pounding the streets of Leigh on Sea. He has recently taken up Golf and is having lessons
Colin T. Lander (F.C.Inst L.EX)
Having previously been employed by the Official Receiver for Bankruptcy, Colin trained and qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives specialising in Trusts, Wills and Probate. He has specialised as a Probate Practitioner since 1991so is vastly experienced and has worked in Romford, Essex before Leigh on Sea. He has built a reputation for actively supporting clients that are in need and will go to any length to help. He became an equity owner of Cooper Lingard in 2026.
Colin is ably supported by experienced secretaries and assistants who are adept in progressing matters and are all very client focussed.
Colin is an Associate Member of the Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners. He is a keen cyclist and raises money for good causes through various sponsored events; he has recently travelled to Peru and completed the Inca trail Machu Picchu trek.
James E. Baker (LL.M)
James commenced his employment with Cooper Lingard in 2017 and qualified as a solicitor in October 2020 having a completed his Masters Degree from the University of Law. Prior to embarking upon legal training, James was employed for many years by local prestigious estate agencies, where he developed an extensive knowledge of all matters relating to property. Consequently, James has excellent insight, enviable knowledge and experience in the property market and appreciates the importance of maintaining a friendly and efficient service. He is approachable and keen to offer a full explanation at each stage of the transaction. James plays football and is a regular gym goer.
Nicola Holland
Nicola joined Cooper Lingard 1st May 2019; the plan was for Nicola to support the fee earners with their administration but soon became secretary to James owing to his burgeoning case load and her previous experience. Such is her enthusiasm Nicola started training to become a Paralegal, qualifying in December 2025. She has an excellent rapport with local estate agents and clients owing to her communicative, friendly and helpful approach. She has started managing a caseload under the supervision of James and Richard. Nicola likes travelling, enjoys socialising and is a regular gym goer.
Carol Lambert
Carol Lambert joined Cooper Lingard in January 2025. Carol has worked in law for over 30 years, with the majority of this time spent in residential conveyancing and some commercial conveyancing. Having previously worked for prestigious firms such as Mishcon de Reya in London and Hewitsons (now HCB) in Cambridge, Carol has gained a large amount of experience in all areas of conveyancing. Dealing with matters ranging from basic transfers and remortgages to residential purchases for high-net-worth clients/well-known dignitaries and even a £1,000,000 lottery winner, Carol is always very happy to look after clients, provide an efficient and empathetic service as well as dealing with the legal aspects of all matters. Carol lives locally with her partner, two dogs and has a campervan to convert which is proving time-consuming and costly. Carol loves to travel – hence the campervanClara Hunter
Cooper Lingard were thrilled to welcome Clara to our property department in 2026. She deals with the opening of files and the collection of identification and other information needed to satisfy our regulators. She brings with her enormous experience and understands the importance of a positive client relationship built on the solid foundations of communication and approachability. She is always very happy to meet clients to help with the initial paperwork and answer questions raised by telephone or email.
Cooper Lingard provides a programme of training for all staff by an industry recognised and approved training