Find out more about
MJR Solicitors
At MJR Solicitors we will help you achieve what you need without the legal jargon. Our experienced team provide expert legal advice on wills and estate planning, estate administration, lasting powers of attorney conveyancing and dispute resolution. We conduct defence work, actively and decisively defending people who have had false allegations made against them.
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Mark Riley
Founder & Managing Director
Mark Riley is the founder and managing director of MJR Solicitors. With over 15 years legal experience he is a distinguished top lawyer. His career has spanned the globe working for some of the world’s leading law firms. He spent time in Australia where he really enjoyed the ethos and attitudes towards employees and decided to bring this back with him.
Since opening MJR Solicitors, Mark has dedicated himself to providing no jargon dedication to his clients. He breaks down the most complex of legal matters and case law into easy bitesize information clients can fully relate to and understand.
Mark is a fierce advocate who specialises in assisting the wrongly and falsely accused citizens in both the Magistrates and Crown Court. He also has a vast knowledge in Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Estate Administration, Estate Planning and Inheritance Tax matters. His success can be directly related to his passion for his clients.
Fun fact:- Mark enjoys cold water swimming, is a qualified sailing instructor and a black belt in karate.
Contact Mark: mark@mjrsolicitors.co.uk | 01243 945054
Jane Symonds
Specialist Lawyer
Jane Symonds is a senior solicitor, higher court advocate and director at MJR Solicitors. She is a highly respected defence solicitor with over 25 years’ experience specialising in criminal law and through her career she has been a partner, senior partner and director at several solicitors’ practices throughout the southeast.
As a Higher Court advocate, Jane has gained an invaluable depth and breadth of expertise in conducting every kind of case through every stage of the proceedings from the police station, the Magistrates Court through to the Crown Court. She has a wealth of experience in defending serious allegations such as murder, violence, fraud, drug supply cases and false sexual allegations as well as many others.
As an extremely experienced trial advocate, Jane has developed an expertise in actively defending her clients and has developed a strong network of contacts of the best experts, barristers and KC's to assist in achieving the very best possible outcome for all of her clients.
Jane particularly specialises in helping people who have been falsely accused of a crime. It can be very daunting to be falsely accused of something you have not done. Jane’s clients know they are in a safe pair of hands; she is meticulous in examining every detail of their case, informing and explaining each aspect to them leaving no stone unturned as she passionately defends the allegations to help clear their name.
Fun facts:- Jane also owns a property management company and an insanely fluffy kitten.
Contact Jane: jane@mjrsolicitors.co.uk | 01243 945054
Emma Tyler
Wills/Probate/Lasting Powers of Attorney
Emma has worked in a variety of companies but has decided to return to private law after working for many years in the charity sector.
Having worked for both large corporations and smaller companies and charities, she enjoys the variety and challenges that arise from working in a legal firm. She also enjoys working within a community where you can get to know people. The more accessible approach to the law offered at MJR Solicitors really appeals with the aim to make legal issues more accessible and help people. A short commute along the beach is an added bonus.
Emma continues to volunteer with some of the charities she has worked for and some local organisations. She is looking forward to developing fundraising challenges through MJR Solicitors in the future.
Fun facts:- Emma used to organise Electric Car races around the country from Goodwood to Silverstone, plus many more. She also used to own a Irish Wolfhound.
Contact Emma: emma@mjrsolicitors.co.uk | 01243 945054
Kristiann James-Robinson
Criminal & Regulatory Case Worker
Kristiann joined MJR Solicitors in March 2021 and is a dedicated member of our Criminal and Regulatory Department. She plays an important role in supporting clients through what can often be challenging and stressful circumstances, ensuring they feel informed, supported and treated with respect at every stage of their matter.
Currently in the final year of her Law degree, fulfilling a long-held ambition to pursue a career in law, Kristiann brings determination, resilience and a strong sense of responsibility to her work. Her professional journey reflects her commitment to personal development and continuous learning, qualities which underpin her approach to client care.
Kristiann assists with the preparation and progression of criminal and regulatory cases, working closely with fee earners to ensure matters are handled efficiently and in accordance with professional and regulatory standards. She approaches each case with empathy, diligence and careful attention to detail.
A valued member of the team, Kristiann is committed to further developing her expertise and progressing within the legal profession.
Contact Kristiann: secretary@mjrsolicitors.co.uk | 01243 945054
Emma Duberley
Legal Cashier / Accounts
With a career in the legal sector beginning at age 19, Emma has progressed from an office junior to a highly skilled and versatile professional. She is a qualified bookkeeper, legal cashier, and, most recently, a paralegal—bringing together financial precision, legal knowledge, and hands‑on experience across multiple areas of law firm operations.
Her strong understanding of legal processes allows her to support both teams and clients with accuracy, efficiency, and a calm, solutions‑focused approach. Known for her reliability, dedication, and practical mindset, she plays a key role in the smooth running of the firm.
Outside of work, Emma is a proud mother of two boys and enjoys taking on memorable challenges. She has abseiled down Arundel Castle for charity, completed the London to Brighton cycle ride, and even tried her hand at rally driving. When she’s not seeking her next adventure, she loves spending time with her dogs and enjoying walks along the beach.
Contact Emma: accounts@mjrsolicitors.co.uk | 01243 945054
Abigail Tester
Administrative Assistant
Abbie joined MJR solicitors in December 2025 and is a dedicated and detail-oriented Administrative Assistant in our Wills and Probate Department, providing comprehensive administrative and client support. Her role involves managing client communications, preparing legal documentation, coordinating appointments, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the office.
Alongside this role, Abbie currently in her second year of her Law degree. Balancing full-time work with academic study demonstrates her time management, resilience, and commitment to a career in the legal field.
A dedicated team member, Abbie is focused on broadening her knowledge, strengthening her expertise, and advancing her career within the legal profession.
Contact Abigail: wills@mjrsolicitors.co.uk | 01243 945054
Our happy clients are our results
"10/10 for everything. We were making simple wills and Mark was courteous, professional and gave us confidence in all he did. It was all straightforward."
Mr & Mrs Steele
"Having never used a Solicitor before we found the whole experience easy, relaxed and, although a legal matter, it was informal feel whilst being professional. Mark was friendly and welcoming and on a level with us, coming across as a nice person you can relate to. He is very knowledgeable and offers excellent advice and information, answering all our queries."
Mr & Mrs Sharp
"A massive thank you to Mark Riley and Beverley Rayner for allowing me to accompany them on a few occasions whilst they advised clients (in their capacity as duty solicitor) at the police station.
I’m currently working towards becoming an accredited Police Station Legal Representative, and so being able to observe Beverley and Mark in this role proved to be invaluable experience and an important addition to the personal study section of my portfolio. Thanks to their thorough, professional and sensitive approach with their clients, I have learned a huge amount. It has given me the grounding I need to continue towards my goal."
Mrs C
"10/10 to all questions"
Mr L
"Thank you for your good work"
Mrs D
"10/10 to all questions"
Mr B
"Quality service quick and easy advice. Fees are great and no messing around. MJR cut staright to the point Got a motoring offence ?! Easily sorted from overseas. Definitely would recommend"
Mr P
"Thanks for sorting out my will also power of attorneys. Not a pleasant subject having to think about when I die, but it was done in terms I understood and quickly now it's something I don't have to think about. Thank you again."
Mrs H
"10/10 for everything. Mark was very friendly and knowledgeable and explained everything simply in order for us to understand. Very efficient and helpful."
Mr & Mrs S
"Wouldn't use anyone else. Great help, advice and a superb professional service."
Mr R
"You have been very flexible regarding meetings.... and you have made a difficult time far less stressful. Very reassuring. Very straightforward and understandable."
Mr A
"Patient and Helpful" 10 out of 10 for all questions."
Mr S
"10 out of 10 to all questions."
Mrs E A Walters
"Definite 10 out of 10 to all questions, I think your service was excellent and I cannot think of how to improve it. Everything was dealt with most efficiently and my sister and I were very pleased."
Mrs E R Hector
"10/10 for everything. Mark was reassuring and efficient."
Mr B
"10/10 to all questions, thank you very much for your excellent service I will recommend you to all my friends."
Mr L
"We are so grateful to Mark for all his help and considerable patience regarding the recent preparation of our wills and for the invaluable advice concerning a Trust for our grandson. He took all the time that was needed to ensure that we understood the relevant aspects of this complex subject. He explained the legal ramifications in terms that a layman could understand and he made sure the resulting arrangement was fully in line with our intentions. It has set our minds at rest to know that this important matter has been so efficiently dealt with and thus we no longer need to feel concern over it. Full marks in all departments to MJR Solicitors; it is hard to see how such a friendly and professional service could be improved."
Mr & Mrs G
Would definitely recommend...very easy to contact and our Will was arranged and signed in a week!
Marie Pattenden
Middleton Office:
4 Bankside,
128 Middleton Road, Middleton-on-Sea, PO22 6DB
Littlehampton Office:
Arcade Business Centre, 2a Arcade Road, Littlehampton, BN17 5AR
Call us on: 01243 945054
Mon to Fri 9am to 6pm
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