Ruth Hayward, Partner (Member)
BA (hons) English & Politics
Admitted as solicitor in 2008

“Very often for my clients, the most important thing is to respond to their needs quickly and effectively. Time is valuable and they do not welcome being tied up in red tape or buried in legal technicalities. I love the challenge of facing all the hurdles head on, clearing each with minimum fuss and reaching for the finishing line in the quickest time the circumstances will allow.”

Ruth specialises in Powers of Attorney, Residential Property, Landlord and Tenant and Private Client matters, with years of experience working in Barnet and the North London area.

Jonathan Gilbert, Partner (Member)
LLB (hons) Law with French Law
Admitted as solicitor in 2008

“I enjoy the varied nature of litigation work. No two cases are ever the same. I would describe my approach to litigation work as robust but conciliatory. I pride myself on being able to explain aspects of law and legal procedure in a clear and concise manner. My aim in my work is to ensure matters are dealt with efficiently and cost-effectively.”

Jon specialises in Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution and has a wide range of experience from hundreds of cases including debt collection and employment law matters. His clients are based in and around Barnet, across the UK and internationally.

In recent years Jon has acted in a number reported cases. Clyne v Conlon (2021) EWHC 2444 (CH) was a Contested Probate matter where Jon successfully protected an Executrix from having to bear the full extent of the Estate’s litigation costs

In N3 Living Limited v Burgess ( 2020) EWHC 1711. Jon successfully defeated a High Court injunction Application designed to prevent the sale of his client’s property.

Jon has recently successfully secured an order to strike out a flawed case issued against his client.

Jon’s current cases include Arbitration proceedings concerning the de merger of a London and California based property company.

Tayo Taylor, Partner
LLB(hons) Law
Admitted as solicitor in 2002

“I have specialised in Family Law since qualifying as a Solicitor in 2002. I have extensive experience in a wide range of family law matters. I advise clients on all aspects of family law including divorce, dissolution of civil partnerships, financial remedy matters as well as children disputes. I also advise on prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

I have extensive experience and expertise representing parents involved in the full range of private Law children disputes; such as Prohibited Steps Orders, Specific Issue Orders, and disputes about with whom a child should live and spend time with.

I have experience of complex Private Law Children matters involving applications made under the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court, domestic violence and cases where children have been made a party to the proceedings.

I have also acted in children Matters with an international element and have acted for numerous parents in International Child Abduction matters under the Hague Convention 1980.

I encourage the amicable resolution of matters where possible, but I am equally at home with providing strong, robust representation in cases that are litigated. I work cost effectively and provide clear, robust and strategic advice to achieve my client’s objectives.

As a member of Resolution, I am committed to representing my clients in accordance with Resolution’s code of practice to resolve matters in a non-confrontational, sensitive and cost-effective manner.

I also provide advice on employment matters, particularly Settlement Agreements”

Giovanni Lanza, Paralegal

“My focus is on ensuring that clients receive the best service we can offer.  Effective communications both within the firm and between the firm and its clients are key to achieving this.  Contributing to providing a great client experience is one of the many things I enjoy about my job at MHHP Law.”

Giovanni has been with the firm since 2012.  He started as a junior and became Practice Administrator.  For the last two years he has been training as a paralegal with the firm having shown a real aptitude for the law, legal practice and working with clients.  He completed a paralegal apprenticeship in 2024, passing with distinction.  He has extensive experience in residential conveyancing, probate and general civil litigation matters.  He works closely with Ruth Hayward, Partner, with his primary focus being on the conveyancing and probate matters.

Asaru Williams-Henry, Paralegal
LLB (Hons) Law – University of Warwick

“My approach to civil litigation is grounded in diligence, clarity, and a steadfast commitment to client care. I understand that legal disputes can be complex and demanding, so I ensure clients are not only kept informed but are given clear guidance at every stage. High-quality work and responsiveness go hand in hand when striving for the best possible outcome.”

Born in Barnet Hospital and educated in North London and at Warwick University, Asaru brings a strong local connection to his role at MHHP. He works alongside Partner Jonathan Gilbert, supporting a broad range of civil litigation and dispute resolution matters with efficiency and attention to detail.

Asaru has gained experience at leading firms and corporate legal teams including Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Tullow Oil, and Unilever. He combines legal knowledge with commercial awareness and is currently completing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

He is committed to producing exceptional work and ensuring clients feel supported and confident throughout their case — helping MHHP deliver trusted, high-quality legal services.

Stephen Snead, Compliance and Finance Manager

Stephen leads our compliance and finance activities, ensuring MHHP maintains complete and accurate financial records, and complies with all applicable regulations and standards, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Regulations and Solicitors Accounts Rules.

He leads our client “onboarding” process, aimed at gathering information from new clients, carrying out identity and AML checks, and ensuring clients understand the terms of our engagement, including scope of work, fees, timelines, and responsibilities.

“I’m focused on meeting the requirements of our regulatory environment, and at the same time, delivering an excellent client experience. My role helps MHHP to establish a strong foundation for successful client relationships, by being responsive, transparent and empathetic.”

Stephen is a Chartered Accountant, with more than 25 years’ experience in finance, policy and governance roles.

Steven Hickling, Managing Partner
B.Sc (hons) Anthropology
Admitted as solicitor in 1996

“As managing partner I oversee the running of the practice, leading on strategy, business development and people.  I also provide advice and guidance to fee earners and oversee compliance and customer feedback.

Having been a founding partner in the firm and spending many years fee earning I am now enjoying being off the front line and providing support to my hard working and talented colleagues.”