OGLETHORPE, STURTON & GILLIBRAND - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- PARTNER
- PARTNER / Commercial Property
Allan studied at Oxford University and qualified as a solicitor in 1995. Specialising in Commercial Property, Allan particularly enjoys development work and is described as having "superb knowledge in the development land sector" - a glowing testimonial given to Allan for his ranking in the Legal 500.
Allan joined the Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand LLP partnership in June 2019 following more than 20 years at two other local firms including heading up the Commercial Property department.
Allan is a keen runner enjoys training at Lancaster & Morecambe Athletics Club participating in and volunteering at parkrun and enjoys spending time with his family, walking and wildlife watching.
EXPERIENCE
All aspects of Commercial and Agricultural Property including sales, purchases, leases, options , promotion agreements and refinancing;
Property development particularly residential;
Landlord and Tenant;
Experienced in dealing with planning obligations (S106 agreements)
Job Titles:
- SENIOR SOLICITOR
- ASSOCIATE SOLICITOR / Family Law
- Member of Resolution
Anna is one of our family law specialists and she has expertise in all areas of family law. Anna regularly advises clients in respect of divorce and financial issues and has a breadth of experience including dealing with high net worth divorce cases and property disputes. Anna also advises clients in respect of pre-nuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements.
Anna also specialises in children law matters, including complex disputes involving serious welfare issues. Anna offers a solution focused approach to her work and works with parents and relatives to achieve a child focused outcome.
Anna is a member of Resolution and is on the committee of the local Law Society.
EXPERIENCE
Divorce, Civil Partnership Dissolution & Separation
Financial Applications on Divorce
Children Issues
Property Issues on breakdown of relationships between unmarried couples
Pre-Nuptial Agreements
Separation Agreements
Avelina is a specialist in agricultural and rural property matters, acting for land owners, tenants, landed estates and charities. She enjoys tackling each of the often unique challenges that her clients face, many of which require bespoke solutions. Through her approachability and clear desire to do her best for her clients, she has built up many long-lasting relationships.
As a co-founder of the Agricultural Law Association's regional North West group, Avelina remains a coordinator of the same. She took her Agricultural Law Association's Fellowship exams in 2016 and subsequently became one of the first Fellows in the North West.
Having enjoyed a childhood in her family-owned woodlands in Germany, as well as roaming her neighbours' hop fields and using their tractors as climbing frames, it was inevitable that Avelina would feel at home acting on behalf of farmers and landowners. She now uses slightly larger climbing frames and is a lover of the great outdoors.
EXPERIENCE
Sales and purchases of farms, bare land, landed estates and country houses
Basic Payments, Countryside Stewardship and other agri-environment schemes (in a context of sales, purchases and leases of land)
Easements and covenants
Agricultural tenancies and grazing licences
Sporting and fishing leases and licences
First registrations of land, fishing and sporting rights and mines and mineral rights
Protection of manorial rights
Overage (clawback) agreements
Development agreements, such as option and promotion agreements
Renewable energy projects and telecom masts
Compulsory purchase powers regarding land and easements
Job Titles:
- CHARTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE
Bethany joined our Private Client Department in 2016 and is currently based in Lancaster.
Originally from Bolton, Bethany worked in a Manchester City Centre firm, where she started her training, before moving to the Lake District. Bethany is a Chartered Legal Executive specialising in Wills, Probate, Trusts, Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection matters.
EXPERIENCE
Preparation of Wills
Inheritance Tax Planning
Creation and administration of Trusts
Registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney
Preparation and registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney for personal and business matters
Applications for full and limited Grants of Probate
Administration of straightforward and complex Estates, both testate and intestate
Applications to the Court of Protection (both Property and Affairs and Healthcare matters)
Job Titles:
- SENIOR SOLICITOR
- Solicitor
Bryony Robin qualified as a solicitor in 2015 choosing to specialise in Commercial Property law.
Bryony joined OSG at the beginning of 2018 and works within the Commercial Department where she assists David Park with property matters.
After graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University with a first class honours degree in Business Studies, Bryony worked as a commercial buyer for several years prior to returning to university to study law.
She graduated from BPP University Law School with a distinction in the Legal Practice Course before going on to complete her training contract at Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP in Bristol.
Bryony grew up in Lancaster and attended Lancaster Girls' Grammar School. In her spare time she enjoys visiting the gym and running. She has completed races of all distances up to marathon level but these days she is happiest walking her dog, Poppy, over the fells.
Job Titles:
- SOLICITOR
- SENIOR SOLICITOR / Commercial
Carolina was born in Sweden, with her family roots in Stockholm. Carolina studied Accountancy and Law at Oxford Brookes University before pursuing her legal studies in Sweden at Uppsala University. Having decided to live in England she followed her husband to Lancaster and the lovely Lake District.
Carolina qualified as a Solicitors with Backhouse Jones Solicitors in 2013 where she assisted clients with Operator's Licence applications to more intricate issues falling within the Traffic Commissioners, the DVSA, Board Agency and the Magistrate Courts jurisdiction.
Having always been interested in accountancy and finance, Carolina was offered a position to retrain as a corporate solicitor with us here at Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand which she happily accepted and joined us in April 2018 at our Lancaster Office.
Catherine qualified as a Solicitor in 2010, after completing her Law degree at the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne and Legal Practice Course at Northumbria University.
Catherine qualified as a Solicitor at Alderson Dodds Solicitors in Blyth, Northumberland focusing on general civil litigation matters and legal aid work. Since 2011, Catherine worked at Winn Solicitors, Newcastle Upon Tyne, working predominantly in Personal Injury litigation, advising and representing clients through the whole litigation process to Trial. Since 2014, Catherine worked as a supervising Solicitor at Winn Solicitors supervising a small team on more complex aspects of Road Traffic litigation.
Catherine joined Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand LLP in January 2019 and is excited to continue to broaden her litigation experience. Catherine can advise on many areas of civil litigation including property disputes, breach of contract claims, consumer issues and contentious probate.
In her spare time, Catherine enjoys spending time with her young family in and around the Lake District.
EXPERIENCE
Debt Claims including disputed debt and enforcement proceedings
Breach of Contract Claims
Property Disputes including neighbour and boundary disputes, property title issues, covenant and easement disputes
Consumer Disputes including sale of defective goods and services
Professional Negligence Claims
Contentious Probate matters
Job Titles:
- PARTNER
- Job Vacancy - Receptionist
- Member of Her Local Law Society
Charlotte lives in Kendal with local roots and a family history in construction. She was educated at Casterton School and studied Law at Lancaster University.
Charlotte went on to complete her legal studies with a masters degree before starting her training at Oglethorpe Sturton and Gillibrand. Charlotte qualified in March 2016 and has been specialising in property matters ever since. Charlotte was most recently appointed Head of Residential Conveyancing, and works on both residential and commercial property matters. Charlotte joined the partnership in June this year.
Charlotte particularly enjoys development work, acting for developers with land acquisitions, new build developments and plot sales.
Together with her love of cars and formula one, in her spare time Charlotte is a keen hockey player and member of Ambleside Hockey Club.
Charlotte is also a member of her local law society, the Westmorland Law Society, and acts as Treasurer.
EXPERIENCE
Residential conveyancing
Commercial and rural property transactions
Commercial Landlord & Tenant; leases, assignments
Refinancing; remortgaging; equity release
First registrations of land, transfers of equity, adverse possession applications
Deed of Easements; rights of way;
Land acquisitions, new build development and plot sales
Section 106 agreements; planning agreements including option agreements, pre-emption and overage
Purchase of freehold/reversionary interests
Lease extensions.
Job Titles:
- SENIOR SOLICITOR
- Solicitor
- ASSOCIATE SOLICITOR / Residential Property
Claire is a solicitor in our residential property department and is based at our Kirkby Lonsdale office.
Claire studied at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and qualified as a solicitor in 2005. Since qualification, she has worked in Greater Manchester, specialising in residential property matters. Claire has valuable experience in all aspects of conveyancing and seeks to reassure clients at every step of the way at what can be a difficult time for clients. She has a down to earth approach to conveyancing, listening to a client's needs whilst offering practical advice on an individual basis.
In her spare time, Claire enjoys spending time with friends and family and can usually be found in her local park with her husband and children.
EXPERIENCE
Residential Sales and Purchases
Transfer of Equity
Remortgages
Equity Release
New Build Purchases
Shared Ownership
Job Titles:
- Member of the Private Client Section of the Law Society
Clare specialises in all aspects of private client work. She is a fully qualified member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners
A member of the Agricultural Law Association, she has a keen awareness of issues affecting the rural community and an in depth knowledge of agricultural estates.
Clare is also a member of the Private Client Section of the Law Society, and is actively involved in helping clients organise their affairs to plan for the future, as well as helping them deal with the difficulties that can arise following death or incapacity.
Clare has particular interest in lifetime planning for individuals and their families, acting for land owners, farmers, entrepreneurs, and the elderly in the preservation and protection of assets. She assists trustees, charities and those appointed to manage the affairs of others, using her technical knowledge and sympathetic approach to provide sound practical advice.
EXPERIENCE
Commercial contract disputes and the enforcement / protection of contractual rights and remedies: sale and supply contracts, partnership disputes, machinery / equipment, motor vehicles and caravans / park lodges.
Agriculture, Land and Horticultural disputes including farming partnerships disputes, land, crop and livestock damage claims
Property Litigation including tenant default, possession, forfeiture, rent arrears and dilapidations
Wills, Estates and Trust disputes including Inheritance Act claims, disputed wills and disputes concerning the administration of estates
Professional negligence
Job Titles:
- CONSULTANT
- CONSULTANT / Commercial
David's very wide and extensive experience allows him to take a pragmatic and economic approach to dispute resolution, particularly by avoiding the use of the Courts so far as possible, but then on issuing proceedings to continue a robust support of the client's position. He is a particular advocate of mediation to resolve disputes, which are inappropriate for trial in Court. David was articled at Magic Circle firm, Allen & Overy, and spent 3 more years in its Commercial Litigation department. After moving to Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand, he continued to develop his Allen & Overy training into property, agricultural and commercial law whilst also expanding his litigation experience.
EXPERIENCE
Passing-off claims between international petrol retailers, Burmah-Castrol and Texaco;
Part of the "coal-face" team in the litigation between the Bank of Iran and the American Banks, including Chase Manhattan
The first "search and seize" order (then called an "Anton Pillar Order") in a patent action (Pfizer Ltd v Peter Hand GB Ltd)
Anton Pillar orders in commercial disputes (Sharp Bedroom Designs Limited v Sharp & Others)
Participation in the litigation following the leading case on interim injunctions (American Cyanamid v Ethicon)
A wide range of employment disputes for household names such as Habitat
Advocacy in the lower Courts
Intellectual Property disputes, in passing-off, trade mark and patent matters
Property title issues, with particular emphasis on adverse possession ("squatter's title") claims, (including the Court of Appeal case Townley v Topplan Estates), boundaries and easements (including sporting rights) (including the Court of Appeal case Mulvaney v Gough), confirming the prescriptive right to an easement for a communal garden)
Employment, particularly post-employment restrictions
Shareholder/Director/Minority interest disputes
Disputed debt claims and associated insolvency issues (individual and corporate)
Sale of defective goods and services
Claims against professionals, including solicitors, for negligence and misfeasance
Landlord & Tenant disputes for residential, agricultural and business clients (including the Court of Appeal decision in Ridehalgh v Horsefield)
All types of commercial disputes, including the only case in the Restrictive Trade Practices Act in the House of Lords (Associated Dairies v Baines)
Job Titles:
- SENIOR PARTNER
- SENIOR PARTNER / Commercial
EXPERIENCE
Sale and Purchase of companies and businesses;
Advising employers on Employment Contracts, Staff Handbooks and company policies and avoiding tribunals;
Bringing and defending Employment Tribunal claims, including some advocacy;
Representing clients in the Employment Appeal Tribunal;
Defending and bringing discrimination cases;
Advising employers on redundancy processes from one employee to over 50 employees;
Advising on TUPE matters;
Drafting and preparing Settlement Agreements (formerly known as Compromise Agreements);
All aspects of commercial and agricultural property including sales and purchases, leases , options and refinancing;
Licensing applications including premises and personal licences.
Job Titles:
- ASSOCIATE MEMBER of CILEx
EXPERIENCE
Preparing of Wills
Preparing and registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney
Administration of Estates
Assisting in the administration of Trusts
Emma offers specialist advice in relation to divorce, separation and resolving financial matters with the benefit of nearly 20 years experience. Emma has particular expertise in advising upon financial matters involving small and medium sized businesses, farming partnerships and professionals, including the medical profession. Emma is one of the few qualified collaborative solicitors in the area enabling her to offer a wider range of options for resolving disputes. Emma originates from Yorkshire and qualified and practised in Bradford and York before joining the firm in 1999. She became a Partner in 2004.
Emma listens carefully and sensitively to the needs of all her clients and strives to achieve their goals in a pragmatic and cost effective way. She will give clear guidance in what can be an overwhelming process at a difficult time and is committed to achieving a positive outcome.
EXPERIENCE
All aspects of divorce, separation and civil partnership;
Financial and property matters involving partnerships, directors and shareholders of limited companies, the family business, farming partnerships, professionals, GPs, Medical Consultants, University Academics, the Armed Forces and Police;
Cohabitation disputes;
Pre-marital and cohabitation agreements;
Arrangements for children;
Injunctions for the occupation of the family home and domestic violence.
Job Titles:
- ASSOCIATE
- Member of Our Private Client
- SENIOR CHARTED LEGAL EXECUTIVE
- the Firm in 2001 As a Student Member
Hayley is a member of our Private Client department and deals with a wide range of matter including the administration of estates and trusts, preparation of Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, applications to the Court of Protection and NHS Continuing Care Funding Claims.
Hayley joined the firm in 2001 as a Student Member of ILEX becoming an Associated Member in 2005 and a Fellow in 2007. She previously worked at a firm in Leyland and has over 20 years experience in the Private Client field.
Hayley is an Accredited Member of Solicitors for the Elderly.
EXPERIENCE
Preparation of Wills including inheritance tax advice;
Administration of testate and intestate estates;
Administration and creation of trusts;
Preparation and registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney;
Managing an individual's affairs under Lasting Powers of Attorney & Court appointed Deputyship;
Applications to the Court of Protection for the appointment of a Deputy to act for an individual who is no longer able to deal with their own affairs;
Claims to the NHS for Continuing Health Care Funding, including retrospective claims;
Tax Returns & Trust Accounts;
Variation of Estates;
Advice on Care Home funding.
Job Titles:
- ASSOCIATE
- SENIOR SOLICITOR
- SOLICITOR
Helen is the Private Client Solicitor based in our Kirkby Lonsdale office.
Upon qualifying as a Solicitor Helen initially specialised in all aspects of family law before moving to Cumbria in 2014 to specialise in private client. Helen became a member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP) to increase her knowledge and expertise gaining full accreditation in 2018.
Helen appreciates that sometimes clients require advice and assistance when they are emotionally vulnerable and prides herself on her approachable manner, caring nature and ability to guide clients through the process, providing advice they are able to understand, which means she frequently acts for more than one generation of a family and builds trusting and longstanding relationships with clients.
EXPERIENCE
Drafting Wills
Preparation and Registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney for both Property and Finance and Health and Care.
Registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney
Administration of both testate and intestate estates
Deeds of Variation and Disclaimers
Applications to the Court of Protection for the appointment of a Deputy for individuals lacking capacity to manage their own affairs
Managing the affairs of individuals who lack capacity under a Lasting Power of Attorney or orders of the Court of Protection
Administration of Trusts
Job Titles:
- TRAINEE SOLICITOR
- PARALEGAL
EXPERIENCE
The sale and purchase of Companies and businesses, from small enterprises to large, global businesses
The making and receiving of Private Equity, Venture Capital and Business Angel investment
Management Buy-Outs
Partnership Matters, including conversions from a partnership to a company structure
Business reorganisations
Share buy-backs and other returns of value to shareholders
Shareholder's agreement and general Company administration;
Succession Planning
Job Titles:
- PARTNER and NOTARY PUBLIC
John is a member of the Agricultural Law Association and deals with a broad range of agricultural matters including the sale and purchase of estates, farms and rural property, agricultural tenancies, land registration and other areas of law noted in the agricultural section of the website. Spending a year living in Berlin gave John experience working with niche agricultural law firm Schwarz Thomsen on renewable energy projects.
John was brought up in North Yorkshire and after studying agriculture at Newcastle University, he went on to read law at the College of Law in York, before training and qualifying with the firm in 2007. Since joining the firm, John has worked alongside Martin Gillibrand in the agricultural department.
Having been appointed a notary public after undertaking additional legal examinations at the University of Cambridge, John is able to handle all aspects of notarial work. For more information about the notarial services we are able to offer, please telephone or email John and more information can be obtained by clicking here.
EXPERIENCE
The sale and purchase of agricultural land and farms, from small plots to large agricultural estates including the drafting of complex contracts of sale dealing with Single Farm Payment Entitlements, Environmental Schemes, milk quota, the installation of services and a broad range of specific covenants and agreements.
The sale of land and farms by way of public auction.
Overage clauses taking effect on the grant, implementation and disposal of land with the benefit of planning permission.
Agricultural Tenancies.
Sporting Leases and Licences.
All aspects of land registration including the rectification of legal titles, voluntary registration and adverse possession.
Handling cases involving the drafting of a broad range of easement documentation in relation to pipelines and other services.
Negotiating on behalf of clients in anticipation of boundary disputes.
High value residential conveyancing, especially in respect of country houses.
Mortgages of residential and agricultural property.
Lara joined the firm as a paralegal in June 2014 and since qualifying as a solicitor in November 2017, focuses on Agricultural & Rural Property matters under the supervision of the head of the department, John Myers. Lara particularly enjoys working on secured lending and refinancing transactions and has become particularly experienced in voluntary and compulsory first registrations of land.
EXPERIENCE
The sale and purchase of commercial and agricultural land, including the drafting of complex contracts of sale dealing with Basic Payment Entitlements, Environmental and Stewardship Schemes, the installation of services and a broad range of specific covenants and agreements
The sale of land and farms by way of public auction
Overage clauses taking effect on the grant, implementation and disposal of land with the benefit of planning permission
Agricultural and Farm Business Tenancies
All aspects of Land Registration
Transfers of Equity
Grants of Easements in relation to pipelines and other services
High value residential conveyancing
Secured lending and refinancing of residential, commercial and agricultural property
Job Titles:
- ASSOCIATE
- SENIOR SOLICITOR
- SOLICITOR
Laura joined Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand in October 2020 from a regional firm. Being locally based and having worked in Preston, Garstang, Lancaster and South Lakes for a number of years now, Laura has established a strong client base who return to her time and time again for advice and, sometimes, just for a chat and a cup of tea.
Laura studied for her undergraduate Law degree at the University of Durham and then went on to pass her Legal Practice Course with distinction at the College of Law in Chester. She was then offered a training contract with a firm of solicitors in the North West, where she qualified as a solicitor in September 2016.
Laura specialises in all aspects of private client work including the preparation of wills, codicils, powers of attorney, administration of estates and tax planning. Her aim is always to explain to her clients what can often be complex legal principles in a clear, concise and accessible way. Laura understands that preparing your own will or administering a loved one's estate can be difficult at what is often a highly emotional time and she aims to guide her clients through their issues professionally yet sensitively.
In her spare time Laura enjoys the finer things in life including theatre, day-trips away, entertaining, eating out and travel. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
EXPERIENCE
Drafting Wills
Preparation and Registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney
Registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney
Administration of estates
Advising in connection with and preparing Deeds of Variation and Disclaimers
Laura qualified as a solicitor in 2018 choosing to specialise in civil litigation matters.
After graduating with a first class honours degree in Law, Laura went on to pass the Legal Practice Course with distinction at the University of Law in Manchester. Laura then completed her training contract at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors in Carlisle.
Laura has experience in dealing with a wide variety of litigation matters including landlord and tenant disputes, property disputes, debt claims and breach of contract claims. Laura also deals with contentious employment matters and has experience of acting for clients in the Employment Tribunal for claims of unfair and wrongful dismissal.
She joined the firm's Litigation Department in July 2021 where she is looking forward to broadening her litigation experience and helping clients achieve the best possible outcome.
In her spare time, Laura enjoys ticking off the Wainwrights with her partner and riding her horse in the Lake District where she grew up. She is also partial to a wild water swim in her local lake Coniston.
Job Titles:
- SENIOR SOLICITOR
- Senior Solicitor in Oglethorpe
Liz is a Senior Solicitor in Oglethorpe, Sturton & Gillibrand's well established and respected Private Client team based in our Lancaster and Kirkby Lonsdale offices.
Liz's specialism is in assisting and advising a wide range of clients on a broad spectrum of matters, particularly High Net Worth clients, business owners and farming families in the preparation of Wills, Trusts, Succession and Tax planning, Probate, Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applications. Liz's previous career as a company director and production planner in the agricultural industry really helps her to understand things from a clients' perspective.
Liz loves speaking with people and meeting clients from all walks of life. Her approach is a very holistic and practical one - it isn't about getting clients in and out - it is very important to listen and find out what clients want to achieve, so we can work together with themselves, their families, and their advisors to obtain the best possible outcome.
Liz qualified as a Solicitor in 2007, having combined full time work with her studies. Before joining us at Oglethorpe, Sturton & Gillbrand in July 2021, Liz spent time with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors and, before that, 6 years with Napthens LLP, Southport, as Associate Solicitor and Head of Office.
Liz's main passion is horses, having qualified in her younger days as a BHSAI instructor, and enjoys getting out and about with her ex-racehorse.
Job Titles:
- SOLICITOR
- SOLICITOR / Commercial Property
Lois joined the firm as a newly qualified Solicitor in June 2021 and works within the Commercial Property Department where she is excited to broaden her commercial property experience assisting Allan Sumner and Alison Kinder with property matters.
Prior to qualifying Lois completed her training contract at a firm in Preston where she gained experience across different departments including residential and commercial property, wills, probate & lasting powers of attorney as well as a range of litigation matters. Lois has a close affinity with the area having grown up and gone to school locally, she is looking forward to working back in her hometown.
Outside of work Lois enjoys spending time with her friends and family, attending gym classes and travelling.
Lois prides herself on being a hard-working professional whilst maintaining a down to earth approach.
EXPERIENCE
The sale and purchase of residential and commercial property
Refinancing of residential and commercial property
Landlord & Tenant matters
Mark was born in Northern Ireland but was educated in Scotland and England before coming to Lancaster to study law at university. Mark qualified as a solicitor in Lancaster and worked on the Fylde Coast before returning to Oglethorpe Sturton and Gillibrand's highly respected private client department.
Mark is an experienced solicitor who has specialised in private client work for the whole of his legal career. He is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners; the internationally recognised leading professional organisation in his area of law as well as a member of the Agricultural Law Association.
Mark works hard to provide seamless advice to clients and their families. He recognises that families are complex and that every family requires an individual approach. He takes the time to get to know his clients and those close to them. In addition he advocates working with any other professional advisors clients may have ensuring that advice provided is continuous and complete. In many cases he is fortunate enough to act for several generations of the same family.
Mark is consciously aware that clients turn to him in times of difficulty, stress or upset and prides himself on providing appropriate advice in a clear and understandable way. He understands that life can present the unexpected and prefers a practical and flexible approach which will stand the test of time.
EXPERIENCE
Dealing with Estate Planning for a wide range of clients including the moderately wealthy and high net worth clients, the protection of assets, inter-generational wealth transfer, planning and implementation, lifetime gifts (including to Trusts).
Preparation and advice on Wills and Notes of Wishes.
Administration of Estates (including advice, consequential planning for beneficiaries, advice on taxation elements to executors including income tax, inheritance tax, capital gains tax and the management of these taxes during the administration and thereafter, general administration and resolution of conflicts). Deeds of Variation and Disclaimer.
Advice on the establishment, administration, winding up and taxation of Trusts including resolution of conflicts.
Guidance to Settlors, Trustees, Personal Representatives (Executors and Administrators), Protectors, Beneficiaries and their families.
Advice and preparation of Powers of Attorney. Applications for orders from Court of Protection for attorneys particularly with regard to estate planning for those who have lost capacity, their families, deputies and attorneys.
Job Titles:
- CONSULTANT
- Expert in the Field of Agricultural
Martin is a nationally acknowledged expert in the field of Agricultural and Farming Law.
He trained with the international City of London based corporate firm Allen & Overy, joining Oglethorpes in 1974. His client services concentrate on all areas of Agricultural Property, Practices and Tax Planning, as well as Wills and Probate and all aspects of Property and Trust law.
He has been a member of the Agricultural Law Association and Secretary of the Moorland Association, which lobbies for the interests of upland property owners. An expert on rural affairs, he enjoys the countryside, shooting and gardening.
Martin retired as Senior Partner from the firm in the summer of 2014 but still comes into the office weekly on a Consultancy basis.
Michael is a solicitor specialising in agricultural land and property and acts for a wide range of clients including farmers, rural estates, charities and agricultural businesses and suppliers. As the son of a dairy farmer, Michael grew up milking cows and driving tractors. As a result of his upbringing, Michael understands the unique challenges facing those who live and work in the countryside and tailors his advice to best suit the needs of his agricultural clients.
Since qualifying in 2019, Michael has gained extensive experience in handling a wide variety of commercial property matters and developing a specialism in agricultural and rural matters in particular. Prior to qualifying he experienced working in Litigation and Family.
Michael joined the firm in May 2021 and forms part of the specialist Agricultural Department.
EXPERIENCE
Buying and Selling farms, woodland and other rural land;
Occupancy agreements- Farm Business Tenancies, Grazing Licences and the like;
Secured lending and refinancing involving farms and rural properties including portfolios of security properties;
Granting of easements in relation to access, services and the like;
Transfers of equity;
Overage, option and pre-emption agreements including options and conditional sales of development land; and
Basic Payment, Stewardship and other such agreements.
Job Titles:
- SOLICITOR
- SOLICITOR / Residential Property
Patricia hails from Northern Ireland, but arrived in Lancaster many years ago to do and MSc in European Environmental Policy and Regulation at Lancaster University, having previously completed her law degree at the University of Mid Glamorgan.
Patricia joined the team at Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand having spent the past sixteen years working at two other local law firms, based in Morecambe. That was following a three year period working in estate agency. Patricia has joined the Property department, specialising in residential matters.
EXPERIENCE
Residential Sales & Purchases
Transfers of Equity
Re-mortgages
Equity Release
Sale of Property by Auction
New Build Purchases
Help To Buy Assisted Purchases
Shared Ownership
Job Titles:
- PARALEGAL
- PARALEGAL / Family Law
Siobhan recently joined the firm in August 2021 after gaining a first-class honours degree in Law from the University of Liverpool. Siobhan is looking forward to gaining valuable experience in a wide range of family matters by assisting Emma Briggs and Anna Wilkinson in the family department.
Siobhan aims to start the Legal Practice Course in January 2021, aiming to qualify as a Solicitor specialising in family law, particularly children law matters.
Outside of work, Siobhan enjoys spending time with her friends and family, walks with her dogs and playing netball.
Job Titles:
- TRAINEE SOLICITOR
- PARALEGAL
Thomas joined the firm in October 2021 having moved to Lancaster from Settle, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Thomas finished his studies in 2020 , studying in Leeds obtaining a 2.1 in his undergraduate degree and Commendation for his LPC and Masters in Law and Business Management at the University of Law. After graduating Thomas spent the year gaining experience at a busy firm in his hometown Settle, dealing with residential and commercial property as well as private client work.
Thomas is currently in the firm's Litigation department assisting David Barnes and Catherine Roberts with a wide variety of work. He is looking forward to learning from both and knows that he will gain invaluable experience. He has already gained experience in the Corporate department assisting Jennifer Grabowski and Carolina Donner in a variety of work, such as mergers and acquisitions, partnership agreements and shareholders agreements along with company reorganisations.
In his spare time Thomas enjoys being very active, frequently attending the gym and playing sports, in particular football, tennis and golf.
EXPERIENCE
Residential & Commercial Property
Wills & Probate
Commercial & Civil Litigation
Mergers & Acquisitions
Partnership Agreements
Company Reorganisations