BHP LAW - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Trainee
- Trainee Legal Executive
Trainee Legal Executive Service areas: Court Of Protection
Abi studied law at A-Level and went on to successfully complete an apprenticeship in Business Administration. She joined BHP Law in 2018 as a secretary in our Residential Conveyancing team. Abi transferred to the Court of Protection team in November 2019. In January 2021, Abi commenced her training to qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive and looks forward to continuing her training and completing her LPC in the future to eventually qualify as a solicitor.
Abi McDowell Trainee Legal Executive Abi studied law at A-Level and went on to successfully complete an apprenticeship in Business Administration. She joined BHP Law in 2018 as a secretary… 01325 466 794 abim@bhplaw.co.uk MORE ABOUT ABI
Akkelin advises on matters relating to Wills, Trusts and Probate as well as Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applications. She is a…
Alex began her career as a Family Law Clerk at Watson Woodhouse Solicitors after graduating from Teesside University in 2004. She spent her first year in legal practice assisting the Family Law Team in aspects of matrimonial and private children law issues. Alex deferred the Legal Practice Course to pursue the opportunity at Watson Woodhouse Solicitors; the following year, she accepted a place at Nottingham Law School.
After graduating from Law School, Alex returned to Teesside and secured a Legal Clerk position at Leigh Turton Dixon Solicitors. Here she worked in all aspects of family law, including public law proceedings. Alex secured a training contract with the firm and alongside this completed the Police Station Accreditation Scheme. Upon qualification in 2009, Alex effectively practiced as Solicitor Advocate in the magistrates and family courts. Alex qualified as a Duty Solicitor under the Criminal Litigation Scheme, but it was her love of public children law that really captured her attention. Alex completed the Children Panel Accreditation Scheme in 2013 and has since been representing children and family members, in the public law arena.
In 2012, Alex represented a party in proceedings concerning unidentified perpetrators which progressed to The Supreme Court; RE J (CARE PROCEEDINGS: POSSIBLE PERPETRATORS) [2013] UKSC 9.
Alex moved to VCW Law (formally Vickers Chisman and Wishlade Solicitors) in late 2013 where she became Joint Head of the Family Department. After spending almost ten years developing the family law practice, Alex joined BHP Law in February 2023 where her focus is to help expand the public law aspect of the firm's growth, within the family team across the region.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Family Law Specialist
- Specialist
Andrea is a specialist Family Lawyer with over 30 years' experience. She undertook her law degree at Northumbria University and went on to study for the solicitors' exams as it was then at Chester Law School. Andrea has remained in the region and has practiced solely within the North East.
Andrea joined Harvey & Marron, a very respected small law firm in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, as a trainee solicitor. Since qualifying as a solicitor, she has dealt with all family matters including divorce, pre-nuptial agreements, post-nuptial agreements, financial matters on divorce/separation, disputes between parents and extended family members including grandparents in respect of arrangements for children. Andrea also deals with domestic abuse cases/other protective orders and represents clients in care proceedings.
Andrea is one of the first lawyers in the North East to be Collaboratively trained and she has enjoyed great success in dealing with cases that have been dealt with through the Collaborative process.
Andrea believes that everyone should have access to legal advice, and she ensures that clients are supported from their initial contact with her to the end of their matter. She believes in putting clients and their families first in all matters and her collaborative, empathetic and supportive approach means that she can get the job done as well as seeing her clients through what is often a very challenging time.
Andrea is well respected by her peers in the region and has played a significant role in the development of her practice and the team. Under her leadership, the family team are recognised in the Legal500.
Anthony worked at Browell Smith & Co Solicitors before qualifying and working at Thompsons Solicitors between 2003 and 2016. He joined BHP Law's Employment team in 2018 where he specialises in advising and acting for claimants and respondents on a wide range of employment matters, including issuing and defending Employment Tribunal claims, drafting and advising on settlement agreements, policies, Staff Handboks and contracts, and representing clients (both Claimant and Respondent) in the Employment Tribunal in liability and remedy hearings. Employment Tribunal judgements include Mrs M Crane and Ms S Moody v Hudson Catering Ltd and Nu To Go Ltd (2500557/2020 & 2500742/2020) (TUPE transfer); Ms C Wood v Rejoy Beauty Ltd (2500349/2020) (automatically unfair dismissal); RMS (NE) Ltd v Mrs C Cooper (2500472/2023) (disability dismissal).
Job Titles:
- Apprentice
- Apprentice Solicitor
Apprentice Solicitor Service areas: Court Of Protection
Ben joined BHP Law in September 2022, after finishing his A-levels. Within Ben's first year as a Solicitor Apprentice, he joined the Wills, Trusts, and Probate team, dealing with private client work, drafting Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and attending client meetings.
Ben works four days a week whilst studying for his undergraduate degree in law at Northumbria University and is currently in his second year of his degree and his apprenticeship.
In September 2023, Ben moved into his second seat within our Residential Conveyancing team. This saw Ben assist with both sales and purchases of property, replying to enquiries and drafting various legal documents.
Ben is currently in our Court of Protection Health and Welfare team, where we represent vulnerable clients who are deemed to lack capacity and who are deprived of their liberty.
Ben Armstrong Apprentice Solicitor Ben joined BHP Law in September 2022, after finishing his A-levels. Within Ben's first year as a Solicitor Apprentice, he joined the Wills, Trusts,… 0191 384 0840 benarmstrong@bhplaw.co.uk MORE ABOUT BEN
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Trainee Solicitor
Catrina is currently a trainee solicitor having recently completed her LPC and Masters Degree in Law at Northumbria University, where she was awarded a Distinction. She began her legal career at Clark Willis Law Firm LLP in 2015 where she assisted in an array of departments including crime, mental health and residential conveyancing. It was in 2016, at Cartwright King Solicitors, where she found her love for the Court of Protection. Her day-to-day role involves the preparation of court documents such as issue documentation, witness statements and court orders. She analyses both care home records and medical records, liaises with clients, drafts statements and attends court hearings.
Catrina's varied role has meant she has developed specialised skills for helping people who lack the capacity to make health and welfare decisions for themselves.
Catrina started her training contract in September 2022, and she now continues this at BHP Law.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Accredited Children Panel Solicitor
Charlotte joined BHP Law in February 2024 as an Associate Solicitor to help expand the child law aspect of the firm's growing family team.
Charlotte qualified as a Solicitor in 2018 within a local high street firm. Her practice upon qualification was predominantly family work covering all aspects of family law including domestic abuse and injunctions, private and public children law, divorce and matrimonial finances.
Charlotte since developed a specialism in public children law, otherwise known as Care Proceedings when a Local Authority becomes involved with a family due to safeguarding and welfare concerns.
Charlotte is an Accredited Children Panel Solicitor, allowing her to represent children in both public and private law proceedings. Charlotte represents a range of parties in proceedings to include parents, extended family members and children. Charlotte also regularly represents parents in "Pre-Proceedings" meetings with the Local Authority.
Charlotte has experience of dealing with a variety of cases of differing severity to include but not limited to; infant fatality, non-accidental injuries, sexual abuse, substance misuse, psychological/emotional abuse and domestic abuse.
Cheryl joined BHP Law in January 2023 as a Senior Associate to help expand the public aspect of the firms growing Family team.
Cheryl qualified as a solicitor in 2009, completing her training contract with VCW Law, formerly Vickers, Chisman & Wishlade Solicitors where she remained until joining BHP Law.
Cheryl has focussed on family work since qualifying and covered all aspects of family work including domestic abuse, private and public child law, divorce and matrimonial finances. She has since developed a specialism in public children law and is a Children Panel Accredited Solicitor, allowing her to represent children both in public and private proceedings. Cheryl represents a range of parties in care proceedings from parents and other family members, intervenors and children.
Cheryl has experience in dealing with a variety of cases with issues including but not limited to non-accidental injuries, neglect, substance misuse, sexual, psychological/emotional and domestic abuse.
Job Titles:
- Apprentice
- Apprentice Solicitor
Apprentice Solicitor Service areas: Resolving Personal Disputes
Ellie joined us in September 2020 as a Solicitor Apprentice in our Court of Protection team. Ellie continues to study towards her law degree one day per week, and will graduate Northumbria University in 2024 before progressing to the final stage of her apprenticeship and sitting the Solicitors Qualifying Exams.
In years 1 - 2 of her apprenticeship, Ellie assisted the Court of Protection (Health and Welfare) team, representing vulnerable clients who have been deemed to lack capacity. During this time, Ellie also spent some time assisting our Commercial and Agricultural Property team.
In year 3, Ellie moved to our Family team, focusing on public law matters whilst also assisting with private law children matters. This included managing a caseload of child protection and domestic abuse related matters, and conducting in-court advocacy on a variety of matters appearing before District Judges and Magistrates.
Ellie has now commenced year 4 of her apprenticeship and has moved to our Dispute Resolution team. Ellie is developing a caseload of a variety of dispute matters, including landlord and tenant work, personal disputes and construction/building claims whilst assisting the team with a variety of complex disputes.
Ellie Phillips Apprentice Solicitor Ellie joined us in September 2020 as a Solicitor Apprentice in our Court of Protection team. Ellie continues to study towards her law degree one day per… 01325 466 794 elenaphillips@bhplaw.co.uk MORE ABOUT ELLIE
Emma qualified as a paralegal and completed her police station accreditation before joining BHP Law's Court of Protection team.
Conveyancing Executive Service areas: Residential Conveyancing
Fiona began her career in law in the 1990s, where she worked within several firms as a Legal Secretary and thereafter as a Paralegal.
Following this role, Fiona worked for the local government planning department. Fiona then emigrated to the USA for 10 years, where she continued to utilise her legal skills in various roles.
Upon her return to the UK, Fiona joined BHP Law and began working in the Wills, Trust and Probate team. Fiona's time in this department enabled her to broaden her private client experience which has assisted her in her current role in Residential Conveyancing. Fiona has a qualifying Law Degree - LLB (Hons) which she has gained along the way.
Consultant Solicitor Service areas: Corporate & Commercial Law
Gary has some 35 years advising on many high value share sales/acquisitions transactions for various businesses across the North East and internationally, including management buy-outs, EMI schemes, growth share schemes, shareholder agreements, creation and issue of shares, company own share buy backs and advising on contract terms.
Job Titles:
- Chartered Legal Executive
With over 20 years experience as a Chartered Legal Executive specialising in Family Law, Gillian joined BHP Law's family team in October 2020 bringing with her a wealth of experience. She achieved accredited status with Resolution in 2013 dealing with complex Financial Provision matters in divorce and private child law matters. Gillian specialises in divorce and separation, matrimonial finance and private child law matters.
Partner Service areas: Wills, Trusts & Probate
Helen qualified as a solicitor in 1993 and at that time joined Walton Hardy & Clough in Darlington as a member of their Wills, Trusts & Probate team. She was made a partner in 1996.
Following the merger of Walton Hardy & Clough with BHP Law in 1997, Helen became head of the team dealing with all aspects of work specialising in elderly client issues and inheritance tax planning.
Paralegal Service areas: Resolving Personal Disputes
Holly completed a four-year course at Northumbria University and received an integrated master's degree as well as her Legal Practice Course qualification. A module she studied at university was a clinical negligence course which sparked her interest in the court of protection area.
Holly completed a one year course at Northumbria University Student Law Office. The Student Law Office offered free legal services to members of the public. Holly undertook live client experience in the Criminal Law Firm providing pro-bono advice on Road Traffic Offences.
Holly's biggest accomplishment in her academic career includes achieving the Woon Foundation Norman Brown Memorial Prize at Northumbria University. This prize was awarded in recognition of the best performance over the whole year by an MLaw year one student.
Ian Barker Senior Associate Ian joined BHP Law as a Senior Associate in our Commercial and Agricultural Property team in November 2020. … 01325 466 794 ianbarker@bhplaw.co.uk MORE ABOUT IAN
Job Titles:
- Apprentice
- Apprentice Solicitor
Apprentice Solicitor Service areas: Wills, Trusts & Probate
Jack joined BHP in September 2020 as an Apprentice Solicitor in our Family Team. In year one of the apprenticeship Jack predominantly assisted with private law matters, including divorce, finance, separation and private law children matters. He then made an internal transition within the Team to focus on public law family matters. This included a case load consisting of child protection and domestic abuse related matters. As part of the apprenticeship, Jack is undertaking a Masters Degree in Law at Northumbria University. He was admitted to the Law School's Honour Roll sponsored by Womble Bond Dickinson for academic year 2020-21 "in recognition of his outstanding performance".
In September 2022, Jack moved seat to gain further experience in our Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team. Here, he adopted a substantial case load focusing on a range of dispute matters, from commercial & personal disputes to construction & building claims. Following his successful development in this area, Jack was awarded "Trainee of the Year" at the Northern Law Awards, held in Newcastle Upon-Tyne.
Jack will graduate Northumbria University in 2024 before officially commencing his training contract and progressing towards undertaking the Solicitor Qualifying Exam parts 1 and 2. He is currently working within our Wills, Trusts, and Probate Team as he begins the fourth year of his apprenticeship.
Jack Collins Apprentice Solicitor Jack joined BHP in September 2020 as an Apprentice Solicitor in our Family Team. In year one of the apprenticeship Jack predominantly assisted with private… 01325 466 794 jackcollins@bhplaw.co.uk MORE ABOUT JACK
Partner Service areas: Residential Conveyancing
Jemma is our Residential Conveyancing Team Leader. Jemma became a Partner at BHP Law in 2022. She joined BHP Law in 2010 as Mr Peter Blackett's PA and has studied and built on her existing knowledge from previous conveyancing experience in other firms and progressed her career with BHP Law. Overall Jemma has over 20 years experience in the Conveyancing world. Jemma fully qualified as a Licensed Conveyancer in 2021. A Licensed Conveyancer being a specialist property lawyer.
Jemma deals with all aspects of Residential Conveyancing including the sale and purchase of freehold and leasehold properties, re-mortgages, transfers and new build properties. Jemma has established a good relationship with both local estate agents and solicitors as well as building a good return client base.
Outside of BHP Law Jemma enjoys spending time and doing activities with her young family
Trainee Solicitor Service areas: Personal Injury, Medical Negligence, Accidents At Work
Jennifer joined BHP Law in 2022, having previously specialised in handling a variety of personal injury claims arising out of Road Traffic Accidents at Winn Solicitors. Jennifer has brought her knowledge and experience of personal injury to BHP Law and is able to offer a compassionate approach whilst representing clients throughout their legal claim.
Jennifer graduated from University with her Bachelor of Law Degree and went on to complete her Master of Laws and Legal Practice Course. Whilst studying at University, Jennifer volunteered as a Witness Support Officer with the Citizens Advice Bureau, attending Court with witnesses, explaining the legal process, and ensuring they were kept up to date with proceedings.
John is Managing Partner of BHP Law and as such has been responsible for overseeing the growth and development of the firm since the early 1990's. He is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of the business and as part of the management board, advising and making recommendations concerning ongoing growth and strategic development.
Senior Associate Service areas: Personal Injury, Court Of Protection, Resolving Personal Disputes, Commercial Litigation & Business Disputes, Mental Health
Jonathan advises on all aspects of Mental Health and Court of Protection Law, alongside work in Civil Litigation. He is an Accredited Member of the Law Society Panel of Mental Health Practitioners as well as an Accredited Legal Representative in Court of Protection work.
He qualified as a Solicitor in 1993, working in Middlesbrough and Chester-le-Street before moving to BHP Law.
Karen Stephanie Pratt is an equity partner and is head of the Court of Protection team.
After being admitted as a solicitor in 1986, Karen became a partner with Tony Deas the in firm of A.D. Deas & Co practising in Gosforth. In 1989 she became one of five founder partners in the specialist firm of Deas Mallen Souter practising on the Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne. Karen specialised in clinical negligence and related matters including high profile multi party litigation. In 1997 she joined BHP Law as a partner. Karen qualified as a financial adviser two years later although has not pursued the continuing education for this.
Karen has been acting as a professional Court of Protection deputy and professional trustee for over 10 years, her previous experience in clinical negligence and personal injury litigation being an asset. Her financial knowledge has helped when dealing with the management of client's financial affairs including capital of over £60m in total and additional independent income of over £2m per annum. The clients have varying ranges of mental and physical disability. In addition to managing their compensation claims, Karen also ensures that they have all of the welfare benefits to which they are entitled.
Karen identified the need to create a Court of Protection team at BHP Law and has since trained additional Court of Protection deputies. Karen's workload has been created solely by personal referrals from clients, personal injury litigators, case managers and financial advisers.
Corporate Executive Service areas: Corporate & Commercial Law
Karolyn has worked at BHP Law for over 18 years. Within the business and commercial law team she has assisted on advising high value share sales/acquisitions transactions, management buy-outs, EMI schemes, growth share schemes, shareholder agreements, creation and issue of shares, company own share buy backs and advising on contract terms.
Job Titles:
- Marketing & Business Development Manager
As the Director of Operations at BHP Law, Kieran oversees our legal services and operational functions across multiple practice areas and locations -…
Job Titles:
- Chartered Legal Executive
Laura has worked in the legal profession for over 20 years. She completed her training at J W Mitchell Dodds & Co and remained at that firm when it merged…
Lauren obtained her law degree from the University of Cumbria, graduating in 2012 and started her LPC at Northumbria University, graduating the following…
Job Titles:
- Chartered Legal Executive Advocate
Leanne made the change from the procurement sector to law, having completed her part-time Open University law degree with upper second-class honours in…
Lisa Clark Trainee Legal Executive Lisa joined BHP Law in November 2003 to provide Secretarial/Admin support in the Industrial Disease team, she became a Paralegal in 2005. Lisa… 01325 466 794 lisaclark@bhplaw.co.uk MORE ABOUT LISA
Having previously practised in a mixture of commercial and residential property work. in other firms in the North East since qualifying in 2006, Liz joined…
Job Titles:
- Conveyancing Executive
- Secretary
Lorna joined BHP Law as a secretary in our residential conveyancing team in 2019. She brings a wealth of experience working in residential and commercial…
Louise started practising in court of protection work in 2019. Prior to this, she was an advocate at Middlesbrough Citizens Advice Bureau. Louise completed…
Lucy Burgess Apprentice Solicitor Lucy joined BHP Law as a Solicitor Apprentice in September 2022. As an apprentice, Lucy will experience working within different departments over the… 0191 384 0840 lucyburgess@bhplaw.co.uk MORE ABOUT LUCY
Lucy studied law at Newcastle University before completing her LPC in York and qualifying as a Solicitor in 2017. She is proficient in all matters relating…
Maariyah is a newly qualified Solicitor specialising in Family Law, predominantly public children law. Maariyah started her career as a legal secretary…
Megan Austin Apprentice Solicitor Megan joined BHP Law as a Solicitor Apprentice in 2022, following the completion of her A-Levels. Megan studies at Northumbria University one day per… 01325 466 794 meganaustin@bhplaw.co.uk MORE ABOUT MEGAN
Melanie qualified as a solicitor in September 2019 at the age of 43. Previously, Melanie was employed as a Court of Protection Paralegal at Gateshead…
Michelle qualified as a solicitor in 2006, specialising in criminal law. In 2013, Michelle also trained in private client services and private family…
Following University Natalie was employed by a firm in Gateshead and in 2014 began her Training Contract. The majority of her training was within commercial…
Job Titles:
- Conveyancing Executive
- a Conveyancing Secretary
Nicola joined BHP Law as a conveyancing secretary in 2015. Following two years working as a conveyancing secretary at another local firm, Nicola returned…
Nicole joined BHP Law in January 2023 as a Trainee Solicitor having worked at VCW Law for nearly five years within the Family Department. Nicole commenced…
Oluwapelumi (Amanda) Adeola specialises in private Family Law. She moved to the Northeast from London after completing her Legal Practice Course and trained…
Job Titles:
- Partner / Senior Partner Peter Blackett Has Practised for over 50 Years in Durham & North Yorkshire and Has Been Involved in Many Significant Commercial and Agricultural
Senior partner Peter Blackett has practised for over 50 years in Durham & North Yorkshire and has been involved in many significant commercial and agricultural…
Job Titles:
- Chartered Legal Executive
Peter is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Legal Executive and has over 35 years experience in dealing with Probate matters. Peter joined BHP Law…
Following university Phil was employed by Dawn Advice as a legal advisor. Dawn is a charitable organisation based near Cramlington that provided detailed…
Rachel started her career in the legal sector in 2009 and joins BHP Law's Personal Disputes Resolution team after spending the past 11 years as an Associate…
Rachel is an Associate Solicitor working across the Dispute Resolution/Employment and Mental Health teams. She has excellent academic credentials including…
Ruth is a former member of the Bar Council before cross qualifying as a solicitor. She joined BHP Law in March 2014 as an associate and was made head…
Sapna previously worked as a mental health paralegal for Thaliwal Bridge solicitors, in Leicester. She obtained a LSC funded training contract, then worked…
Job Titles:
- Chartered Legal Executive
Sara completed her Law degree in July 2016 at Teesside University and began working in a local firm doing residential conveyancing. She completed her…
In January 2022 Tracy Farman joined BHP Law's Personal Injury and Medical Negligence department, in Durham, after working for a solicitors practice…
Victoria joined BHP Law in December 2022 as a Senior Associate bringing over 10 years experience of working in Court of Protection (heath and welfare).
Yasir completed his LLM Legal Practice (LPC) in 2021 at the University of Sunderland after graduating from Teesside University with a degree in law. During…