THORNEYCROFT SOLICITORS - Key Persons


Adam Copeland

Job Titles:
  • Solicitor
Adam qualified in 1998, having studied law at the University of Northumbria. He specialised in clinical negligence on behalf of Claimants since qualification. He has dealt with a broad range of cases, from dental claims to brain injury claims of maximum severity, including birth trauma and wrongful birth cases. Adam's special interests are in cancer cases, where there has been misdiagnosis and/or delay in diagnosis, orthopaedic cases where there has been surgical error, consent cases and cases involving secondary victims who have suffered psychiatric injury. Adam is passionate about bringing clarity and resolution where there has been a medical accident and giving patients a voice. He has had over 20 years' experience acting exclusively for Claimants. In his spare time, Adam is a keen cyclist and enjoys the outdoors. He also likes cooking and spending time with friends and family. I couldn't recommend Adam Copeland enough - he has been a fantastic solicitor. He has made a very stressful experience as easy as possible, he has guided me through every step of the way, has been approachable and always happy to help through all stages of the process. It was Adam's expertise, perseverance and attention to detail which resulted in a successful outcome, thank you very much.

Alison Kennerley

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director, Head of Financial Processing and Client Account Compliance Accounts Manager / Deputy COFA
Alison Kennerley - Associate Director, Head of Financial Processing and Client Account Compliance Accounts Manager/Deputy COFA ... Read More

Alistair Bailes

Job Titles:
  • Solicitor
Alistair is a qualified solicitor with over 20 years' experience working in personal injury. Alistair joined Thorneycrofts in 2019 dealing with road traffic accident claims before moving to EL/PL Department assisting those who have suffered with an injury at work or in a public place. His experience means he is well versed in dealing with liability disputes. In his spare time Alistair enjoys playing snooker, supporting his local football team and visiting theme parks with his family.

Amanda Daniels

Job Titles:
  • Compliance Assistant
Amanda joined the firm in 2004 and is a member of the first institute of paralegals and is recognised as a tier 4 member of the professional paralegal register.Amanda has been working in the personal injury team for the past 18 ½ years dealing with predominantly RTA claims. Amanda has recently joined the compliance department assisting the compliance manager and with risk and regulatory compliance. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys travelling, listening to live music and spending time with friends and family.

Ben Dinardo

Job Titles:
  • Paralegal
Ben has worked at Thorneycroft Solicitors since August 2017. He initially spent 5 years at the firm in Risk and Regulatory Compliance. Ben currently works at our Whaley Bridge office as a Paralegal in the Conveyancing team, assisting the fee earners on different matters. He is working towards qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive under CILEX. We must sing the praises of Ben! He was courteous and polite and always returned my calls promptly. We were constantly updated on progress also. Thank you Ben.

Calum Hogan

Job Titles:
  • Conveyancing Assistant
Calum joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in 2016 and has a wealth of experience within different departments before joining the Conveyancing team in December 2023, Calum will be corresponding with clients to provide conveyancing quotations and assisting members of the conveyancing team with administration support. In his spare time Calum enjoys playing rugby, reading and spending time with his partner and dog.

Charlotte McDowell

Job Titles:
  • Conveyancing Assistant
Charlotte joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in March 2021 as a Conveyancing Assistant, Charlotte will be corresponding with clients to provide conveyancing quotations and assisting members of the conveyancing team with administration support. Prior to joining Thorneycroft Solicitors Charlotte worked as an assistant for a personal injury solicitors and in 2020 graduated from the University of Manchester with a distinction in MA Sociology. In her spare time Charlotte likes to do yoga, go to the gym and enjoys synchronised swimming

Christine McClenaghan

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director and Head of Residential and New Build Conveyancing
Christine studied Law in Manchester. Christine previously worked as a Manager at a firm in Manchester before joining Thorneycroft Solicitors in February 2019 having over 20 years of experience in Conveyancing. Christine deals with all aspects of residential conveyancing including sales, purchases, remortgages, transfer of equity and equity release, shared ownership conveyancing, estate agency referral work and more complex title transactions. Christine's department provides a pro-active service to ensure a swift conclusion and high quality experience throughout. The team has a wealth of conveyancing experience and will be able to assist with any queries which you may have. In her spare time Christine is the Treasurer for Glossop and District Cancer Research Committee which organise fund raising events throughout the year. Christine was a pleasure to work with. She kept us informed of everything throughout the process and replied to queries very quickly.

David McDonough

Job Titles:
  • Licensed Conveyancer
David joined Thorneycroft Solicitors conveyancing department in April 2021. David completed a Graduate Diploma in Law at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2014 and has recently qualified as a Licenced Conveyancer. David handles all types of residential conveyancing transactions including sale, purchase, new-build purchase and remortgages....

Eden Fox

Job Titles:
  • Paralegal
Eden joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in February 2024 after undertaking a Law degree (LLB Hons) in 2021 at the University of Derby and completing her LPC at Staffordshire University where she was awarded the Prize for Best Overall Performance on the LPC. Eden has joined our Wills and Probate Department, and has experience of Conveyancing and Litigation. In her spare time, Eden enjoys socialising with friends, adventurous day trips and staying active with hikes, running and the gym.

Gail Wilson

Job Titles:
  • HR Manager
Gail has worked for Thorneycrofts for the last 10 years working as Personal Assistant to Rachel Stow (MD) and for the past few years has moved into supporting the HR function of the business and now works closely with the Group Head of HR/Associate Director alongside her PA role with the MD. Gail is currently working towards her CIPD HR qualification.

Georgia Varro

Job Titles:
  • Conveyancing Legal Assistant
Georgia joined Thorneycrofts in July 2018 as a Post Completion Apprentice and has now passed her Level 4 conveyancing technician qualification. Georgia currently supervises the post completion team within the department as well as assisting the conveyancers with admin tasks....

Grace Price

Job Titles:
  • Solicitor
*Currently on maternity leave* Having obtained a 2:1 honours degree in Law at the University of Keele, Grace completed the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in Chester. She went on to complete her training contract at a firm in North Wales and went on to build her conveyancing experience there along with... Having obtained a 2:1 honours degree in Law at the University of Keele, Grace completed the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in Chester. She went on to complete her training contract at a firm in North Wales and went on to build her conveyancing experience there along with another firm in Cheshire before starting work here at Thorneycrofts in July 2022. In her spare time Grace enjoys spending time with her family and rowing. Grace Price our Solicitor was always very pleasant & courteous and tried to sort things out as quickly as possible. Grace and her assistant Mandy Ackroyd always rang back or sent e-mails explaining what was happening. They are a very professional team.

Hayley Gibson

Job Titles:
  • Solicitor
Hayley qualified as a Solicitor in 2004 after undertaking a Law degree and Legal Practice Course at Staffordshire University. Hayley's career includes a 14 year period at a Manchester based Legal-500 Firm, assisting those who had suffered injury whilst at work or in a public place. Hayley moved to Thorneycroft Solicitors in 2017 and acted for clients who had been injured as a result of a road traffic accident or whilst as a pedestrian. Hayley has now recently joined the Employer and Public Liability team at Thorneycrofts and brings with her, her wealth of experience in this area of law. Hayley is a dedicated member of staff and has high levels of client care. In her spare time, Hayley enjoys walking and camping with her family and dog.

Heather Gaunt

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director
  • Head
Heather is an Associate Director and Head of our wills probate and trust department. Her proven track record of over 20 years within the Private Client sector highlights Heather's expertise and enthusiasm within this ever changing and complex area of law. With a friendly but experienced and professional approach Heather has worked with a range of businesses and clients to draft wills give advice relating to probate services and the Court of Protection prepare powers of attorney and resolve estate planning issues. In her spare time Heather spends time with her three children and enjoys playing tennis and being the lead flautist in her local orchestra.

Heidi Kurtz

Job Titles:
  • Solicitor
Heidi is a newly qualified solicitor in our Wills & Probate department and joined the firm in October 2021. Heidi is able to assist with all aspects of Will writing, Probate, Trusts, Estate Planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection work. Heidi graduated from the University of Kent with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and attended BPP University where she completed the Legal Practice Course. Historically, Heidi practiced in personal injury and contentious probate litigation work before progressing into non-contentious Private Client work. In her spare time Heidi enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking and travelling to see family in Germany, Ireland and Canada. ‘Heidi Kurtz patiently and thoroughly helped my husband and I understand and complete our Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney. We are grateful to her.'

James Worsley

Job Titles:
  • Conveyancer
James joined Thorneycrofts in Dec 2013 and has accumulated a wealth of experience across many different departments. As a Para Legal within the Conveyancing team, James deals with Freehold and Leasehold Residential matters alongside dealing with Agricultural Land sales and purchases. In his spare time James enjoys spending time with his family and long walks in the countryside around his home town.

Jane Stringer

Job Titles:
  • Post Completion Administration Assistant
Jane joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in October 2022 as a Post Completion Administration Assistant, Jane will be corresponding with clients to provide updates and assisting members of the conveyancing team with administration support. Prior to joining Thorneycroft Solicitors Jane gained a wealth of knowledge working in various client facing roles. In her spare time Jane enjoys...

Kamila Jaworska

Job Titles:
  • Conveyancing Legal Assistant
Kamila joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in July 2011 as a New Business Assistant. Having spent over 10 years working within Personal Injury department she has progressed to become a Legal Secretary, Paralegal Assistant and a Litigation Executive before joining the conveyancing department in April 2022. Since then, Kamila has completed the CLC level 4 Diploma Qualifications and started the CLC Diploma Level 6 to become a Licenced Conveyancer. In her spare time Kamila enjoys attending sport events, travelling and spending time with family and friends.

Laura Collins

Job Titles:
  • Solicitor

Lisa Cogger

Job Titles:
  • Senior Family Solicitor
Lisa qualified as a solicitor in September 2012 after undertaking a Law degree and Legal Practice Course on a part-time evening basis at Staffordshire University. This route into the legal profession allowed her to gain practical skills and knowledge while simultaneously studying in the evening. Throughout Lisa's career she has focused exclusively on family Law, practicing in both Staffordshire and Cheshire. She excels in advising and negotiating settlements in financial disputes with a specific focus on high net worth cases involving assets such as family businesses, agricultural divorces, and pensions. Additionally, Lisa provides comprehensive guidance on all matters pertaining to arrangements for children in the aftermath of relationship breakdowns. Over the years Lisa has nurtured strong professional relationships with local experts outside the legal field as well as specialist family law barristers, solicitors and judges, her expertise and dedication has also made a significant impact on the legal community and the clients she serves. For the past decade Lisa has led a Family Law department at a firm in Staffordshire before joining Thorneycroft Solicitors in January 2024. Lisa's reputation is built on consistent client recommendations, commending her for an efficient, compassionate, yet resolute approach, marked by a meticulous attention for detail. She approaches every case with a unique blend of compassion, dedication and unwavering determination to secure the best possible outcomes for her clients. Lisa is a Member of Resolution and a Collaborative Trained Lawyer meaning that she can assist to settle disagreements in the divorce process through a non-confrontational approach to dispute resolution. In her spare time Lisa is a devoted mother to a young daughter and their boisterous German Shephard keeping her equally occupied. She enjoys embarking on countryside adventures and exploring new destinations through travel.

Louise Taylor

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director
  • Management Accountant
Louise Taylor ACMA, CGMA, MAAT joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in July 2016 as a senior management accountant having previously worked in accountancy roles. Louise completed her CIMA management accountant qualification in March 2020 qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. Louise works closely with the Financial Controller of the firm assisting with management accounts as well as producing monthly KPI data for management reports.

Mandy Ackroyd

Job Titles:
  • Conveyancing Legal Assistant
Mandy joined Thorneycrofts in 1998 and has accumulated a wealth of experience within many different departments before joining the Conveyancing Department in February 2023 as a Conveyancing Legal Assistant. Mandy assists our fee earners by liaising with clients, obtaining documentation and preparing sale contracts and completion packs . In her spare time Mandy enjoys walking, socialising and spending time with her family.

Mark Belfield

Job Titles:
  • Director
Mark joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in 1998 and became a Director in 2011. Mark heads up the Large Loss team, looking after serious and catastrophic injury claims, clinical negligence claims and dental negligence claims. Still a fee earner, he also inputs into more involved cases and advising on direction and policy resulting from legislative changes. Outside of work Mark enjoys spending time with his wife Jane and their 2 children. A keen runner, Mark has also taken part in a number of 10k runs raising money for local charities. Any remaining spare time is spent following his local football team - Stockport County.

Natalie Marsh

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director
  • Solicitor
Natalie joined Thorneycroft in February 2019 and became an Associate Director in March 2024. Natalie is a Solicitor with over twenty years post qualification experience of personal injury litigation. Natalie has dealt with a wide variety of personal injury cases, ranging in value and type, including brain injuries, complex orthopaedic injuries and historical abuse cases. Natalie is experienced in dealing with litigated cases and has run numerous cases to trial and has considerable knowledge in the field of personal injury litigation and to achieve excellent client care standards. Away from the office Natalie enjoys running and group exercise classes.

Natasha Lomas - CHRO

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director
  • Head of HR
Natasha Lomas MSc, BA, MCIPD has a wealth of HR knowledge having worked in the industry for over 13 years. During that time Natasha has worked across a breadth of sectors including manufacturing, technology, finance, legal as well as HR consultancy. Prior to her 13 years in the industry, Natasha also achieved a degree in Management and Organisations (HR) from Lancaster University, before completing a Masters degree in Human Resources. Natasha has also achieved MCIPD qualification.

Natasha Scragg

Job Titles:
  • Marketing & Events Manager
Natasha joined Thorneycroft in December 2004 and has progressed through Corporate Accounts and PA roles to the position of Group Marketing and Events Manager. Natasha is responsible for managing the Group's marketing strategy and spend, responsible for updating social media and web with relevant content and liaising with the external marketing agency to co-ordinate the Group's paid for advertising campaigns. In addition to this she also has responsibility for arranging Thorneycroft's events - both staff and corporate. In her spare time Natasha enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Neil Wilson

Job Titles:
  • Conveyancing Solicitor and Associate Director
Neil studied Politics & Law in Manchester qualifying as a solicitor in 2007. Neil previously worked at a regional firm in Manchester before joining Thorneycroft in April 2014. Neil has experience in many aspects of property including residential and commercial matters with a keen focus on the sale and purchase of business premises, undeveloped land, commercial leases (acting for both landlord and tenant) and property finance.

Ogbeialu Nkochi-Nwankwo

Job Titles:
  • Solicitor
Ogbeialu is a qualified Solicitor with over 14 years of experience working in Personal Injury Law. Ogbeialu joined Thorneycroft's in 2019 and deals with clinical negligence cases, serious orthopaedic and internal injuries, brain injuries and pain syndrome type cases. Ogbeialu's experience means that she can deal with a variety of cases involving clinical negligence , liability issues, pedestrian, motor and motorcycle cases.

Peter Reeves

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director - IT Manager
Peter joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in February 2007 as IT Manager having previously worked for an accident claims company. Peter is responsible for all of our IT requirements which include not only our computers and networks, but also our claims management systems, our client and supplier databases as well as a wide range of Management Reports. Outside of work Peter is a Formula 1 fanatic and also a collector of Japanese and Ethnographic works of art.

Philip Hartley

Job Titles:
  • Solicitor
Philip graduated from Staffordshire University with an LL.B. honours degree and LPC in 2006. He qualified as a solicitor after completing his training contract with a firm of solicitors in Staffordshire two years later. Philip specialises in the administration of estates and also advises in relation to the preparation of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection matters. Prior to qualifying as a solicitor, Philip enjoyed a successful career working as a software developer on IBM mid-range computer systems. He had an ambition to enter the legal profession and completed all of his legal qualifications on a part-time evening basis. He left his IT career when offered a training contract to qualify as a solicitor.

Rachel Stow - Managing Director

Job Titles:
  • Managing Director
  • Managing Director / Compliance Officer for Legal Practice ( COLP )
Rachel is the Managing Director of Thorneycroft Solicitors and is responsible for the running of the firm and the setting and delivery of its strategy to ensure it remains a market leader in personal law and litigation. She is currently focused on how best to capitalise on the opportunities that will be created by the legislative changes that are reshaping the legal market. She is a leading and respected member of the legal community and has driven the firm into a new era of working, challenging the more traditional work methods by embracing technological advances to ensure that the firms' clients receive outstanding service in the ways which suit them best.

Ravinder Kaur

Job Titles:
  • Thorneycrofts As a Conveyancing Solicitor
Ravinder qualified as a Solicitor in 2018 having completed the Legal Practise Course at the University of Wolverhampton in 2003 and the Professional Skills Course at BPP University in 2017. Ravinder joined Thorneycrofts as a Conveyancing Solicitor in January 2024 bringing over 10 years experience specialising in Conveyancing dealing with residential sales and purchases, new... Ravinder joined Thorneycrofts as a Conveyancing Solicitor in January 2024 bringing over 10 years experience specialising in Conveyancing dealing with residential sales and purchases, new builds, unregistered properties, help to buy, transfer of equity, remortgages and auction properties.

Rebecca Chorlton FCILEx

Job Titles:
  • Chartered Legal Executive - Compliance Manager
  • Ex - Chartered Legal Executive - Compliance Manager
Rebecca joined the compliance department at Thorneycroft Solicitors in February 2016 to assist the COLP with regulatory compliance before becoming the Compliance Manager in 2023. Rebecca graduated from Chester University in 2012 with a Law degree (LLB) and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. In her spare time Rebecca enjoys spending...

Samantha Birchenall

Job Titles:
  • Member of Our Conveyancing Team
  • Paralegal
Samantha has been a member of our Conveyancing team since Aug 2017 and has recently completed her Bachelor of Laws through the Open University. Samantha supports our senior fee earners with residential matters....

Sarah Hancock

Job Titles:
  • Solicitor
Sarah joined the firm as a paralegal in 2010 and completed her Solicitor Training at Thorneycrofts, having previously completed the LLB degree and Legal Practise Course at Staffordshire University. Sarah qualified as a Solicitor in 2013 and works within our Personal injury team. Sarah's hobbies include spending time with her friends and family as well as swimming, walking, reading and going to the cinema.

Sarah Thomas

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director and Senior Family Solicitor
Sarah qualified as a solicitor in December 1999 from Wolverhampton University and is now a Senior Family Law Solicitor at Thorneycroft Solicitors. Sarah has over 20 years experience in all aspects of family law, including divorce, financial orders, cohabitation agreements, pre nuptial/post nuptial agreements and separation agreements. Sarah also specialises in private children work, including...

Simon Green

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director and Costs and Commercial Manager
Simon is a costs and commercial manager with over twenty years of experience working in personal injury and litigation. Simon joined Thorneycrofts in May 2019 and works on high value and complex cases. His background in costs includes working as a tutor for the Association of Law Costs Draftsmen, producing a report for both houses...

Stephen Southworth

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director
  • Solicitor
  • Thorneycrofts As a Solicitor
Stephen joined Thorneycrofts as a solicitor in June 2017, having previously enjoyed a 16-year career acting solely for Claimants who have suffered an injury at work; in a public place; suffered a severe pedestrian or road traffic accident; as well as claims involving occupational stress, and appeals work. His career-to-date includes a 12 year period...

Sue Carnwell

Job Titles:
  • Chartered Accountant
  • Financial Director / Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration ( COFA )
Susan is a qualified Chartered Accountant, qualifying in 1992 with KPMG. Susan has worked at a senior level in the NHS, and has also worked in the legal services sector in partnership and working for a large corporate for last 16 years. Now Group FD she is responsible for finances within all of our group...

Tasneem Doodwala

Job Titles:
  • Administrator
  • Legal Executive
Tasneem joined the firm in 2011 as an Administrator in our New Business Department. She quickly moved into the Exited Issue team as an Assistant dealing with a high volume of litigated personal injury cases including large loss matters. Whilst at Thorneycrofts Tasneem has completed the Chartered Institute of Legal Executive course, having previously graduated...

Tina Rowland

Job Titles:
  • Conveyancing Assistant
Tina has been a legal professional for over 33 years. She joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in 1994 at our office in Holmes Chapel, working her way up to become the Conveyancing Manager, before moving to our head office in Macclesfield to pursue a career in Personal Injury. She has now returned to work in our Conveyancing...

Tina Timmins

Job Titles:
  • Private Client Assistant
Tina is an experienced legal professional having been working in the legal sector for over 18 years. She is able to assist with all aspects of Probate, Lasting Powers of Attorney including Court of Protection work, and Will writing. She has worked for a number of reputable firms during her career and has developed a...

Toni Wilkinson

Job Titles:
  • Litigation Executive
  • Associate Member of the Chartered Institute
Toni is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and has specialised in Claimant Personal Injury work for twenty five years. Throughout her career Toni has represented clients who have suffered complex and life-changing injuries as a result of motorcycle, bicycle and car collisions and due to her extensive experience in serious...

William Pembleton

Job Titles:
  • Solicitor
William qualified as a solicitor in November 2023 after undertaking his training contract with the firm in 2021, he studied at Staffordshire University where he completed his Graduate Diploma in Law in 2013 and Legal Practise Course in 2015. Before joining Thorneycrofts in March 2020 William had accumulated a wealth of experience working within different...