CLARKES SOLICITORS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Services: Residential and Commercial Conveyancing
Abigail graduated from the University of Chester in 2017 with a degree in Criminology and Sociology. Whilst undertaking a work-based learning module, Abigail found her passion for the law and went on to complete her Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course at the University of Law Chester in 2019 and 2021 respectively.
Abigail was admitted as a Solicitor in April 2022 having completed her training at another local firm. Abigail specialises in company and business matters, including share and asset transactions, terms and conditions, and incorporating companies. Abigail also specialises in commercial property matters, acting for landlord and tenants on leases, corporate finance and sales and purchases of freehold and leasehold properties.
In her spare time Abigail enjoys networking, spending time with family and friends and going to the gym.
Job Titles:
- Chartered Legal Executive
- Chartered Legal Executive / Services: Litigation
Alicja is qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive specialising in litigation.
Alicja acts for Claimants and Defendants in a wide range of disputes and is proactive in attempting to encourage a resolution acceptable to all parties. Alicja can quickly digest voluminous papers and contracts to efficiently advise her clients of their options to quite often achieve a pragmatic solution without the need for court proceedings.
When required, Alicja is a determined and tactful litigator frequently acting for parties involved in emotional and sensitive disputes from small claims to high value complicated cases.
Alicja has a busy practice of all disputes involving property and land, in addition to consumer rights issues, breach of contract, commercial disputes involving partnerships and directors, intellectual property disputes, professional negligence claims, neighbour & boundary disagreements.
Prior to settling in Shropshire in 2012, Alicja was originally from Poland and is able to advise any Polish Nationals in their native language.
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor
- Trainee Solicitor / Services: Residential Conveyancing
Bhavini graduated from the University of Wolverhampton with an Honours degree in Law and also completed the Legal Practice course there too.
She started her legal career in an in-house legal department at an investment bank and has since worked in conveyancing.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, going to the gym and running.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Services: Wills and Probate
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Solicitor
- Solicitor and Associate / Services: Residential Property
Having graduated from Cardiff University, Elizabeth completed her Legal Practice Course and Masters Degree at the University of Law in Christleton, Chester in 2016 before beginning her legal career in Shropshire.
Elizabeth joined Clarkes in 2016 and is based in our Shrewsbury office in the Residential Property department.
Elizabeth deals with a varied caseload dealing in all aspects of Sale and Purchase, Remortgages, Transfers of Equity, Matrimonial transfers and Equity Releases, Leasehold properties and has a large number of clientele from London, Reading and overseas as well as in the local area.
Clients have commented on how Elizabeth has made the whole conveyancing process run smoothly from start to finish with her approachable manner.
In her spare time Elizabeth is very keen on sports and plays in a local team.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Coach
- Solicitor
- Solicitor and Associate / Services: Family Law
Ellesse graduated from the University of West England in 2016 with a first class law degree. She completed her Legal Practice course part time achieving a distinction and was quickly offered a Training Contract at a local high street firm.
Ellesse began working in Family law in 2016 and qualified as a Solicitor in March 2021. She has a wealth of experience in family law and has assisted on some large money cases during her time as a Paralegal.
Ellesse specialises in all areas of private family law including: divorce, finances, children and cohabitation.
In her spare time Ellesse is a qualified netball coach and umpire and throws herself into the sport. Ellesse enjoys giving back to the community and tries to get involved in local events wherever possible.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Conveyancing Executive
- Conveyancing Executive and Associate / Services: Conveyancing
Emma has worked at Clarkes as a Residential Property Executive since 2003.
Emma has a positive and sunny approach to dealing with private Clients when buying and selling residential properties and is a key member of the Residential Property Department and is based at our Telford Centre Office.
Emma personally provides an efficient pro-active service to ensure a swift conclusion together with high quality local knowledge throughout each transaction by working closely with her Clients and trained support team. Emma also specialises in leasehold titles, re-mortgages, transfers of equity, shared ownership conveyancing, and complex title transactions.
Emma has built up an impressive reputation for fast and effective conveyancing since joining Clarkes Residential Property Department in 2004 with her Clients returning time and time again to instruct Emma to deal with their property affairs. She is also respected by also with local Estate Agents, Mortgage Brokers and Financial Advisors with whom she deals regularly and has an excellent relationship.
Emma is also a Parent Governor at a Local Primary and Infants School and Nursery School.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Services: Children Act Proceedings
Job Titles:
- Conveyancing Executive
- Conveyancing Executive / Services: Residential Conveyancing
Heather graduated from the University of Liverpool in 1999 with an honours degree in Classical Studies. Heather has lived and worked in several areas of the country returning to Shropshire from London to start a family.
Having taken a break to raise her family, Heather returned to residential conveyancing and is in the process of completing her registration as a Registered Conveyancing Technician.
Heather deals with all aspects of residential conveyancing including sale and purchases of freehold and leasehold properties, remortgages, transfers of equity and unregistered land.
Heather prides herself on her friendly and personable approach and enjoys nothing more than making a ‘you can collect your keys' call! She believes in a proactive approach and that transactions run smoothest when there is good communication with clients but also between all parties involved. She believes in making strong personal links with local agents, being this to be beneficial to her clients and progressing their transactions.
In her spare time Heather enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She is a lover of animals, having a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, two cats and a guinea pig.
Jade attended Liverpool John Moores University where she completed her LLB in law in 2014 and her Legal Practice Course in 2016. Jade qualified as a Solicitor in November 2019 after successfully completing her period of recognised training with the firm and has worked in the family department since qualifying. Jade now specialises in representing parents in childcare proceedings that are brought by local authorities. Jade also has experience in representing parents in private law children proceedings and she is extremely committed to securing the best possible outcome for her clients.
In her spare time, Jade enjoys attending music events, going on city breaks and spending time with her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Solicitor
- Solicitor and Associate / Services: Wills and Probate, Residential Conveyancing
Jennifer graduated from the University of Kent before completing the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law Birmingham.
Prior to joining Clarkes in August 2017 Jennifer worked at a Shropshire law firm, Geoffrey Milne.
Based at our Wellington office, Jennifer deals with a varied caseload in our Private Client Department including Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Deputyship applications, Probate and Estate Administration. Jennifer also deals with residential sales and purchases and re-mortgages.
Outside of work Jennifer enjoys playing sport, spending time with family and friends.
Jonathan qualified as a Solicitor in 1988.
Jonathan specialises in Criminal Defence work and is Head of Department for one of the foremost criminal law departments in Shropshire.
He has earned the reputation for fearless defending and yet at the same time has achieved respect of the Crown Prosecution Service and the police, with whom he often successfully negotiates. He is well respected by Magistrates for his no nonsense approach to the law and often complicated and protracted procedures.
Jonathan has represented many people on high profile cases of murder, frauds and drug trafficking, as well as high profile people on less serious matters such as Frank Bruno who was a personal recommendation.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Chartered Legal Executive
- Chartered Legal Executive and Associate / Services: Conveyancing, Wills and Probate
Karen personally enjoys providing helpful and efficient ways of servicing private client affairs whether it is looking after their Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection or Deputyship applications. Karen also deals with Probate, Estate and Trust Administration and the selling of estate properties.
Karen always aims to be approachable by putting Clients at their ease, some of whom are not used to dealing with legal professionals. Karen likes to go ‘the extra mile' and deals sensitively with elderly and vulnerable Clients. She is also happy to assist Clients by making home and hospital visits in the area.
Karen qualified as a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives in 1994 and has broadened her legal experience since joining Clarkes in 2004. Karen is supported by a skilled team can be contacted and is based at our Telford Centre Office.
Karen has recently been promoted to an Associate and will continue to work hard to help Clarkes sustain its growth and success for the future.
Job Titles:
- Legal Assistant
- Legal Assistant / Services: Wills and Probate
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Services: Residential Conveyancing
Katie completed her law degree in 2015 and went on to complete the Legal Practice Course in 2019. Having completed her training contract is now a qualified Solicitor.
Katie joined the firm in November 2020 as a Conveyancing Executive in our Property Department with experience in a variety of transactions including freehold, leasehold, auction and new build transactions. Katie has previously dealt with clients from all across the country, including companies and also those clients that are more local and therefore has the ability to provide a service that doesn't require face-to-face interaction if it isn't suitable for the client.
She enjoys building relationships with clients and providing a great service whilst acting in a prompt and efficient manner and has been recommended to clients through previous clients, colleagues and also through referrers who have recommend her regularly throughout her time as a Conveyancer.
In her spare time, Katie likes to spend time with family, go for long walks with her partner and enjoys decorating her home having purchased her first property last year.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Services: Residential Conveyancing
Kia graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2016 and shortly after completed the LPC at the University of Law. Kia then embarked on her legal career which led her to qualify as a Solicitor in May 2022.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Solicitor
- Solicitor and Associate / Services: Divorce, Financial Matters, Children Matters, Pre and Post Nuptial Settlements, Cohabitation Disputes
Laura graduated from Lancaster University with a 2:1 (Honours) degree in Law in 2008. She went on to achieve a Distinction on the Legal Practice Course at The College of Law, Chester, before completing the final stage of training in the West Midlands.
Laura qualified as a Solicitor in 2011 and became a Senior Solicitor in 2017. A move to Shropshire saw a similar move in her career to Clarkes where she is an Associate Solicitor in the Family Department. At Associate level, Laura specialises in divorce and financial matters that include businesses, foreign properties, agricultural land, trusts and military pensions. Laura also handles private children disputes and has represented grandparents and (step) siblings in proceedings. She also deals with the ever growing area of pre/post nuptial agreements in addition to cohabitation disputes between unmarried couples.
Throughout her career, Laura has been a key member of the legal community, as Chair of the Black County Junior Lawyers Division and Events Secretary for Walsall Law Association. Laura was shortlisted for Junior Professional of the Year by Wolverhampton Law Society for her approach client care.
In her spare time, Laura enjoys getting creative with her young children, interior design projects and running with her Cockerpoo.
Laura is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw.
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor
- Trainee Solicitor / Services: Social Services, Family Care
Job Titles:
- Chartered Legal Executive
Lisa is a Chartered Legal Executive and has specialised in litigation for over 30 years.
Within her long career, Lisa has acted in a multitude of contentious matters and is easily equipped to advise on disputes of all shapes and sizes including Trusts of Land Act claims, professional negligence, return of goods applications, and breaches of contract to name but a few.
Lisa has particular experience in debt recovery including bankruptcy and insolvency, acting for a wide range of entitles including individuals, landlords and large corporate businesses. With immaculate attention to detail, Lisa also has a busy practice of landlord & tenant disputes, both residential and commercial in addition to a particular interest in building & construction disputes.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Solicitor
- Solicitor and Associate / Services: Accident Claims and Personal Injury
Lisa is a qualified solicitor with over 20 years' experience practicing personal injury litigation.
Lisa has extensive knowledge in road traffic claims, including pedestrian claims, employer's liability, public liability and product liability claims.
She represents a vast array of clients', often by recommendation. She frequently represents clients who have sustained serious injuries and has achieves six figure settlements for them. Lisa has acted for claimants who require hip or knee replacement surgery, amputation cases, chronic pain, head injury and where families have lost a family member in a fatal accident.
Lisa regularly works with expert medical practitioners and barristers to achieve excellent outcomes for her client in both financial and medical terms.
As a knowledgeable and experienced litigator, she can ensure that a claimant's case is presented on the best terms and can guide her clients through the process. Quite often litigation is not necessary and Lisa is able to conclude cases successfully by means of negotiation.
Lisa is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), the organization that promotes full and just compensation for claimants.
Job Titles:
- Accredited Police Station Representative
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Chartered Legal Executive
Job Titles:
- Licensed Conveyancer and Associate