Ian Kennerley

Described as a “master of his art” by Legal 500, Ian was called to the Bar in 1983 and is a member of the Family Law Bar Association.

Skilled in complex and high value financial matters, Ian regularly appears in the High Court, often against Queens Counsel.

Ian practised at the independent bar in Newcastle for 23 years before joining Dickinson Dees as a partner equivalent in November 2006. In 2010 he was instrumental, with Margaret Simpson, in establishing Silk Family Law.

Not only is Ian regarded as one of the leading advocates in his field, he is able to apply his analytical and forensic skills at the outset of a case rather than being brought in towards its conclusion therefore providing our clients with continuity of advice and representation.

Margaret Simpson

Described by Chambers UK as having “ a stellar reputation”, Margaret is recognised as one of the region’s leading family lawyers, particularly in the area of complex matrimonial finance.

Margaret divides her time between our Newcastle, North Yorkshire and Leeds offices, as well as seeing clients at our consulting rooms in York and London. Her reputation for delivering firm and robust advice to a whole range of business owners including farming families, continues to attract clients from all over the country – with an increasing following in London and the Home Counties.

With more than 25 years’ experience as a family lawyer, Margaret specialises in cases involving significant assets and complex issues. She has a particular interest and expertise in landed estates and farming cases, both of which often involve disputes relating to trust assets, valuation and liquidity.

Collaboratively trained, Margaret offers clients the opportunity to deal with the issues arising following the breakdown of their marriage within the collaborative process, rather than going to court.

Margaret chairs Tees Valley Resolution family law group.

Kim Fellowes

Described as “superb” by Legal 500, Kim is renowned for her expertise in both financial matters and child law.

A leading practitioner in the North East, Kim’s client base spans the UK, from the North to London and the Home Counties. Kim has more than 20 years’ experience of advising clients on complex financial issues involving trusts, pensions and pre-acquired marital wealth.

In addition to her expertise in financial matters, Kim advises the Government on child support legislation and was one of only 20 lawyers on Resolution’s national committee, which she sat on for over ten years. Kim has written Parliamentary briefings for the House of Commons and House of Lords and given advice to the House of Commons select committee.

Kim chairs Resolution’s Child Support Committee and is highlighted by Chambers UK for her “stellar reputation for child support matters”.

Kim is a regular media spokesperson on all areas of family law, including divorce and financial issues, pre-nuptial agreements and child support. She has recently been involved as a legal commentator in the production of television documentaries and is the “go to” legal expert for local and regional radio.

Kim was recently invited to become chair of Lady Taverners. She also lectures, both in the North and on a national basis.

A trained collaborative lawyer, Kim has a reputation as an extremely experienced and able practitioner in children matters, dealing with residence, contact, prohibited steps and specific issue applications.

Wayne Lynn

Legal 500 recognises Wayne Lynn as a ‘next generation partner’ who is “professional, thorough and competent” while Chambers UK says that Wayne is praised by his peers for “being approachable and collaborative.”

The legal guide highlights Wayne’s expertise on cohabitation issues and his keen understanding of financial provision, children law and pre-nuptial agreements. With more than 20 years’ experience as a family lawyer, Wayne is based at our Newcastle office.

Wayne specialises in complex financial issues, including cases involving business assets, trusts and pensions. He has a particular expertise in the growing areas of cohabitee disputes, the drafting of cohabitation agreements and pre and post-nuptial arrangements.

Specialising in family law since qualifying as a solicitor in 1995, Wayne is recognised for his pragmatism. His experience enables him to provide clear and constructive advice, in order to achieve the best outcome for his clients.

Teresa Davidson

Described by Chambers UK as a “forward thinking family lawyer with good commercial acumen”, Teresa Davidson heads up our Leeds office.  Teresa also spends time in our North Yorkshire office and sees clients in our York and London consulting rooms.

Teresa has particular expertise in complex financial cases arising from divorce, including wealth protection, land and business matters. She is also noted for children issues, including domestic and international childcare arrangements.  Chambers UK highlights her ability in matters involving civil partnerships and unmarried partners. Clients praise her approachability and sensitivity combined with outstanding legal skills.

A member of Resolution, which represents family law professionals, Teresa holds the organisation’s specialist accreditation in Advanced Financial Provision and Private Children Law.

Teresa has worked in family law for more than 20 years including heading up the family team for a top 20 law firm. She also has two years’ experience in an overseas jurisdiction.

Harriet Reid

Harriet is a specialist in her field having worked in family law for over 28 years. She has a wealth of experience in steering clients through their divorce and in advising on the related financial issues.  Harriet is highly knowledgeable in dealing with complex and substantial finance cases, particularly those involving family businesses and farms and where inherited and preowned assets are in issue. She is known for her expertise in dealing with difficult children issues including those with an international dimension and with local authority involvement.

A highly respected lawyer, Harriet is based in our North Yorkshire office and spends time in our Leeds office  – she also meets clients in our York and London consulting rooms.  She has a reputation for giving pragmatic and straightforward advice with a no-nonsense approach and is described as approachable and client-focused.

A trained collaborative family lawyer and Resolution member, Harriet is a trustee of York based charity Two Ridings Community Foundation.

Siobhan Jeffels

Described as “exceptional in her field” and recognised as a ‘rising star’ by Legal 500 (2020), Siobhan has practised family law since 2000.

Siobhan, who is based in our North Yorkshire office, lives in York where she sees clients in Silk’s consulting rooms in the city. She is adept at helping clients through all areas of family law including divorce and separation, civil partnerships, pre-nuptial and cohabitation agreements, finance and child support.

Siobhan is a Resolution Accredited Specialist in advanced financial provision and children work. She is a member of Resolution, the national organisation of family lawyers and other professionals committed to a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law matters.

Christian Butler

Christian is primarily based at our Newcastle office, but represents clients across the country.

Christian advises clients in all areas of family and matrimonial law, with specific interest in financial issues and children matters arising from the breakdown of a relationship. He also has expertise in pre and post-nuptial agreements and assisting unmarried couples resolve their financial disputes.

He works closely with in house barrister Ian Kennerley.

Clients appreciate Christian’s personable and pragmatic approach, with one commenting: “his professionalism and compassionate approach are exactly what I wanted in a family lawyer.” He works tirelessly to pursue the best outcome for his clients.

Christian is on the board of the Newcastle Law Society and is chair of Young Resolution (YRES) Committee in the North East of England – part of the national organisation whose members promote a non-confrontational approach to divorce.

Nia Jameson

Nia is based primarily at our North Yorkshire office, but sees many clients in our Leeds and Newcastle offices and consulting rooms in Teesside and York.

She advises and represents clients in all areas of matrimonial law including divorce and separation, civil partnerships, pre-and post-nuptial and cohabitation agreements, the financial issues arising out of the breakdown of a relationship, and matters involving children. She also assists in advising in complex matters involving farming assets and business structures.

Having graduated from Durham University, Nia then attained a distinction in her legal qualification from the College of Law. She qualified at a multi-disciplinary practice in Manchester before joining Silk in 2015.

Nia has an excellent reputation with clients for her calm and pragmatic approach. She is a member of Resolution, the national organisation of family lawyers and other professionals committed to a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law matters.

Nia works alongside the partners in the firm, and assists in advising in complex cases involving farming assets and business structures.

She is a member of Resolution, the national organisation of family lawyers and other professionals committed to a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law matters.
Nia is a graduate of Durham University.

Katie Machin

Solicitor Katie is based in our Newcastle office, and works with clients across the region and nationally.

Having qualified in 2008, Katie advises on all aspects of divorce, including financial remedies and children work.  She is also skilled in cohabitation disputes and has experience in property litigation.

Katie is a founding trustee of the charity Smart Works in Newcastle and is a member of Resolution.

Before returning to her home city of Newcastle, Katie worked for a London law practice. She is known for her pragmatic, conciliatory approach to helping clients through a marriage or relationship breakdown.

Carly Hope

Carly is a solicitor based in our Newcastle office.

A law graduate from Northumbria University, Carly qualified as a solicitor in 2017 and has five years’ experience of working in a number of legal disciplines, spanning family law and civil litigation.

At Silk Family Law Carly assists partners Ian Kennerley, Kim Fellowes and Wayne Lynn.  She has a particular interest in children matters.

Carly joined Silk Family Law from a Newcastle-based firm of solictors where she completed her training contract.

Emily Bell

Based at Silk’s North Yorkshire office, Emily has been with the firm since 2011. Emily provides support to all fee earners across the full range of family law. She is working towards becoming a Chartered Legal Executive.

Judith Pearson

A legal assistant with over 20 years’ experience, Judith has particular expertise in dealing with the financial process and the preparation of court documentation.

She provides high-level support on complex cases.

Kelly Thornton

Kelly has worked in family law since 2000 and, as a legal assistant, provides full support to the fee earners in relation to divorce, financial and children matters.

Leigh Beasley

Legal assistant Leigh has been with Silk since 2015. She is based at our North Yorkshire office and provides support to fee earners across all areas of family law.

Leigh completed her Law degree whilst working as a legal secretary with Silk. She is currently studying for the Legal Practice Course and a Masters in Legal Practice in order to become a full qualified solicitor.

Helen Robinson

Based in Leeds but working nationally across all our offices, Helen works closely with the partners to engage with our expanding client base and ensure excellence in service delivery.

Helen is a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) qualified strategic communications and marketing professional with cross-sector expertise, notably in legal and financial services. She also runs an information and support website and social group for families in her local area.

With extensive experience in digital and social media, Helen will be developing our online presence in line with our events and offline communications activities.

Joanne Hackett

With a career spanning 29 years in the legal profession, Joanne is an experienced administrator and financial manager.   As well as managing client accounts, Joanne leads a team of 11 support staff across Silk’s Newcastle and North Yorkshire offices.

Joanne has been with Silk since it was founded in 2010. She holds an AAT accountancy qualification.