An experienced team of family law specialists…
Ian Kennerley
Partner & Barrister-at-Law
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.
"I am incredibly lucky to have had Silk Family Law. I just can't thank Ian and the team enough for all their kindness, help and support. I was guided through uncharted territory with compassion and humility, and I will always be thankful. The service was outstanding and faultless. Complete professionalism"
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.
"I am incredibly lucky to have had Silk Family Law. I just can't thank Ian and the team enough for all their kindness, help and support. I was guided through uncharted territory with compassion and humility, and I will always be thankful. The service was outstanding and faultless. Complete professionalism"
Margaret Simpson
Partner
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.
“From my very first meeting with Margaret and throughout my experience with Silk Family Law I had complete faith that I was being provided with safe, sound advice from an extremely experienced legal team. Margaret and Ian's expertise and professionalism was invaluable and I felt reassured that I was being represented by such an excellent team during a very difficult time. Their guidance and support was greatly appreciated.”
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.
“From my very first meeting with Margaret and throughout my experience with Silk Family Law I had complete faith that I was being provided with safe, sound advice from an extremely experienced legal team. Margaret and Ian's expertise and professionalism was invaluable and I felt reassured that I was being represented by such an excellent team during a very difficult time. Their guidance and support was greatly appreciated.”
Kim Fellowes
Partner
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.
“Kim supported me through my divorce with great efficiency, empathy and was an absolute rock during a very difficult time. She turned complexity into simplicity and helped me navigate my way through turbulent times and never let me down. I have already recommended her to friends going through a similar situation and would not hesitate to do the same again. She is absolutely the one person you want fighting your corner!”
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.
“Kim supported me through my divorce with great efficiency, empathy and was an absolute rock during a very difficult time. She turned complexity into simplicity and helped me navigate my way through turbulent times and never let me down. I have already recommended her to friends going through a similar situation and would not hesitate to do the same again. She is absolutely the one person you want fighting your corner!”
Wayne Lynn
Partner
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.
“I found Silk’s service second to none. After moving to Silk from another firm Wayne Lynn was truthful and sympathetic to my situation, and I would not think twice about recommending your company to friends and family. Thanks again for all your help.”
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.
“I found Silk’s service second to none. After moving to Silk from another firm Wayne Lynn was truthful and sympathetic to my situation, and I would not think twice about recommending your company to friends and family. Thanks again for all your help.”
Teresa Davidson
Partner
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.
“Teresa has an excellent balance of both legal and personal understanding with very realistic advice. Her incredible grasp of detail helped me to cut through emotional feelings and stick to the facts of fighting my cause. In all of our meetings Teresa has been sensible, kind and sympathetic but cuts to the chase admirably, a great skill when dealing with sensitive issues.”
Teresa Davidson
Partner
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.
“Teresa has an excellent balance of both legal and personal understanding with very realistic advice. Her incredible grasp of detail helped me to cut through emotional feelings and stick to the facts of fighting my cause. In all of our meetings Teresa has been sensible, kind and sympathetic but cuts to the chase admirably, a great skill when dealing with sensitive issues.”
Harriet Reid
Partner
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.
“Harriet is an absolute pro. I have a complex case and felt lost at times; however Harriet always had a firm grasp on the facts. She is very witty and straight to the point at all times. Always available to answer the phone and responds promptly to all correspondence. She has been invaluable in our proceedings which are still ongoing but the outcome seems very positive.”
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.
“Harriet is an absolute pro. I have a complex case and felt lost at times; however Harriet always had a firm grasp on the facts. She is very witty and straight to the point at all times. Always available to answer the phone and responds promptly to all correspondence. She has been invaluable in our proceedings which are still ongoing but the outcome seems very positive.”
Siobhan Jeffels
Associate
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.
"Siobhan had my best interests at heart from the word go, gave me great advice and ultimately got me a fair divorce settlement. It was a very emotional and stressful time, and without doubt this was eased by the help and support Siobhan gave me."
"Silk Family Law and Siobhan Jeffels have done a great job in relation to my separation. In particular around child arrangements. I have received excellent legal and practical advice as the process has gone on."
"Siobhan was straightforward and honest with me but always worked hard to achieve the outcomes I hoped for. At a difficult time I could not have asked for any more."
"Thank you for all your hard work, kindness and professionalism over the past months. I will be forever grateful to you for the way you have guided me through what has been the most stressful experience of my life. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Silk or you personally to anyone."
"Thank you for all your help and support this year. I remember my first phone conversation with you and how much help and guidance you gave. I felt immediately that you really understood and gave good advice. The same was the case at our first meeting. Since then you have made yourself accessible through emails and phone calls. I have appreciated our frank conversations and the information you have been able to provide."
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.
"Siobhan had my best interests at heart from the word go, gave me great advice and ultimately got me a fair divorce settlement. It was a very emotional and stressful time, and without doubt this was eased by the help and support Siobhan gave me."
"Silk Family Law and Siobhan Jeffels have done a great job in relation to my separation. In particular around child arrangements. I have received excellent legal and practical advice as the process has gone on."
"Siobhan was straightforward and honest with me but always worked hard to achieve the outcomes I hoped for. At a difficult time I could not have asked for any more."
"Thank you for all your hard work, kindness and professionalism over the past months. I will be forever grateful to you for the way you have guided me through what has been the most stressful experience of my life. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Silk or you personally to anyone."
"Thank you for all your help and support this year. I remember my first phone conversation with you and how much help and guidance you gave. I felt immediately that you really understood and gave good advice. The same was the case at our first meeting. Since then you have made yourself accessible through emails and phone calls. I have appreciated our frank conversations and the information you have been able to provide."
Christian Butler
Associate
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.
“Christian’s dedication, professionalism and knowledge really helped to put me at ease in a situation which was extremely nerve racking and stressful for me.”
Christian Butler
Associate
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.
“Christian’s dedication, professionalism and knowledge really helped to put me at ease in a situation which was extremely nerve racking and stressful for me.”
Nia Jameson
Solicitor
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.
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.
“After finding myself in the middle of one the most traumatic times of my life, Nia was my 'point of calm!' She was at the end of the ‘phone to calm me and put everything into perspective, handling my case (and me) with professionalism, rationality and excellent advice. Nia made sure I got everything I wanted from my divorce, and I would not hesitate to recommend her and her firm to anyone.”
Nia Jameson
Solicitor
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.
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.
“After finding myself in the middle of one the most traumatic times of my life, Nia was my 'point of calm!' She was at the end of the ‘phone to calm me and put everything into perspective, handling my case (and me) with professionalism, rationality and excellent advice. Nia made sure I got everything I wanted from my divorce, and I would not hesitate to recommend her and her firm to anyone.”
Katie Machin
Solicitor
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.
“We deal in pensions and it is rare to see a firm that understands pensions as well as Silk does. This is one of the many reasons we are confident when sending our valued clients to them.”
Katie Machin
Solicitor
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.
“We deal in pensions and it is rare to see a firm that understands pensions as well as Silk does. This is one of the many reasons we are confident when sending our valued clients to them.”
Carly Hope
Solicitor
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.
“I received excellent, easy to understand advice, delivered in a friendly fashion.”
Carly Hope
Solicitor
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.
“I received excellent, easy to understand advice, delivered in a friendly fashion.”
Eleanor Lowes
Solicitor
Eleanor is a specialist family lawyer who advises clients on a broad range of family matters, including divorce, financial remedy, children issues and pre-nuptial agreements. She has notable expertise in private law children matters and in working with clients who have complex income and business structures.
Eleanor is able to offer bespoke, technical legal advice in a calm, friendly and reassuring way. She establishes strong relationships and works hard to obtain the best possible outcomes for all her clients.
Originally from the North East, Eleanor graduated from Clare College, Cambridge, with a first class honours degree in law. She has recently returned to her Geordie home after working in London for a number of years as part of one of the UK’s largest family law teams. She joins the Silk Family Law team based in our Newcastle office, with a reputation of as one of the country’s most gifted young lawyers.
As a member of the London YRes Committee, Eleanor organised talks and events for young family lawyers across London. She recently ran the Great North Run in aid of Down’s Syndrome North East.
“Associate Eleanor Lowes has a very bright future” (Legal 500, 2018) “l would like to take this opportunity to thank you … for all the help guidance, support and patience you have given to me during what has been a very difficult period for me” (Client feedback)
Eleanor Lowes
Solicitor
Eleanor is a specialist family lawyer who advises clients on a broad range of family matters, including divorce, financial remedy, children issues and pre-nuptial agreements. She has notable expertise in private law children matters and in working with clients who have complex income and business structures.
Eleanor is able to offer bespoke, technical legal advice in a calm, friendly and reassuring way. She establishes strong relationships and works hard to obtain the best possible outcomes for all her clients.
Originally from the North East, Eleanor graduated from Clare College, Cambridge, with a first class honours degree in law. She has recently returned to her Geordie home after working in London for a number of years as part of one of the UK’s largest family law teams. She joins the Silk Family Law team based in our Newcastle office, with a reputation of as one of the country’s most gifted young lawyers.
As a member of the London YRes Committee, Eleanor organised talks and events for young family lawyers across London. She recently ran the Great North Run in aid of Down’s Syndrome North East.
“Associate Eleanor Lowes has a very bright future” (Legal 500, 2018) “l would like to take this opportunity to thank you … for all the help guidance, support and patience you have given to me during what has been a very difficult period for me” (Client feedback)
Emily Bell
Trainee Chartered Legal Executive
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.
“Your whole team have been extremely supportive during the last sixteen months or so. I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone.”
Emily Bell
Trainee Chartered Legal Executive
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.
“Your whole team have been extremely supportive during the last sixteen months or so. I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone.”
Judith Pearson
Legal Assistant
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.
“From my very first meeting and throughout my experience with Silk Family Law I had complete faith that I was being provided with safe, sound advice from an extremely experienced legal team.”
Judith Pearson
Legal Assistant
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.
“From my very first meeting and throughout my experience with Silk Family Law I had complete faith that I was being provided with safe, sound advice from an extremely experienced legal team.”
Kelly Thornton
Legal Assistant
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.
“In the emotional and fraught time of divorce proceedings, Silk Family Law has consistently provided excellent practical, rational and sage guidance throughout.”
Kelly Thornton
Legal Assistant
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.
“In the emotional and fraught time of divorce proceedings, Silk Family Law has consistently provided excellent practical, rational and sage guidance throughout.”
Leigh Beasley
Legal Assistant
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.
Leigh Beasley
Legal Assistant
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
Communications & Marketing Director
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.
Helen Robinson
Communications & Marketing Director
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
Office & Finance Manager
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.
Joanne Hackett
Office & Finance Manager
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.