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.
"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.”
- Client feedback
"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"
- Client feedback
"They have experience and knowledge, combined with teamwork and the will to win. It’s all about very capable people understanding your case and being in the trenches with you. Ian Kennerley put my case forward with passion and intelligence."
- Client feedback (Legal 500, 2022)
"I have been lucky to have Ian Kennerley as my Barrister. With Ian being an in-house Barrister this has meant that he has been fully involved in my case every step of the way."
- Client feedback (Legal 500, 2022)
Kim Fellowes
Partner
Described as “superb” by Legal 500, Kim is renowned for her expertise in both financial matters and child law. Kim has more than 20 years’ experience of advising clients on complex financial issues involving trusts, pensions and pre-acquired marital wealth.
Renowned as a leading practitioner in the North East, Kim’s client base spans the UK, with a considerable proportion of her work in London and the Home Counties. Her clients include professional sportspeople, celebrities and MPs.
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 was former chair of Resolution’s Child Support Committee and has been 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!”
- Client feedback
"They have experience and knowledge, combined with teamwork and the will to win. It’s all about very capable people understanding your case and being in the trenches with you. Kim Fellowes and her team exemplified this approach."
- Client feedback (Legal 500, 2022)
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 guides highlight 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 cohabitation 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.”
- Client feedback
"My solicitor at the firm is Wayne Lynn. He has guided and supported me through an extremely toxic divorce. He has helped me with a great deal of compassion and understanding, sometimes contacting me after hours and at weekends if he has felt it necessary."
- Client feedback (Legal 500, 2022)
Margaret Simpson
Consultant
One of our most experienced family lawyers, and a founding partner of the firm, Margaret has a ‘stellar reputation’ according to Chambers UK. This is well earned. Margaret is unmatched in her ability to cut through complex cases involving significant assets and a range of issues. These include her passion and expertise for cases involving landed estates and farming, both of which often involve issues relating to trust arrangements, valuation and liquidity.
Her clients and her peers tell us that Margaret has an unshakeable calmness – a quality that has served her well during the last 30 years that she has worked as a family lawyer. Whilst Margaret is known for her firm and robust advice in all aspects of matrimonial finance, she is also valued as a highly trained and trusted collaborative lawyer. She is committed to dealing with all issues cooperatively and constructively in an effort to reach a resolution by agreement without the uncertainty, cost and delay of the court process.
Margaret is a member of Resolution and is an accredited specialist in advanced financial provision. She has written a number of articles for the Yorkshire Post. In her spare time, she keeps busy running her smallholding on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, tending to her sheep, hens and bees and walking her dogs.
Recent blog posts by Margaret Simpson
“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."
Client feedback
‘Margaret Simpson has impeccable client care skills and maintains a handle on the detail of cases throughout.'
Legal 500, 2021
"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.”
Client feedback
"I wanted to say a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have made a huge difference to me, your clear and 'straight to point' advice mixed with warmth and genuine compassion has been invaluable and it came just at the right time, I only wish I had found you sooner.
Client feedback, October 2020
"You have helped me to get the closure I needed and stopped me living in fear of [my ex husband]. I don't imagine you need any client testimonials but you can count on me for anything of this nature. Truly, thank you. Not that I would wish this experience on anyone, but I will be recommending you in future.
Client feedback, October 2020
"Thank you also to your extended team who have been so kind, warm and friendly."
Client feedback, October 2020
"As a serving officer in the British forces, it was the no-nonsense professionalism that stood out to me. When I first contacted Silk Family Law after my wife requested a divorce, I wasn’t receptive to what anyone was saying or ready to make a decision. I was still in denial stage.
Client feedback, February 2021
I thought I wanted someone to tell me it would be OK. But actually, what you really need at that early stage isn’t sympathy; it’s to be told the facts about all the different outcomes and then left to mull it over.
Client feedback, February 2021
I realise now that if one party in a marriage wants a divorce, there’s nothing you can do about it. But for me, that decision and action stage came later. And when it did, I called Silk Family Law."
Client feedback, February 2021
In contrast to other firms I’d spoken with who put the onus on me to know exactly what I wanted do there and then, I really valued Margaret’s “matter of fact” professionalism. There was no hard sell at all during our first call. Simply a clear explanation of 'these are your options; this is what could happen. If you need us, give us a call.'
Client feedback, February 2021
“Margaret is a calm port in stormy weather. Her relaxed but firm approach is appreciated by her clients, her opponents and the judges.”
Justin Warshaw KC
“Incredibly sensitive and understanding with clients, possessing a very good understanding of issues affecting farming and land-owning families.” A “class act” whose “attention to detail is her secret weapon”.
Legal 500
Gabbie Clasper
Associate
Described as an ‘excellent solicitor’ in our most recent Chambers submission, Gabbie loves the challenge of difficult cases. Since she qualified in 1993 she’s tackled cases involving significant cultural issues, tracing hidden assets, setting aside orders, dealing with appeals, and representation against litigious and uncooperative opponents.
Her speciality is matrimonial finance, significant pensions, large property and investment portfolios and international assets. Gabbie has represented clients nationally and internationally and spends time at each of our offices.
Gabbie is accredited in Family Law by the Law Society, is an accredited specialist in advanced financial provision and financial provision and is a member of Resolution as a specialist in giving advice and representation in financial cases. In line with the Resolution Code, she always aims to resolve financial cases in a way that’s non-confrontational and cost effective, but she is also not afraid of robust representation.
As a well-respected expert, she’s previously given legal advice on story lines for a major TV soap and has provided specialist advice to the public on Radio Leeds. Outside of law, Gabbie is the proud owner of a female otterhound with Tecklegarth Kennels, who is part of a national programme to preserve this old English rare breed. She’s also a big fan of a good disaster movie (and would invite adventurer Simon Reeve to her dream dinner party. Her Desert Island Disc is a country classic – ‘State of the Heart’ by Mary Chapin Carpenter.
Matthew Miles
Associate
As a highly regarded family lawyer in Yorkshire and the North East, Matthew divides his time between our Leeds and North Yorkshire offices, while representing clients across the country. He’s well known for his hugely empathetic and understanding relationships with clients – he’s always accessible and takes a personable approach to providing a first-rate service. His thoughtful, astute and robust handling of cases is always built on a desire to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients as painlessly as possible.
Matthew specialises in all areas of family law. He’s an expert at resolving complex financial issues for high net worth individuals on divorce. Matthew is regularly instructed to negotiate pre and post-nuptial agreements and also has extensive expertise on disputes relating to children, including applications by parents to relocate overseas.
Matthew specialises in high net worth divorce and financial remedy cases, and cases include recently representing a member of one of the wealthiest families in the UK. He has also represented a member of a prominent Yorkshire family in connection with a pre-nuptial agreement and wealth protection involving complex offshore trusts. He blogs for the Yorkshire Post Country Life supplement, commenting on everything from divorce in farming cases to tracing cryptocurrency assets in divorce cases.
Educated in York, and qualifying in 2008, Matthew has now worked exclusively in family law for over 10 years, earning a glowing reputation over the years. He’s the former Treasurer of Resolution for the West & North Yorkshire region remaining actively involved with Resolution. He was quite rightly recognised as a ‘rising star’ in Chambers, where he is a ranked individual.
Matthew is Manchester United supporter (David Beckham once signed a birthday card for his dad!) and he enjoys skiing and squash, tennis and golf. He has a passion for music (his favourite album is Joshua Tree by U2) and he was in an indie band in his teens. He still dreams of making his own record one day. Matthew also enjoys travelling, having been around the United States, the Far East, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. South America and the Caribbean are next on his list.
Matthew Miles has been absolutely fantastic throughout during a very difficult, and at times emotional journey. His support, guidance and rationale on the way we navigated the case ensured I had the very best outcome. His expert knowledge held my trust whilst his understanding and empathy made me feel more confident about my own decisions and the outcome in general. Highly valued and easily recommended.
Client feedback, Legal 500 (2022)
Katie Machin
Associate
A qualified solicitor since 2008, Katie brings her expertise to all aspects of divorce, including financial remedies and children work from our office in Newcastle. She’s highly skilled in cohabitation disputes and has experience in property litigation. Katie also has a proud track record in high-conflict children work, including with cross-jurisdictional considerations.
As a Resolution member, Katie is well known for her pragmatic, robust approach to helping clients through a marriage or relationship breakdown. She was listed as Band 3 in the latest edition of Chambers.
Katie is originally from Newcastle and returned to the city after working for a London law practice. She was a founding member of the Newcastle Smart Works Charity, and her commitment to the city is strong – she regularly takes part in the Great North Run to raise money for local good causes.
As well as running, Katie fills her time with her other passions – art and design – as well as her house renovation.
“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.”
Silk Family Law client
"Katie and the team at Silk Newcastle were extremely supportive and professional when dealing with my matter. I would highly recommend them for any family law requirements."
Silk Family Law client
Nia Jameson
Associate
Nia is a key member of our North Yorkshire office where she’s based. After graduating at Durham, getting her legal qualification and then spending time at a practice in Manchester, she joined us in 2015 and was promoted to Associate in 2021. She now specialises in all areas of matrimonial law – from divorce and separation, civil partnerships, pre-and post-nuptial and cohabitation agreements, to the financial issues arising out of the breakdown of a relationship, and matters involving children. With our Partner Margaret Simpson, Nia also helps in advising in complex matters involving farming assets and business structures.
As a member of Resolution, Nia is committed to always taking a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law matters. As a result, she’s built an excellent reputation with her clients for her calm and pragmatic approach.
Crucially, she’s happy to help other team members to develop their careers at Silk too, as well as using her experience to supervise law students at legal advice clinics for the BPP Law College in Leeds. She has acted as mentor to law undergraduates at Durham University.
Outside of work, Nia is kept busy by two young children. When she has time, she enjoys keeping fit (she once even skydived over Lake Taupo in New Zealand!) and indulging her love of theatre and live music. That passion for the theatre is reflected in her choice of dream dinner party guest – William Shakespeare.
“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.”
Client feedback
'Nia was a great help during a difficult time. Professional, understanding and thorough, I highly recommend Silk Family Law.'
Douglas Warren, client (2021)
“I couldn't have wished for a nicer team who worked so hard for me. They gave 130% through an extremely difficult time. I got so much support and backing to finally resolve all my problems; they were my rock.”
Silk Family Law client
Hannah Craven
Solicitor
Hannah’s commitment to settling financial cases in a way that’s non-confrontational and cost effective is reflected in her role as Secretary for the local West and North Yorkshire Resolution Committee.
She’s been with us since 2022, having qualified in 2019. Today, from her base in our North Yorkshire office, Hannah has quickly developed an excellent reputation for client service, relationship building and teamwork. That has not gone unnoticed by clients – who recently thanked her for being ‘cheerful and understanding’ in her dealings with them.
She is also always ready to share her expertise and experience with others, having written for the Yorkshire Post on grandparents’ rights. She also featured in an article welcoming her to the Silk Family Law team. Hannah is also a committed member of Silk Family Law’s charity committee.
Outside of work, when she isn’t reading or entertaining friends (most likely with Adele’s 21album on in the background), she loves to stay active by getting involved with Parkruns across the country. She tells us that she would invite Freddie Mercury to her dream dinner party and she clearly has a taste for the dramatic – she once did a sky dive from 10,000 feet!
Jennifer McKinney
Legal Assistant
Based in our Newcastle office, Jenny is a qualified paralegal providing high level technical support to the team when researching and preparing for complex cases.
Jenny began her family law career as an administrative assistant at the court in Newcastle for 12 years, covering public law, private law and divorce and was a family clerk to the judges. She has since worked with law firms in Newcastle specialising in family law for the past six years.
Her experience of working in the family law courts means she can give enhanced support to clients, helping guide them through what to expect during the court process.
Eve Bentley
Legal Assistant
Eve brings her extensive experience in both public and private Family Law proceedings to her role as a Legal Assistant at our Newcastle office. She works closely with her colleague – Partner Wayne Lynn, regularly providing technical support for cases. Eve’s ultimate ambition is to eventually qualify as a solicitor in Family Law.
Well respected and hardworking, she is an active member of the North East Law Review, where she has contributed to a range of discussions around issues of law, gender and sexuality. She played an important role in discussions on ‘intersectionality’ – the role of the police and gender within society – along with other members of her law course after the tragic murder of Sarah Everard.
Eve brings huge energy and drive to our firm. A keen runner, she is also an accomplished ballet dancer and pianist.
Client Quote:
“Eve, I wanted to personally thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done for me and my case. Your extraordinary efforts on Tuesday went above and beyond, providing me with a sense of safety and strength. You are an incredible young lady with a promising career ahead. Thank you so much, Eve, for your care and dedication.”
Elliot Anderson
Legal Assistant
Clients coming to our Newcastle office regularly benefit from Elliot’s experience as a Court Clerk in the Family Law Courts. Thanks to his time there, Elliot has extensive knowledge of the full Court Process and can help to prepare clients for the experience.
He graduated from Newcastle University with a Sociology degree, and then added a GDL and LPC MSc in Law, Business and Management to his impressive resume. Elliot also has ambitions to become a Solicitor in Family Law.
Outside of work, Elliot is a huge fan of the cinema and is a regular at the Tyneside Cinema where he enjoys everything from Hollywood blockbusters to small independent movies.
He’s also a massive music fan, and loves to go to gigs at the weekend!
Rebecca McIntyre
Legal Assistant
For some people, their passion for a career in law starts early. Rebecca is a great example of this, having worked in a solicitors since 2018, when she left her sixth form after completing her A-Levels.
She is now a Legal Assistant with us at our Aske office and we are currently working to develop her for a fee-earner role within the Silk Family Law team. As part of her development, Rebecca is studying hard for her law degree part-time with the Open University. She currently in the fifth year of her studies and will finish her degree in June 2024. Once she has graduated, she plans to do the SQE and then qualify as a Solicitor.
Rebecca is certainly someone on the move, and it is no surprise to learn that one of her passions is Artistic Roller-Skating – in 2014 she even placed 3rd in the British Championships!
Outside of work Rebecca also enjoys hiking, reading and spending time with friends and family. At her dream dinner party, Ed Sheeran’s X would be playing in the background, while she entertains her guest, The Supervet’s Noel Fitzpatrick.
Lidia Beqiraj
Legal Assistant
Lidia is a dynamic member of our team with a notable path in the legal field. Having been called to the Bar of England & Wales in November 2023, her academic and professional journey is distinguished by a First Class LLB and the completion of the Bar Practice Course (BPC), supported fully by a scholarship from the Honorable Society of the Middle Temple. This accolade, the Harmsworth Scholarship, was awarded in recognition of her exceptional potential and her commitment to pursuing a career at the Bar.
Beyond her academic achievements, Lidia is an active member of the ALSA (Albanian Student Association UK), where she notably led and hosted a successful “Law 101” workshop. This event, featuring a panel of barristers and solicitors, was met with high praise from both panelists and attendees, highlighting Lidia’s organisational prowess and legal acumen.
Lidia’s ambitions extend beyond the courtroom; she is also studying for the New York Bar exams, aiming to qualify in 2024. Her dedication to widening access to justice, both at a community level and in broader terms, underscores her commitment to making a significant impact within the legal profession.
Outside the legal arena, Lidia’s interests are as diverse as her talents. A lover of travel, she aspires to visit a country on each of the seven continents by the age of 30. Her creative side is expressed through watercolor painting and music; she once gained 80,000 views on YouTube for her singing videos, thanks to her vocal training during her teenage years. Additionally, Lidia cherishes the time she spent in America during a study abroad year in university, an experience that broadened her perspective and enriched her personal growth.
If stranded on a desert island, Lidia would have Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” album to keep her company, a choice that reflects her appreciation for strong, influential music.
Lidia’s multifaceted personality, combined with her rigorous legal training and passion for justice, makes her an invaluable asset to our team and an inspiration to those around her.
Lucy Moore
Consultant HR Director
Lucy brings 20 years senior HR experience in financial and professional services across the UK and globally.
Lucy advises Silk Family Law on all aspects of human resources and supports the implementation of our people processes, operations and infrastructure, to ensure excellence in our standards and values.
Making sure that Silk is a great place to work, and the recruitment and retention of the highest calibre employees enables Silk to maintain its reputation for the delivery of exceptional client service and results.
Joanne Hackett
Financial Controller
There are not many people with as much experience in her sector as Joanne. A highly experienced and capable administrator and financial manager, she’s been working in the legal profession for over 35 years.
Silk has benefited from Joanne’s experience right from the start, as she joined us when we were founded in 2010. She manages all aspects of finance and accounting at Silk Family Law.
Joanne is an AAT-qualified accountant and is also the firm’s Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA). That’s a key role within our practice, as thanks to Joanne we always know that we’re complying with our regulatory obligations and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Accounts Rules.
She’s also always ready to share her experience with the wider professional community, as a member of the North East COFA forum and a supporter of the Evolve Community Forum, a virtual reference group run by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Outside of work, Joanne is a committed Newcastle United fan, and also enjoys the theatre – especially ballet (she once dreamed of becoming a dance teacher). She also loves to walk and cycle to stay healthy, whilst listening to music, with Prince’s Purple Rain at the top of her playlist. She says that her grandchildren keep her grounded and she loves spending time with friends and family.
Shelley Jones
PA for Margaret Simpson
Legal Secretaries like Shelley are the backbone of our firm. Their help ensures that our Solicitors are able to deliver a quality service which our clients expect and deserve. Shelley has over 20 years of experience in the legal field. Based in our North Yorkshire office she works closely with Margaret Simpson in particular as well as with the firm as a whole. She has been with us since 2018.
Developing strong, trusting relationships with our clients is Shelley’s biggest asset. She is well known for her sensitivity in dealing with their needs at what is often a very difficult time in their lives. Fabulously well organised, she ensures that all aspects of the day to day life of the very busy team runs smoothly.
Beyond her work, Shelley loves walking and cycling in the Yorkshire Dales and spending time with her family and friends back home in North Wales. She tells us she’d invite Sir Ian McKellan, Queen Elizabeth II and her late grandmother to her dream dinner party. It’s an eclectic mix – just like her music choice, which would be one of the early ‘Now…’ albums!
Danielle Clarkson
PA for Ian Kennerley & Wayne Lynn
Since obtaining her qualifications as a family law legal secretary, Danielle has been an essential member of the Silk team. Her association with the firm dates back to its establishment in 2010, and she’s been indispensable ever since. From the Newcastle office, she offers extensive support to the team, with a specific role in assisting Wayne Lynn. Additionally, Danielle extends her expertise by mentoring and training newcomers to the firm.
Outside the Office: Danielle is an avid movie watcher, enjoys immersing herself in music, and cherishes moments spent with loved ones.
If Danielle could invite anyone to her dream dinner, it would be Elvis, because who wouldn’t want an evening with the rock n roll legend?
Desert Island Choice: While Danielle might opt for either Whitney Houston’s or Cher’s greatest hits, she jests that the tranquility might just win over, letting her savor the serenity.
Tracy Potter
Legal Secretary
Like all the best Legal Secretaries, Tracy is an expert at developing good relationships with our clients. She’s well respected for always taking a sensitive approach, at a moment in their lives when they need her most.
She also brings vast experience to the role. She’s been a Legal Secretary for over 18 years, and we’ve benefited from her skills since she joined us in 2018. Now, she’s based in our Aske Stables office in North Yorkshire.
She’s committed to spending quality time with her family, enjoys live music (she’s chosen the Foo Fighters as her Desert Island Disc), walking her dog and travelling to beautiful holiday destinations. Tracy is also a massive Moto GP fan – and says that she’d invite star rider Valentino Rossi along to her dream dinner party, as well as her dad, of course.
Toni Dillon
PA for Kim Fellowes
As another essential part of our highly experienced team of legal secretaries, Toni has worked in Family Law since 2011. Now based in our Newcastle office she provides secretarial support to the whole team. She works primarily for Kim Fellowes.
Outside of work, Toni has a young family that keeps her busy – but if she has any energy left she also enjoys Clubbercise class, socialising with friends and heading to gigs and festivals. While we’re on the subject of music, we’re hoping we get an invite to her dream dinner party. It should be quite a gathering: Freddie Mercury, Kurt Cobain and Madonna, with AC/DC’s Back In Black on in the background.
Libby White
Legal Secretary
All of our fee earners benefit from Libby’s skills and experience as a legal secretary based in our Newcastle office. A dedicated and sensitive contact for our clients, she often works closely with solicitor Katie Machin.
Outside of work you find her in the gym, or enjoying long walks on the beach (where she’ll soak up the sun if she can) or in the local countryside with her 2 Pomeranians Macie & Mellow!
Helen Atkinson
Legal Secretary
Helen is a legal secretary based in our Newcastle office. She provides secretarial support for all of the fee earners but primarily for Kim Fellowes alongside Toni Dillon.
Helen have previous experience working in various aspects of law and working at Newcastle County Court.
Kendal Iley
Legal Assistant
Like the backbone of every successful firm, Legal Assistants play a vital role, and Kendal is no exception. She comes with 3 years of dedicated experience in law, ensuring that our Solicitors are supported to offer the top-tier service our clients anticipate.
Proudly bearing both a Bachelor and Master of Laws degree, Kendal’s accomplishments do not stop there. She is also an LPC Graduate.
While Kendal’s professional accolades are many, it’s her approach to building genuine relationships with our clients that truly stands out. Attuned to the emotional nuances that come with family law, Kendal’s sensitivity and dedication ensure that each client feels understood and cared for.
Away from the office, Kendal is a loving mother to a one-year-old and delights in moments shared with friends and family. An epicure at heart, she’s always on the lookout for new dining experiences and eateries. An adventurous spirit, Kendal once soared through the skies in a skydive, showcasing her fearless approach to life’s challenges.
When it comes to her dream dinner party, laughter is on the menu. Comedian Peter Kay is her guest of choice, promising a night of hilarity. And should she ever find herself on a deserted island, she’d have the varied tunes from either the Ministry of Sound or a ‘Now’ album to keep her company, encapsulating her love for diverse musical expressions.
Nicola Shewan
Legal Secretary
With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to her team, Nicola brings eight years of family law experience to Silk. Her outstanding distinction in Secretarial and Administration GNVQ serves as a testament to her proficiency and dedication in her role.
Having recently relocated from Kent to Yorkshire, Nicola is immersing herself in the rich tapestry of her new surroundings. With each day, she finds herself drawn deeper into the local culture, whether it’s renovating her home, exploring the scenic trails, or savoring the cuisine at local restaurants. A woman of many passions, Nicola has a desire for reading, shopping, and enjoying the great outdoors, be it walking or running. Her music taste is diverse, but she holds a special place in her heart for the 80s. Nicola can be found spending quality moments with her family and friends, and enjoys playing the perfect hostess. A National Trust day out, a love for tap dancing, and her flair for creative writing further accentuate her multifaceted personality. Life at home is made sweeter with the presence of her husband, five-year-old daughter and a loving cat.
Given her love for the iconic band, it’s no surprise that her dream dinner guests would be Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor from Queen. If ever stranded on a desert island, Nicola would choose the timeless melodies of Queen, perhaps serenading the solitude with their Greatest Hits or a Now album for some variety.
At our firm, Nicola’s vast expertise and vibrant personality make her an invaluable asset, both in a professional capacity and as a cherished colleague.
Paige Tait
Legal Cashier
As a pivotal member of our financial team, Paige Tait brings precision and expertise to her role as a Legal Cashier. Her affiliation with the Institute of Legal Finance and Management (ILFM) underscores her commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development within the realm of legal finance.
When Paige is not expertly managing financial transactions and ensuring compliance, she indulges in her passion for automotive beauty at car shows and classic car meets. A family-oriented individual, Paige cherishes her time spent with loved ones, whether it’s engaging in retail therapy or enjoying the simple pleasures of family life.
One of Paige’s most treasured experiences was attending a live concert of Sir Elton John in June 2022, an event that remains etched in her memory for the sheer joy it brought her. Her admiration for the musical icon is so profound that she regards Sir Elton John as her ideal dinner party guest, envisioning an evening filled with captivating stories and melodies.
In a scenario as whimsical as some of Elton’s own lyrics, if Paige were ever on a desert island, the album ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ would be her soundtrack of choice. This selection perfectly encapsulates her love for timeless music and would undoubtedly be the backdrop to her island adventure.
Paige’s unique blend of professional acumen and personal passions contributes to the warm and dynamic culture of our team.
