Why You Need a Will (and Why You Need a Wills and Probate Solicitor to Help You With It)
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Meet the Team
Our Team can provide specialist advice tailored to your particular requirements. We aim to provide a quality, cost effective service for all of our clients.
Crime
David Mainwaring
Director
David Mainwaring
Director
David is a Director. He joined Holdens in 2000 and became a Partner in 2004 and subsequently a Director in 2022. As a specialist in Criminal Law, David has defended a vast number of people charged with a variety of offences, and has handled numerous high profile cases. David has, in addition, established a reputation for advising and representing young people. He regularly looks after their interests at both the Police Station and Youth Court. He is also a Motoring Law Specialist.
David also specialises in Regulatory Law. He has considerable experience of advising and defending clients, particularly in relation to Health and Safety and Food Safety cases. Having built a career in Management, his interest in the law grew to be a passion, prompting him to qualify as a Solicitor. Before studying Law, David obtained a BA Hons in Politics at Lancaster University, where he also demonstrated his powers of persuasion by being elected president of the Student Union in 1985.
Kevin Bamber
Solicitor
Kevin Bamber
Solicitor
Kevin was admitted as a Solicitor in 1994 and joined Holdens Solicitors in 2003. Prior to joining Kevin was a partner at a large legal practice with offices in Greater Manchester and East Lancashire.
He has practised almost exclusively in Criminal Defence work throughout his career dealing with the full range of offences including Murder, Sexual Offences, Serious Assaults, Conspiracy, Drug Offences, Fraud, Theft and Motoring Offences. Kevin is a member of the 24-hour Police Station Duty Scheme and Court Duty Scheme.
Amy Wood
Head of Crown Team & Police Station Representative
Amy Wood
Head of Crown Team & Police Station Representative
Amy is an Experienced Accredited Police Station Representative, who specialises in advising clients in Police Stations throughout the area. Amy is a valuable asset to the Criminal Department with her caring approach and infectious enthusiasm. Assisting the Crown Court Department in the preparation of cases.
Amy is an integral member of Holden’s 24/7 on call Police Station rota which ensures that clients can be assured of a Holdens representative if detained at a Police Station. Amy is keen to travel when the opportunity arises. Also a keen camper and at weekends enjoys walking especially if there is a nice country pub at the end.
Elizabeth Fawcett
Trainee Solicitor
Elizabeth Fawcett
Trainee Solicitor
Elizabeth graduated with a first class degree in History from Lancaster University in 2021. She then went on to study Masters of Law and PGDL at the University of Law due to graduate in 2023 after passing the SQE1 in January 2023.
Elizabeth's aim is to qualify as a solicitor specialising in criminal law.
In her spare time Elizabeth likes to spend time outdoors in the local area.
Susan Booth
Practice Manager
Susan came to Holdens in August of 2023 with a strong background of Legal Practice and Office Management. With over twenty five years experience working in the United Kingdom and also in the United States.
Susan has worked as a manager in both the legal field and medical/healthcare sectors.
Susan enjoys travel, spending time with her husband, pets, children and grandchildren. Susan also has a love of music and reading crime novels.
Family
Nicola Houton
Director
Nicola Houton
Director
Nicola became a Director in September 2023 having joined the firm in 2007. She qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in December 2012.
Nicola is based in our Lancaster office where she has a wide client base covering all areas of family law including Care Proceedings representing parents, Private Law Children Proceedings, Non Molestation/Occupations Proceedings and Matrimonial Proceedings ie. divorce and finances.
Nicola is an Accredited Member of Resolution with specialisms in Children Law – Public and Domestic Abuse. Nicola was born and educated on the Fylde Coast, studying at Blackpool & the Fylde College and Blackburn University Centre before she qualified as a Family Lawyer.
In her spare time Nicola enjoys keeping active whether that be going to the gym, running or walks in the countryside. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, going on holidays and going to music concerts and festivals.
Hannah Brook
Solicitor
Hannah Brook
Solicitor
Hannah joined the family team at Holdens as a family law paralegal after working at another local law firm. Hannah graduated with a first class law degree from the University of Central Lancashire in 2018 and has also completed her Masters of Law and LPC from which she graduated with a distinction.
Hannah’s aim is to qualify as a solicitor specialising in family law. In her spare time Hannah likes to spend time with her young family and with her friends and also going to the gym.
Suzanne Hutton
Consultant Solicitor
Suzanne Hutton
Consultant Solicitor
Suzanne is a Consultant Solicitor who specialises in all aspects of private Family Law work and represents Holdens’ clients in Kendal and across Cumbria.
Having graduated with a First in English at Lancaster University Suzanne completed her legal studies with Distinction and qualified as a Solicitor in a London practice in 2009.
Suzanne has a particular interest and expertise in Financial Remedy and private Children Law work, and has practised Family Law in Cumbria since moving here in 2010. She prides herself on her firm but conciliatory approach to her cases and great rapport with clients.
Suzanne also mentors lawyers entering the profession and is passionate about supporting their career choices and wellbeing. She lives in Cockermouth with her 10 year old son (and two chaotic but loveable dogs!).
Liza McCabe
Legal Executive
Liza McCabe
Legal Executive
Liza is an experienced Chartered Legal Executive within the Holdens' Family Department. Based in Lancaster, Liza deals with all areas of Family, Matrimonial Law and Children Matters. Liza’s experience and expertise has assisted many families in the local community in resolving their family disputes.
Liza specialises in Divorce and Financial Disputes together with Children Matters and regularly represents parents in Disputes. She is also experienced in dealing with all areas of relationship breakdowns and the financial difficulties which can sometimes follow from divorce by way of negotiating, referral to mediation and ensuring protection is provided following agreement and if necessary in Court.
Liza was born in Lancaster and was educated at Ripley St Thomas C of E High School. She went on to study at the University of Central Lancashire where she qualified as a Fellow of the Institute, now known as a Chartered Legal Executive, in 2003. Liza has worked at Holdens as part of the Family Department since 2001. Liza spends her spare time with her husband and her young family.
Susan Booth
Practice Manager
Susan came to Holdens in August of 2023 with a strong background of Legal Practice and Office Management. With over twenty five years experience working in the United Kingdom and also in the United States.
Susan has worked as a manager in both the legal field and medical/healthcare sectors.
Susan enjoys travel, spending time with her husband, pets, children and grandchildren. Susan also has a love of music and reading crime novels.
Private
Jennifer Larton
Director
Jennifer Larton
Director
Jennifer is a Director specialising in all aspects of Private Client matters, including Wills and Probate, Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection, Trust administration, Inheritance Tax and succession planning. Jennifer attended Lancaster University before completing her Legal Practice Course at the College of Law (now the University of Law) in Chester, where she was awarded a Distinction.
She joined Holdens from another local firm, and has worked in the Lancaster and Preston areas since qualifying as a Solicitor in 2011. Jennifer is a full member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP); the internationally recognised leading professional organisation in her area of law.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her young family. She is a frequent gym goer, but is at her happiest when she can get outdoors to enjoy the beautiful area.
Aimee Mcclintock
Trainee Solicitor
Aimee Mcclintock
Trainee Solicitor
Aimee is a Trainee Solicitor within Holdens Private Client team based at the Lancaster office. The team offers all services which include Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection and Trust administration matters. Aimee is currently studying at the University of Central Lancashire and is looking forward to qualifying as a Solicitor at Holdens in the near future.
Aimee is a friendly individual who prides herself on building relationships with clients and putting their minds at ease through difficult situations and giving them a helping hand.
In her spare time, Aimee enjoys socialising with her family and friends, getting out in the fresh air walking with her beloved dog Olly and going on holidays exploring
Susan Booth
Practice Manager
Susan came to Holdens in August of 2023 with a strong background of Legal Practice and Office Management. With over twenty five years experience working in the United Kingdom and also in the United States.
Susan has worked as a manager in both the legal field and medical/healthcare sectors.
Susan enjoys travel, spending time with her husband, pets, children and grandchildren. Susan also has a love of music and reading crime novels.
Commercial
Aimee Mcclintock
Trainee Solicitor
Aimee Mcclintock
Trainee Solicitor
Aimee is a Trainee Solicitor within Holdens Private Client team based at the Lancaster office. The team offers all services which include Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection and Trust administration matters. Aimee is currently studying at the University of Central Lancashire and is looking forward to qualifying as a Solicitor at Holdens in the near future.
Aimee is a friendly individual who prides herself on building relationships with clients and putting their minds at ease through difficult situations and giving them a helping hand.
In her spare time, Aimee enjoys socialising with her family and friends, getting out in the fresh air walking with her beloved dog Olly and going on holidays exploring
Susan Booth
Practice Manager
Susan came to Holdens in August of 2023 with a strong background of Legal Practice and Office Management. With over twenty five years experience working in the United Kingdom and also in the United States.
Susan has worked as a manager in both the legal field and medical/healthcare sectors.
Susan enjoys travel, spending time with her husband, pets, children and grandchildren. Susan also has a love of music and reading crime novels.
Conveyancying
Jemma Higson
Solicitor
Jemma Higson
Solicitor
Jemma is a Solicitor who specialises in Residential Conveyancing. She has recently joined Holdens after moving to the area from her home town of Bolton. Jemma completed her law degree at the University of Hull and then went on to study the Legal Practice Course in Manchester. After gaining experience in real estate and residential conveyancing whilst working as a paralegal at firms in Manchester and Bolton, she then undertook her training leading to her qualifying as a Solicitor in 2014.
Jemma deals with all aspects of residential conveyancing including sales, purchases, remortgages, new builds, shared ownerships and leasehold properties. Client care is very important to her and she strives to build good relationships with her clients and ensure that they understand all aspects of the transaction to make the process as stress free as possible.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going on holiday and going to the gym.
Lucy Chiddey
CLC Licensed Conveyancer
Lucy Chiddey
CLC Licensed Conveyancer
Lucy is a Licensed Conveyancer. She has recently joined Holdens to work as part of the dedicated team at Holdens which deals with all aspects of Residential Property Law. Lucy was awarded her Conveyancing Law & Practice Diploma in June 2021 after completing this by distance learning through the Council for Licenced Conveyancers.
Lucy has worked in the Conveyancing industry since 2012 starting her journey as a receptionist/secretary for a local Conveyancing Firm and thereafter progressing to becoming a Conveyancing Technician in 2019 and subsequently obtaining her first Conveyancing Licence, following qualification, in 2021.
Lucy deals with all aspects of residential conveyancing including sales, purchases, remortgages, transfers, new builds, shared ownerships and leasehold properties as well as equity release mortgages and help to buy transactions. Client care and building client relationships is very important to Lucy.
She strives to make the transaction as stress free as possible for her clients by providing the advice and level of support that that individual client requires and tailoring how this is delivered to meet the client’s particular needs. In her free time, Lucy, enjoys spending time with her Husband, family and friends. She also enjoys attending music events, going on holiday and open water swimming.
Natalie Bradley
Paralegal
Natalie Bradley
Paralegal
Natalie is a Paralegal in the Residential Conveyancing department. Natalie completed a Law degree at Lancaster University and graduated in 2014. Natalie also studied Arts and Humanities at the Open University.
Natalie worked at several local law firms before joining Holdens. Following her degree Natalie took a career break to spend time with her children. On returning to work Natalie has worked as a Paralegal and is currently in the final stages of applying to become a Legal Executive specialising in Conveyancing.
In her spare time Natalie enjoys spending time with her husband and children going on countryside walks. She is also an avid reader and enjoys swimming.
Susan Booth
Practice Manager
Susan came to Holdens in August of 2023 with a strong background of Legal Practice and Office Management. With over twenty five years experience working in the United Kingdom and also in the United States.
Susan has worked as a manager in both the legal field and medical/healthcare sectors.
Susan enjoys travel, spending time with her husband, pets, children and grandchildren. Susan also has a love of music and reading crime novels.
Jennifer Hallsworth
Trainee Solicitor
Jennifer Hallsworth
Trainee Solicitor
Jennifer Hallsworth joined Holdens bringing with her experience from her time working as a paralegal in the United States. Jennifer holds two degrees in Philosophy and Criminal Justice from The Ohio State University and has gained valuable insight working on both criminal and family law cases whilst there.
Jennifer’s commitment to high-quality legal research and her strong administrative skills make her a valuable asset to the firm. Now based in the picturesque Lake District, she is keen to continue developing her legal career while exploring new areas of law as a member of the Conveyancing and Probate departments.
Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys cooking, a passion she has cultivated over the years. She also loves outdoor activities, including hiking in the beautiful landscapes of the Lake District, and she enjoys reading, keeping up with current affairs, and exploring new culinary trends.