The team

Rachel Stow - Managing Director
Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP)

Rachel is the Managing Director of Thorneycroft Solicitors and is responsible for the running of the firm and the setting and delivery of its strategy to ensure it remains a market leader in personal law and litigation. She is currently focused on how best to capitalise on the opportunities that will be created by the legislative changes that are reshaping the legal market. She is a leading and respected member of the legal community and has driven the firm into a new era of working, challenging the more traditional work…
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Robert Thorneycroft - Director

Founder of the firm in 1990, and now Senior Partner, Robert specialises in property and personal injury related matters. Robert qualified at Chester Law College and was admitted as a solicitor in 1982. Keen to explore the opportunities that Alternative Business Structures bring to the legal sector, he also enjoys dealing with clients on a day to day basis. Rob handles all types of residential and commercial conveyancing transactions.
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Mark Belfield - Director

  Mark joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in 1998 and became a Director in 2011. Mark heads up the Large Loss team, looking after serious and catastrophic injury claims. Still a fee earner, he also inputs into more involved cases and advising on direction and policy resulting from legislative changes. Outside of work Mark enjoys spending time with his wife Jane and their 2 children. A keen runner, Mark has also taken part in a number of 10k runs raising money for local charities. Any remaining spare time is spent following his…
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Sue Carnwell - Financial Director
Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA)

Susan is a qualified Chartered Accountant, qualifying in 1992 with KPMG. Susan has worked at a senior level in the NHS, and has also worked in the legal services sector in partnership and working for a large corporate for last 16 years. Now Group FD she is responsible for finances within all of our group companies. Susan and her family enjoy many rural activities including clay pigeon shooting, which she wishes she had more time for. [email protected]
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Susan Phelps - Associate Director Head of Exited and Issued Team

Prior to joining Thorneycroft Solicitors in 1998, Susan had studied at Leeds University. Susan’s chosen areas of specialisation include RTAs, as well as cases which involve issues relating to employers liability. Susan’s interests include foreign travel and during the past few years destinations have included The Maldives, Mexico and Mauritius.
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Craig Fisher - Associate Director - Solicitor

Craig joined the firm as a Claims Handler in 2008 and completed his Solicitor Training at Thorneycrofts, having previously completed the LLB degree at Keele University and the Legal Practice Course at Staffordshire University. Craig is a Solicitor in our Portal Team, having previously headed our New Business Team, and also assists in building excellent working relationships with our medical agencies. Craig’s hobbies include playing football, and watching Crewe Alexandra play around the country.
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Nicola Parker - Associate Director Head of Employment Department

Nicola is an Associate Director of the Firm and Head of our Employment & HR team. She joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in 2010 and subsequently qualified as a Solicitor with the firm in 2014 after completing the Legal Practice Course with a Distinction. Nicola advises on all aspects of employment law including terminations, restructures & redundancy and discrimination, as well as HR matters and is particularly involved in providing support to our business clients. She also regularly advises on settlement agreements. Nicola has played a key role in the development of…
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Heather Gaunt - Associate Director

Heather is an Associate Director and Head of our wills probate and trust department. Her proven track record of over 20 years within the Private  Client sector highlights Heather’s expertise and enthusiasm within this ever changing and complex area of law. With a friendly but experienced and professional approach Heather has worked with a range of businesses and clients to draft wills give advice relating to probate services and the Court of Protection prepare powers of attorney and resolve estate planning issues. Heather is a full Member of STEP (Society of Trust &…
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Nicola Dickinson - Director of Volume Legal Department and Legal Operations

Nicola Dickinson is an Associate Director and Head of the Personal Injury Fast Track Department. Nicola has 10 years’ experience in the personal injury claims sector and is responsible for improving the efficiencies of case handling to ensure we provide a premium service to our clients. Outside of work Nicola is a regular visitor to the gym and enjoys socialising.
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Amy Owen - Associate Director - Compliance Manager

Amy joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in April 2015 where she assists the COLP with regulatory compliance. Amy graduated from Keele University in 2007 with a Law and Criminology degree (LL.B). She completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at Staffordshire University in 2008 and in 2012 she achieved a Masters Degree in Legal Practice Management. Amy qualified as a Solicitor in 2014. Prior to joining the firm, Amy worked at Cheshire and Shropshire based firms and at the Citizens Advice Bureau where she gained a wealth of experience in several areas…
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Peter Reeves - IT Manager

Peter joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in February 2007 as IT Manager having previously worked for an accident claims company. Peter is responsible for all of our IT requirements which include not only our computers and networks, but also our claims management systems, our client and supplier databases as well as a wide range of Management Reports. Outside of work Peter is a Formula 1 fanatic and also a collector of Japanese and Ethnographic works of art.
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Liz Hill - Ops Manager

Liz joined us at the start of 2015 having worked in operations in the legal sector for the past 12 years. Throughout her career, Liz has been involved in operational improvement and change management and is experienced in projects which drive system improvements and business efficiencies. Liz works closely with all areas of the business including our Management, IT and Legal teams to ensure the requirements of the business are translated and developed within our internal case management systems and management information. As a business we recognise that in order…
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Natasha Scragg - Marketing & Events Manager

Natasha joined Thorneycroft in December 2004 and has progressed through Corporate Accounts and PA roles to the position of Group Marketing and Events Manager. Natasha is responsible for managing the Group’s marketing strategy and spend, responsible for updating social media and web with relevant content and liaising with the external marketing agency to co-ordinate the Group’s paid for advertising campaigns. In addition to this she also has responsibility for arranging Thorneycroft’s events – both staff and corporate. In her spare time Natasha enjoys spending time with family and friends.
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Gail Wilson - HR Manager

Nathan Scragg - Sales Manager

Nathan joined Thorneycroft at the end of 2015 as Sales Manager. Nathan has a wealth of experience, most recently from the insurance field where he was responsible for building relationships with both existing and new customers. At Thorneycroft his role involves working with our suppliers, both current and prospective, to ensure that we are meeting and exceeding their requirements, whilst providing them with the very best service in the industry. In his spare time Nathan enjoys spending time with his fiancée and twin boys, as well as fitting in a…
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Mark Bestley - Senior Consultant
Employment

Mark is a consultant solicitor at Thorneycroft Solicitors. Having qualified in 1977, he has over 30 years experience as a specialist in employment law. A member of the Employment Lawyers Association, Mark has undertaken extensive Employment Tribunal advocacy and provides clients with no-nonsense, straightforward advice across all areas of employment law including contractual matters, TUPE, disciplinary and grievance procedures and redundancy processes. Well known in the local business community, Mark is also a board member of Macclesfield Chamber of Commerce and is also involved with Make it Macclesfield as a…
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Nicola Parker - Associate Director Head of Employment Department

Nicola is an Associate Director of the Firm and Head of our Employment & HR team. She joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in 2010 and subsequently qualified as a Solicitor with the firm in 2014 after completing the Legal Practice Course with a Distinction. Nicola advises on all aspects of employment law including terminations, restructures & redundancy and discrimination, as well as HR matters and is particularly involved in providing support to our business clients. She also regularly advises on settlement agreements. Nicola has played a key role in the development of…
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Deborah Ford - Employment & Business Team Co-ordinator

I assist the Employment and Business Team with their cases on a day to day basis. This involves coordinating incoming enquiries, dealing with clients and offering administrative help and support. Outside of work I enjoy reading, jewellery making, stained glass work, playing the guitar, cooking, gardening, theatre, needlework and house renovating.
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Clare Cross - HR Consultant

Clare joined the firm’s Employment and HR Team in July 2018 as a HR Consultant. She has 20 years experience in Corporate HR and is largely responsible for providing advice and support to our business clients. Clare is also able to advise individuals on day to day HR matters. As a member of the Employment & HR Team, Clare also regularly provides our business clients with on-site support, assisting them with employee meetings and carrying out inductions and appraisals on behalf of the business. Clare also drafts and advises on…
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Rachel Stow - Managing Director
Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP)

Rachel is the Managing Director of Thorneycroft Solicitors and is responsible for the running of the firm and the setting and delivery of its strategy to ensure it remains a market leader in personal law and litigation. She is currently focused on how best to capitalise on the opportunities that will be created by the legislative changes that are reshaping the legal market. She is a leading and respected member of the legal community and has driven the firm into a new era of working, challenging the more traditional work…
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Sue Carnwell - Financial Director
Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA)

Susan is a qualified Chartered Accountant, qualifying in 1992 with KPMG. Susan has worked at a senior level in the NHS, and has also worked in the legal services sector in partnership and working for a large corporate for last 16 years. Now Group FD she is responsible for finances within all of our group companies. Susan and her family enjoy many rural activities including clay pigeon shooting, which she wishes she had more time for. [email protected]
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Amy Owen - Associate Director - Compliance Manager

Amy joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in April 2015 where she assists the COLP with regulatory compliance. Amy graduated from Keele University in 2007 with a Law and Criminology degree (LL.B). She completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at Staffordshire University in 2008 and in 2012 she achieved a Masters Degree in Legal Practice Management. Amy qualified as a Solicitor in 2014. Prior to joining the firm, Amy worked at Cheshire and Shropshire based firms and at the Citizens Advice Bureau where she gained a wealth of experience in several areas…
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Alison Kennerley - Head of Financial Processing and Client Account Compliance Accounts Manager/Deputy COFA

Rebecca Chorlton GCILEx - Compliance Assistant

Rebecca joined the compliance department at Thorneycroft Solicitors in February 2016 to assist the COLP with regulatory compliance. Rebecca graduated from Chester University in 2012 with a Law degree (LLB). She is an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and is currently completing the Graduate Fast-Track Diploma. In her spare time Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
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Mark Belfield - Director

  Mark joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in 1998 and became a Director in 2011. Mark heads up the Large Loss team, looking after serious and catastrophic injury claims. Still a fee earner, he also inputs into more involved cases and advising on direction and policy resulting from legislative changes. Outside of work Mark enjoys spending time with his wife Jane and their 2 children. A keen runner, Mark has also taken part in a number of 10k runs raising money for local charities. Any remaining spare time is spent following his…
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Lisa Smith - Barrister

Lisa joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in August 2016 having spent 17 years in a leading law firm in Manchester where she specialised in high value road traffic accidents, fatal accidents and employers liability claims including brain injuries, spinal injuries, and severe orthopaedic injuries. Lisa is a Barrister and was called to the Bar in 1999. She is a member of the Bar Council of England and Wales and the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. Lisa’s ethos in relation to her work is that the client always comes first and is…
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Andrew Dowd - Solicitor

Andrew joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in 2017 as a Senior Solicitor and works in the Large Loss Team dealing with catastrophic Injury claims. He has a wealth of experience in brain, spinal cord and amputation injury claims having been active in this field for 25 years. Outside of work he enjoys spending his time with his wife Mary and their grown up children. A keen Manchester City fan and follower of Lancashire County Cricket Club, he has also an annual trip to the Prix De l’Arc de Triomphe Horse Racing meeting in…
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Hazel Madden - Litigation Executive

Hazel is an accredited Senior Litigator with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and a member of the Institute of Legal Executives and Motor Accident Solicitors Society. Hazel specialises in personal injury litigation including road traffic accidents, public and employers liability cases. Hazel joined the firm in February 2011 having worked for several years at another leading law firm in the region gaining extensive litigation experience including work on a Parliamentary Inquiry. Hazel also regularly appears on local radio station Silk FM on behalf of Thorneycroft Solicitors on the Legal…
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Michael J Coghlan - Consultant Solicitor

Michael is a consultant within our Serious Injury department at Thorneycroft Solicitors. Specialising in Personal Injury litigation with over 20 years experience Mike is now assisting clients who have suffered serious and life changing injuries.   Michael has two daughters. When he is not spending time with the girls, he likes to play golf and football when possible, as well as the odd game of squash.
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Sarah Coxon - Solicitor

Sarah joined Thorneycrofts as a Solicitor in June 2017 and has an excellent understanding of both sides of the litigation process, having had over 10 years experience working at both Claimant and Defendant law firms. Sarah specialises in Catastrophic Injury Claims, assisting and supporting Claimants who have suffered with complex and life altering injuries, such as brain or spinal injuries. Having grown up aboard in both Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands, Sarah loves to travel and makes an effort to visit to at least one new destination per year. When…
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Marcella Nathanson - Solicitor

Marcella has over 18 years experience within the personal injury sector, initially with Filex and qualified as a solicitor in 2007, following passing PGDL and LPC with Distinction. She specialises in high value complex injury claims including amputations, fatalities, brain injuries, spinal injuries, severe burns and industrial disease (including asbestosis, and cadmium/dust inhalation). The superb range of testimonials and recommendations that she has received over the years are as a result of her tenacious approach to getting the best settlement possible for her clients.  Away from work Marcella has a…
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Emma Adams - Commercial Costs Manager

Coral Jayne Clifford - Litigation Executive

Coral is a Graduate Member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and specialises in Claimant Personal Injury work, having begun her career in this field in 2009. Coral works in the firm’s Catastrophic Injury Department, assisting clients with life changing injuries, including complex orthopaedic injuries and brain injuries. Outside of work, Coral enjoys spending time with her family friends and keeping fit by going to the gym.
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Lisa Hunt - Legal Executive

Lisa is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and specialises in Claimant Personal Injury work, having begun her career in this field in 2001.  Having joined the firm in 2010, Lisa works in the firm’s Catastrophic Injury Department assisting clients with life changing injuries including complex orthopaedic injuries, brain injuries and amputations. Outside of work, Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband and young daughter, dining out with friends and keeping fit with the help of her personal trainer and by participating in various 5k/10k runs throughout…
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Mary Lomas - Solicitor

Mary is a qualified solicitor with over ten years of experience working in personal injury.  Mary joined Thorneycrofts in 2017 and now deals with fatal accident claims, serious orthopaedic and internal injuries,  brain injuries and pain syndrome type cases.   Her experience means she is well versed in dealing with liability issues, particularly those involving motorcyclists.  Mary has been described as compassionate and “on the ball “with an excellent work ethic, by her clients. In her spare time Mary enjoys riding her horse, playing netball, running, and Pilates. She is also…
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Paula Bridge - Senior Consultant - Head of Clinical Negligence

As well as being a qualified Barrister and Solicitor, Paula is highly experienced and respected in the area of Clinical Negligence, and is retained by Thorneycroft on a Consultancy basis to head up this specialist team. Having been a Partner in law for 14 years specialising in Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury, Paula has set up and managed both general and specialist Clinical Negligence departments which have been Lexcel compliant. As well as acting as a trustee for clients with voluntary trusts, Paula’s work includes claims, inquests, cosmetic surgery and…
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Kerry Burgoyne - Litigation Executive - Head of Dental Negligence

Kerry began working for a Personal Injury law firm in Macclesfield in 2004 where she progressed within the first year from PA to become a Litigation Executive specialising in Personal Injury Road Accident claims. After 5 years Kerry joined a Wilmslow firm before joining Thorneycroft Solicitors, and her extensive experience has led her to specialise in the area of Clinical Negligence. Out of work Kerry enjoys being with her family, watching movies and motorbike racing, and any remaining free time is spent road cycling.
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Lindsey Brough - Clinical Negligence Administrator

Lindsey has been working within the legal profession for over 35 years, covering a variety of areas including road traffic accidents and, most recently, clinical negligence. Lindsey is one of the first points of contact for new clients, and she is involved in preparing detailed Witness Statements requesting and sorting medical records as well as undertaking a vital administrative role. In her spare time Lindsey enjoys amateur dramatics, in particular musicals, nights out with the girls, as well as spending time with her young grandson.
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Susan Phelps - Associate Director Head of Exited and Issued Team

Prior to joining Thorneycroft Solicitors in 1998, Susan had studied at Leeds University. Susan’s chosen areas of specialisation include RTAs, as well as cases which involve issues relating to employers liability. Susan’s interests include foreign travel and during the past few years destinations have included The Maldives, Mexico and Mauritius.
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Craig Fisher - Associate Director - Solicitor

Craig joined the firm as a Claims Handler in 2008 and completed his Solicitor Training at Thorneycrofts, having previously completed the LLB degree at Keele University and the Legal Practice Course at Staffordshire University. Craig is a Solicitor in our Portal Team, having previously headed our New Business Team, and also assists in building excellent working relationships with our medical agencies. Craig’s hobbies include playing football, and watching Crewe Alexandra play around the country.
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Leslie Chetwood - New Business Department Supervisor

Leslie joined in Nov 2006 as a claims handler and moved to Head of New Business looking after the new business team in Oct 2010. Leslie works closely with IT to help improve our systems and enhance the customer experience. Additionally Leslie helps maintain our business relationships with external contacts such as sign up agents. In his spare time Leslie enjoys dancing and performing and playing football.
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Suchitra Goswami - Solicitor

Laura Collins - Solicitor

Sarah Hancock - Solicitor

Sarah joined the firm as a paralegal in 2010 and completed her Solicitor Training at Thorneycrofts, having previously completed the LLB degree and Legal Practise Course at Staffordshire University. Sarah qualified as a Solicitor in 2013 and works within our Personal injury team. Sarah’s hobbies include spending time with her friends and family as well as swimming, walking, reading and going to the cinema.
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Francesco Tufaro - Solicitor

Francesco worked and trained at Carter Law in Manchester from 2011, and in 2015 qualified as a solicitor. He now works within our Personal Injury team. Francesco has a number of hobbies, ranging from keeping fit in the gym and playing Saturday league football to jet setting to city breaks and ski trips. Prior to his legal career, Francesco played guitar in a band, and has even supported McFly on stage!
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Hayley Gibson - Solicitor

Hala Gabra - Solicitor

Stephen Southworth - Solicitor

Stephen joined Thorneycrofts as a solicitor in June 2017, having previously enjoyed a 16-year career acting solely for Claimants who have suffered an injury at work; in a public place; suffered a severe pedestrian or road traffic accident; as well as claims involving occupational stress, and appeals work. His career-to-date includes a 12 year period at a Manchester-based Legal 500 firm, followed by 3 years as an EL/PL Department Manager at a local Macclesfield firm. He has a wealth of experience; a deep understanding of the needs of clients; and…
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Stephen Kulic - Legal Executive

Natasha Copley - Paralegal

Natasha joined Thorneycroft Solicitors in January 2010. She has worked in personal injury law since 2004 and is a qualified tier 4 paralegal. Outside the office, Natasha enjoys nothing more than spending time with her husband and 2 children and is a proud member of the National Trust.
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Joanne Whittaker - Paralegal

Joanne joined the firm in 1998 and has been a Fee Earner for over 15 years dealing with predominantly RTA Claims. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Paralegals and is also a member of APIL. Joanne is married with a young daughter and she spends most of her free time with her family.  She also enjoys walking her dog, horse riding, baking, reading and has recently rediscovered her love of skiing!
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Amanda Daniels - Paralegal

Amanda joined the firm in November 2004 and has been dealing with RTA personal injury claims for 17 years. Amanda is a Fellow of the First Institute of Paralegals and is recognised as a Tier 4 member of the professional paralegal register. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys her holidays abroad or equally in Cornwall or Devon as long as there is a hot tub! She also enjoys socialising, live music, reading and baking. She is a lover of red wine!
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Tasneem Doodwala - Trainee Legal Executive

Tasneem joined the firm in 2011 as an Administrator in our New Business Department. She quickly moved into the Exited Issue team  as an Assistant dealing with a high volume of litigated personal injury cases including large loss matters. Whilst at Thorneycrofts Tasneem has completed the Chartered Institute of Legal Executive course, having previously graduated with LLB (hons) at Sheffield Hallam University. Tasneem currently works in our ELPL team handling portal cases as well as assisting in litigated matters. In her spare time, Tasneem enjoys cooking, going on holidays and…
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Heather Gaunt - Associate Director

Heather is an Associate Director and Head of our wills probate and trust department. Her proven track record of over 20 years within the Private  Client sector highlights Heather’s expertise and enthusiasm within this ever changing and complex area of law. With a friendly but experienced and professional approach Heather has worked with a range of businesses and clients to draft wills give advice relating to probate services and the Court of Protection prepare powers of attorney and resolve estate planning issues. Heather is a full Member of STEP (Society of Trust &…
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Chris Bowen LLB (Hons) - Family Solicitor

Chris Bowen qualified as a Solicitor in 1982 after training in Manchester. He began his qualified career in Buxton before moving to practice for many years in Macclesfield. After a short period working in West Yorkshire, he returned to the area in 2013 and joined Thorneycroft Solicitors to head up the family law team.
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Claire Gatley - Family Solicitor

Claire joined the firm in January 2013 and qualified as a Solicitor in May 2017, having previously completed the Legal Practise Course at Staffordshire University. Claire is a Solicitor in our Family Department and the Social Secretary of the Macclesfield and East Cheshire Law Society. Claire is a regular gym goer and her hobbies include cooking, baking and seeing musicals.  
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Lesley Gaskell - Consultant Solicitor

Lesley is a Consultant Solicitor at Thorneycroft Solicitors having qualified in March 1984, she has over 34 years experience in Private Client work. Lesley has worked for a number of firms as a Partner between 1988 and 2011, before joining Leathems Solicitors as an associate in Jan 2011. Leathems Solicitors has since been acquired by Thorneycroft Solicitors in August 2018. Lesley advises on a variety of Private Client matters, including co-habitation issues, divorce and matrimonial finances, Private Child issues, Wills, Probate, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Conveyancing. Lesley is also…
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Melissa Hill - Paralegal

Melissa is a Paralegal within the Wills, Trust and Probate department. Melissa assists in Will drafting, preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney, Probate and Court of Protection matters. She initially trained with the Society of Will Writers and qualified as Professional Will Writer in 2015. Melissa began her legal studies with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (‘CILEX’) and is due to embark on the final stage of the CILEX qualification to fully qualify as a Lawyer. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys reading and travelling. Melissa is a keen animal…
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Samantha Ikin - Solicitor

Samantha is a solicitor in our Wills, Trust and Probate Department and assists in Will drafting, preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney, Probate and Court of Protection matters. Samantha studied at Manchester Metropolitan University where she completed both her Law Degree and her Legal Practice Course and in July 2016, Samantha qualified as a Solicitor. In her spare time, Samantha enjoys cheering on her football team, Manchester United as well as looking after her two guinea pigs.
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