Meet the Team

Adele Bebbington-Plant

Solicitor | Director | Head of Private Client
Wills & Probate Team
Qualified 2007
Additional Qualifications: Dementia Friends training (2018)
Contact

30 November 2021/ Directors, Solicitors, Wills & Probate / /by Harrison

Hello, I joined the firm as a Trainee Solicitor in 2005, after gaining a distinction in the Legal Practice Course at Chester College of Law. On qualification, I became a member of our well-respected Wills & Probate Team.

In 2020 I was appointed as Head of Department and in February 2021 I was delighted to take on the role of Director joining our senior management team. As Head of Department, I have overall responsibility for the supervision of all work carried out by my team.

I advise on all aspects of private client work, including wills, inheritance tax planning, planning for care home fees, asset protection, probate and estate administration. I also deal with Court of protection work. This includes making Deputyship applications and advising on the preparation, registration and use of Lasting Powers of Attorney and Enduring Powers of Attorney.

I also advise clients on trust creation and administration including the administration of charitable trusts.

Outside work, I enjoy life with my husband and three children. My interests are music and travel.

Andrew Wright

Managing Director
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21 December 2021/ Business Services, Directors, Solicitors / /by Josh

Hello, I joined Cullimore Dutton in 2014 from a background in finance and business development.

During my time with Cullimore Dutton I have guided the firm through incorporation to become a limited company, established a strong and secure financial platform which has enabled us to grow and in 2021 began the next chapter of our firm’s proud history by appointing a new board of directors from within the business.

I am proud of our culture of openness and transparency and the efforts we put into fostering the many great relationships we have with our wide and diverse client base across the region and beyond.

I truly believe that every day our team changes our clients’ lives through their help, support, and expert advice alongside the exceptional levels of client service we are renowned for.

When I break free from the office, I can be found playing taxi of dad to my three children or shouting Everton on at Goodison Park.

Brenda Spain

Solicitor | Director | Head of Family Law and Litigation Teams
Family Law and Litigation Teams
Qualified 1987
Additional Qualifications: Member of Law Society Family Law Panel, Qualified Mediator
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21 December 2021/ Directors, Family Law, Solicitors / /by Josh

Hello, I joined Cullimore Dutton in 2019 to take up the position as Head of the Family Law team.

I have been qualified for over 30 years having previously practiced in Worcestershire in a tier one Family Law team. I have considerable experience of dealing with all aspects of family disputes, with particular expertise in:

Divorce/separation and finances; particularly those cases involving Businesses, Pensions (NHS, Police, Armed Forces), Farms and Inheritance etc
Private children disputes including internal and international relocation
Cohabitation disputes
Pre and post nuptial agreements
Civil partnership disputes
Domestic abuse cases

I am also a qualified mediator, a member of the Law Society Family Panel and a member of Resolution.

I appreciate that relationship breakdowns can be a very difficult and overwhelming experience for many. This is where strong support, guidance and understanding is required.

I work extremely hard for clients to resolve matters in a clear, down to earth, professional and approachable way. I am always prepared to go that extra mile to help our clients achieve the best outcome for them and their children whether through the negotiation process or the Court process if Court Proceedings become necessary.

I was recently appointed as Cullimore Dutton’s Training Principal and am delighted to be able to mentor and support colleagues who are entering the legal profession.

I am proud to head a team of very talented lawyers, aspiring lawyers and assistants.

Away from work I enjoy spending time with family and friends and being outdoors with my Labradors. I enjoy sports, music and getting involved in charitable events and good causes.

Dom Richmond

Head of Financial Services
Financial Services
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27 January 2022/ Financial Services, Solicitors / /by Josh

Hello, I joined Cullimore Dutton in January 2022 as Head of the Financial Services Team having worked in the financial services sector for 35 years. I am a Chartered Financial Planner; Fellow of the Personal Finance Society and I truly believe that the right financial planning and advice can make a huge difference to a client’s life and their long-term goals.

I have previously been a Director of Barclays Bank and Banco Santander prior to leading and managing an investment service across Liverpool, Manchester and Northern Ireland.

In recent years I have been a development manager providing support and advice on how to run a successful client focused business and since 2015 have owned and run my own financial planning companies.

Having a real focus on helping our clients in all their professional service needs while developing long-term relationships based on trust is fundamental to who we are and what we do. I believe that we can be a professional companion constantly providing the support, guidance and expert advice that we all need.

When not at work I love to spend time with my wife Sarah and teenage son Sebastian, having family cinema time and enjoying family dinners together. If time allows gym and tennis then gives me the chance to feel better for all of my indulgences.

Gareth Williams

Independent Financial Adviser
Financial Services
Additional Qualifications: DipPFS CertsCII(MP&ER)
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21 December 2021/ Financial Services, Solicitors / /by Josh

Hello. I joined the Cullimore Dutton team as part of the acquisition of Yates & Co. in February 2019 having had an excellent business relationship with the firm over many years.

I have worked in the financial sector for over 30 years. In joining Cullimore Dutton, I have become a member of a well-established Chester-based financial services team with a wealth of experience and an enthusiastic outlook for the future.

My role is to help clients achieve financial security and peace of mind in a friendly and professional manner, I enjoy the challenges each day brings with the satisfaction that our clients well-being is at the forefront of my work. I have particular expertise in:

Pensions
Flexi-Access Pensions  
Investments
Retirement Planning

I am a firm believer that a problem is not worth solving if it can’t be done in a spreadsheet, using them to help clients make sense of the myriad of choices available is a large part of my work.

When I am not in front of a PC, I enjoy gardening, quizzes, clay pigeon shooting and watching musical theatre with my family. I am also a fluent Welsh-speaker.

Gary Shield

Independent Financial Adviser
Financial Planning Team
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21 December 2021/ Financial Services, Solicitors / /by Josh

Hello, I joined the firm in 1993 following thirteen years with Legal & General’s Broker Division.

I specialise in investment and financial planning and am a member of the Personal Finance Society. I also hold the Advanced Planning Certificate in tax & trusts, personal investment planning, and pension planning. Since the financial crash of 2008, there have been many challenges around wealth management and it has been stimulating helping clients grow their portfolios in a way that protects and enhances their financial well-being. I have particular expertise in:

Personal investment planning
Pension planning
Tax & trusts
High net worth Clients.

Outside the office when not watching football I enjoy cycling & pilates which helps my creaking back! When indoors I can be seen annoying the family attempting to play my guitars.

Georgina Roberts

Solicitor
Wills & Probate Team
Qualified 2013
Additional Qualifications: Full member of Solicitors for the Elderly
Contact

17 October 2023/ Family Law, Solicitors, Wills & Probate / /by Phil Wood

Hello. I joined Cullimore Dutton in September 2023 where I am part of the Wills, Trusts, and Estates team.

I grew up in West Kirby on the Wirral and completed my Law Degree and Legal Practice Course at the University of Sheffield.

I was really excited to join Cullimore Dutton and I’m enjoying getting to know the rest of the team and the clients – everyone has been so welcoming so far.

Private Client is an interesting area of the law and I really enjoy helping people at what can sometimes be a difficult and stressful time of their lives. I’m also a full member of Solicitors for the Elderly, which means I’m trained to work with older and more vulnerable clients.

Outside of work, I love eating out with my husband and I try to go running three times a week in order to counter this! I also enjoy spending time with friends and my two cats.

I specialise in all aspects of Private Client work and have expertise in:

The creation of Wills
Trusts and inheritance tax planning
Powers of Attorney
Administration of Estates
Court of Protection work

Isabella Martindale

Trainee Solicitor
Commercial Litigation
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5 September 2022/ Commercial Litigation, Solicitors / /by Phil Wood

I joined Cullimore Dutton in November 2021 as a Legal Assistant in the Commercial Litigation team while studying for my Legal Practice Course (LPC) and Master’s in business law. I completed both qualifications in August 2022 achieving a Distinction in my Masters and was delighted to be promoted to the role of Paralegal in the same month.

In the third year of my undergraduate degree at Sheffield Hallam University, I obtained the highest marks amongst my peers when studying Mooting – developing skills for legal arguments, legal research and looking at the nuances of case law and judgements. Litigation is an area of Law which has always intrigued me, as such I am extremely excited to be part of a team working in this area.

I am very much aware how fortunate I am to be working alongside such skilled and experienced colleagues and I am looking forward to learning from them while developing and progressing in my career.

Outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors whether hiking up a mountain or sailing a boat. I also enjoy spending quality time with my friends, family, and my chocolate Labrador Nelson.

Jackie Sconce

Compliance Officer | Head of Business Administration
Business Services
Additional Qualifications: Advanced Certificate in Legal Compliance
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31 July 2023/ Business Services, Solicitors / /by Phil Wood

Hello, my journey with Cullimore Dutton began in 1996 when I joined the firm from SP Manweb plc, as a legal secretary. The firm was then known as Birch Cullimore and I was eager to embrace new challenges in this legal environment.

In 2009, Birch Cullimore merged with Mason, Moore Dutton creating Cullimore Dutton. Navigating through this merger was a testament to our firm’s resilience and commitment to providing seamless legal services to our clients.

In 2015, I was promoted to the position of Compliance Officer which has been a really fulfilling role and I take great pride in ensuring that our firm upholds the highest standards and adheres to all regulatory requirements.

In addition to my role as compliance officer, this year I was delighted to take on the role of Head of Business Administration, helping to develop the team to ensure excellent customer service throughout the client onboarding stage.

I believe it is important to strike a balance between work and leisure and I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends together with walking my dog.

I am delighted to be a part of the Cullimore Dutton family and consider myself very lucky to work alongside such talented professionals. If you have any questions or need assistance, whether related to compliance matters or any other legal enquiries, I’m here to help.

Joe Jones

Solicitor
Property
Qualified 2022
Contact

26 July 2023/ Property, Solicitors / /by Phil Wood

Hello, I joined the Property Team as a Solicitor in June 2023.

I graduated from The Open University in 2017 with a degree in Law, then went on to complete my Legal Practice Course (LPC) at The University of Law, Christleton in 2020. I undertook my training contract with a Wrexham-based legal firm, qualifying as a solicitor in 2022.

I consider myself to be very client focused and take a great deal of pride in ensuring that our clients receive a first-rate service.

I have expertise in:

Freehold Sales and Purchases
Residential Leasehold Purchases and Sales
Residential Remortgages

When not in the office you will usually find me in bookstores looking for my next book to read. If I am not reading, I am usually gardening and spending time with my Border Terrier (Frank).

Julie Hughes

Head Legal Cashier
Business Services
Additional Qualifications: Legal Finance and Management Diploma ILFM(Dip)
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31 July 2023/ Business Services, Solicitors / /by Phil Wood

Hello, I started my journey with Cullimore Dutton in August 2007 as a Legal Cashier, joining the firm from Cheshire West and Chester Council, which was where my interest in legal finance began. At that time the firm was still known as Birch Cullimore, and I soon realised this was the place for me. Throughout my time here, I have always felt supported and encouraged to grow.

In 2016, I studied for and gained the Institute of Legal Finance and Management Diploma (ILFM(Dip)) with distinction, further enhancing my legal and financial knowledge, skills and expertise. Later that year I was thrilled to take on the role of Head Legal Cashier, a promotion which involved me joining the senior management team and which has allowed me to further contribute to the success and reputation of Cullimore Dutton.

I pride myself on having meticulous attention to detail which I believe is crucial to the handling of financial matters. As Head Legal Cashier, I take a great deal of pride in ensuring the financial operations of the firm are maintained with the highest level of accuracy, whilst being compliant with both the SRA and FCA Accounts rules.

When I’m not crunching numbers and keeping the cashflow in check, you can find me outdoors enjoying the simple pleasures of life; walking and cycling being my go-to activities to unwind. Above all, I love spending time with my children and family which brings me the greatest joy and fulfilment.

Kainat Jones

Solicitor
Wills & Probate Team
Qualified 2021
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24 January 2022/ Solicitors, Wills & Probate / /by Harrison

Hello, I qualified as a Solicitor in 2021 and worked in a North Wales solicitors practice for a year before joining Cullimore Dutton in January 2022.

Originally from North Wales, I graduated from Bangor University with a Law degree before completing my Legal Practice Course (LPC) alongside a Master of Law from the University of Law, Chester.

I am delighted to be a member in our Wills & Probate Team and take pride in supporting our clients through a variety of private client work, including administering estates, drafting wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Outside of work, I enjoy baking, up-cycling furniture and spending time with my family, I am also a fluent Welsh-speaker.

Kara Nicholls

Advanced Paralegal
Property
Additional Qualifications: CILEX Level 6 Diploma in Legal Practice
Contact

21 December 2021/ Property, Solicitors / /by Josh

I joined the Property team in November 2020 as a paralegal having worked in the residential property sector for five years.

Originally from Essex, I relocated to the Northwest around eight years ago. I graduated from Edge Hill University in 2015 with a Law and Criminology degree and I am currently studying for the CILEx qualification at the CILEx Law School which grants me the status of an Associate. Once completed, this will give me Chartered Legal Executive status.

I love getting to know my clients and understanding their needs. I am driven to achieve ‘stress-free’ transactions for them, and hope that by completing my CILEx qualification, I will be even better placed to represent and support them.

Outside of work, I enjoy visiting my family back home in Essex, hosting friends and family at my home in North Wales and walking my miniature dachshund Ziggy.

Kelly Hughes

Associate Solicitor
Family Law Team
Qualified 2009
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4 January 2023/ Family Law, Solicitors / /by Phil Wood

Hello, I joined the Family Law team at Cullimore Dutton in December 2022 having worked in the Cheshire legal sector for over 13 years. I specialise in all aspects of family law, and have a keen interest in financial matters on divorce and children disputes.

I consider myself to be extremely empathetic and can relate to the challenges clients face having been through divorce myself. I fully understand the difficulties clients face in adjusting to their “new normal” whilst navigating the divorce process, dealing with financial matters and adjusting to co-parenting.

I am a friendly, approachable and down to earth lawyer, and I pride myself on being able to explain the law and legal processes to my clients in a clear and straightforward way.

Outside of the office, I’m a keen aerialist (a person who performs acrobatics high above the ground), a fair-weather runner and I enjoy spending time with my children and our family dog.

Lesley Stuart

Legal Director
Utilities Team
Qualified 1985
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21 December 2021/ Solicitors, Utilities / /by Josh

Hello, I’ve been with the firm since 1985 and I work within the firm’s Utilities Team having previously lead the Residential Conveyancing department. 

As you might guess from such a long career in property law, I have a real passion for and thorough understanding of the subject. There is little that I haven’t come across before. I am able to cut through the intricacies of even the most complex property matters to achieve the best outcome for my clients as swiftly as possible.

I have great relationships with clients and as a result have always found my work interesting and rewarding. I pride myself on friendly professionalism and on having the ability to focus on individual client needs. Clients quickly gain confidence in my commitment, experience, clear communication and reliability. I have particular expertise in:

Utilities Easements and Leases
Sales, purchases and mortgages of prime residential property
Listed buildings
Sales of garden land for development 
Reconstruction and first registrations of titles where deeds are ancient or missing

I relax by taking long country walks with my family and our energetic cockapoo, Daisy. I enjoy Book Club meetings, TV food shows, weekends away, lazy Sundays and meals out or at home with friends and family. Music, theatre, film, art, and comedy performances are on my agenda most weekends.

Llinos Sutton

Chartered Legal Executive
Utilities Team
Qualified 1997
Contact

21 December 2021/ Solicitors, Utilities / /by Josh

Hello, I joined the firm in 2008 and worked in the Residential Property team for 11 years before joining the Utilities team in 2019, where I specialise in the property and land interests of utilities providers.

When I’m not at my desk you will usually find me cycling, running, or trekking in the North Wales hills with friends and family.

Louise Holmes

Solicitor | Legal Director | Head of Wills & Probate
Wills & Probate Team
Qualified 2011
Additional Qualifications: Full member of Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (Qualified 2017), Member of Solicitors for the Elderly (Qualified 2019)
Contact

21 June 2022/ Solicitors, Wills & Probate / /by Phil Wood

Hello, I joined Cullimore Dutton Solicitors in June 2022 as an Legal Director and a Solicitor in the Wills & Probate Department. I was delighted to take on the role of Head of Wills & Probate in July 2023

I qualified as a Solicitor in 2011 and have over 10 years of experience working in wills, trusts, probate and the administration of estates.

I am a fully qualified member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) which ensures that I have the skills and expertise to deal with complex trust and estate matters and provide highly specialised advice in these areas. I am also a fully accredited member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE).

I specialise in all aspects of Private Client work and have expertise in:

The creation of Wills
Trusts and inheritance tax planning
Powers of Attorney
Administration of estates

Outside of work my 3 children keep me busy!

Megan Bedwell

Paralegal
Commercial Litigation
Contact

31 August 2023/ Commercial Litigation, Solicitors / /by Phil Wood

Hello, I joined Cullimore Dutton in July 2023 as a Paralegal in the Property Litigation team.

Prior to joining Cullimore Dutton I worked as an Assistant Paralegal within an in-house legal team at a large UK housebuilder, a role I held for five years. Alongside my full-time role, I have been, and continue to study for my CILEX Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice which, once completed, will give me Chartered Legal Executive status. Ultimately my long-term aim is to qualify as a Solicitor.

In my previous role I was also an ambassador for young people looking to start a career in law. I am very passionate about promoting CILEX as a viable route into the legal profession and believe that it provides huge benefits, enabling students to earn whilst they learn and gain real “on the job” skills and knowledge.

I have experience in dealing with contract disputes, boundary disputes, nuisance, trespass, debt recovery, litigation/dispute resolution and much more. My role at Cullimore Dutton also involves Landlord and Tenant matters and acting for Management Companies.

Outside of work, I spend a lot of time designing and decorating my new home, and I enjoy going for walks, playing netball and spending time with my friends and family.

Philip Appleby

Legal Director TEP
Wills & Probate Team
Qualified 2009
Additional Qualifications: Full member of STEP (Qualified 2013), Dementia Friends training (2018)
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22 December 2021/ Solicitors, Wills & Probate / /by Josh

Hello, I qualified as a Solicitor in 2009, working in Manchester for several years before relocating to Chester.

Prior to joining Cullimore Dutton I was Team Leader for Wills, Trusts, Tax and Probate at Slater and Gordon’s, (formerly Walker Smith Way’s) Chester, Wrexham and Preston Offices. I am an now a Legal Director working within the company’s Wills & Probate Team and specialise in all aspects of private client work, with a particular focus on administering estates and trusts.

I am a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Sarah Butt

Associate Solicitor
Property
Qualified 2019
Contact

15 August 2022/ Property, Solicitors / /by Phil Wood

Hello, I joined the Property team in July 2022.

Originally from Chester, I graduated from the University of Liverpool with a degree in Politics and International Business, following which, I completed a graduate management scheme for a large hotel company before completing the Legal Practice Course (LPC) in 2016 and qualifying as a solicitor in April 2019.

I have specialised in property for over five years and take pride in helping clients to achieve their property aspirations with as little stress as possible.

I am able to assist with:

Freehold and leasehold sales and purchases
Residential remortgages
Commercial sales and purchases
Negotiation and grants of leases, for both landlords and tenants
Commercial lending and remortgages

When not in the office I enjoy sampling the delights of Chester’s many independent coffee shops and I am a member of a local running club.

Sarah Davies

Solicitor | Director | Head of Property
Property
Qualified 2008
Contact

21 December 2021/ Directors, Property, Solicitors / /by Josh

Hello, I joined Cullimore Dutton in 2016 and was appointed as Head of Residential Conveyancing in 2020 and in February 2021 I was delighted to take on the role of Director joining our senior management team.

As Head of Department, I have overall responsibility for the supervision of all work carried out by my team.

I specialise in New Build Property Transactions. I have over ten years’ experience, predominantly dealing with New Build transactions on behalf of Clients. I am thorough and methodical whilst always being mindful of the pressures placed on buyers to exchange within 28 days. I believe that it is important to have someone representing you who understands the conveyancing process and who can cut through the legal jargon on your behalf.

One of the greatest rewards of my role is hearing the joy in my client’s voice when I call to confirm that completion on their property transaction has taken place. I am proud and honoured to be able to bring this happiness to my clients. I have expertise in:

New Build Transactions
Freehold Sales and Purchases
Residential Leasehold Purchases and Sales 
Residential Remortgages.

Sarah Gill

Senior Paralegal
Wills & Probate Team
Qualified 2015 (Paralegal Practice Qualification in Wills, Probate and Administration)
Additional Qualifications: Dementia Friends training (2018)
Contact

22 December 2021/ Solicitors, Wills & Probate / /by Josh

Hello, I joined Cullimore Dutton’s Wills & Probate Team in January 2017 as a paralegal having worked in the Wrexham and Chester offices of Slater and Gordon (formerly Walker Smith Way) for the previous 10 years. In 2015 I completed a Specialist Paralegal Qualification in Wills, Probate and Administration through the University of Strathclyde.

I specialise in wills, powers of attorney, estate administration, registration of enduring powers of attorney and assisting professional attorneys.

Outside of work, I enjoy growing my own fruit and vegetables, baking and trail running.

Sarah Mansfield

Legal Director
Commercial Litigation
Qualified 1997
Contact

21 December 2021/ Commercial Litigation, Solicitors / /by Josh

Hello, I joined Cullimore Dutton in April 2021 as a Legal Director in the Litigation team.

I am an experienced solicitor and litigator with over 24 years specialising in:

Landlord and Tenant Law
Leasehold Law and Block Management
Housing Management
Environmental Law
Housing and Health and Safety
Regulation
Title Disputes
Nuisance and Trespass
Party Wall and Boundary Disputes
Contract Disputes

I act for Private and Social Landlords, Freeholders, Management Companies and Developers.

I am a Member of the Liverpool Law Society General Committee and Vice Chair of the Civil Litigation Sub-Committee. In addition, I was a founder member of the Law Clinic at Liverpool University, I am a Charitable Trustee for Merseyside Water Rescue, a Liverpool-based charity, and a board member and recent committee member of Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing Association.

I am an experienced external speaker and have appeared regularly on behalf of Central Law Training, Northern Housing Consortium and ALARM. I am a regular contributor to specialist publications and have had several articles published in the national press.

In my spare time I enjoy sewing and upholstery, travelling and walking with my two dogs.

Sian Bate

Associate Director | Chartered Legal Executive
Utilities Team
Qualified 1996
Contact

21 December 2021/ Solicitors, Utilities / /by Josh

Hello, I joined the firm in 1996 and am part of the team specialising in the property and land interests of utility providers. I’ve spent all of my career working in the energy sector, including over ten years at a major utility provider, where I dealt with its operational and commercial property assets.

I have expertise in:

Operational property acquisitions and disposals: electricity/gas/telecommunications
Commercial property acquisitions and disposals
Landlord and tenant transactions and advice
Health check advice and support for in-house legal and property development procedures
Easements
Property Projects.

Stephen Roberts

Operations Director
Business Services
Contact

21 December 2021/ Business Services, Directors, Solicitors / /by Josh

Hello, I joined our firm’s predecessors, Birch Cullimore in 2003 having worked for an IT company who supported Birch Cullimore at that time.

I started life at Birch Cullimore as an IT Support Analyst, then progressed on to become IT Manager. During this time Birch Cullimore merged with Mason & Moore Dutton to form Cullimore Dutton; I had the rather complicated task of merging the two IT systems.

Over time I have taken on many more responsibilities leading to me taking on the role of Operations Manager and in February 2021 I was delighted to take on the role of Operations Director.

Outside of work I am the number one taxi driver for my two teenage daughters, between lifts I enjoy walking with my dogs and getting photos and videos with my drone.

Stuart Hill

Director and Solicitor
Utilities Team
Qualified 2001
Contact

21 December 2021/ Directors, Solicitors, Utilities / /by Josh

Hello, I joined Cullimore Dutton in 2017 and bring over 20 years’ experience in property law. Having started my law career in a Manchester City Centre firm, I then joined a Cheshire Firm and have been looking after clients in both the Cheshire and Merseyside area since.

And in February 2021 I was delighted to take on the role of Director joining our senior management team and later that year I joined our Utilities team and now bring my expertise to the property and land interests of utility providers.

I pride myself on being approachable, friendly, and professional. I advise on a wide range of property matters.

Whatever the type or value of the transaction I am always mindful of the need to provide a quality service and excellent client care. My many years of experience ensure that any potential obstacles are brought to a client’s attention before they become an issue.

When not in the office I enjoy golf, swimming and spending time with my family.

Susan Alexander

Consultant Solicitor
Family Law Team
Qualified 1981 (Scotland), 1994 (England & Wales)
Additional Qualifications: Collaborative law practitioner, Child inclusive mediator, FMCA accredited mediator
Contact

21 December 2021/ Family Law, Solicitors / /by Josh

Hello. I joined the firm as a Consultant Solicitor and Family Mediator in May 2016. I am an accredited family law specialist with over 35 years of experience as a family lawyer dealing with all aspects of Family Law, including divorce, separation, children and financial issues, cohabitation disputes and preparation of pre-nuptial agreements and cohabitation deeds.

I am a fully accredited Family Mediator and provide Child Inclusive Mediation. I practise collaborative law where couples sit round the table with specially trained lawyers to help them reach solutions which are best for them and their children. I promote the benefits to separating couples and their children of having a dialogue together in a safe and supported environment to make decisions that need to be made about money and property and child care arrangements.

Divorce is not easy nor is it easy to sit down together and talk about how assets should be shared or how child arrangements should be worked out when emotions are running high. Using Family Mediation and Collaborative Law usually means that agreements are reached more quickly and the uncertainty (and costs) of court proceedings are avoided.

I am an experienced litigator in cases that cannot be resolved by mediation or collaborative law. I take pride in being thought of as an efficient, hardworking yet approachable and supportive solicitor who helps people through a very difficult time.

My expertise is in:

Family Mediation including child inclusive mediation 
Collaborative family law
All aspects of divorce and separation including financial and children issues
Pre and post nuptial agreements
Cohabitation agreements 
Cohabitee disputes
Resolution accredited Family Law specialist

Away from my desk I like to go to the gym and the lawyer’s fit club, I play bridge and I sing in the Rock Choir. I love socialising with my friends and family. I am also involved in organising events for charity.

Viv Oulton

Legal Assistant
Commercial Litigation
Contact

21 December 2021/ Commercial Litigation, Solicitors / /by Josh

Hello, I joined the firm in 1983 and am the longest serving member of the support team, with over nearly nearly 40 years service.

I work as a Legal Assistant in the Commercial Litigation Department assisting team with all types of commercial litigation work including debt recovery matters and High Court Enforcement matters.

I enjoy working closely with clients, offering help and support at what can often be a very stressful time for the individuals involved.

I have expertise in:

• Civil Litigation

• Commercial Litigation

• Debt Recovery

• High Court Enforcement

• Assisting Management Companies when selling property

In my spare time I enjoy socialising with friends, reading, horse racing, and motor sports. I’m a keen follower of the Isle of Man TT Races and an ACU accredited Race Marshal. I’m also a big football fan and a proud season ticket holder at Liverpool FC, much to the chagrin of our MD, Andy, who is an Evertonian. Poor chap.

Meet the team

Adele Bebbington-Plant

Andrew Wright

Brenda Spain

Dom Richmond

Gareth Williams

Gary Shield

Georgina Roberts

Isabella Martindale

Jackie Sconce

Joe Jones

Julie Hughes

Kainat Jones

Kara Nicholls

Kelly Hughes

Lesley Stuart

Llinos Sutton

Louise Holmes

Megan Bedwell

Philip Appleby

Sarah Butt

Sarah Davies

Sarah Gill

Sarah Mansfield

Sian Bate

Stephen Roberts

Stuart Hill

Susan Alexander

Viv Oulton

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