Lawyers

Our People

We are always open to hearing from legal professionals of all experience levels, who are either actively looking for a new role, or professionals who may be interested in having an initial confidential discussion about working for Arnison Heelis.

Please send an e-mail to law@arnisonheelis.co.uk with your CV or details of your experience.

Beth McDermott

Solicitor
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Beth McDermott

Solicitor

Beth joined Arnison Heelis in May 2019, bringing with her over four years of prior experience at a local law firm. She qualified as a Solicitor in October 2017 after completing her Master’s Degree in Law at Northumbria University.

Beth specialises in Property Law, with a strong focus on both commercial and agricultural transactions. Over the years, she has handled hundreds of cases across a wide range of property matters, including:

  • Agricultural land transactions
  • Residential purchases and sales
  • Transfers of equity
  • Mortgages and re-mortgages
  • Landlord and tenant matters
  • Land Registry applications and enquiries
  • Auction sales and purchases
  • Lease extensions
  • Option Agreements
  • Commercial leases

Known for her practical and thorough approach, Beth is committed to providing clear, client-focused advice across all aspects of property law.

Outside of the office, Beth enjoys spending time in the Lake District, where she can often be found walking her dogs or mountain biking.

Bruce Richardson

Consultant
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Bruce Richardson

Consultant

Bruce is Head of Agricultural Law and supervises this department. Bruce graduated from Sheffield University with an honours degree in geography and for the following six years or so worked for the National Farmers Union, firstly in Cumbria and then in Northumberland.

He returned to full-time education to study law in York, later qualifying as a solicitor in 1993 with a law firm in Carlisle specialising in agricultural law.  Bruce has dealt with thousands of agricultural law cases since joining Arnison & Co in 1995.  Bruce is a member of the Agricultural Law Association.

Outside of the office his interests include rugby (latterly as a supporter), golf, tennis and skiing.

Charlotte Birtles

Director
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Charlotte Birtles

Director

Charlotte was born and raised in the Eden Valley. She obtained a BA (Hons) in Economic and Social History from the University of Hull in June 1998, followed by completing the Common Professional Exam in June 2000, the Legal Practice course in June 2001 and qualifying as a solicitor in November 2003.

Returning to the local area, she joined Heelis Solicitors in 2005, becoming a director in the firm in 2007. Following the merger with Arnison and Co Solicitors, Charlotte now runs the office in Appleby specialising in conveyancing, the preparation of wills and powers of attorney and the administration of estates. Over the course of her career, she has helped thousands of families and individuals.

Charlotte enjoys music, whether it be singing in a local group, attending concerts or playing for her own pleasure. She also loves spending time with her family and travelling abroad when possible.

Chris Ryder

Consultant
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Chris Ryder

Consultant

Chris Ryder is Head of Conveyancing and supervises this department.  Chris graduated from Warwick University with a law degree in 1986 and passed his solicitor’s finals in 1987.  He spent the next four years working for a large commercial practice in Newcastle upon Tyne gaining valuable experience in a wide variety of commercial and property based transactions.

He joined Arnison & Co in 1991 (a few years before his father, a partner in the firm, retired) where he now specialises in commercial and in particular, commercial property, work where he has dealt with thousands of cases over the course of his career.

Away from the office Chris is actively involved in Penrith Rugby Union Football Club, a keen angler and a rather poor golfer.

Dave Mitchell

Solicitor
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Dave Mitchell

Solicitor

Dave Mitchell has worked in Cumbria for over 25 years as a residential conveyancing solicitor, qualifying in 1999. He originally graduated with a Distinction in the Legal Practice Course at the University of Northumbria in 1997, before moving here from the north-east to pursue a career in the profession. He has dealt with numerous cases over the years, covering sales and purchases of registered and unregistered land and a variety of new build developments across the county.

Outside of the office Dave enjoys socialising with both friends and family, and spends many weekends in the north east supporting his boyhood football team. He also plays 5 -a-side football weekly as a means of fitness.

Hollie Wilson

Trainee Solicitor
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Hollie Wilson

Trainee Solicitor

BA Hons

Hollie grew up in Greater Manchester and moved to the Eden Valley in 2020.  She graduated from the University of Leeds in Summer 2021 with a first-class honours in Environment & Business BA (Hons) and is currently doing the MA Law with SQE1 at the University of Law.  Before coming to Arnison Heelis, she previously worked in the Private Client department at another local firm.

Hollie commenced her Training Contract in September 2023 and has completed her first seat in the Civil Litigation department.  She is now undertaking her second seat in the Property department where she is assisting with residential conveyancing and various other property matters.

Outside of work Hollie enjoys Pilates, travelling to new countries and is a Manchester City season ticket holder.  Hollie is also on the committee of Penrith Futures, a networking group for young professionals in the local area.

Jane Jackson

Director
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Jane Jackson

Director

Jane joined Arnison Heelis in August 2012, having previously worked at Crutes Mounseys in Carlisle for nearly 14 years.  Jane started fee earning in 2004 whilst she undertook the Chartered Legal Executive course and qualified as a Fellow in March 2014.  Jane is also one of the founding members of Penrith Futures, a local networking group.

Jane has a wide range of experience specialising in Property Law, mainly working in the agricultural department. She is a member of the Agricultural Law Association.

Jane has dealt with hundreds of different cases, including:

  • Agricultural land transactions including common rights
  • House purchases and sales
  • Transfers of Equity
  • Mortgages and re-mortgages
  • Landlord and Tenant
  • Land Registry applications and enquiries
  • Auction sales and purchases
  • Lease extensions

When she’s not working, Jane enjoys travelling and has a keen interest in the history of art.

Jonathan Hannon

Solicitor
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Jonathan Hannon

Solicitor

Jonathan is a Solicitor in Arnison Heelis’ conveyancing team.  Having graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2014 with an LLB in Law Jonathan briefly worked in Manchester for a residential conveyancing firm before moving back home to Cumbria in 2017 and has worked in conveyancing ever since.  He joined Arnison Heelis in July 2021 and brought with him a wealth of experience in dealing with numerous conveyancing transactions including: freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, re-mortgages, transfers of equity, declarations of trust, newbuild matters and right-to-buy purchases.

Outside of work Jonathan is an avid music fan and has played saxophone and bass guitar for a couple of local bands.  Besides music he enjoys playing tennis and the occasional bit of wild swimming (when the weather suits him).

Email: law@arnisonheelis.co.uk

Josh Raffles

Trainee Solicitor
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Josh Raffles

Trainee Solicitor

Josh grew up in Carlisle before heading off to university, where he began shaping his future in law. He graduated from Northumbria University in 2023 with an integrated master’s degree in law. Before starting his legal career, he worked in financial crime prevention and sanctions compliance in Manchester. After returning to his hometown, Josh felt the time was right to pursue a career in Law. Josh began his training contract with the firm in November 2025, with his first seat in the Private Client department.

Outside of work, Josh loves exploring the Lake District and discovering new places across Europe and beyond. He’s also taking on the challenge of learning golf—one swing at a time!

Karen Crossley

Conveyancing Executive
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Karen Crossley

Conveyancing Executive

Karen is an experienced Conveyancing Executive within the Arnison Heelis Residential Property Department, specialising in all aspects of residential property law. With over 25 years’ experience in conveyancing, Karen has developed a strong reputation for delivering a seamless and efficient service to clients buying, selling, or remortgaging their homes.

Karen handles a wide range of transactions, including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, transfers of equity, remortgages, and new build properties. Known for her approachable manner and organised approach, Karen ensures that each transaction progresses smoothly and that clients are kept fully informed throughout the process.

She works closely with estate agents, mortgage lenders, and other professionals to deliver a proactive and transparent service. Whether assisting first-time buyers or seasoned investors, Karen takes pride in providing clear advice and practical solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

Outside of work, Karen enjoys travelling and spending time with family and friends.

Kate Taylor

Probate Assistant
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Kate Taylor

Probate Assistant

Kate was born in the local area but left to study at Northumbria University, graduating with First class honours in 2012 for English Literature and completing an MRes (Distinction) for Creative Writing the following year. She joined the firm as Probate Assistant in 2018 and holds a CLT (Central Law Training) certificate in Probate and the Administration of Estates.

Katie Bird

Probate Assistant
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Katie Bird

Probate Assistant

Katie was born and raised in the Eden Valley and educated at Ullswater Community College in Penrith. She obtained an honours degree in Psychology and Criminology from the University of Chester in 2012, before joining Arnison Heelis in 2015. Spending six months initially working as a Personal Assistant to the Head of the Private Client Department, Katie then progressed to become a Paralegal, specialising in Probate and Estate Administration.

Katie attained her Central Law Training (CLT) Certificate in Probate and the Administration of Estates in 2016 and has subsequently studied with the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), passing the STEP Certificate in Trusts and Estates in 2018 and the STEP Advanced Certificate in Administration of Estates in 2022, achieving a Distinction. Katie works in administering a range of Estates, both testate and intestate, and ranging in value from the very modest to those worth several million pounds.

In her spare time Katie enjoys running and fell walking and is over halfway through completing the Wainwrights. She also plays pool and competes in the local Eden Valley Pool League.

Kayleigh Skelton

Trainee Solicitor
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Kayleigh Skelton

Trainee Solicitor

Kayleigh attended Richard Rose Central Academy Sixth Form and went on to study Law at the University of Leeds, graduating with an LLB in law, in the summer of 2024. She commenced her Training Contract with the firm in September 2025, sitting her first seat in Civil Litigation. She is also set to start the LLM Legal Practice (SQE 1&2) with the University of Law in January 2026. Prior to undergoing her training contract Kayleigh took some time to travel and explore the world. She also was involved with work experience at multiple local firms and worked in the security sector.

Outside of work Kayleigh enjoys keeping fit, travelling and spending time with family and friends.

Kendra Winter

Solicitor
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Kendra Winter

Solicitor

Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)

Born and brought up in Cumbria, Kendra was educated at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Penrith before graduating with a LLB (Hons) Law Degree from the University of Leicester.  She obtained a distinction on the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Manchester.  Kendra qualified as a solicitor in September 2013 and joined Arnison Heelis in February 2025.

Kendra specialises in private client law and provides advice in relation to wills, estates, trusts, powers of attorney and Court of Protection matters.

Kendra is a full member of STEP (The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners).  She received a STEP Worldwide Excellence Award in 2018 after gaining the highest mark in the country in the STEP Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation exam. Kendra has also passed the STEP Advanced Certificate in Advising Vulnerable Clients with a distinction.  Kendra is a Full Accredited Member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers (formerly Solicitors for the Elderly) and is a Dementia Friend.

Outside of work, Kendra enjoys walking in the Lake District and playing golf.

Kian Mallinson

Solicitor
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Kian Mallinson

Solicitor

Kian attended Ullswater Community College in Penrith and went on to study Law at Manchester Metropolitan University.  He graduated with first class honours. Kian also completed his Legal Practice Course and Master of Laws LLM, at Manchester Metropolitan University, achieving merit level passes.

Outside of the office, Kian is a keen Manchester United fan and loves attending various football matches all over Europe. He enjoys hiking up the various fells the Lake District has to offer and is due to compete in Total Warrior this summer.

Lauren Addison

Solicitor
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Lauren Addison

Solicitor

Affiliate Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)

Lauren joined Arnison Heelis in September 2019 where she completed her two-year training to qualify as a solicitor in our Private Client department in September 2021.

Lauren specialises in administration of Estates, preparation of Wills, Powers of Attorney and Deputyship Applications with the Court of Protection.

Lauren is a member of STEP and has gained her Certificate in Trusts and Estates and her Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation. Lauren is also a trained Dementia Friend.

Lauren was born and raised in the Eden Valley, attending Appleby Grammar School where she was appointed as head girl in the sixth form. In her spare time Lauren likes to travel and see new places, but always loves a nice walk in the lake district fells.

Email: law@arnisonheelis.co.uk

Lissa Brogden

Director
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Lissa Brogden

Director

Lissa was born in Penrith and has lived there all her life. She attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School until 1987 when she began her training to become a Legal Executive.

She qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives in 1996 and continued her studies to become a Solicitor, qualifying in 2002. She has worked locally since leaving school in 1987, including working for Eden District Council from 1994 until 1997 when she joined Arnison & Co Solicitors. Lissa became a Director in the firm in May 2015.

Lissa works in the Private Client department and is the firm’s Anti-Money Laundering and Compliance Officer for Legal Practice.

Outside of work Lissa enjoys spending time with her family and various pets.

Matthew Rogers

Director
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Matthew Rogers

Director

Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)

Matthew is the Head of Private Client and supervises this department.  Matthew deals with all aspects of private client work, including wills, succession planning, inheritance tax planning, powers of attorney and advice in connection with trusts, estates and property matters. He has a particular interest in agricultural estates and advising farmers and rural business owners on private client matters.

He has attained the STEP Advanced Certificate in Administration of Estates, the STEP Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation and the STEP Worldwide Excellence Award, December 2017

Michael Robson

Director
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Michael Robson

Director

Michael is the Head of Litigation and supervises this department.  He qualified as a solicitor in 1985.  Since then he has acquired a wealth of experience in property, contentious probate litigation and in the handling of commercial property transactions.

Michael moved to Cumbria from his London firm in 1996, becoming a Partner in a Carlisle based firm with offices in Newcastle and Teeside. He joined Arnison Heelis in 2012. He lives in the Eden Valley.

Millie Coates

Solicitor
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Millie Coates

Solicitor

Having attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Penrith, Millie later went on to graduate from the University of Central Lancashire with a First Class Honours Degree in Masters of Law in 2021, and commenced her training contract with Arnison Heelis in September of 2021.

Following the completion of her training contract, Millie qualified as a solicitor in September of 2023 and has now taken her seat in the Private Client department, where she specialises in writing Wills, preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney and the administration of estates.

Millie is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and was awarded a Distinction in STEP’s Certificate in Trusts and Estates in 2024.

Outside of work, Millie is an active member of Penrith Netball Club and is currently vice-captain for her team competing in the Carlisle Netball League. In addition, Millie manages Penrith Futures, a networking group for young professionals in the local area.

Natasha Todd

Trainee Solicitor
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Natasha Todd

Trainee Solicitor

Natasha attended Ullswater Community College in Penrith and went on to study Law at University of Cumbria. Natasha later attended the University of Law in Newcastle and completed her Master of Laws in Professional Legal Practice.

Natasha commenced her Training Contract in September 2024. After completing her first seat in the Civil Litigation department, Natasha is now splitting her time between the Private Client and Conveyancing departments.

Outside of the office, Natasha is a keen music fan and loves to attend concerts. When she is not at a concert, Natasha enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Sophie Dobinson

Graduate Legal Executive
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Sophie Dobinson

Graduate Legal Executive

Sophie moved to the local area from living abroad with her family when she was a teenager. She joined Heelis Solicitors as a trainee Legal Executive in 2010 after spending almost two years travelling around the world.  She has worked in conveyancing for over 10 years and as such, has a lot of experience in dealing with all aspects of conveyancing matters, both independently and on behalf of fee earners. Sophie has now graduated the Cilex Legal Executive course and is working towards becoming a Chartered Legal Executive.

In her spare time Sophie loves to travel, walk, spend time with her family and friends and enjoys attending music festivals and gigs.

Theo Lewthwaite

Solicitor
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Theo Lewthwaite

Solicitor

Theo joined Arnison Heelis as a trainee in 2022 and qualified as a solicitor with us in 2024. Working primarily in our commercial property department, Theo has advised on a variety of transactions, from business acquisitions to high-value auction sales. He regularly deals with landlord and tenant matters, as well as freehold sales and purchases, and acts for a number of corporate clients. Theo has also advised a number of charities in connection with their land and property matters.

Before joining Arnison Heelis, Theo attended Austin Friars School in Carlisle, and went on to study Biomedical Science at the University of Sheffield.  He graduated with first class honours, and spent some time working in Penrith hospital, before embarking on his legal education. Theo completed the Graduate Diploma in Law in Bristol, and the Legal Practice Course in Sheffield, both with the University of Law, achieving distinction level passes.

Outside of the office, Theo enjoys fettling his old cars and likes to spend lots of time in the fells.

Trevor Price

Director
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Trevor Price

Director

Trevor obtained a first class honours degree in history before qualifying as a solicitor in 1987.  He has been at Arnison & Co since 1985 working as a private client lawyer, where he has helped thousands of families and individuals.  His particular interest is in elderly client issues and asset protection and dealing with the more complex probate disputes.

He used to be an avid rock climber before family life intervened but retains a passion for the Lake District.

Trevor is a member of the Solicitors for the Elderly and the Association of Contentious Trusts & Probate Specialists.

Trevor holds the SFE Older Client Care in Practice Award.  He has a clear understanding of the needs of older and vulnerable clients and their families and of the additional considerations that need to be made in dealing with them.

Areas of experience:

  • elderly client issues
  • estate and trust administration
  • wills
  • Court of Protection applications
  • Lasting Powers of Attorney