Our People, Our Team

• pdodd@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 761771

Peter heads Temple Heelis’s Rural Land and Property department, specialising in all aspects of land and property matters in this region and further afield.

Ranked as a leading UK lawyer in The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners directories, Peter is often said to be the ‘go to’ property lawyer for complex problems and ‘knotty issues’.  He regularly advises on property and land matters which need to take into account regulations set out by the National Trust, Lake District National Park Authority, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designations, the Environment Agency, the Forestry Commission, English Heritage, the various lakes and water course regulations, and many local authorities.  His work and reputation goes well beyond the Lake District and his clients instruct him on property matters throughout the UK.

Peter specialises in acting in high value, complex transactions and is frequently recommended to buyers and sellers of lake fronted properties and country houses with acres of adjoining land.  Peter also deals with bespoke, non-transactional land law matters such as drafting boundary agreements, multi-party drainage easements, deeds of covenant and grants of rights of access.  His clients include landowners, farmers, first and second property home owners, investors, philanthropists and other professionals.

Peter is best described as a solutions-driven, trusted adviser.  With an earlier career in retail and sales management, Peter brings commercial business experience and focus in all his interaction with clients and in his understanding of their objectives.  His clients compliment him on being not only an expert in property matters who leaves no stone unturned but also an astute negotiator with commercial ‘nous’ and an emphasis on finding practical solutions to his clients’ needs.  These skills are particularly prized by clients dealing with land both in the Lake District (with the many unique aspects of the region) and elsewhere in the UK.

‘A stand out among the competition, head and shoulders above others in the local market. He is a strong lawyer, with a good tactical commercial brain and a great deal of commercial experience’.  Chambers and Partners describe Peter as “exceptional”, “very approachable and happy to explain complicated detail in a way that can be understood” while The Legal 500 say Temple Heelis ‘punches well above its size and weight …..an impressive list of clients ….provide first-class advice and services. In the niche sector of agriculture, they are ahead of the curve in knowledge and understanding of a client’s particular demands’.”

“An excellent experience. Despite a purchase fraught with complications Peter and his team were professional, calm, efficient and highly organised. Communication was second to none and even if one person was absent the rest of the team were informed and well acquainted with the situation to manage anything arising. I would definitely recommend their services.” – Dr. S, Ambleside.

• jhamilton@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 723757

Jamie is Temple Heelis’s Managing Partner and a partner in the firm’s 7-strong Private Client team which is ranked in both Chambers and Partners/High Net Worth Guide and The Legal 500 as a leading UK practice.

Ranked personally in Band 1 in the High Net Worth Guide, Jamie is described as “an extremely likeable, dependable and approachable person who makes you feel relaxed rather than intimidated….very professional and knowledgeable.”

STEP-qualified and specialising in advising high net worth individuals, business owners and rural families on Wills, Tax Planning and Estate Administration, Jamie’s clients say they can “rely on his advice” and he is always “knowledgeable and responsive” and delivers a ‘first class service from start to finish.” He has championed the use of technology and new ways of working, particularly vital during the pandemic.

Describing Temple Heelis’s Private Client team, The Legal 500 reports on “a go-to practice” the Legal 500 regard Jamie as a “key name to note” and “very professional, approachable, easy to work with and communicates well with clients.”

Relocating some years ago from a large city firm to raise his family in the Lake District, Jamie is a keen runner and swimmer.

“Jamie is very good at explaining things thoroughly and in a way that can be understood”.

• ahill@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 761746

Andrew heads our Family Law team and has specialised in family law for over 30 years, most of which has been spent in Cumbria. Andrew is an ‘all round’ solicitor, with experience not just in family and children law but also in legal matters relating to property, financial and business disputes. This makes Andrew uniquely placed to work with clients with the aim of reaching a practical outcome to disputes involving the family home, children, and businesses. He works closely with colleagues across the firm to provide a holistic approach to resolving family disputes.

A member of the Law Society’s Family Law Advance Accreditation Scheme, Andrew is also a trained Collaborative Family Lawyer and uses these skills in helping clients achieve a future-focused outcome at a time of great emotional distress. For many years he has been involved with local Law Societies.

Andrew advises clients on pre- and post-nuptial agreements, co-habitation, relationship breakdowns resulting in separation or divorce, and arrangements for children. In addition, he specialises in property and trust disputes and inheritance claims. Described as ‘approachable, helpful and wanting the best outcome for each client’, Andrew is known for his ability to help clients look to the future to achieve a realistic, workable solution, rather than focus on the emotion of the moment. He leads a cohesive, closely-knit team and ensures every client receives a very personal, supportive service.

Andrew’s commitment to helping families in times of difficulty has led him to become a Trustee of Cumbria Family Support and Child Contact Centres in Cumbria. He is also a regular commentator on various family law issues and publishes easy-to-read updates and blogs, which can be found on this website.

Having a keen interest in music, in his spare time Andrew is a volunteer DJ with local hospital radio, as well as having been a scout leader and involved in the local community. Andrew loves to get out onto the fells when he can.

“Andrew was extremely understanding and able to accommodate my request for a meeting at short notice. I was impressed with the way face-to-face meetings were followed up in writing.”

“Andrew was extremely patient with my questions and angst….(demonstrating) experience and skill.”

• ophillips@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 761776

A qualified paralegal specialising in residential property, Olivia is a key member of the team, providing support in the sales and purchase processes.

For clients selling a property, Olivia will often undertake the process from initial instruction to completion with guidance from the conveyancers in the team. Olivia regularly updates each client and liaises with other solicitors and parties to achieve a successful exchange and completion.

For clients purchasing a property, Olivia works hand-in-hand with other team members in raising searches and enquiries, reporting to clients and proactively progressing the purchase.

Known as a great communicator and highly organised, Olivia says she enjoys making lists and makes sure that nothing is overlooked in a property transaction and all details are covered. She loves working with clients and many of Olivia’s clients are first time buyers and Olivia shares their excitement when they buy their first home.   Often the conveyancing process will be new to such buyers who won’t necessarily understand the terminology, process or timescales.  Olivia enjoys supporting and guiding such clients through every stage, explaining what is happening, what to expect, and how long each step will take.  Her communication skills also help clients manage other aspects of their move such as school arrangements, work, removals, and family considerations.

Olivia is always developing her skills and is continuously progressing to additional responsibilities. In addition to her work, Olivia has recently completed her Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship and is due to start the Solicitor Degree Apprenticeship in September 2022.

Growing up in the beautiful Langdale Valley, Olivia has probably scaled most of the Wainwrights in her father’s backpack as a child and is now walking them on foot herself, with 111 out of 214 now ‘ticked off’.

“Excellent service from start to finish” ….. “Especially good at getting back to us promptly and dealing with matters quickly.”

• rkornas@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 761760

Robert leads Temple Heelis’s 12-strong Private Client team which is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers and Partners/High Net Worth Guide. The team is described as “excellent with sound technical knowledge” which is “organised and efficient” in helping to resolve clients’ problems and objectives. One international client describes Robert and his colleagues as a ‘fine law firm team’ which is ‘head and shoulders’ above others he has worked with.

Also ranked by Chambers personally as a Band 1 lawyer, one client recommends Robert for his ‘very good knowledge’ and for being able to ‘explain complicated issues in a way that clients can understand.’

Robert specialises in Wills, Estate Planning, the Administration of Estates, Powers of Attorney, Inheritance Tax/succession planning (including for clients with complex business arrangements or assets), and Court of Protection Work.

Described by another clients as ‘a trusted adviser who would act with absolute integrity in looking after my family’s best interests’, Robert is a former Chair of STEP – Lakes and Lancs (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and described as a ‘key name to note’ by The Legal 500.

Robert’s ethos is that one size does not fit all and, for each client, he listens and then creates a bespoke personal service. He is a family man and enjoys spending time with his three young children, reading, cooking and running.

“Thank you for an excellent service especially Robert Kornas who is very patient, efficient and pleasant.”

• ttroughton@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 761762

Tracy is a specialist probate assistant, advising and supporting clients through all aspects of estate administration.  Changing careers from teaching to the legal profession in recent years, Tracy is adept at managing many different client situations, ensuring each one is prioritised and every client receives a very focused approach.

A member of Temple Heelis’ leading Private Client team which is ranked in Band 1 by Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide and by The Legal 500, Tracy proactively liaises with colleagues in Private Client and other legal teams within the firm, relevant professionals in other firms, and each estate’s executors and beneficiaries to ensure all aspects of probate are progressed as smoothly as possible.

‘Empathy’, ‘the ability to explain legal processes clearly’, ‘patience’ and ‘dealing with the unexpected’ are qualities which clients say Tracy demonstrates in abundance. As in her teaching career, she knows the importance of communication, proactivity and excellent organisational skills – all of which help ensure the smooth running of each probate matter.

Tracy has completed her STEP Certificate.

Attracted to a firm with a ‘family feel’, Tracy loves working with Temple Heelis’s clients during estate administration, whether they are local, in other parts of the UK or around the world. As in the education environment, no two clients or situations are alike and Tracy sees each situation as a new challenge and an opportunity to work with new, interesting people.

Tracy loves getting out on the fells in the beautiful Lake District, which has been her home all her life, and walking with her two dogs.

“You have been efficient, clear and helpful throughout the process, and this really means a lot to both of us. I can’t imagine this has been an easy time for anyone (due to Covid19 restrictions) so I am even more grateful and impressed with how you’ve dealt with the estate and supported us through the process.”

• epriestley@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 761773

Lizzie is head of our Residential Property department which specialises in all aspect of property sales, purchases, remortgages and bespoke matters such as gifts of property, drafting deeds of easement, deeds of variations and first registrations of unregistered land.

Describing herself as organised and efficient, Lizzie likes nothing better than helping clients achieve their goals and dream homes.   A graduate member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, Lizzie has specialised in residential property for over 8 years.  Her work includes all types of properties including high value primary and second homes, holiday lets and investment properties, leasehold properties, new builds and retirement properties.

Many of the properties Lizzie deals with are located in the South Lake District and North Yorkshire and come with particular features such as septic tanks, private water supplies, unregistered land, boundary or easement issues, and lake frontage or access considerations.   Growing up and working the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District, Lizzie has a high degree of insight into the many unique aspects of the region which need to be considered in any property transaction.

Lizzie’s skills in leading a successful, cohesive team are regularly commented on by clients who notice the difference made by Temple Heelis’ team in communication, service levels and proactively progressing each property matter.

Making the most of the beautiful Lake District, Lizzie can often be seen heading for the hills in her spare time with dogs Ernie and Badger.

“Reassured by competence and helpful manner” ….”Everyone in the team is kind, helpful, professional and patient to answer any questions, solve any problems, and deal with any issues” … “The service I received far exceeded my expectations.”

• lclarke@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 761745

Lucy is a key member of Temple Heelis’ Private Client team, working with clients on estate planning and estate administration. Described as ‘calm, organised, friendly and approachable’, Lucy loves working with people and helping them with their future plans, whether that involves passing on their assets in tax-efficient ways or assisting executors in the distribution of an estate’s assets and arranging probate.  Understanding each client’s objectives and family dynamics is a key skill of Lucy’s, who is known for her ability to build rapport and confidence.

With experience in both family law and residential property, Lucy brings a combination of real empathy and strong legal skills to her work as a Private Client solicitor.  She can keep  always keep  a cool head and look beyond an immediate situation to help clients create future solutions.

As a solicitor in Temple Heelis’ highly renowned Private Client team, Lucy advises on estate planning which includes the preparation of Wills, Powers of Attorney and Trusts, as well as overseeing the administration of estates.

Whilst undertaking pro bono work at University while studying for a Masters in Law, Lucy gained real insight into the financial implications of different types of relationships which enables her to bring financial acumen to good use when working with clients at some of the most important times in their personal lives.

Keen on sport, Lucy hails from the South Lakes and has always enjoyed the many outdoor pastimes available in this area from open water swimming to hiking.  A former volunteer for the Great North Swim event and, herself, a former member of the local open water swimming team, Lucy shows it takes a lot to ‘faze’ her! She is also a keen Netball player.  Bringing her environmental awareness to Temple Heelis, Lucy is involved in the firm’s corporate social responsibility programme with a particular remit for helping improve the firm’s environmental policies.

“Outstanding service, efficient, approachable, clear and helpful, knowledgeable.”

• amacphie@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 761777

A well-known and highly respected North West solicitor, Alaisdhair has always been fascinated by the ins and outs of property!  At times, commercial property is the primary business of an organisation while, for other businesses, they need premises to run their business.  Alaisdhair has acted for clients in hospitality and leisure, retail automotive, manufacturing, education, not-for-profit, pharmaceuticals, and rural economies.  He is also experienced in property finance and has been the relationship partner on the major lending banks’ panels.

Known for his love of variety, Alaisdhair has advised a wide range of property developers with turnovers from £5m to £150m whose businesses have included residential and commercial developments throughout the North West.  Needless to say, he’s been at the forefront of urban regeneration.  His ability to manage clients in multiple locations and coordinate various legal needs brought him to the attention many years ago of large automotive groups who recognised his property finance and financing expertise which is integral in their business models.  Another string to his bow!

With a passion for the Lake District, Alaisdhair and his family moved to Witherslack just before Covid and love local life in the Lake District.  He regards working in Kendal as part of a wonderful work/life balance and, when not in the office, can be found in his beautiful Lakeland garden which has been renovated to perfection and occasionally open to charity and to support the local community.

• lpriestley@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 761758

Described as a ‘solutions person’, Laura is a partner in Temple Heelis’ leading Private Client team which is ranked in Band 1 by Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide, and by the Legal 500. Fully STEP qualified, Laura began her career in the south of England and has specialised in all aspects of Wills, tax planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney, trusts and estates administration ever since.

Described by clients as ‘patient and helpful at a difficult time’, ‘incredibly good at working out solutions for complex business and personal situations’, ‘efficient in her approach and always looking to find the most efficient outcome’ and ‘able to work across international boundaries effortlessly’, Laura works with clients plan for the future.   In the words of one client “both prior to and during the Covid lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, Laura’s service was exceptional.  Legalities were explained clearly and our questions answered with real understanding.”

Laura has particular expertise in working with clients who have complex business and personal assets, some of whom have assets not just in the UK but in one or more other countries including in North America, the Middle East and Far East. She is adept at liaising with solicitors and professionals in other jurisdictions, as well as with HMRC and other UK authorities, to ensure a fully ‘joined up’, fair and tax-efficient approach for each client.  One international client with complex multi-jurisdictional assets describes Laura as being highly competent, thorough and ‘willing to tackle very complex estates, with great ability to work with other solicitors such as in the USA.’

Laura and her family love the outdoors and she enjoys fell running in her spare time.

“Very informative.   Advice clearly and sympathetically given and with good understanding….very willing to listen and answer any concerns…..how do you improve on 100% say 110%!” 

• agardiner@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 761753

Passionate about customer service and excellent communications, Alex is a specialist probate assistant who works with clients through the often complex and sensitive period of estate administration to provide a very personal service to each client.

A member of Temple Heelis’ leading Private Client team which is ranked in Band 1 by Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide and by The Legal 500, Alex’s organisational and administration skills are crucial in the smooth-running of each estate’s administration.  She proactively liaises with colleagues in Private Client and other legal teams within the firm, an array of other relevant professionals in other firms, and each estate’s executors and beneficiaries to ensure everything is progressed as smoothly as possible.

‘Standing in the client’s shoes’ and ‘keeping us informed at all times’ are key qualities attributed to Alex whose previous career in retail and logistics have given her unique customer service skills and the ability to handle complex situations.  She is adept at setting and managing realistic expectations, keeping clients informed and explaining often unfamiliar terminology and situations to executors and beneficiaries who may never have been involved in a probate matter before.   Alex’s probate administration work is local as well as national, and many estates also have international assets and advisers.

‘Friendly, approachable, clear and able to interpret aspects of probate, Alex recognises that each client is unique and no two probate situations are the same.  Understanding each client and how and when they value updates and information is a key strength which Alex brings to each probate scenario.

Committed to wildlife conservation, Alex is a keen gardener and photographer.

“We would like to say thank you for all the guidance, patience and understanding you have shown during the last few months dealing with the estate”

• erawlinson@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 761740

Emma is Temple Heelis’s Finance Director, responsible for the firm’s accounting and HR functions and the smooth-running of the central services.

A ‘numbers person’, Emma has been fascinated by accounting since she was at school and began her career in banking before moving to Temple Heelis as a Cashier some 15 years ago. Attracted to a firm which offered her exceptional opportunities, Emma progressed to Head of Accounts and was then appointed Finance Director in 2021.  Qualified to AAT Level 3, Emma has been trained and mentored by an external firm of accountants and continues to augment her formal qualifications.

As Finance Director, Emma manages all the accounting and bookkeeping functions, attends the partners’ monthly management meetings, contributes to the firm’s strategy, and manages the external accounting and auditing services.

With increasing involvement in the firm’s culture and focus on excellent staff relations and teamwork, Emma also leads Temple Heelis’s HR function.   In recent years, she has been involved in recruitment processes and re-engineered new starter induction and integration programmes.  Across the three offices, Emma is very much a central focal point for people which enables her to be the ‘voice of the people’ at management meetings, as well as a central resource with a firm-wide perspective across all teams.  Emma performs her role with great enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to ensure the partners’ vision of a cohesive, happy and motivated firm is achieved.

Outside work, Emma is at her happiest when spending time with her husband and 4-year old daughter enjoying all that South Lakeland has to offer.

• lbowness@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 761759

A Private Client solicitor ‘through and through’, early in her career Lauren followed her heart in wanting to work with people and families. She advises clients on their Wills, Powers of Attorney and estate administration.   A real ‘people person’, Lauren is described by clients as ‘very organised and efficient’, ‘extremely personable’, ‘always willing to go the extra mile’, and ‘totally reliable in doing what she says she will do’.

Passionate about the Lake District and the tremendous opportunities for Private Client lawyers at Temple Heelis, Lauren joined the firm as a trainee and qualified as a solicitor in 2019.  Since then, she has progressed her Private Client career with determination, becoming a STEP affiliate and now completing the final stages of the STEP programme to achieve the ultimate Diploma.

Lauren thrives on her increasing responsibility within Temple Heelis’ ‘excellent team’ which has ‘sound technical knowledge’, as described by Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide who rank the firm in Band 1. She loves being a key member of the ‘go-to practice for wills and estate planning issues, inheritance tax and succession advice, complex will and trust structures, Court of Protection work, Power of Attorney matters, probate and estate administrations’ as described by The Legal 500 in its North West rankings, who point out that the team provides a ‘bespoke service’ for each client, not a ‘one size fits all’.

Travelling, cooking and making the most of the Lake District are among Lauren’s spare time activities, and she’s known to be something of a keen gardener too!

“Lauren was very patient and explained things clearly. In the view of the difficulties imposed by Coronavirus, our expectations were exceeded”.

• rmoore@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 761751

Richard is a partner in the firm and leads Temple Heelis’ Business Services team of 4 qualified solicitors and a Consultant Barrister.  As the firm’s principal company and commercial specialist, his focus is on working with clients on a wide range of contractual transactions, as well as matters within businesses or between businesses.  These are often at times of significant change in those clients’ businesses, key decision-making and strategic planning.

A trained litigator and Temple Heelis’ employment law specialist, Richard also undertakes contentious work including partnership/shareholder breakdown, contractual disputes with suppliers or customers, and issues relating to current or former staff.

Developing Temple Heelis’ commercial services, Richard has built up an enviable reputation as an outstanding lawyer and commercially astute business leader.  He spear-headed the firm, as Managing Partner, for over 10 years during a period of significant growth and change, and is currently the firm’s Marketing Partner.    In these management roles, Richard has led the firm on a range of key issues, enabling the firm to grow considerably, anticipate and adapt to market conditions,  and address regulatory change.

Richard has considerable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the region’s business leaders, SMEs and entrepreneurs – never more so than in the unprecedented times of the pandemic and recovery phase.   He is well known and active in the business community and also in various voluntary roles including as the first Board Chair of a South Lakeland multi-academy trust (including two secondary schools), and currently as a Director of Kendal BID (a business-led initiative to develop Kendal-focused services and infrastructure) and an Enterprise Advisor to a local secondary school (via the region-wide Cumbria LEP organisation).

A rugby and golf enthusiast, Richard loves the outdoors and is inspired by the beautiful South Lakeland landscape in which he lives and works.  He is often seen walking his dog on the fells and enjoying this very special place.

‘Excellent and highly professional on complicated matters, start to finish.’

• Direct Dial: 01539 723757

Robert is a Consultant Solicitor.

He continues as a Consultant at Gunner Cooke Solicitors but also assists our team in the delivery of services to our individual and business clients.

He has over 30 years of experience in legal practice , mainly in the Commercial Property, and Commercial field , and largely in and around Manchester , and have acted for many large corporates, SME’s  and also Public Sector clients in the North West. He has particular experience in the Oil/Transport/Supply Chain sectors.

“Over and above my skills as a lawyer , I think that I have been particularly effective in attracting and retaining good quality clients to the practices where I have worked. I have been able to do so as I have good inter personal skills and use those together with an understanding of people and clients to ensure that the difficult messages that we as lawyers have to be ready to deliver are done in an effective proportionate manner. 

I have worked alongside most of the lawyers at Temple Heelis for some time now, enjoy working with them  and am pleased to be able to extend my role as Consultant assisting them on the delivery of services to their clients. I take regular trips  to the Lake District, know it well and am pleased to have that connection with a fantastic and highly skilled group of lawyers, working in such a well  known and respected firm based in an area that I love to visit.”

• croberson@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 723757

Carolyn is Temple Heelis’ Marketing and Business Development Project Manager, providing strategic input to the Managing Partner, advising the partners and their teams on significant projects, assisting with client and business development planning, and managing the legal directory submissions and interviews.

Carolyn spent the first 10 years of her career working in North America, beginning as a management trainee with IBM, then moving into business development and marketing in the professional services sector (Ernst & Young). Coming back to the UK with E&Y, Carolyn was the senior northern business development and marketing manager until head-hunted by Addleshaws to join their executive management team as a salaried partner and National Business Development Director. As an ambitious management team, the firm first created Addleshaw Booth, then consistently expanded this northern legal powerhouse through organic (client) growth, winning targeted new business, and identifying suitable lateral hires and mergers/acquisitions. A London office followed, then a merger with Theodore Goddard to form Addleshaw Goddard with Carolyn appointed National Director and a member of the firm’s management board.

During Carolyn’s decade with Addleshaws, the firm won Law Firm of the Year and other significant awards, Most Enterprising Management Team, and Carolyn was named UK’s Marketing Director of the Year (and her team, Team of the Year) for her role in winning and leading the firm’s appointment as Official Lawyers to Manchester XVII: 2002 Commonwealth Games for five years. After several years in London, Carolyn returned to the North West to join Hill Dickinson where she held a similar role and spear-headed the firm’s growth and marketing programmes, including winning appointment as official lawyers to Liverpool 2008: European Capital of Culture.

In 2008, Carolyn created a business consultancy and for the next 12 years worked with ambitious, growth-oriented businesses throughout the UK, Channel Islands, Ireland and Europe to help them devise and implement business development strategies, client feedback and relationship programmes, merger/acquisition marketing and communications, and new business pitches/tenders. One such client was Temple Heelis. In 2019, Carolyn was given an opportunity ‘too good to refuse’ for her consultancy and, since then, joined Temple Heelis for whom she works exclusively.

Moving to the beautiful Lake District when she married 5 years ago, Carolyn loves outdoor activities especially walking, tennis and gardening.