Our People, Our Team

• erawlinson@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 816421

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.

• ahill@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 816184

Andrew is a member of the Law Society Family Law Advance Accreditation Scheme.  He is also a trained Collaborative Family Lawyer.

Andrew is a specialist in family law which covers everything from advising co-habiting couples through to resolving family disputes and relationship breakdown. After qualifying in Whitby, Andrew moved to Cumbria and has worked in the north and south of the county.

“I have lived in South Lakeland for over 20 years and almost feel like a local. I think my local connections help me to empathise with my clients and understand the problems my clients face.”

“I was very pleased with the service from beginning to end and I got the outcome I wanted” – Mrs D, Carnforth.

• ttroughton@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 816140

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.”

• lclarke@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 816146

Lucy is from Kendal. She started her training contract with us in 2020 after impressing us with her legal and client skills. She will qualify as a Solicitor in 2022.

“I was raised in Kendal and this local knowledge is definitely beneficial to both myself and clients. In my spare time I love to travel but there is nowhere as beautiful as the Lakes. I feel very lucky to live in this part of the world.”

• ophillips@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 015394 82553

Olivia has grown up in the South Lakes and lives in the Langdale valley. She joined the firm in 2018 and works as an assistant with the Residential Conveyancing team in Ambleside. She is undertaking a Legal Apprenticeship.

“Growing up in the Lake District is a privilege, I am lucky enough to live in the Langdale Valley with amazing views of the Pikes. In my spare time I am in the process of ticking off all of the Wainwright fells, I am currently on 100 out of 214 whilst tracking my progress on social media. With knowledge of the local area I am able to assist our clients in both sales and purchases.”

“I rang up for a general enquiry regarding my lease  and was transferred to Olivia.  She was extremely helpful and listened to my question and promised to get back to me.  Within 24 hours she rang me back and explained the situation very clearly” – Mr H, London

• jsim@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 816406

John is a specialist in dispute resolution including construction disputes, property issues and debt recovery. He is also one of the leading Personal Injury Solicitors in Cumbria. He has been with Temple Heelis for almost 30 years and is a familiar face in the Business Community.

“Over the years I have gained a great deal of experience in not only the law but also the procedures and negotiating tactics that I use to resolve disputes quickly and cost effectively. I work with a wide range of businesses across many sectors.

I have thoroughly enjoyed living and working in the South Lakes. I am a long standing member of Windermere Golf Club and enjoy visiting other courses across Cumbria and further afield”.

“As you can see from my scores, I am fully satisfied with all aspects of your service and felt fully informed throughout, to a satisfactory conclusion” – Mrs S, Ambleside.

• lpriestley@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 816478

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%!” 

• 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”.

• yblamire@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 816425

Yasmin joined Temple Heelis straight after University. She acts for individuals and businesses on commercial property law issues. She is also able to provide assistance on a range of other commercial and company matters.

“I was brought up in the Furness and South Lakeland area and I feel it is a real benefit when dealing with clients. I love getting out onto the fells and off the beaten track as often as I can.”

“Thanks for the work you do – you’re are a genuine star! You’re one of the few people that I’ve dealt with over the years who consistently responds to emails and enquiries and the service you provide is exceptional.” – Mr T, Trustee of Local Charity.

• kwebster@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 015394 87035

Kerry first worked in the conveyancing department at Temple Heelis in 2006 before taking time out to start a family.  Kerry  been a qualified solicitor since 2009 and now works part-time in our Windermere office, alongside Peter Dodd.  Kerry is known for her attention to detail and specialises in sale, purchase and remortgage matters as well as more bespoke work such as drafting deeds of easement and deeds of covenant.

“I am lucky enough to have Blencathra on my doorstep and enjoy making the most of Cumbria’s outdoor playground.”

• rkornas@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 816118

Robert leads Temple Heelis’s seven-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.”

• agardiner@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 816481

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”

• epriestley@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 015394 82554

Lizzie joined Temple Heelis in 2014 and has quickly progressed from conveyancing assistant to fee earner whilst working towards qualification as a Chartered Legal Executive. Lizzie is quickly building a reputation as a tenacious, highly efficient and proactive fee earner in sale, purchase and remortgage matters.

“Buying or selling a house can be stressful. My role is to help things go smoothly and as stress free as possible”.

“I am from the Western Yorkshire Dales and as often as I can I head for the hills in the Dales or in the Lake District with my dog Ernie.

“One of the best bits of the service was communication, it was excellent. All emails / calls were responded to promptly and I never felt out of contact” – Mr & Mrs C, Ulverston.

• sbarker@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 816180

Stephen is a Barrister and CMC Registered Mediator. He specialises in resolving commercial disputes and advising clients on commercial contractual rights and remedies.  Stephen is a member of the London Barristers set, 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square, and works with Temple Heelis as a Consultant Barrister.

Before his call to the Bar, Stephen held senior posts in a several leading international law firms, including Eversheds, where he was Birmingham office Head of Commercial Litigation.

“Unresolved disputes are bad for business and the individuals involved. Lawyers should work with clients to find workable solutions to business conflict, and enable them to concentrate on running their business.  I like to minimise risk of business disputes by helping clients get their commercial contracts right from the outset.”

Stephen lives in the Lake District and enjoys walking his dogs on the fells.

• lbowness@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 816115

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”.

• pdodd@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 015394 87031

Peter joined the conveyancing department at Temple Heelis in 2004 and has been a qualified solicitor since 2009.  As department head, Peter supervises all members of the conveyancing team and specialises in acting in bespoke conveyancing and land law matters as well as sale, purchase and remortgage matters.

Prior to entering the legal profession, Peter worked in retail management which helped him hone his client relationship skills.

“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.

• rmoore@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 816416

Richard has been with Temple Heelis for more than 20 years. He helps clients with legal issues affecting their businesses and advises individuals on some contentious matters, such as employment rights. He joined the firm as a Junior Solicitor dealing with civil disputes. Since then he has become a specialist in a wide range of areas of commercial law. He is a member of several local business groups.

“I also aim to take an active role in the Business Community. It helps to gain insight into the problems facing local SMEs and Entrepreneurs. Being in business is always challenging and I like to help those who work hard to maximise their investment.

South Lakeland is a very beautiful area and our inspiring surroundings, great people and dynamic business community make this a truly special place to live and work.

When not at work I take an active interest in local sports including rugby and golf and my border collie gives me no choice other than to spend a lot of time enjoying the great outdoors.” 

“Excellent and highly professional service on complicated matters from start to finish.” – Mr D & Dr A, Stafford | Ambleside.

• lbenton@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 816119

Lucy lives in Kendal. She acts for Business clients and their Commercial property portfolios. As well as acting for landlords and developers , she acts for tenants and licencees. She has a particular interest in working with all sizes of business in the hospitality sector.

“I grew up living in pubs and hotels across the country and I believe this is where my keen interest in the hospitality & leisure sector comes from. I particularly enjoy practicing commercial property law in the Lake District, where I am able to help my clients purchase characterful hotels and B&B’s and to be a part of the exciting business ventures they’re about to embark upon. In my spare time, I love to head to the Lake District mountains for walks, mountain bike rides and open water swimming.”

“We have recently used the services of Lucy Benton at Temple Heelis in Kendal for the share sale of our long-standing family hotel business. It was all dealt with in a timely and professional manner throughout the process. She went above and beyond her remit, particularly towards the latter stages when deadlines needed to be met. I would have no hesitation in using or recommending her services again for any future commercial property transactions.”

• rashworth@templeheelis.co.uk
• 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.