Our People, Our Team

Barry Scott Solicitor, Commercial & Commercial Property

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

Barry  rejoined Temple Heelis in January 2018 , after 12 months working on the Fylde.

He has returned to once again head the Commercial Property Department, a role he had from 2012 to 2017.

Delighted to return to the South Lakes Barry specialises in all aspects of Commercial Property work ,as well as the sale and purchase of businesses, including Company acquisitions, mergers and restructures.

When not working Barry especially enjoys walking, swimming ( particularly open water ) , socialising and keeping his hand in with speaking French.

Lauren Bowness Trainee Solicitor, Litigation

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

Lauren joined the firm in 2017 and in early 2018 began her Training Contract with us. During her Law Degree and on her Legal Practice Course , completed in 2017, she studied a broad range of Law and Legal Practice. She has already gained valuable and wide ranging experience with us and will broaden that to all of our areas of specialism.

“I was born in Kendal and I feel privileged to have grown up in such a beautiful part of the world. In my free time, I enjoy travelling, cooking and making the most of the Lake District scenery.”

“This was a challenging and complex conveyance and Lauren had outstanding patience” – Mr S, Levens.

Jamie Hamilton Managing Partner, Head of Private Client Services

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

Jamie joined the firm in 2005. He was a partner with a national firm in Liverpool before moving to Cumbria. He advises individuals and families on wills, and how to pass wealth onto future generations in a tax efficient manner. He also advises on Lasting Powers of Attorney, and Probate. Jamie is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

“One of the most important aspects of my work is to meet with my clients and take the time to understand them and their situation. That time means I can make sure their future wishes are met.”

Jamie and his family live in Windermere and they enjoy the outdoor life that Cumbria offers. He is a keen runner and swimmer.

“Jamie is very good at explaining things thoroughly and in a way that can be understood” – Mrs M, Ambleside.

Claire Meehan Solicitor, Residential Property

• cmeehan@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 816431

Claire joined Temple Heelis having worked on the Fylde coast for a number of years.

Claire specialises in residential conveyancing to include the buying and selling of property, equity transfers and re-mortgages and any other land transactions.

“Providing my Clients with a first class service is important to me and at the same time providing a human element when assisting Clients in what can be a stressful period”.

Claire lives in Garstang with her husband and in her spare time supports her local football team and attempts to keep fit at her local gym. Claire has family in Australia and visits as often as she can.

“Claire was outstanding, we were very impressed with all the aspects and quality of her work. Thank you for making the stressful process slightly less stressful.” – Ms S, Kendal.

Yasmin Blamire Solicitor, Commercial & Commercial Property

• 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.”

“Highly recommended professional service throughout multitude of transactions dealt with.” – Mr D & Dr A, Stafford | Ambleside.

John Sim Partner, Head of Litigation

• 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.

Elizabeth Priestley Associate Member of CILEx, Residential Property

• epriestley@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 816138

Lizzie has been part of the Temple Heelis Residential Property Team since 2014.

“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.”

“Lizzie Priestley was extremely helpful, professional and competent every step of the way – Definitely on our side” – Mr & Mrs R, Heysham.

Richard Moore Head of Business Services

• 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.

 

Kerry Webster Solicitor, Residential Property

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

Kerry started her career with Temple Heelis in 2010. She is a specialist in residential sales and purchases. She also helps clients with equity transfers, re-mortgages, equity releases, lease extensions and tenancy agreements.

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

Stephen Barker Consultant Barrister

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

Stephen Barker is a highly experienced Commercial Lawyer and Mediator.  He advises parties in resolving commercial disputes and advising on commercial contractual rights and remedies.  He is a CEDR Accredited Commercial Mediator and former Solicitor and Solicitor-Advocate.  He now works as a Consultant Barrister for Temple Heelis.  He also practices from 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square Chambers as a Barrister and Commercial Mediator.

Whilst a Solicitor, Stephen worked as a Partner in various Commercial Law Firms in the Midlands where his reputation was nationally recognised.

Stephen joined Eversheds, one of the leading International Law Firms, on qualification as a Solicitor in 1989 and became an Equity Partner in 1999.  He was Head of Commercial Litigation at the Birmingham office leading a team of 25.

In 2001 he became an Accredited Mediator.

He moved on in 2006 to join US Law Firm Reed Smith as a European Litigation Partner in their Commercial Disputes Group.

Stephen now lives in Grasmere.

“Work takes me all around the country, and whenever I come back home, I am struck by the beauty of our landscape.  My wife and I enjoy walking with our two flatcoated retrievers.  When weather permits, I ride my motorcycle with the Morecambe Bay Estuaries Advanced Motorcyclists group.  When weather does not permit, you can find me in my workshop building and repairing guitars.”

For a more detailed summary of Stephen’s experience and expertise please see his detailed biography below.

  Stephen Barker biography

Alex Gardiner Probate Assistant

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

Alex has been with Temple Heelis since 2015. She provides administrative support to the Private Client solicitors, liaising with clients, ensuring relatives, executors and beneficiaries are kept up to date throughout the administration of an estate.

“I’m dealing with people all day long. I think my previous customer services background really helps. Looking after our clients’ needs is paramount.”

Andrew Hill Solicitor, Head of Family

• 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.

Peter Dodd Partner, Head of Residential

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

Peter specialises in residential conveyancing. This includes the buying and selling of property, registration of land, drafting leases and other land related matters. He joined Temple Heelis 12 years ago. Prior to this he worked in retail management which helped Peter 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.

Shelley Savasi Probate Manager

• ssavasi@templeheelis.co.uk
• Direct Dial: 01539 816480

Shelley is a probate specialist and helps bereaved clients and executors with all aspects of deceased estates. This ranges from arranging funerals through to the final distribution of the estate’s assets. Shelley is a member of the Society of Trust and Estates Practitioners (STEP).

“I have an “international” family and I travel widely, but I am from Lancashire and love the friendliness and natural beauty that Cumbria offers“

“I never use anyone else because I trust you.  I would like to thank Robert & Shelley for their patience…” – A Leach, Kirkby Lonsdale.

Robert Kornas Partner, Private Client Services

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

Robert specialises in wills, estate planning and the administration of estates. He also handles Lasting Powers of Attorney. He helps families, individuals and business owners organise their estates in a tax efficient matter. He is the Chair of the Lakes and Lancs branch of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

“I assist my clients to manage and plan their affairs so that their assets are passed on according to their wishes”

Robert is married with three young children.  He enjoys running, football, reading, cooking and spending time with his family.

“Thank you for an excellent service especially Robert Kornas who is very patient, efficient and pleasant.” – Mr & Mrs D, Kendal.

Laura Priestley Solicitor, Private Client Services

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

Laura joined the firm in 2011 after spending two years with a prominent law firm in Oxford.  She specialises in wills, tax planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney, trusts and the administration of estates. Laura is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

“My aim is to help families and businesses organise their affairs in a tax efficient manner. My family and I are based in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and I like nothing better than fell running through the Howgill Fells near my home in Sedbergh.”

“Very sympathetic, patient and helpful at a difficult time for me” – Mr M, Windermere.