Legal firm expands family department with new appointments

A LEADING legal firm has strengthened its Family Law team with the appointment of two experienced solicitors.

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, which has offices across Cumbria and Northumberland, has welcomed Jo Grey and Sara Budniak to its Family department which deals with all aspects of marital law, divorce, children, cohabitation and domestic violence.

The pair bring a wealth of experience to the team, having practised for several years in their specialist areas of law in Cumbria and the North East.

Jo, who lives near Hexham, will focus on the team’s work in Northumberland, based out of the Haltwhistle office. She is currently studying to become a child and adult psychotherapist which will support her work as a family lawyer through providing understanding and insight into the trauma and distress which can be experienced by clients.

Since qualifying as a solicitor nine years ago, Carlisle-based Sara has worked in criminal law, supporting clients through difficult situations by providing valuable legal support and advice. She will work from the firm’s office at Viaduct House in the city.

Amy Fallows, Head of Family Law at Cartmell Shepherd, said the move was part of the ongoing expansion of the team.

She said: “We have seen an increasing demand from clients seeking quality legal advice and strengthening the family department with the appointment of Jo and Sara is helping us to meet that need.

“Our Family Law team is now the largest it has ever been, made up of five solicitors, a paralegal and three legal secretaries. The sheer depth of experience and skills enables us to support clients who are often experiencing some of the most difficult times in their lives with calm, professional legal guidance.”

Jo began her career in law in 2008 when she left her role as an area manager with Boots to retrain as a solicitor. After completing her legal training with LegaCare UK, a charity which provides free legal help for terminally ill patients, she specialised in Family Law before embarking on her child and adult psychotherapy studies. Once qualified, she will offer professional psychotherapeutic services.

After qualifying in 2013, Sara specialised in criminal law and worked as a duty solicitor at Carlisle police station and courts. Her new role at Cartmell Shepherd is the achievement of a long-held ambition to work in Family Law.

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors works with clients across Cumbria, Northumberland and nationally. It has six offices at Rosehill Carlisle, Carlisle city centre, Brampton, Penrith, Cockermouth and Haltwhistle.

The firm’s full range of legal services is available from all of its offices, delivered by its team of more than 40 solicitors.

It is the only legal firm in Cumbria to be a member of the UK200Group, and offers specialist expertise to individuals and businesses across a range of sectors.