Meet The Team

Steve specialises in property matters, with a particular focus on commercial property, agricultural and estate issues. He qualified as a solicitor in 2006.

Kathryn qualified as a solicitor in 2009 and is experienced in private client work, specialising in Wills, probate, trusts, powers of attorney and conveyancing. Kathryn is also the compliance officer for legal practice (COLP). Kathryn is also a full member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers.

Stuart qualified as a solicitor in 2003 and has experience in a wide range of property transactions including all aspects of residential conveyancing, commercial property sales and purchases, and plot/new build purchases. Stuart also deals with private client work including the preparation of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection matters and the administration of estates.

Charlotte specialises in private client services and is based in the Leyburn office dealing with property matters, Wills and probate, and powers of attorney. Charlotte qualified as a solicitor in 1995 and practised in London in banking law until 2007.

Alastair graduated from Huddersfield University with a BA (Hons) in History with Sociology. Having then spent time working and travelling in France, Spain, and North America he then returned to complete the Graduate Diploma in Law course and the Legal Practice course. Alastair specialises in Residential and Commercial property transactions, Family matters, Wills, Probate, and Administration of Estates.

John specialises in property services, particularly in residential conveyancing. John trained with Scotts Wright and qualified in 2018.

Matt specialises in property services, particularly residential conveyancing. He qualified in 2015.

Lydia specialises in client services, particularly in probate, wills, and powers of attorney. Lydia trained with Scotts Wright and qualified in 2015.

Allen is an experienced solicitor who has specialised in family law since qualifying in 1982. He has over 40 years’ experience as a solicitor. Allen is a member of Resolution, the organisation committed to adopting a constructive and non-confrontational approach in family disputes. He is also the firm’s point of contact for Forces Law and is experienced in supporting members of the Armed Forces and their families.

Lucinda specialises in property services, particularly residential conveyancing. Lucinda trained with Scotts Wright and qualified in 2020.

Joanna joined Scotts Wright in 2017 after moving to the Dales from Leeds. She became a legal secretary in 2002.

Christopher has been a dispute resolver for over 23 years. As well as using the well-known route of court proceedings, Christopher has skills and expertise in the alternative forms of dispute resolution such as Arbitration, Mediation, Adjudication, Expert Determination and Early Neutral Evaluation.

Lisa joined Scotts Hall & Birtles as practice/operations manager in 2021. Lisa has over 20 years’ experience in management and customer services in various settings.

Shannon is key member of the private client team, specialising in probate, Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney. The University of Nottingham graduate is also a fully accredited member of STEP, a professional body that certifies experts in inheritance and succession planning. She joined Scotts Hall & Birtles as solicitor in 2026.

Kelly joined Scotts Hall & Birtles in 2023. A vital member of the team, Kelly started her training contract in October 2024 and is due to qualify as a solicitor in October 2026.

George is a trainee solicitor currently completing his training contract with Scotts Hall & Birtles, having joined the firm in 2025. A Northumbria University graduate with an Integrated Master’s degree in Law, George is due to qualify in October 2027. Born and raised in the Yorkshire Dales, he has a strong interest in Private Client and Court of Protection work, and is committed to developing his skills across a wide range of practice areas as he progresses through his training.

Fraser has over 13 years’ experience in conveyancing. He qualified in 2019 and works on all types of residential conveyancing transactions.

Nathan is a consultant for Scotts Hall & Birtles, advising businesses and individuals on a wide range of employment law and data protection matters. He began working with the firm in May 2026. He provides clear, practical guidance on workplace issues including contracts, disputes, disciplinary and grievance procedures, discrimination, dismissals and settlement agreements.

Courtney joined Scotts Hall & Birtles Solicitors in June 2026 and has recently completed her Law Degree (LLB). Courtney specialises in private client services, assisting individuals and families with essential future planning. Her expertise includes drafting Wills, navigating the Probate process, and setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). In addition to her private client work, Courtney has valuable experience in Court of Protection matters. She regularly guides clients through the complex process of deputyship applications, providing empathetic and practical support to those managing the affairs of vulnerable loved ones.

James joined Scotts Hall & Birtles Solicitors in June 2026 having worked previously as Head of Wills and Probate at a longstanding Teesside firm. Prior to that role James gained vast experience after having worked at some of the North East’s most prominent Private Client departments, including an award winning Newcastle based firm. James qualified as a solicitor in 2013 and has extensive experience in private client matters, assisting individuals and families with often complex lifetime planning and estate administration needs. This may involve estate planning involving business or agricultural assets or assets across multiple jurisdictions. James can advise on wills, lasting powers of attorney, probate, trusts (both administration and creation) and Court of Protection matters. He is a fully accredited member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and a qualified notary public.