Who are Staffordshire Collaborative Lawyers?

We are a group of like-minded, specialist, family lawyers with many years experience advising clients on separation, divorce, children and financial matters and their implications. Having seen the emotional and financial costs associated with “traditional” legal practice, we have come to believe that for many of our clients there is a better way. For us, the separation of two individuals and the resolution of the matters that arise as a result is a problem to be solved, not a battle to be fought.

Although we each work in or for our own law firms, we have all received special training in the collaborative approach and now come together not only in our day-to-day work for our own clients, but also for the purposes of increasing awareness of collaborative law within the county, marketing our services, training and sharing best practice.

We are all members of the Collaborative Family Law Group of Resolution, the specialist association of family lawyers, and our collaborative work builds on the long-established Resolution approach that family disputes should be dealt with in a constructive way designed to preserve people’s dignity and to encourage agreements.

Individual Profiles

Peter Ashley Peter is a local practising solicitor who has specialised in family law for over 20 years. In 2000 he trained as a family mediator and is a member of the UK College of Mediators and practices regularly as a mediator. He is a member of Resolution and The Law Society. Tel: 01889 582116 Email:peter@gardnerchampion.co.uk

Joanne Clowes Jo is a specialist family lawyer and has practiced in all aspects of family law for 15 years. She was born in the Staffordshire Moorlands and is currently based in Leek. Jo is a Resolution Accredited Specialist and has been a member of Resolution since 1994. Whilst busy with her two young children, Jo enjoys the countryside, cooking and practising holistic therapies. Tel: 01782 551282 or 07816 947131 (mobile) Email:jclowes@uprights-solicitors.co.uk WWW:www.uprights-solicitors.co.uk

Fiona Craig Fiona Craig is a partner with Beswicks Solicitors in Stoke on Trent. She practises exclusively in family law, with a particular interest in financial matters and pensions, and is a Resolution accredited specialist. With a grown-up family, Fiona enjoys having more time to devote to her own interests of gardening, music and tennis Tel: 01782 205000 Email:Fiona.craig@beswicks.com WWW:www.beswicks.com

Helen Jackson Helen was born in the Potteries and has also worked in North Staffordshire and Stafford for 16 years, specialising exclusively in Family and Matrimonial Law for most of that time. Helen’s speciality is Private Family Law, including Divorce, Separation, Financial and Property issues arising from Separation, including maintenance and pensions and Children’s issues such as Residence and Contact (formerly Custody and Access). Helen has been a member of Resolution for many years. Tel: 01785 213234 Email:helen.jackson@1st-solicitors.co.uk WWW:www.1st-solicitors.co.uk

Steve Kirwan Steve is Managing Director of Nowell Meller Solicitors Ltd, with offices in Stafford and Burslem, Stoke on Trent. He is a specialist family solicitor with over 20 years’ experience of family work. He is a Resolution Specialist in Pensions and Cohabitation work, Chair of Staffordshire Resolution and an active member of Resolution’s National Committee. Steve also chairs Resolution's Cohabitation Working Party. When not playing as a solicitor, Steve is an avid reader and also enjoys films and the occasional foreign holiday. Tel: 01785 273141 Email:steve@nowellmeller.co.uk WWW:www.nowellmeller.co.uk

Cath Longshaw Cath has been practising family law for approximately 10 years, dealing with all issues arising from the breakdown of relationships. She is an Associate Solicitor at Knights LLP in Newcastle-under-Lyme and is a member of Resolution. She is experienced in all areas associated with family breakdown. As a Mother of two teenagers she has a busy home life but when she has time enjoys reading, swimming and travel. Tel: 01782 619225 Email:catherine.longshaw@knightsllp.co.uk WWW:www.knightsllp.co.uk

Marie Proud Marie is a solicitor specialising in all areas of Family including divorce, separation, finances and children matters. She was born in Staffordshire and studied at Staffordshire University. Marie is based at the head office of Tinsdills in Hanley but also works out of their offices situated at Newcastle under Lyme, Leek and Sandbach. When not working, Marie enjoys spending time with her two children and visiting the cinema and theatre. Tel: 01782 262031 Email:marie.proud@tinsdills.co.uk WWW:www.tinsdills.co.uk

Isobel Rose Isobel is a partner at Lichfield Reynolds based in Longton. She has always specialised in family law since qualifying over 20 years ago and has experience of a wide range of divorce/ property and children work. She is a member of the Law Society's Children Panel. Outside work, Isobel's interests include theatre, property renovation and spending time with family and friends. Tel: 01782 313212 Email:idr@lichfield-reynolds.co.uk WWW:www.lichfield-reynolds.co.uk

Barbara White Barbara is a Fellow of The Institute of Legal Executives and has practised in all aspects of family law in North Staffordshire for over 35 years. She has a wealth of experience and skill in financial and property issues, including acting for high net worth clients residing in the UK and abroad. She has a significant caseload of children’s matters arising upon separation and divorce, giving support to families and focusing on the welfare of the children and is particularly interested in issues arising from cohabitants' rights, including their interests in property and pre-nuptial agreements. She is a member of Resolution and is committed to resolving disputes in a non-contentious and cost effective manner wherever possible. Barbara has a grown-up family and grandchildren. To relax, she enjoys playing golf and is an enthusiastic member of Newcastle Golf Club. She also practises yoga. Tel: 01782 619225 Email:barbara.white@knightsllp.co.uk WWW:www.knightsllp.co.uk