All members of our team are specialists in their own fields
Peter has been with Hayton Winkley since leaving University and has been a partner since 1978. He specialises in company & commercial work – in particular property development and hotel and leisure industry. Peter is married with two children and lives in Kendal. He enjoys the outdoor life and the recreational activities the Lake District affords. He is also a keen skier when he gets the chance.
John qualified in 1978 and joined Hayton Winkley in 1982, becoming a partner in 1984. He specialises in family and children work and has been a member of the Law Society's Children Panel since 1991. Our family department, headed by John, is highly rated in the 2011 Legal 500 saying “Hayton Winkley is the premier firm in South Cumbria” in relation to our work for high-net-worth individuals, offering ancillary relief, children law advice and specialist advice on pensions and agricultural matters relating to divorce. John also sits as a Deputy District Judge.
John is married with two children and lives in Kendal. He is a fanatical Burnley football supporter, and enjoys walking and amateur dramatics
Naomi became a partner in the firm in 1996. She specialises in commercial conveyancing, particularly the development of land and sales and purchases of businesses, and general company work. In the 2011 Legal 500, which included HW as one of the top firms in the North, Naomi was singled out for her abilities in relation to commercial property and the level of service she provides –her work in advising various offshore companies on the sale, purchase and leasing of commercial properties getting special mention.
Naomi is married with four children and lives in Sedbergh where her husband is the vicar. She is a keen swimmer and dog walker, and enjoys watching Rugby Union.
Keith has practised with Hayton Winkley at Windermere since leaving law school, becoming a partner in 1984. He deals with company/commercial matters and family work. Keith is married with two children and lives in Windermere. He is interested in building, property renovation, walking and cycling
Nicola was born and raised in the upper Eden Valley. Nicola studied at Northumbria University in Newcastle where she graduated with an Exempting Honours Degree in Law in July 2007. During her time at Northumbria, she was awarded the David Gray Solicitors Award for outstanding work in the Student Law Office, the University’s pro bono legal advice service.
She is an active member of Young Farmers at local and County levels and currently lives in Kirkby Stephen.
Nicola qualified in September 2009 at a local firm and now specialises in Wills and Probate, with a particular interest being Court of Protection work and Powers of Attorney. She is a member of the Law Society's Private Client Section and a member of Solicitors for the Elderly.
Gail qualified as a solicitor in 2003, specialising in Employment Law. She joined Hayton Winkley in 2004 and is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association. Gail believes in a "sleeves up and work together to solve the problem" approach to the law and works to build good and solid relationships with her clients. In the 2011 Legal 500, which included HW as one of the top firms in the North, Gail is described as “extremely approachable and professional” for her work in recent large employment cases, including discrimination and misconduct claims.
Gail is married with 3 children and lives in Warton. She enjoys reading and walking.
Suzanne graduated from Lancaster University in 2003 with a First in English Literature before choosing a career in Law. She completed her Law degree part time whilst working at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court and in 2006 moved to London to complete her legal studies obtaining a Distinction. She qualified as a Solicitor in September 2009 after two years’ training at Curwens Solicitors in Enfield, where she spent the majority of her time in the Family department.
Upon qualification Suzanne decided to return to her Northern roots and joined the Family team at Hayton Winkley in August as an Assistant Solicitor working alongside John Oldroyd. Suzanne’s approach to Family law is proactive, conciliatory and compassionate. In her spare time Suzanne enjoys reading, watching films, indulging in fine food and wine and discovering local walks with her husband Ben and retired greyhound Meg.
Amanda is a specialist property lawyer who qualified in 2006 and joined Hayton Winkley in 2010. Having worked in the locality of Lancashire and South Cumbria throughout her professional career, Amanda has excellent local knowledge. She lives with her partner in Bolton-le-Sands and in her spare time enjoys running, cycling and cooking.
Kate is a specialist commercial property and conveyancing lawyer who qualified in 1999 and joined Hayton Winkley in 2007. Kate is married with two children and lives in Sedbergh. She is a keen walker and novice runner. Kate is a fluent French speaker and enjoys French camping holidays with her family.
Suzie joined Hayton Winkley in 1986 and qualified as a Legal Executive in 1993. Legal Executives study whilst working in the legal profession, and are qualified to the same level as a Solicitor in their specialised area of work. As well as dealing with dispute resolution and licensing, Suzie specialises in personal injury work and is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. Suzie is married with two children and lives in Kendal. In her limited spare time she enjoys reading and cooking.
Jean has many years experience of preparing wills—she will explain the issues involved and help you make the right choices.
She will also help you through the difficult times after the death of a loved one, with the advice and assistance you need.
Zoe qualified as a certified para-legal in March 2006 - having started working in a solicitors' office as an office junior 10 years earlier. She deals mainly in residential conveyancing. Zoe lives with her husband in Levens and in her spare time she enjoys reading and sings with a local choral society.
Alison joined Hayton Winkley in 1986 is now practice manager. Alison is married with two sons and lives in Kendal. She spends what spare time she has involved in amateur dramatics and musicals.
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Hayton Winkley is proud to be supporting St John's Hospice in Lancaster in 2011-12.