Meet The Team

Status Partner and Chair of Hartlaw
Department Family Law
Specialities Family Law
Dianne has specialised in Family Law since her qualification as a solicitor in 1999. She has a passion to help families through separation and divorce, and to provide pro-active advice about co-habitation and child arrangements.
The financial issues associated with divorce are complex and of great concern to many clients Dianne sees.  Her strength is in sorting through these and to ‘reality check’ arrangements to see how that will work for you in the future.  This can include looking at finances with family businesses, trusts, multiple properties and pensions.  Dianne has a special interest in farming cases and is experienced in complex divorce litigation involving farming partnerships and agricultural land.
Dianne is an experienced and accredited family mediator.  Family mediation offers separating couples a more dignified and cost- effective option, resolving matters out of court.  The process starts with a Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMS) and Dianne is one of only a handful of Accredited Mediators to be able to conduct these meetings.  She has also trained as a Child Consultant and she offers this bespoke service to allow the children to have a voice in the mediation process to great benefit.
Dianne can provide Professional Practice Consultancy for mediators and provides PPC supervision to a number of mediators across the North.
Dianne trained as a collaborative lawyer in 2007 works well with other collaborative lawyers to achieve a fair settlement for your separation or divorce without the need for litigation.  The ‘collab’ process works by bringing all the parties together so you can discuss your finances, parenting and communication with the support of your legal team on hand for advice.
Now a senior partner and head of the Family Law team, Dianne also takes an active role in promoting collaborative Family Law and Mediation in the local area, through her membership of peer groups across Yorkshire.  Dianne has recently completed Only Mums and Dads Neurodiversity training.
What’s important to her: “I believe that it is important to fully understand my clients’ objectives from the outset. I work hard to develop relationships with my clients helping them to find the right outcome for their family.”
Recommendation:   “I approached Hartlaw after representing myself through divorce and financial issues.  As an emergency issue arose, I was forced to instruct a solicitor and so contacted Dianne. With only 5 days to act on my behalf, Hartlaw stepped up and dealt with my case in a way that I can only describe as excellent." A Happy Client of Hartlaw LLP
On a personal note:  Dianne is originally from Manchester and after enjoying some time in London and the South East she moved to York with her husband.  Mum of teenage boys, she is no stranger to the joys of parenting and all that children and young people bring. Dianne enjoys open water swimming, meditation, cooking and listens to far too many podcasts.

Status Partner and Head of Residential Conveyancing
Department Business & Property
Specialities Residential Conveyancing

Wendy studied, qualified and worked as a mature student in the legal sector for several years before qualifying as a solicitor in 2012. Since qualifying Wendy has concentrated mainly on residential property transactions and has built up a wealth of exceptional knowledge in all aspects of residential conveyancing, this includes acting for developers, equity release, leasehold properties, together with gaining a deep understanding of many complex residential situations.

Wendy is highly motivated to ensure that transactions run smoothly, with minimal stress for her clients, ensuring that all parties involved are working towards the same goal, in conjunction with ensuring that all legal aspects are considered thoroughly throughout the transaction
Wendy is the current President of the Harrogate & District Law Society, a member of the Harrogate Spa Sweethearts WI, and enjoys socialising and supporting her two sons in their sporting activities of Rugby, Cricket and Football.
What’s important to her: “I believe it is important to appreciate that moving home can be an emotional and stressful time for many clients, but that I can also be a part of helping them to achieve a dream. I strive to make the process as smooth and stress free as possible for my clients, providing efficient and practical advice.”

Office Manager and Partner

Office Management, administration, event management

Michelle is the first ever non-lawyer Partner of Hartlaw.  She joined the firm in October 2014 as a part-time administrator, working her way up to being the full-time Office Manager, and then became a Partner in May 2021. Originally hailing from South Africa, Michelle worked in shopping centre management for 10 years.  After coming to the UK, she worked for a local high street bank for many years, before leaving to start a family.

Michelle is actively involved in the local community, is the Treasurer of the Harrogate & District Law Society, and enjoys spending time with her family and travelling.

Status Partner and Head of Business & Property Department
Department Business & Property
Specialities Corporate & Commercial Services, Commercial & Residential Property

Matt is the head of the commercial and property teams. He specialises in legal support for businesses, from incorporations to business sales and purchases; and buying, selling or leasing property.
He is particularly good at finding creative solutions to knotty problems.
Outside work, Matt’s main interests are cars, football and clay pigeon shooting.

What’s important to him: “Building strong relationships with my clients.”

Status Partner
Department Family Law
Specialities Family Law

Kate has worked in family law since 2008 and has specialised in this area since qualification in 2010.

Kate is a collaborative lawyer and a member of Resolution and is committed to resolving disputes in a non-confrontational way wherever possible. Kate has experience of complex litigation and ensures her clients’ position is fully protected at all times.
Kate acts for clients in divorce, financial settlements and works with families to secure the best arrangements for their children. Her work also involves drafting anti-nuptial agreements as well as separation and cohabitation agreements for unmarried couples. She has extensive experience of managing financial claims for non-married parents and dealing with court applications to protect people suffering from domestic abuse.  Kate has recently completed Only Mums and Dads Neurodiversity training and Engaging With Fathers training.
Kate is actively involved in supporting the local business community. Kate grew up in Wetherby and in her spare time enjoys getting out and about with her cocker spaniels, Barney and Poppy, keeping fit and spending time with her young nephew. She also makes delicious chocolates which her colleagues devour with glee.
What’s important to her: “Family law has always been the only area of law for me. I like being able to help clients to find solutions in difficult times.”
Recommendation: " The very first time we met I complimented you on the courteous and efficient way your receptionist and secretary dealt with me on the morning I phoned to try to arrange an appointment and I was seen by you on the very same day.  Nothing at all has changed in your practice since that day, I have always been dealt with in a courteous, professional, efficient and friendly manner whether I came to the office or called on the phone." A Happy Client of Hartlaw LLP

LLB

Status Partner
Department Business & Property
Specialities Corporate & Commercial Services, Commercial Property, Insolvency

Rebecca practices in company commercial and commercial property. She has a litigation/dispute resolution background with over 10 years experience which strengthens her commercial approach. Her work largely involves business and property. She is a member of the Property Litigation Association and the Agricultural Lawyers Association. She is a tenacious negotiator and is aware of the importance of quickly identifying her clients’ objectives and preserving their best interests.

Rebecca is actively involved in the local community. She is a Wetherby in Bloom volunteer and is the first female member of the Wetherby and District Rotary Club. Her young family takes up much of her time outside work, but she still manages to find time for gardening and playing an active role in her local WI.

What’s important to her: “I believe it is important clients feel that they have somebody who will look after their best interests, and give sensible and practical advice."

Recommendation: "Approaching a solicitor for the first time, often over difficult issues, can be an intimidating and worrying time. Rebecca was highly recommended to me by a close contact, and I can honestly say she put me at ease within the first phone call. Her professional yet very approachable manner gives you not just the legal support you need, but in a very caring and supportive way. She has given me advice and support on a number of issues now, and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for legal support." A Happy Client of Hartlaw LLP

Sam works full-time and has been Legal Secretary to Rebecca Smith for nearly 9 years in the Business and Property Department.
 
Sam supports Rebecca with all aspects of company commercial and commercial property work.
 
Sam loves to go walking in the Lake District as often as she can.

Status Solicitor
Department Family Law
Specialities All aspects of family law including (but not limited to) divorce, resolving financial issues, separation, pre-nuptial agreements, child arrangements and domestic abuse

I qualified as a solicitor in 2004 and quickly specialised in family law, which I found suited my client-focused empathetic approach.
It has always been important for me to support people through what can be the most difficult time in their lives to reach solutions for their future.
I am a member of Resolution, which is a nationwide community of family justice professionals who work with families and individuals to resolve issues in a constructive and non-confrontational way, by agreement, where possible. This is an ethos that I subscribe to, as I very much believe it leads to the best long-term outcomes for clients and importantly has the benefit to them of being more cost-effective.  I have recently completed Only Mums and Dads Neurodiversity training and Engaging With Fathers training.
I have often found that the problems that families face when relationships break down require help with communication and practical solutions which leave them able to face a more positive future.
That is why it is really important to have access to and consider at an early stage, forms of ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) also known as non-court resolution, such as mediation, integrated mediation and Arbitration. In view of the lengthy delays in the court system and the cost it is essential to have a good working knowledge of these constructive solutions. In terms of career development, I am looking to train as a collaborative lawyer and I’m excited to see where this takes me and what more this will enable me to offer to clients.
If Court proceedings are necessary, I am an experienced advocate and thrive under pressure.
I practice all aspects of family law including divorce, cohabitation, financial arrangements, child arrangements and pre-nuptial agreements. I have experience with cases involving complex issues such as domestic violence, coercive control, high-net worth farming cases and family trusts.
I feel very strongly that a team-based approach can help clients, which is why at Hartlaw LLP we are passionate about ensuring we maintain strong links with other professionals – Pension experts, therapists, expert mediators, financial advisors, mortgage brokers and estate agents. I definitely believe that this reduces the cost and stress to the client and offers an all-round service of trusted professionals who are able to work together and guide clients through to, and plan for, their future.
On a personal note – I play football for Collingham Women, which I absolutely love. I have a lifelong passion for reading and I love to support my daughter in her many sporting endeavours.
I am able to offer a free initial consultation to meet with clients to discuss their requirements and concerns, in person or on Zoom.
What is important to her: Supporting people through what can be one of the most difficult times in their lives, to reach solutions for their future.

Private Client Secretary to Jenny West

Caroline has worked at Hartlaw for 20 years, and has a broad knowledge of Private Client work, specialising in providing initial advice to clients regarding Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate processes.

Caroline provides secretarial support to Jenny West and other colleagues in the Private Client Team.

Outside of work Caroline enjoys caravanning with her husband, reading, card making, knitting, sewing, baking and taking walks in the countryside with her beagle.

Post-Completion Clerk

Nicola works within the Business & Property department and deals with post-completion matters such as payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax and applications for registration at HM Land Registry

In her free time Nicola enjoys yoga, walking with friends and family and following Leeds United!

Legal Assistant

Joanne has worked in the Family Department for 14 years, supporting Dianne, Kate and Katie.
She enjoys spending time with her family and friends (especially drinking cocktails!) and walking with her Miniature Schnauzer Dave.
 

Ann joined Hartlaw in July 2024, having previously worked at Tadcaster Grammar School for 21 and a half years as a technician for the Food & Textiles Department.
Outside of work Ann enjoys socialising with family and friends, walking, gardening and crafts.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Emma has recently joined us from a law firm in Tadcaster where she worked in the private client department for 12 years, starting as a secretary and working her way up to a private client fee earner. Emma joined Hartlaw LLP as a private client paralegal in February 2024, and has been promoted to Senior Paralegal in February 2025.
Emma has recently completed her training and is now a qualified ACILEx Paralegal.
Outside of work Emma enjoys gardening, crafts and spending time with her family which includes a very greedy Patterdale Terrier.
What is important to her: Emma prides herself on being friendly, approachable and ensures that her clients feel at ease during difficult times in their lives. Emma strives to deal with clients’ matters in a prompt and efficient way.
Testimonial: "We both want to thank you for your thoughtful, kind and helpful support in updating our wills. Mr has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s which needed us to carefully plan for our future.  You guided us through the process most carefully which we gratefully appreciated!" A happy client of Hartlaw[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="5329" img_size="large" css=""][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Gaia recently joined us as a Private Client Paralegal from another law firm in Leeds, where she primarily handled Court of Protection cases. She is currently in her second year of the LPC, with the goal of graduating in Summer 2025, when she will begin a training contract with us. Outside of work, Gaia enjoys spending time with her family and a pug named Yoda.

Status Consultant
Department Notary Public
Specialities Foreign Matters

Nick is Hartlaw’s resident Notary Public and, as such, is the only lawyer in Wetherby able to deal with certain foreign matters.

What’s important to him: “I like being able to help people.”

Sam works full time in the Business and Property Department.
Sam supports the Residential Property Sale and Purchase administration from start to completion and supports the fee earners within the conveyancing department with all aspects of the conveyancing process.
Sam loves spending time with her young son and wider family, she also enjoys being outdoors, going to the cinema, playing crazy golf and going for days out and weekends away.
 

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]James is an experienced litigation lawyer and courtroom advocate, and can assist with a wide range of contentious issues including employment, debt recovery, property/neighbour disputes, contractual and commercial disputes and issues between Directors and Shareholders.
Outside of work, James loves to spend time with his family and dogs.
Recommendation: "Again many thanks for all your help on this matter. You and your firm are amazing and I will spread the word about how fantastic your team has been." A very happy client of Hartlaw
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Cashiering/accounts

Sarah joined Hartlaw in 2012, and now heads up our busy accounts department where she deals with all aspects of banking, reconciliations, purchase ledger, nominal ledgers, billing, payroll and month end/year end accounts.

Sarah enjoys long walks in the countryside, she is an avid reader, loves socialising with friends and family whenever time allows and finds gardening very relaxing.

Having worked at Hartlaw LPP for 18 years previously, Fiona returned in 2024 after a two year break. She has 20 years’ experience providing secretarial support to dispute resolution, private client and conveyancing colleagues and now supports the Private Client team here.
Outside of work, as well as spending time with friends and family, Fiona enjoys being active in the great outdoors, crafting and choral singing.

Status: Trainee Solicitor
Department: Residential Conveyancing
 
Kirsty joined Hartlaw LLP in April 2023. She studied in London where she completed her degree before returning to West Yorkshire to continue her training. She is an experienced Conveyancer with over 10 years in practice and can deal with a wide range of transactions from Sales and Transfer of Equity to New Build and Shared Ownership. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and has commenced her period of recognised training as a Trainee Solicitor. Kirsty will qualify as a Solicitor in the Autumn of 2025.
 
What’s important to her: I understand how stressful moving house can be and I am committed to supporting my clients through each step of the process. I believe its important to build good relationships with my clients and provide them with the most practical advice for their individual circumstances.
 
Outside of work Kirsty enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.

Legal Secretary

Dawn has worked in the legal sector for 22 years and has worked in various departments including Private Client, Litigation, Commercial Property, Residential Conveyancing, Clinical Negligence

She is Legal Secretary to Katherine Jordan in the Private Client Department

Dawn enjoys socialising with family and friends, going to the cinema, long walks in the countryside or at the beach with her two dogs

Status Solicitor
Department Private Client
Specialities Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Probate and Deputyship matters

Leanne graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2012 and went straight into her legal career. Leanne started as a legal assistant and qualified at the same firm as a Solicitor in 2016. Leanne has worked in the Private Client department, having her own case load in Private Client matters since qualifying. Leanne joined Hartlaw in May 2023.

Outside of work Leanne enjoys Rugby League, attending the Theatre and spending time with her family.
What is important to her: Private Client matters can sometimes be sensitive to deal with. I enjoy helping clients through some of their most difficult times, and I like to make sure my clients feel comfortable and happy when I am dealing with their matters.

Legal Secretary

Jayne works part-time in the Business and Property Department

She supports property sale and purchase administration from the start of the transaction to completion and supports the fee earners in the department with all aspects of the conveyancing process and business transactions.

Jayne loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, she also enjoys gardening and being in the great outdoors.

Dapika joined Hartlaw in October 2024. She studied at the University of Nottingham where she completed her degree in Law with Spanish and Spanish Law before returning home to complete her Masters in Legal Practice. She will become a Trainee Solicitor in the spring of 2025 with qualification occurring in Autumn of 2026.
Outside of work Dapika enjoys musical theatre, reading, tap dancing, and spending time with her family and two dogs.
What’s important to her: I feel very strongly about helping people and hope to do this to the best of my ability.

Status Solicitor
Department Private Client
Specialities Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate

Jenny qualified as a solicitor in 2006. She then spent 15 years working in the care industry, in various roles, providing support to carers.
Jenny joined Hartlaw in August 2022 and is a full member of the Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Having gained her diploma in Advising Vulnerable Clients. STEP is a globally recognised body in the trust and estate profession and sets the highest professional standards for all its members. Full members are recognised as experts in this field having gained the necessary qualifications and experience. Jenny is also a Dementia Friend.
What is important to her: Making sure my client’s needs are understood and correctly met.

Jo joined Hartlaw in October 2016 as a part time credit control assistant while her daughter was at primary school.  Jo now works full time working on credit control and accounts cashier assisting Sarah.
Outside of work Jo enjoys yoga and spending time with family and friends.