Wills

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.

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 May 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

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.

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.

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.

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. In April 2025 Dapika has commenced her period of recognised training as a Trainee Solicitor and will qualify as a Solicitor in the 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.