Meet the legal team.


Educated at Lancaster Royal Grammar School and Trinity College Oxford, Peter trained as a commercial lawyer in the City of London before returning to Lancashire.

A former North West Business Insider Corporate Lawyer of the Year, Peter has been a Partner with Marsden Rawsthorn since 1986 and Head of Corporate since 1991. Peter specialises in company and commercial law, particularly mergers, acquisitions and disposals of companies and businesses.

Outside the office, Peter is a family man whose interests include sport, sailing and current affairs.

Lisa returned to Marsden Rawsthorn in July 2015 having previously worked for the firm from 2004 to 2011. She heads up the Employment law department and her areas of expertise including the following:

Acting for businesses

• dealing with HR advice, including advising on absence management, disciplinary and grievance procedures;
• re-organisations, restructures and redundancies;
• varying contractual terms and drafting contracts of employment and staff handbooks;
• Advising upon and drafting Restrictive Covenants;
• Providing support to our commercial team on transactions involving TUPE and Director disputes/removal of a Director; and
• Drafting Settlement Agreements.

Acting for employees

• Advising on settlement agreements
• Assisting employees through internal procedures including grievances, disciplinaries, redundancy, variation of employment contract, whistleblowing; and
• Advising on restrictive covenants;

Lisa also acts for employers and employees in connection with employment tribunal claims, including unfair and constructive dismissal, breach of contract, whistleblowing, equal pay and redundancy.  She has a keen interest in claims involving discrimination and enjoys being able to help clients who are in difficult positions and cannot see a way forward.

Outside of the office Lisa enjoys going to music festivals, watching Wigan Athletic, spending time with her family and travelling. She also finds time to keep fit by swimming.

Lisa studied Law at Liverpool John Moores University and also CIPD Level 5 (HR) at Wigan and Leigh College.

Kay is a solicitor specialising in commercial and corporate law.

Kay advises and assists a wide range of corporate clients from business start ups, SMEs, charities to large corporate organisations. Her particular expertise is in in mergers and acquisitions, MBOs, joint ventures and retirement sales.

She also has considerable experience in drafting shareholder and partnership agreements and various commercial contracts including terms and conditions of trade and licensing arrangements.

Kay enjoys working closely with her clients and helping them reach their business goals.

Kay studied law at Sheffield University then went on to obtain her Diploma in Legal Practice at York School of Law before qualifying as a solicitor in 1998. Kay spent 15 years at a Regional North West based firm of Solicitors where she was the head of the Corporate Department and, following a career break, she joined Marsden Rawsthorn Corporate Team in March 2017.

Stephen studied law at Aston University and Leeds University and qualified in 1985, becoming a partner in 1989 at Hodgson and Sons and is fourth generation in the family firm. The firm merged with Marsdens in 1999.

Stephen heads the Commercial Law team at Marsden Rawsthorn and specialises in commercial property.

Outside interests include cycling, golf, skiing and music. Stephen is a supporter of Preston North End Football Club.

Nicola joined Marsden Rawsthorn in September 2015. She qualified in 2004 at Lopian Wagner Solicitors in Manchester where she was a Partner for the last 7 years and has built up an extensive range of Commercial Property and Residential Conveyancing experience she decided to leave the big city lights and move closer to her home town of Leyland.

Nicola has vast experience of sale, acquisition and sale/leaseback of a variety of commercial properties, together with a huge variety of asset management work acting for both Landlords and Tenants.

Nicola’s most enjoyable aspect of the job is forming a dependable relationship with clients and getting repeat business and referrals.

Outside of the office Nicola enjoys binge-watching episodes of Peppa Pig and playing with Play-Doh although she would have you believe those are really the hobbies of her young family!!

If she has any rare time outside of that she enjoys cooking, reading, arts and crafts, travelling and socialising with friends.

Kirsty started Marsden Rawsthorn within the Commercial Department in May 2017 after previously working in solicitors in Manchester for 17 years.

She qualified as a legal executive in 2009 and she specialises in all residential conveyancing including investors requiring a quick turn around.

She likes travelling and spending time with her daughter.

Jennie began working at Marsden Rawsthorn at the beginning of September 2015 as a Trainee Solicitor after studying Law LLB at De Montfort University Leicester and completing her LPC at Manchester Metropolitan University. She enjoys working in law because every day is different and there is always a new challenge.

Outside of the office Jennie takes part in dancing, drama reading and running.

Rebecca joined the firm in July 2018. She qualified as a Commercial Property Legal Executive in August 2019 and qualified as a Solicitor in November 2019.

Rebecca’s areas of practice include:

• Property Sales.
• Property Acquisitions.
• Leases.
• Property banking and finance work Rebecca deals with funding for anything from a small residential unit to more complex large commercial units and flats. She will work to your timescales and at the right price.

Outside of the office Rebecca is a Disney addict and has been to Walt Disney World 7 times. She also enjoys travelling and ticking off new places off the bucket list. She is also a regular gym attendee to burn off all the food she munches in the office.

Zoe joined the Commercial Property department in 2018 whilst studying for her Law Degree. She graduated Manchester Law School in July 2020 and went on to study her LPC at The University of Law, Manchester. She is currently studying her LPC LLM alongside her training contract.

Outside of the office, Zoe enjoys spending time with her family and friends and travelling.

For over 20 years Karl has specialised in resolving disputes. A graduate of Hull University, he has worked at law firms in Manchester, Preston and Sydney, Australia.

With vast experience in Court work, mediation and negotiation, he resolves disputes for individuals and businesses and has experience in representing national companies and central government departments.

Working closely and enthusiastically with his clients to achieve an agreed outcome, he is keen to apply not only the applicable law but also to look at all available options for the resolution of a dispute. Combining a pragmatic approach with clear advice, an eye for detail and strong representation.

Karl deals with many areas of dispute. Amongst those are issues relating to:-

• Contracts
• Wills and Inheritance and Trusts
• Goods and Services
• Intellectual Property
• Companies and Partnerships
• Defamation and harassment

Outside of work Karl plays football weekly (not weakly) , seeks out live music and enjoys the company of his well tuned acoustic guitar.

Paul has gained a wealth of experience in all aspects of dispute resolution since qualifying as a solicitor in 1985.

He remains enthusiastic and committed at all times to obtain the best possible outcome for his clients whilst at the same time offering commercial and practical advice to help achieve good outcomes quickly at least cost.

Paul is a firm convert to alternative dispute resolution and believes that most cases can be resolved without the need to issue court proceedings, therefore, reducing cost and allowing cases to be concluded quickly whilst at the same time achieving outcomes that clients seek and are entitled to.

That said, where the need arises court proceedings will be issued and pushed forward towards settlement or trial as the case may be.

His practise includes advising on:-

• Commercial contracts
• Financial and banking disputes
• Employment restraint and competition law
• General civil and consumer type disputes.

Paul also prosecutes on behalf of the RSPCA in the charity’s commitment to the protection of animals, enabling Paul to retain and further refine his advocacy skills.

His life outside the law centres around his family, cooking and fine food, far-flung travel together with keeping fit sporadically and supporting a local and previously successful local football team.

Professional Background

Katy has worked in the law for eight years and has been practising as a solicitor at Marsden Rawsthorn since 2018.

A graduate of the University of Manchester and a specialist in resolving disputes, she is an experienced Court advocate and in mediation and negotiation; and her focus is on guiding her clients through these legal processes to gain the best possible outcome.

Acting for individuals and local businesses, Katy will fight your corner and will provide you with solid guidance and clear advice.

In certain circumstances, free initial advice and a fixed fee for initial work will be provided.

Katy also works closely with our Wills and Probate lawyers in relation to disputes about Wills, Trusts and inheritance and is currently studying to achieve accreditation with the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) to gain recognition in this area of work, on a national basis.

In her specialist areas of work, Katy deals with disputes about:

Wills, trusts and inheritance.

Contracts.

Good and Services.

Defamation and harassment.

Land and neighbour issues.

Having already appeared in the media and been quoted about her representation of a group of residents opposed to a planning application, Katy will be further raising her profile and providing guidance with an upcoming joint seminar, to advise clients and the public about potential issues and consequences of not writing a Will and in failing to set up Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Personal Background

In supporting the charity, Lancashire Women, Katy was involved in the firm’s March into March campaign, walking 10,000 steps each day to raise funds for the local charity which supports mental wellbeing.

Also a volunteer Brownie Leader for Girlguiding UK, Katy has for many years also been committed to leading, supporting, developing and acting as a role model, for young girls in Lancashire.

As a foodie, she has her own Instagram food blog and continues to thrive on sharing her culinary experiences with other local foodies.

An ideal evening out would involve a cracking film and a superb meal, each worthy of a glowing review.

Nicola joined Marsden Rawsthorn Solicitors in July 2017 to assist Director Paul Ridehalgh in the Dispute Resolution Department. A Graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University, Nicola has an LLB (Hons) degree in Law and subsequently completed her Legal Practice Course at BPP University whilst working full time as a Paralegal. On 1st September 2020, Nicola qualified as a Solicitor and she continues to work with Director Paul Ridehalgh at the Buckshaw Village office.

Previously having worked in the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence sector, Nicola took on a new role when she joined Marsden Rawsthorn Solicitors in order to expand on her existing skillset. Since joining the Dispute Resolution Department Nicola has dealt with and assisted on a wide variety of legal matters including Clinical Negligence, Personal Injury, Professional Negligence, Property Litigation, Consumer Law, Contractual Disputes, Contentious Probate and Criminal Litigation.

When she isn’t working Nicola spends time amongst family and friends, a large part of which is focussed on raising her young daughter Lily who likes to keep her on her toes!

Having joined Marsden Rawsthorn in 2011 Julie previously worked in law firms in the East Lancashire area and has over 15 years of experience in resolving disputes.

Julie works as a Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution department and covers a varied workload with her main aim being to build up good relationships with her clients and obtain the best outcome for them.

Julie’s areas of practice are:-

• Small Claims (up to £10,000.00)
• Landlord & Tenant issues
• Debt Collection
• Personal Injury

Outside of work Julie likes to spend time with her family, travelling, reading a good book or watching a good drama.

Lauren is a Solicitor in the Family Department at our Fulwood Office. Lauren joined Marsden Rawsthorn in March 2015 as a Secretary in the Family Department, and subsequently became a Paralegal in the Family Department. Lauren commenced her Training Contract in July 2017, completing seats in Family Law, Dispute Resolution and Wills and Probate. Lauren qualified as a Solicitor in February 2019 and returned to the Family Department. Lauren obtained a 2:1 in Law (LLB Hons) at the University of Manchester and subsequently completed the Legal Practice Course and Masters at The University of Law, Manchester. Outside of the office, Lauren enjoys spending time with her friends and family and watching the latest releases at the cinema.

Lyndsey joined the firm in 2007 and is a Chartered Legal Executive (Ilex) in the Family Department. Lyndsey has had varied roles within solicitors’ private practice since 1996 and has been practicing law in an advisory and representative client capacity since 2009.

Lyndsey has knowledge in all aspects of family law work but has a particular interest in obtaining protection for clients’ personal safety and assisting in resolving the future care arrangements for children of the family.

Lyndsey has a warm and sympathetic approach to the work that she undertakes as she understands that addressing family law issues is often a very emotional time for clients. Outside of the office, Lyndsey enjoys spending time with her children, walking, reading and shopping.

Amanda joined Marsden Rawsthorn in August 2019 and is a Chartered Legal Executive in the Family Team. Amanda has a wealth of experience having worked in family law at various levels for over 18 years. Amanda has been practicing law in an advisory and client representative capacity since 2014.

Amanda specialises in all aspects of family law including divorce, financial settlements, financial/property issues arising from the separation of cohabiting couples, with particular interest in private law disputes regarding care arrangements for children. Amanda provides a sympathetic and conciliatory approach to what is often an emotional and difficult time for clients. Amanda is skilled in negotiation and uses her best efforts to ensure that all matters can be resolved as amicably as possible, however, when it is not possible to achieve this, Amanda is skilled in court advocacy and prides herself on thorough preparation and attention to detail.

As one of the founding members, Amanda is actively involved with the Lancashire Branch of CILEx (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) attending regular Branch meetings, seminars, social events, and supporting the Branch’s promotion and growth of CILEx within the legal sector. Away from the office, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family and friends, fine cuisine and travelling.

Kimberley is a Paralegal within the Family Team based at our Fulwood office. Kimberley began her career in law in June 2007 as a Family Legal Secretary following completion of the ILEX Professional Standards (now known as CILEx Regulation) Legal Secretary Training Course. Kimberley has ‘learnt on the job’ and joined the firm in January 2019 as a Family Paralegal, primarily assisting the Head of Department with her caseload. Kimberley undertakes work in a wide range of family matters including Divorce, Financial Relief, Non-Molestation and Private and Public Law children matters.

Kimberley enjoys undertaking legally aided work and has a broad knowledge of all aspects of legal aid including the criteria and evidence required for legal aid applications.

In her spare time Kimberley enjoys cooking, red wine, country walks, city breaks and spending time with her cat, Tink, and partner, Simon, (in that order!).

Richard joined Marsden Rawsthorn in 2000 and is Head of Residential Conveyancing, dealing in all aspects of domestic property work.

Richard is an avid Preston North End supporter and also enjoys playing golf and fell walking and spending time with his wife and three daughters.

Jenni started working for Rawsthorns in January 2001 before the merger in 2007. Having qualified as a member of the Council for Licensed Conveyancers she assists clients with purchasing, selling and other residential property related matters. The part of her job she really enjoys is helping people move into their dream homes.

Outside of the office, Jenni spends her time with your young family and taking on charity events for the Alzheimer’s Society and Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

John enjoyed a ten-year career in banking, specialising in lending and mortgages before moving to the legal profession in 2000. He now has a number of years’ conveyancing experience coupled with a client-focused approach and deals with all aspects of residential conveyancing.

John deals with all aspects of residential sales and acquisitions, re-mortgages, transfers of equity and lifetime mortgages.

Outside of work John enjoys running, cycling, playing the piano and spending time with my wife and 2 children.  He also enjoys watching football – particularly the Red Devils.

Paul qualified as a Solicitor in 1990 after graduating from Middlesex Polytechnic. He was a partner with John Hardwick in the firm of Hardwicks prior to their merger with Marsden Rawsthorn in 2008.

He currently specialises in residential conveyancing.

Away from the office, Paul likes reading, listening to music and enjoys watching football.

Michelle is a Conveyancer specialising in Residential Property and has been working in Conveyancing for almost 16 years. Michelle handles all matters from Freehold and Leasehold sales and purchases, new builds, shared ownerships and right to buy matters.

Outside of the office Michelle enjoys spending time with her two young children and puppy and visiting family across the country.

Zoe is an experienced private client solicitor with particular expertise in estate planning, the drafting of wills, administration of trusts and estates, powers of attorney, capacity issues and planning for long term care. As a specialist in elderly client law, Zoe is a Dementia Champion and regularly delivers dementia training on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Society.

She is a qualified member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners ( STEP) and a long-standing member of Solicitors for the Elderly ( SFE). She has a keen interest in furthering the education and safe practice amongst practitioners and sits as a committee member of the Lancashire Group of SFE.

Zoe is also a specialist advisor to Age UK Lancashire and is a member of the Local Governing Body of AKS School, Lytham

In 2019 Zoe was voted as Enterprise Vision Award (EVA) winner in the Professional Services category.

Rebecca Harrison is a Chartered Legal Executive based in the Wills, Trusts and Probate department at the Chorley office.

Rebecca graduated from the University of Central Lancashire and after working in defendant personal injury for many years joined Marsden Rawsthorn in February 2016 to re-train into Wills and Probate.

Away from work Rebecca loves to spend her time in her wellington boots pottering in the garden with her two cats and horse riding.

Victoria Marsh is a Chartered Legal Executive based in the Wills, Trusts and Probate Department at the Fulwood office.

Victoria has a wealth of experience having worked in private client law for over ten years. Victoria has particular expertise in probate law and estate administration.  Victoria will be commencing the STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) qualification in 2021.

Victoria is one of the founding members of the CILEX Lancashire Branch and has been one of the Treasurers for the last four years.

In her spare time, she enjoys running, keeping fit and spending time with her family.

Anna joined the Marsden Rawsthorn Wills , Trusts and Probate team as a Solicitor in January 2021. Anna is based at the Fulwood office and advises clients on Wills, Trusts and Administration of estates. She has particular expertise of advising clients on mental capacity issues, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applications.

Anna trained and qualified in 2007 at Fylde Coast firm Inghams and then moved on to Napthens Solicitors where she worked in the Wills, estate planning and Court of Protection team for over 9 years.

In her spare time Anna enjoys spending time with her family, having fun with her young daughter and baking cakes! She also enjoys traveling and exploring new places whenever she gets the opportunity.