Family Law

Andrew Martin

Andrew is a solicitor and Director specialising in Clinical Negligence and Court of Protection work. He joined Dicksons in 1993 qualifying as a Solicitor in 1995. He has been a Partner (now Director) since 1998.

Andrew has extensive experience in clinical negligence work and heads the clinical negligence team. He is a member of the Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel and the APIL Accredited Clinical Negligence Specialist Panel. Dicksons are a member of the patient charity Action against Medical Accidents Lawyers Service.  

Andrew has many years’ experience in claims arising from GP care, cancer related issues, obstetric, neonatal, orthopaedic and anaesthetic. Andrew has worked extensively in clinical negligence, particularly birth injury claims. He has successfully completed a number of multimillion pound claims.

Andrew also specialises in Court of Protection work. He is a member of the Office of the Public Guardian Panel.

Andrew’s aim is to improve the quality of our clients’ lives. 

Karen Hall

Karen is a legal assistant and has worked at Dicksons since May 2015.  Karen assists Andrew Martin in the Clinical Negligence and Court of Protection team.

Throughout her time at Dicksons, Karen has gained considerable experience in Clinical Negligence and Court of Protection matters. She is more than happy to liaise with clients’ in relation to their case.

Judith Eddie

Judith joined Dicksons in 2016. Prior to this she worked as a Registered General Nurse in the Health Service for 33 years.

At Dicksons she undertakes consideration of medical records and advises on the validity of potential claims.  

Ann Goldstraw

Ann joined Dicksons in 2016. Prior to this she was a Registered General Nurse and Midwife in the Health Service for 35 years.

At Dicksons she undertakes consideration of medical records and advises on the validity of potential claims.

Kay Emery

Kay is a solicitor in our Conveyancing department. Kay graduated from Keele University with a degree in Law and Criminology before joining Dicksons as a Graduate Fee Earner in 2002. Having spent her entire legal career with the firm, she has built extensive experience across a range of practice areas and developed a strong understanding of clients’ legal needs.

Since 2022, Kay has been a member of the firm’s busy Conveyancing Department, assisting clients with a wide variety of property transactions. She qualified as a Solicitor in June 2026, marking a significant milestone in her long-standing career with the firm.

Kay is committed to providing a high standard of client care and practical legal advice. She understands that buying, selling, or remortgaging a property can be a stressful experience and works closely with her clients to ensure the process is as smooth, straightforward, and efficient as possible.

Andrew Grace

Andrew joined Dicksons on 1978 and qualified as a solicitor in 1980. He became a partner (now Director) in 1982.

He has been with the company throughout his career, and has always specialised in Wills, Estate planning, Probate, and Property work. Andrew also has experience in dealing with Court of Protection work.  

Julie Dickinson

Julie is a legal assistant in our Conveyancing Department assisting Kay Emery. Julie has been with Dicksons since 2013 but has worked in the industry in a similar role since 1992.   

Through her practical experience, Julie has developed a strong understanding of the conveyancing process and provides professional and efficient support throughout each transaction, regularly speaking with clients and other professionals. 

Susan Rothwell

Susan is a highly valued member of our Conveyancing team and assists Andrew Grace. Susan is the longest serving member of staff (other than some Directors) and has been with the firm for many years.

With extensive experience in residential and commercial property transactions, she provides vital support throughout the conveyancing process, helping to ensure matters progress smoothly and efficiently from instruction through to completion.

Susan’s knowledge of the conveyancing process and commitment to excellent client service make her an integral part of the team.

Rebecca Sykes

Rebecca is a Director and CILEx Litigator in Family Law. Rebecca graduated from Keele University with a Law and Criminology Degree in 2003 and joined Dicksons as a graduate fee earner later that year. Rebecca gained extensive experience in family law early on in her career, representing clients in divorce, financial separation, arrangements for children and domestic violence matters.  

Rebecca completed her professional training with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and was admitted as a Fellow of the Institute in 2009. Rebecca furthered this professional training and was admitted in February 2026 as a CILEx Litigator (Family).

Rebecca is also a Resolution Accredited Specialist Family Lawyer with particular specialism in Children Law and is the Legal Aid Supervisor for the Department, and the Legal Aid Contract Manager for the firm.

Rebecca was appointed to the Board becoming a Director at Dicksons in 2014.

Rebecca is the head of the Family Law and Care Team at Dicksons and her specialism is Public Law Childcare law. She represents parents who are involved with the Local Authority concerning their children, advising and representing clients at all stages of involvement, and conducting advocacy in Court. Rebecca has vast experience involving allegations of non-accidental injury to children, neglect, drug misuse, domestic violence, physical, sexual and emotional harm.  

Rebecca’s aim is to represent her clients with a professional, compassionate, and down-to-earth approach in what are complex, emotional and difficult times for all those involved. Rebecca prides herself on a high level of care and commitment to her clients in what are often very challenging circumstances.

Outside of law, Rebecca volunteers as a Civilian Instructor for the local Royal Air Force Air Cadets squadron, where she is committed to enhancing the experiences for the young people of Stoke-on-Trent through training and mentoring.

Hayley Jervis

Hayley Jervis is a director and solicitor who specialises in public law childcare proceedings.  

Hayley is a dedicated Childcare Solicitor with extensive experience representing parents, family members, children, and guardians in a wide range of public and private law children matters.   

Hayley represents parents or children in care proceedings, child protection matters, emergency protection applications, special guardianship orders, and adoption cases.  Hayley has successfully represented clients at all stages of proceedings before the Family Court as well as conducting her own advocacy at court hearings.   

Hayley is recognised for her expertise in Childcare Law and is accredited by The Law Society as a member of their Children Law Accreditation panel.   

Hayley is passionate about protecting the rights and welfare of children whilst supporting families through challenging circumstances.  Hayley provides clear, practical, and compassionate legal advice tailored to each client’s individual needs. 

Hayley is committed to guiding clients through complex legal processes with sensitivity, professionalism, and determination.  She takes pride in building trusted relationships with clients and ensuring they feel supported and informed throughout their case. 

Denise Lockett

Denise is a solicitor having qualified in 1989 having graduated from Manchester University and Chester College of Law. 

Denise undertook her initial training with Dicksons in the late 1980s before moving onto become a director at another local firm. She returned to Dicksons as a member of the family team in November 2021.

Denise has throughout her career specialised in family law. She is a member of the Law Society Family Panel and a Resolution accredited family law specialist. She has over 30 years’ experience in all aspects of family law including divorce and separation (including same sex relationships) financial and property disputes cases concerning arrangements for children and domestic violence injunctions. She is an experience advocate.

Denise prides herself on providing a sympathetic but professional approach offering client’s frank, objective and down-to-earth advice.

Leanne Gwinneth

Leanne is a Graduate Member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. Leanne joined Dicksons as a member of the family department in 2005 where she worked as a fee earner developing a wealth of experience in all aspects of family law. Leanne then took further steps to develop her professional career and embarked on her training with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.

Leanne regularly accepts instructions in all areas of family law including in respect of marital and relationship breakdowns, financial separation, arrangements for children and domestic violence injunctions. Leanne advises and assists her clients both in the office and at Court where she conducts her own advocacy.

Leanne also accepts instructions in respect of residential conveyancing assisting clients with their property transactions, whether it be a sale, purchase, re-mortgage, right to buy or transfer of equity.

Leanne provides a high level of care and commitment to all her clients, often in emotional, challenging, and stressful circumstances. Her main aim is to make what are very difficult and stressful proceedings as straightforward as possible for all her clients.

Emma Anstey

Emma is a legal assistant in the care department. Emma joined Dicksons in 2014 and assists Rebecca Sykes. Emma has always worked in family law and has a wealth of experience dealing with care proceedings.

Emma assists Rebecca with all of her cases and regularly speaks with clients and other professionals. Emma provides a high level of care and commitment during very challenging and emotional times.

Emma’s working hours are 10am – 5pm Monday to Thursday.

Amy Williams

Amy is a legal assistant in the care department, assisting Hayley Jervis. Amy joined Dicksons in 2017 and is experienced in all aspects of these care proceedings.  

Amy assists Hayley with all of her cases and regularly speaks with clients and other professionals. Amy provides a high level of care and commitment during very challenging and emotional times.

Amy’s working hours are 9am – 4pm Tuesday to Friday.

Kerry Welsh

Kerry is a legal assistant in the family department and assists Denise Lockett and Leanne Gwinneth. Kerry joined the firm in 1984 and has worked in the area of family law throughout developing vast experience.

Kerry regularly speaks with clients and other professionals and can be contacted with queries on Denise and Leanne’s matters. Kerry prides herself on her client care, understanding and commitment during challenging and emotional times.

Kerry’s working hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Wednesday.

Lily Buckley

Lily joined Dicksons in September 2024 as an Apprentice in the Family department and upon successful completion of her apprenticeship has progressed to work as a legal assistant within the department.  

Lily assists Leanne Gwinneth and Denise Lockett with all aspects of their case load.  

Lily’s working hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday and she can be contacted with queries on Leanne and Denise’s matters.

Jonathan Beresford

Jonathan graduated from Hull University with a LLB Law Degree. Following completion of the Legal Practice Course at Staffordshire University, he joined Dicksons in 1999 as a trainee Solicitor and qualified as a Solicitor in 2001. He became a director at Dicksons in 2010.  

Since 2001, Jonathan has worked in the Litigation and Personal Injury department. His areas of work include Personal Injury, Contested Probate issues and contested property disputes. Jonathan has been involved in many areas of dispute resolution and a number of matters that have been settled by mediation.

He also has a management role in the firm and is the firms Money Laundering Reporting Officer.  

Terri Welsh

Terri Welsh is a legal assistant in the Litigation & Personal Injury department. She has worked for Dicksons since 2022 and assists Jonathan Berrisford.

Terri is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality for clients. She has worked on various claims including personal injury, debt and probate disputes.

Natalie Fawcett

Natalie studied at Staffordshire University for her LLB Law degree and graduated in 2014. Following her degree, she also completed a post-graduate diploma in Legal Practice.  

Natalie joined Dicksons in October 2015 as a paralegal in the Private Client department and initially gained experience dealing with the preparation of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Trusts and the Administration of Estates. She then went on to gain further experience in conveyancing and now also deals with property sales, purchases, remortgages and transfers.  

Over the years, Natalie has been extremely enthusiastic about progressing her career. She became a Trainee Solicitor at Dicksons in 2017 and qualified as a solicitor in February 2019. Natalie was appointed as a Director in October 2024 

Natalie further enhanced her expertise within the Private Client department by becoming a full member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners in August 2022. This is a qualification that only a small number of legal professionals have obtained in the area.  

Natalie also, where appropriate, acts in her professional capacity as an Executor, Trustee and Attorney, upholding the highest level of care and professionalism in doing so. 

Natalie strives to provide a friendly and professional approach to all clients and is committed to delivering an exceptional level of service and support.  

Stephen Marsden

Stephen qualified as a solicitor in 1983, and having previously been a partner at another Staffordshire firm, he established his own practice in 1995. As a result of two subsequent mergers Stephen became a partner (now Director) of Dicksons in 2000.  

Over the years Stephen has specialised in a number of different areas of law. Since 2007 he has specialised in Wills, Probate and Trusts. He also has a number of management and compliance roles within the firm.  

Stacie Gwinneth

Stacie joined Dicksons in 2010 and worked as a Legal Secretary for over 8 years, mainly in the Wills & Probate Department, before qualifying as a Paralegal in October 2018. 

Stacie is a Probate Caseworker, specialising in Wills, Probate and Lasting Powers of Attorney and is a recognised CILEX Member.  

Stacie provides a high level of care and commitment to all of her clients, often in very emotional and challenging circumstances, Her main aim is to make what are very difficult proceedings as straightforward as possible.  

Lisa Kelly

Lisa is a legal assistant in our Wills & Estate planning and Probate departments. Lisa assists Stacie Gwinneth. Lisa joined Dicksons in 2002, initially working as a secretary dealing with wills and probate, conveyancing and family work. 

From 2011 onwards she worked exclusively in the Private Client department of the firm dealing with Wills, the administration of estates, trusts, and powers of attorney. As such, Lisa has gained a substantial amount of knowledge and experience in these areas.   

Jessica Martin

Jessica is a solicitor apprentice and joined Dicksons in 2024 after graduating from the Manchester Metropolitan University in 2023 with a Law Degree (LLB Hons). Alongside her studies, Jessica supported Jonathan Beresford in the litigation department.

Since completing her university studies, Jessica has returned to Dicksons and is currently assisting in the wills and probate department. She is also undertaking a Level 7 Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship and is working towards obtaining her SQE qualification.

Maddison Gibson

Maddison joined Dicksons in August 2023 as an Apprentice in the Probate and Conveyancing department and gained experience assisting Natalie Fawcett and Stephen Marsden with probate matters and conveyancing transactions.  

Since completing the apprenticeship Maddison continues to assist Natalie and Stephen with Probate and Conveyancing work and all related matters.  

Sarah Tatton

Sarah joined Dicksons in July 1999, where she initially worked as a receptionist.  In early 2000, Sarah moved to the accounts team working as an accounts assistant. 

In 2002, Sarah joined the Institute of Legal Finance and Management (ILFM) where she obtained her Diploma Qualification.

In December 2006, Sarah became our accounts manager.

Sarah works in all areas of the accounts department and oversees the work done by the rest of the team.  She is involved in day to day running of the department along with dealing with payroll and annual audits.

Sarah is a member of the Association of Costs Lawyers (ACL) and in May 2018 qualified as a Costs Lawyer and is now a Fellow of the Association of Costs Lawyers. Sarah is responsible for all aspects of Legal Aid billing and is also involved in LAA audits and meetings. Sarah also prepares private schedules and bills to be assessed by the Court.

Cheryl Adams

Cheryl joined the accounts team at Dicksons Solicitors in 2010. Over the last 16 years, she has played an essential role in supporting the daily management of client and office accounts, ensuring strict compliance with legal accounting regulations.

Cheryl works closely with the legal teams to keep daily financial transactions running smoothly and efficiently.  

James Hopkin

James has worked at Dicksons since 2009 and is the firm’s main receptionist. He is the general point of contact for all client queries and prides himself on his excellent customer service skills and approachable, friendly but professional manner. He has an NVQ Level 3 in Customer Service.

He has a keen interest in sports and in particular Cricket where he is the secretary of his local club and is a Level 2 Sports Coach. James is also First Aid trained and is a Fire Marshall.

Dina Hammond

Dina works part time as a member of our reception team and is always ready to help with a smile.

Dina is professional, courteous and friendly and aims to put client’s at ease from the minute they enter the reception, or to direct their queries efficiently and capably via the busy switchboard.