Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors announces promotions in Private Client department

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors has announced a new round of promotions within its specialist Wills, Probate and Inheritance team.

Reflecting the firm’s ongoing commitment to staff development, Megan Wilkinson has been promoted to Senior Associate Solicitor, while Claire Ackerlay is promoted to Associate Private Client Executive.

Cartmell Shepherd’s Private Client department is regarded as one of the largest and strongest in the region offering services including Will drafting, powers of attorney, succession planning, estate and trusts administration, and court of protection matters.

Megan Wikinson joined Cartmell Shepherd in 2016 and specialises in the administration of agricultural estates, serving farming clients from the firm’s Penrith office.

Megan’s promotion comes less than a year after her return from maternity leave, during which time she has played a key role in advancing the department and delivering exceptional service for clients.

As Senior Associate, in addition to advising clients, Megan will continue in a leadership capacity, mentoring colleagues, chairing meetings, and monitoring staff wellbeing.

Megan said, “The promotion enables me to focus on supporting our trainees and more junior staff to develop their skills. Probate is an increasingly complex area of law and there’s more pressure on clients than ever before. I look forward to working with the team to help our clients plan for their futures.

After studying Law at Lancaster University, Megan returned to her hometown of Kirkby Stephen where she lives with her family.

Megan continued: “With three young children at home, working at Cartmells gives me the flexibility I need to balance work family commitments. We have a supportive culture within the firm and there’s always someone to ask when you need help with a case.”

Claire Ackerlay joined Cartmell Shepherd in 2022 and brings fifteen years’ experience in Wills, probate, and trust matters.

Claire is based at the firm’s Cockermouth office which opened six years ago. Since joining the office, Claire has been instrumental in growing the business through networking and community engagement.

Alongside her role, Claire is studying for her Law Degree through Cartmell Shepherd’s Solictor Apprentice Scheme. She is expected to graduate with distinction next year.

The promotion to Associate reflects Claire’s contribution to the firm’s growth in West Cumbria and her own professional development.

Claire remarked, “It’s fantastic to be recognised with this promotion. Seeing the success and rapid growth of our office in Cockermouth due to client demand over the past three years has been incredibly rewarding. I’m looking forward to continuing to make a positive impact.”

An active member of the community where she lives in Maryport, Claire was involved in setting up and running a food hub during COVID with a team of 40 volunteers. She’s also involved in fundraising for her daughter’s cheerleading team to attend the Summit World Championships in America.

Deborah Flynn, a Director and Head of Wills, Probate and Inheritance at Cartmell Shepherd said:

“I’d like to congratulate Megan and Claire on their promotions. They both exemplify the expert knowledge and commitment to client service which distinguish our Private Client team. I look forward to seeing them continue to support our clients throughout the region.”

Cartmell Shepherd employs nearly 130 staff and operates across Cumbria, Northumberland and nationally. It has seven offices including two in Carlisle, and at Brampton, Penrith, Cockermouth, Haltwhistle and Hexham.

For further information about Careers at Cartmell Shepherd and for current vacancies visit the website here: https://www.cartmells.co.uk/careers/vacancies/