Recognition for two Cartmell Shepherd solicitors

Two members of the Wills, Probate and Inheritance team at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors have been promoted, rewarding them for the high level of expertise they bring to the team.

Claire Wilson, who heads up the West Cumbrian office in Cockermouth is now Head of Trusts, while Robert Hudson, who is based at Rosehill, Carlisle, has become Head of Agricultural Wills and Probate.

Claire has been a solicitor for 18 years and is celebrating a decade with Cartmell Shepherd in 2026. Her role involves all aspects of wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection matters and the administration of estates. She has a particular focus on complex cases and also looks after many Trusts where Cartmell Shepherd is the trustee.

Robert joined Cartmell Shepherd in 2024 and has been a solicitor since 2009. He focuses on wills, trusts and probate, specialising in the administration of agricultural estates. Working through this process is often a significant project requiring knowledge in a number of areas, such as inheritance tax reliefs, partnership and property law.

Claire said: “I love tackling Trust work as it is technical, specialist and human, all at the same time. Some people think Trusts are scary but they’re great for succession planning and are also a way in which families can benefit, particularly if there are complications or vulnerabilities. I often get involved when Trusts have been sold to people but they haven’t been properly advised. I’m here to help unravel it all.

“I’m looking forward to building on the work the team is doing in this specialism and continuing to ensure we are the trusted experts in this field.”

Robert said: “Farmers face particular challenges in regard to estate planning as they hope to pass on the family business intact and thriving for the next generation. This requires working with the accountants and solicitors to navigate evolving tax rules, passing on assets at the right time taking into account both tax and family circumstances and carefully structuring wills to achieve the required results.

“The purpose of my new role is to take a lead in developing this specialist area, to establish and share best practice and, going forward, to train more junior solicitors in this type of work.”

Deborah Flynn, Director and overall Head of Wills Probate & Inheritance department, said “Claire and Robert’s promotions are incredibly well deserved and reflect not only their technical expertise, but the care and professionalism they bring to every client matter.

Claire has played a key role in developing our Trusts offering, handling complex and sensitive work with clarity and confidence, while Robert brings outstanding knowledge in agricultural wills and probate – an area that is increasingly important to many of our clients and communities.

These appointments strengthen our leadership in specialist areas of Wills, Probate and Inheritance, and demonstrate our continued commitment to developing talent from within and providing the highest level of advice to our clients.”

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors has a team of more than 45 solicitors and works with clients across Northumberland, Cumbria and nationally. It has seven offices, with two in Carlisle, as well as Brampton, Penrith, Cockermouth, Haltwhistle and Hexham. Home visits are also available.

For advice about any aspect of Wills, Probate and Inheritance please contact Claire, Robert and their teams by calling 01228 516666 or sending them an email here.