Cartmell Shepherd recognised in prestigious legal rankings

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors has been recognised for the outstanding achievements of its agriculture and Wills, probate and inheritance departments.

Published this week, the Chambers UK Legal Guide 2026, has ranked the firm’s agriculture team as one of the best the in the country for the sixth consecutive year.

This recognition comes just a few weeks after the team also retained its Band 1 rating in the Legal 500 professional legal rankings.  

Directors Mark Jackson, Jonathan Carroll and Katherine Pretswell-Walker were named in both the Legal 500 and the Chambers Guide, which cited the team’s “excellent knowledge across multiple areas of work, which means they are able to handle most cases.”

Mark commented: “Maintaining our tier one ranking for the sixth year in a row is testament to the dedication and expertise of our team, who continue to work hard to deliver for clients.

We’re proud to be home to one of the biggest agriculture teams in the North of England, capable of supporting clients with a wide range of complex matters from property transactions to renewable energy projects.

Underpinning our success is a commitment to training and development, as demonstrated by our trainee solicitor and solicitor apprenticeship programmes, which have nurtured many of the agricultural specialists on our team.

Last month, we celebrated Sam Fawcett qualifying as a solicitor after two years training with us and welcomed our newest trainee Abbie Heywood to the department.

By investing in our people, we’ve been able to grow the team while maintaining the standard of excellence our clients expect.”

Cartmell Shepherd’s agriculture team is joined in the Legal 500 rankings by its Wills, probate and inheritance department who were recognised for their expertise in the Personal, Tax, Trusts and Probate category.

The team is one of the largest and strongest Private Client teams in the region at 41 staff members, comprising 14 solicitors, 12 paralegals and 15 support staff.

Legal 500 cited the firm’s “particular strength in agriculture and landed estates,” and Head of Department Deborah Flynn’s “extensive experience in Court of Protection work, with particular knowledge of mental capacity issues.”

Client feedback collated by the Legal 500 research team singled out Director Alan Douglas as “wise, approachable, practical, and very knowledgeable” and Senior Associate Robert Hudson as “the most exceptional of professionals.”

“I am very proud of our accomplishments as a team,” Deborah commented. “The last 18 months have seen our department grow significantly, with the acquisition of Nicholson Portnell in Hexham and a recruitment drive last year which brought several experienced and knowledgeable solicitors and specialists to the department.

Much like our agriculture colleagues, we’re committed to professional development and training staff to the highest standard. Our team comprises solicitors accredited by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), the gold standard for Wills, trusts and probate solicitors, and members of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers who specialise in supporting elderly and vulnerable people.

Having trained specialists means we can provide a highly professional and caring service for our clients, ensuring their interests are protected at every stage.”

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors operates across Cumbria, Northumberland and nationally and has offices in Rosehill Carlisle, Carlisle city centre, Brampton, Hexham, Haltwhistle, Penrith and Cockermouth.