Cartmell Shepherd restructures Dispute Resolution team to highlight specialisms

Leading law firm Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors has announced three senior promotions as part of a move to highlight specialisms within its Dispute Resolution team.

Director and Head of Dispute Resolution Mark Aspin said:

“Dispute Resolution encompasses a broad spectrum of legal work. While our team deals with the majority of civil disputes, we also employ recognised specialists in the areas of Will & Inheritance Disputes, Property Disputes, and Court of Protection, Care and Capacity.

To highlight our specialisms in these areas, we’re restructuring our team and bringing these areas together under three new department heads. The move ensures clients know they’re receiving the specialist skill and care they require.”

Cartmell Shepherd has long been recognised for its work in Will & Inheritance Disputes, with a dedicated team and a standalone website, willclaims.co.uk. As part of the restructure, Senior Associate Rebecca Armstrong has been promoted to Head of Will & Inheritance Disputes.

The specialist team advises on a wide range of contentious probate matters, including inheritance disputes, challenges to Wills, executor disputes and trustee disputes. Team members include Peter Stafford, Stephanie Johnson and Selina Gonzalez, whose collective expertise enables the department to support clients through complex and often sensitive matters.

Alongside the existing Will & Inheritance Disputes offering, two new departments have been created:

• Property Litigation, led by Senior Associate Rob Winder
• Mental Capacity & Care, led by Senior Associate Stephanie Johnson

Mark added:

“Our decision to set up these new departments was prompted by rising demand for legal services in these areas. While everyone in our Dispute Resolution team will continue to support a variety of clients, each of the three newly appointed department heads will be able to develop their individual specialisms and streamline processes to better meet client needs.”

As Head of Property Litigation, Rob will lead a dedicated team on a wide range of residential and commercial property disputes, including landlord and tenant issues and general property matters.

Commenting on the timing of the new role, Rob said:

“The private rental sector is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation with the introduction of the Renters Rights Act 2025. As this legislation comes into force, landlords will need expert guidance to navigate the changes, which include the end of no-fault evictions and fixed-term tenancy agreements. This restructure means we’re better positioned to support them.”

As Head of Mental Capacity and Care, Stephanie Johnson will oversee services relating to supporting and advising individuals in need of care and their families, including funding assessments, mental capacity concerns, disputes and Court of Protection applications.

Stephanie said:

“As a firm, we have significant expertise in legal matters relating to Mental Capacity and Care across our Private Client and Dispute Resolution teams. This new role brings all of this under one roof, ensuring we can deliver a holistic service which puts the client at the centre.

With an ageing population and stronger emphasis on the rights of the individual, this work has never been more vital. Our role is to help clients navigate often very emotionally challenging situations, ensuring the best service possible.”

Summarising the changes, Mark said:

“Their extensive knowledge of complex legal issues and procedures ensures our department heads are perfectly positioned to lead their respective teams and continue to deliver exceptional service for our clients.”

For more information or to speak to a member of Cartmell Shepherd’s Dispute Resolution Team, get in touch via enquiries@cartmells.co.uk or willclaims@willclaims.co.uk, visit www.cartmells.co.uk or www.willclaims.co.uk, or call 01228 516666.