New appointment strengthens Cartmell Shepherd’s Wills, Probate and Inheritance team

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors has expanded its Wills, Probate and Inheritance Department with the appointment of a new Associate Solicitor.

James Clark has joined the company’s Penrith office, bringing his expertise from the health and community sectors.

James trained and worked for respected legal firms in Carlisle and Hexham before joining Cartmell Shepherd. In advance of training in law with the Open University and completing a Masters at Northumbria University, James worked for the NHS in its business services function, registering doctors, pharmacists and other health professionals. He has also worked in local government, focusing on child protection, and for Citizens Advice.

Those roles have shaped his passion for the legal profession, as he says he wants to assist families and individuals and make a difference to their lives.

James said: “I am really excited for this client-facing role at Cartmell Shepherd. I love being able to sit down with people and know that I’m going to help them.

“I like to take a ‘belt and braces’ approach, so in addition to writing people’s Wills, I can advise on things like setting up Lasting Power of Attorney or planning for inheritance tax too. By having that conversation now, it will save headaches later.

“We are here for everyone – from simpler estates with just a house or a bank account, through to the most complex situations. I can help them check the figures now, so they won’t be caught out in the future.

“And I am here to assist when people have lost a loved one too, handling probate sensitively and carefully.”

Unlike online unregulated services or automated AI solutions, Cartmell Shepherd is committed to providing personal, face-to-face meetings with clients. This ensures that every individual receives tailored, regulated legal advice from a qualified solicitor, offering reassurance and clarity at every stage.

Deborah Flynn is a Cartmell Shepherd Director and Head of the Wills, Probate and Inheritance team. She added: “I am really pleased to welcome James to our established department, which is listed in the Legal 500 directory, recognising the company’s considerable expertise in this area.

“I am sure his warm and approachable manner, and hands-on experience in the community, will be welcomed by our clients and their families as we help them plan for the future.”

James lives in Carlisle with his husband Alanzon, a Town Planner, and their Labradoodle Eddie. He’ll be joining the Cartmell Shepherd family too, meeting other four-legged visitors to the office from time to time. James’ leisure time is packed with dog walks and DIY projects at home.

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors 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.

The firm’s full range of legal services is available from all of its offices, delivered by its team of more than 40 solicitors.

For advice about any aspect of Wills, probate and inheritance please contact the team by calling 01228 514077.