Business Details
Emergency
services
Award-Winning Legal Services in Carlisle
Cartmell Shepherd is an award-winning law firm with over 250 years of combined experience serving individuals and businesses across Cumbria, Northumberland, and nationally. Established in 1750, our firm combines deep-rooted local knowledge with modern legal expertise to deliver tailored solutions. Our team of specialists works collaboratively across seven accessible offices, prioritising client needs through transparent communication and agile pricing. Recognised in the Legal 500 and Chambers Guide, we maintain a strong commitment to community engagement and professional excellence.Our services span personal and business law, including conveyancing, employment law, family law, and dispute resolution, supported by a dedicated team trained to the highest standards. We invest in continuous improvement, leveraging technology to ensure accessibility while maintaining a personal touch. Our regulatory compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation underscores our dedication to quality and trustworthiness.
Services
Personal Law
Business Law
Conveyancing
Employment Law
Family Law
Mediation
Wills & Probate
Debt Recovery
Dispute Resolution
Personal Injury
Highlights and features
- We have over 250 years of combined legal expertise in regional and national markets.
- Our client-centric approach prioritises your needs with transparent communication and pricing.
- Recognised in the Legal 500 and Chambers Guide for excellence in key practice areas.
- Seven accessible offices with modern technology for nationwide service delivery.
- Strong community engagement and investment in continuous professional development.
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Conveyancing Quality Scheme
What people say
Highly professional
Pleasure to deal with
Met requirements
Transparent communication
Exceeded expectations
Services
Personal Law
Our Personal Law services address life's legal challenges, from property transactions to family matters and employment disputes. We provide clear, jargon-free advice tailored to individual circumstances, ensuring clients understand their rights and options. With specialists in conveyancing, family law, and personal injury, we combine empathy with expertise to achieve practical outcomes. Our team works closely with clients to navigate complex legal processes, offering support through major life events while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.
Business Law
Business Law services cater to companies across sectors, covering commercial property, dispute resolution, and employment law. We help businesses navigate regulatory compliance, contract negotiations, and growth strategies. Our team includes specialists in agricultural law, GDPR compliance, and HR support, ensuring tailored solutions for SMEs and larger organisations. With a focus on risk mitigation and strategic advice, we act as a trusted partner to protect and advance commercial interests while maintaining operational efficiency and legal compliance.
Conveyancing
Conveyancing services handle residential and commercial property transactions with efficiency and precision. Accredited by the Conveyancing Quality Scheme, we manage purchases, sales, and remortgages with transparent pricing and dedicated support. Our experienced team ensures smooth transactions through standardised processes that reduce risks while keeping clients informed at every stage. We serve first-time buyers, investors, and businesses, combining local market knowledge with national capability to deliver reliable, timely property law solutions.
Employment Law
Employment Law services support employees and employers in resolving workplace disputes and ensuring fair treatment. We handle unfair dismissal, discrimination, and contractual issues with empathetic guidance and clear advice. Our team provides representation in tribunals and negotiations, focusing on achieving equitable outcomes. For employers, we offer proactive HR support to prevent disputes and maintain compliant workplaces. With specialist knowledge of evolving employment regulations, we deliver practical solutions that protect rights and foster positive working environments.
Family Law
Family Law services address sensitive matters including divorce, child custody, and financial settlements. Our specialists provide compassionate yet pragmatic advice during emotionally challenging times. We handle pre-nuptial agreements, domestic violence cases, and adoption proceedings with discretion and expertise. By explaining complex legal processes in accessible terms, we empower clients to make informed decisions. Our goal is to protect family interests while minimising conflict through negotiation or litigation when necessary, ensuring outcomes aligned with clients' long-term well-being.
People
Mark Aspin
Director and Head of Dispute Resolution
With extensive experience in civil litigation, Mark specialises in resolving complex disputes through mediation and court representation. Recognised for his expertise in franchise law and commercial conflicts, he combines strategic thinking with practical solutions. Mark's commitment to alternative dispute resolution methods has earned him a reputation for achieving favourable outcomes efficiently.
Joanne Stronach
Managing Director
As Managing Director, Joanne oversees strategic operations while maintaining hands-on involvement in high-profile cases. Her leadership focuses on innovation in legal service delivery and expanding the firm's regional impact. With a background in agricultural law, she brings sector-specific insights to business clients and contributes to the firm's continued growth and modernisation.
Jennifer Cafferky
Employment Law Associate Solicitor
Jennifer specialises in employment law for employees, representing clients in tribunal claims and workplace disputes. Her expertise includes unfair dismissal, discrimination, and whistleblowing cases. She combines empathetic client support with robust advocacy, recently securing significant compensation for NHS workers in high-profile cases. Jennifer's approach prioritises clear communication and practical outcomes.
Liz Wilson
Senior Associate Solicitor
Liz focuses on family law, guiding clients through divorce, child custody, and financial settlements. Her compassionate yet pragmatic approach helps clients navigate emotionally challenging situations. With over 15 years' experience, she specialises in complex asset division and pre-nuptial agreements, ensuring tailored solutions that protect clients' interests while minimising conflict.
Simon Jewitt
Director
Simon leads the conveyancing team, overseeing residential and commercial property transactions. His expertise ensures efficient handling of complex deals while maintaining the firm's Conveyancing Quality Scheme standards. He focuses on technological innovation to streamline processes and improve client experience, combining traditional legal excellence with modern service delivery methods.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in personal law (conveyancing, family law, wills), business law (commercial property, employment law), dispute resolution, and mediation, serving individuals and companies across Cumbria and nationally.
Are your services available outside Cumbria?
Yes, while based in Cumbria and Northumberland, we operate nationally with modern technology enabling us to serve clients throughout England and Wales efficiently.
How do you ensure transparent pricing?
We offer agile pricing options tailored to individual circumstances, with clear explanations of costs upfront. Our Clear Pricing page provides detailed information on standard fees for common services.
Can I access emergency legal support?
Yes, our 24-hour enquiry line provides emergency support, and we prioritise urgent cases like injunctions or immediate court action across all practice areas.
What accreditations do you hold?
We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (618960) and hold the Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to professional excellence and standardised processes.
How do you handle client feedback?
We actively seek feedback to improve services, with a formal complaints procedure available. Our 100% client satisfaction rate reflects our commitment to addressing concerns promptly and maintaining high service standards.
Reviews (4)
Jonathan Lee
Jan 07, 2021
Report
I just wanted to say thank you for the excellent service I received from Cartmell Shepherd. Claire Davies was so helpful. Always making herself available at short notice to answer any questions I had. I found her knowledge and expertise and clear, considered, concise advice really reassuring. I would recommend anyone to contact Cartmell Shepherd for expert legal advice. Claire and the team couldn't have been more helpful.
Kit Allen
Aug 18, 2020
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality
Really nice, helpful team, very professional and easy to work with.
Really nice, helpful team, very professional and easy to work with.
Stephen Swann
Jul 27, 2018
Report
Very friendly and reliable team of solicitors with specialists across the whole legal spectrum. An absolute pleasure to speak with.
Kate Wilson
May 04, 2017
Report
Great team of people, who go the extra mile to help you. We bought a bit of land via them and they helped every step of the way. I would definitely recommend them for any of their services - always hear positive feedback, and love the fact they play active role in community.
