Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Featherstone
C L S Solicitors is a client-focused legal practice dedicated to delivering professional and effective representation across multiple areas of law. Our team prioritises individual client needs, offering empathetic support and transparent communication throughout legal processes. With expertise in criminal defence, family law, conveyancing, and wills & probate, we combine technical excellence with a compassionate approach. Accredited by the Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme and SRA-regulated, we maintain rigorous standards of service. Our 24-hour criminal defence service demonstrates commitment to accessibility, while fixed-fee structures ensure cost certainty for private clients.We actively encourage ongoing client communication to alleviate concerns and maintain control over legal matters. Our family law specialists understand the emotional complexities of relationship issues, striving to achieve resolutions that respect client wishes. In conveyancing, we minimise stress through proactive updates and efficient transaction management. The probate team provides sensitive estate administration support during difficult times. Established legal professionals lead our practice, supported by experienced consultants and dedicated support staff.
Services
Criminal Defence
Family Law
Conveyancing
Wills & Probate
Road Traffic Offences
Highlights and features
- 24-hour criminal defence service available
- Client-centred approach with empathetic support
- Fixed-fee structures for cost certainty
- Accredited by Law Society's CQS
- Experienced team with specialist consultants
Associations and certifications
- SRA Regulated
- Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS)
Services
Criminal Defence
Our criminal defence team provides 24-hour legal support at police stations, magistrates' courts, and crown courts. We handle cases ranging from motoring offences to serious criminal charges, maintaining client confidentiality and building robust defence strategies. Accredited specialists ensure quality representation for legally aided and private clients.
Family Law
Specialist family law services address divorce, child custody, and relationship breakdowns with emotional sensitivity. We guide clients through complex legal processes while prioritising their needs and maintaining non-judgmental support. Our approach empowers informed decision-making during emotionally challenging times.
Conveyancing
Residential conveyancing services manage property purchases, sales, and transfers with transparent communication. Accredited by the Law Society's CQS, we handle re-mortgages, right-to-buy schemes, and commercial leases while minimising client stress through proactive updates and fixed-fee structures.
Wills & Probate
We create legally sound wills reflecting client wishes and administer probate estates with sensitivity. Our services prevent intestacy complications and streamline post-death financial arrangements, allowing families to focus on grieving rather than administrative burdens during difficult periods.
Road Traffic Offences
Specialist motoring offence representation covers speeding, drink-driving, and licence penalty cases. Our accredited criminal defence team negotiates optimal outcomes in court proceedings while explaining legal implications clearly to affected drivers.
People
John Ratcliff
Principal
Leading the firm with extensive legal experience, John oversees strategic direction while maintaining hands-on client representation across complex cases.
Jan Stephenson
Solicitor (Consultant)
Experienced consultant solicitor providing specialist legal advice on complex matters while mentoring junior team members in best practice standards.
Chris Hewison
Solicitor (Consultant)
Senior legal consultant focusing on high-value cases, combining decades of courtroom experience with strategic case management expertise across multiple practice areas.
Rahima Akhtar
Trainee Solicitor
Developing professional expertise under senior supervision, Rahima assists with case preparation and client communication while completing qualification requirements.
Questions
What areas do you cover?
We serve clients in Featherstone, Pontefract, and surrounding West Yorkshire areas for all our legal services.
Do you offer emergency legal assistance?
Yes, our criminal defence team provides 24-hour emergency representation at police stations and courts.
Are your conveyancing fees fixed?
We offer competitive fixed-fee conveyancing with no hidden costs, providing cost certainty from the outset.
Can I get legal aid?
We accept legally aided clients through our Specialist Quality Mark accreditation for criminal defence matters.
How experienced is your family law team?
Our family law specialists combine technical expertise with compassionate support, handling complex relationship issues since 2018.
Reviews (5)
Wayne Evans
Aug 26, 2021
Report
Thanks John for everything you have had my back and looked out for me just wanted you to know how much I appreciated it top bloke told me when I was wrong and defend me when I was right
Oak Technology
Oct 26, 2020
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
We use CLS Solicitors for business, personal and property services and they are a real pleasure to deal with. We have faith in what they do and have never had to chase anything. Prices are reasonable and staff are polite and responsive.
We use CLS Solicitors for business, personal and property services and they are a real pleasure to deal with. We have faith in what they do and have never had to chase anything. Prices are reasonable and staff are polite and responsive.
Danny Haw
Oct 11, 2020
Report
Critical:Quality,Value
Charged me 120 for a letter that wasnt sent so they decided to charge me 120 for 30 mins free advice stay away
Charged me 120 for a letter that wasnt sent so they decided to charge me 120 for 30 mins free advice stay away
Chris Andrew
Oct 05, 2020
Report
Positive:Professionalism
Friendly professional service. On the ball. Prompt and certainly value for money. Exceptional and detailed work. Highly recommended. CLS look after all my legal needs for family law. Steve Davis..... I think I know who "she" is. Too cute to a review wrote
Friendly professional service. On the ball. Prompt and certainly value for money. Exceptional and detailed work. Highly recommended. CLS look after all my legal needs for family law. Steve Davis..... I think I know who "she" is. Too cute to a review wrote
Steve Davis
Jul 09, 2019
Report
If I could give this place a zero I would if not a minus. Very unprofessional run down and only out for themselves. Lacks knowledge yet pretends to be the best. Charges the earth for minimal work. The office smells of smoke. Even breached data protection. Complaint has been made to ICO.
