David Mainwaring
CrimeDavid is a Director. He joined Holdens in 2000 and became a Partner in 2004 and subsequently a Director in 2022. As a specialist in Criminal Law, David has defended a vast number of people charged with a variety of offences, and has handled numerous high profile cases. David has, in addition, established a reputation for advising and representing young people. He regularly looks after their interests at both the Police Station and Youth Court. He is also a Motoring Law Specialist. David also specialises in Regulatory Law. He has considerable experience of advising and defending clients, particularly in relation to Health and Safety and Food Safety cases. Having built a career in Management, his interest in the law grew to be a passion, prompting him to qualify as a Solicitor. Before studying Law, David obtained a BA Hons in Politics at Lancaster University, where he also demonstrated his powers of persuasion by being elected president of the Student Union in 1985.
Jennifer Larton
Wills & ProbateJennifer is a Director specialising in all aspects of Private Client matters, including Wills and Probate, Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection, Trust administration, Inheritance Tax and succession planning. Jennifer attended Lancaster University before completing her Legal Practice Course at the College of Law (now the University of Law) in Chester, where she was awarded a Distinction. She joined Holdens from another local firm, and has worked in the Lancaster and Preston areas since qualifying as a Solicitor in 2011. Jennifer is a full member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP); the internationally recognised leading professional organisation in her area of law. When she is not at work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her young family. She is a frequent gym goer, but is at her happiest when she can get outdoors to enjoy the beautiful area.
Jemma Higson
Residential ConveyancingJemma is a Solicitor who specialises in Residential Conveyancing. She has recently joined Holdens after moving to the area from her home town of Bolton. Jemma completed her law degree at the University of Hull and then went on to study the Legal Practice Course in Manchester. After gaining experience in real estate and residential conveyancing whilst working as a paralegal at firms in Manchester and Bolton, she then undertook her training leading to her qualifying as a Solicitor in 2014. Jemma deals with all aspects of residential conveyancing including sales, purchases, remortgages, new builds, shared ownerships and leasehold properties. Client care is very important to her and she strives to build good relationships with her clients and ensure that they understand all aspects of the transaction to make the process as stress free as possible. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going on holiday and going to the gym.
Liza McCabe FCILEx
FamilyLiza is an experienced Chartered Legal Executive within the Holdens' Family Department. Based in Lancaster, Liza deals with all areas of Family, Matrimonial Law and Children Matters. Liza’s experience and expertise has assisted many families in the local community in resolving their family disputes. Specialism Liza specialises in Divorce and Financial Disputes together with Childrens Matters and regularly represents parents in Disputes. She is also experienced in dealing with all areas of relationship breakdowns and the financial difficulties which can sometimes follow from divorce by way of negotiating, referral to mediation and ensuring protection is provided following agreement and if necessary in Court. Background Liza was born in Lancaster and was educated at Ripley St Thomas C of E High School. She went on to study at the University of Central Lancashire where she qualified as a Fellow of the Institute, now known as a Chartered Legal Executive, in 2003. Liza has worked at Holdens as part of the Family Department since 2001. Liza spends her spare time with her husband and her young family. Memberships & Awards Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives Liza is a Member of Resolution.
Nicola Houton FCILEx
FamilyNicola is a Chartered Legal Executive within Holdens Family Department. Based in our Lancaster office, Nicola deals with all areas of family law and children matters. This includes Care Proceedings representing parents, Private Law Children Proceedings, Non Molestation/Occupations Proceedings and Matrimonial Proceedings ie divorce and finances. Nicola is an Accredited Member of Resolution with specialisms in Children Law – Public and Domestic Abuse. Nicola was born and educated on the Fylde Coast, studying at Blackpool & the Fylde College and Blackburn University Centre before she qualified as a Family Lawyer. She has been with Holdens since 2007 where she has worked hard to achieve her place in the Family Team. In her spare time, Nicola has a keen interest in music and regularly travels the country enjoying gigs and festivals. Memberships and Awards: Chartered Institute of Legal Executives Accredited Member of Resolution
Hafiza Suleman
FamilyHafiza is an Assistant Solicitor within the Holdens' Family Department and is a Children Panel Solicitor. Based in our Lancaster and Kendal Office, Hafiza deals with all areas of Family, Matrimonial Law and Children Matters including Care Proceedings on behalf of children and parents. Hafiza’s client base extends from Lancashire into Cumbria and she is available in Barrow, Kendal and Lancaster Office for appointments. Specialism Hafiza specialises in Children Matters and regularly represents parents and children in Contact and Residence Disputes. She also has extensive experience in Care Proceedings in which she frequently represents parents. Background Hafiza was born and educated in the Lancashire area studying at the University of Central Lancashire where she qualified as a Solicitor in January 2008. She has been with Holdens since 2004 undertaking a wide variety of work before pursuing her favoured area of Family Law. Hafiza is a Trustee of The Abaseen Foundation developing health, education and research in the North West Province of Pakistan as well as providing humanitarian relief following natural disasters in conjunction with the University of Central Lancashire. Memberships & Awards Hafiza is a Member of Resolution as well as an Accredited Member of The Children Panel and The Family Law Panel.
Kevin Bamber
CrimeKevin was admitted as a Solicitor in 1994 and joined Holdens Solicitors in 2003. Prior to joining Kevin was a partner at a large legal practice with offices in Greater Manchester and East Lancashire. He has practised almost exclusively in Criminal Defence work throughout his career dealing with the full range of offences including Murder, Sexual Offences, Serious Assaults, Conspiracy, Drug Offences, Fraud, Theft and Motoring Offences. Kevin is a member of the 24 hour Police Station Duty Scheme and Court Duty Scheme.
Jacqueline Partington
CrimeJackie is a Solicitor, recently joining the Holdens Crime Team after working in Cumbria for over 10 years. Having originally trained as a nurse, Jackie qualified as a Solicitor in 2005 and has specialised in Criminal Defence since then. Throughout her career she has gained experience representing clients in matters at the Magistrates Court and Police Station in respect of the full range of offences. Jackie is a member of the 24 hour Police Station Duty Scheme and Court Duty Scheme.
Amy Wood F.Inst.Pa
CrimeAmy is an Experienced Accredited Police Station Representative, who specialises in advising clients in Police Stations throughout the area. Amy is a valuable asset to the Criminal Department with her caring approach and infectious enthusiasm. Assisting the Crown Court Department in the preparation of cases. Amy is an integral member of Holden’s 24/7 on call Police Station rota which ensures that clients can be assured of a Holdens representative if detained at a Police Station. Amy is keen to travel when the opportunity arises. Also a keen camper and at weekends enjoys walking especially if there is a nice country pub at the end.
Sharon Mashiter F.Inst.Pa
Residential ConveyancingSharon is a Certified Paralegal specialising in residential Conveyancing work as part of the dedicated team at Holdens with all aspects of Property Law. Sharon joined Holdens back in 1971 and worked for the firm for 11 years. Following a career break she then re-joined Holdens in 1998. She has clients from all over the country and she strongly believes in providing clients with a dedicated professional but friendly service that is second to none. Sharon lives in Lancaster and in her leisure time enjoys going to the theatre, cinema and good food and wine but most of all likes time with her grandchildren enjoying the local countryside.
Tayla England
Wills & ProbateTayla joined Holdens Law in 2021 as a Wills and Probate Paralegal having graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with a First Class Law Degree, and a Merit in her Masters in Legal Practice. Tayla has recently commenced her Training Contract at Holdens, with a view to qualify as a Solicitor in 2024. In her spare time, Tayla enjoys spending time with her family and socialising with friends. Her hobbies include swimming and travelling, both in the UK and abroad.
Natalie Bradley
Residential ConveyancingNatalie is a Paralegal in the Residential Conveyancing department. Natalie completed a Law degree at Lancaster University and graduated in 2014. Natalie also studied Arts and Humanities at the Open University. Natalie worked at several local law firms before joining Holdens. Following her degree Natalie took a career break to spend time with her children. On returning to work Natalie has worked as a Paralegal and is hoping to undertake further training to qualify as a Legal Executive specialising in Conveyancing. In her spare time Natalie enjoys spending time with her husband and children going on countryside walks. She is also an avid reader and enjoys swimming.
Helen Robinson
Conveyancing ParalegalHelen joined Holdens Conveyancing Department in February 2022. Helen has worked in Conveyancing for other local firms before joining Holdens and is currently working towards her qualification to become a Licensed Conveyancer. Helen grew up in Silverdale and continues to live in the area, with her husband, young daughter and two cats. In her spare time Helen enjoys horse riding and has two horses of her own (resulting in very little spare time) she also enjoys walking in the local countryside and reading (not both at the same time), as well as spending time with her husband and daughter.
