Raworths > Harrogate, England > Firm Profile

Raworths
ETON HOUSE
89 STATION PARADE
HARROGATE
HG1 1HF
England

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1

The trusts, wills and estates team at Raworths in Harrogate is headed by Rachel Tunnicliffe, who is ‘a leader in her field’. The team advises on a range of issues, from the administration of high-value trusts to sensitive, often multi-jurisdictional probate cases involving vulnerable clients. Alison Walker brings twelve years’ corporate tax experience to her role in the private client team; Sam Jenner is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Rachel Tunnicliffe

Other key lawyers:

Caroline Hedges; Peter Greswold; Sam Jenner; Alison Walker

Testimonials

‘Rachel Tunnicliffe ensures that all her clients feel very comfortable with the advice / work that is being undertaken for them, bringing it to life in language that they can understand and in a manner that gives them sufficient, unpressurised time to take decisions.’

‘Raworths are clear and concise in their approach. The partners and solicitors there have always given me clear advice and, if necessary, have suggested solutions to issues.’

‘Caroline Hedges provides a high-quality service, matters are dealt with quickly and efficiently. There is never a need to chase anything up.’

‘Good, solid Yorkshire-based private client lawyers. Very capable over a broad range of issues and a one-stop shop for most clients.’

‘Rachel Tunnicliffe is a fantastic partner who is well respected by her clients and peers. Sam Jenner is a rising star who is very capable and efficient.’

‘The team is good, I find them very efficient and cooperative. They are conscious about deadlines and they are flexible. I have been working with them for years and I have already recommended them before.’

‘Rachel Tunnicliffe is knowledgeable, proactive, responsive, personable and a pleasure to work with, as well as a leader in her field.’

‘The Raworths’ private client team provides an excellent service to business clients – they seem much more clued in to deals and transactions than you would usually find in private client lawyers. They are also extremely responsive and efficient.’

Work highlights

Private client > Family: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 2

The ‘extremely capable and dedicatedCarmelita Ardren leads the family team at Raworths in Harrogate. The team is made up entirely of members of Resolution, and three are trained as collaborative lawyers, demonstrating the firm's dedication to constructive solutions for clients. It is experienced in complex businesses, agricultural matters, pensions and trust assets, both nationally and internationally. Legal director Ellie Foster has particular experience regarding English pension sharing orders after overseas divorce.

Practice head(s):

Carmelita Ardren

Other key lawyers:

Ellie Foster; Joanna Lofthouse; Claire Hunter

Testimonials

‘The leading practice in Harrogate.’

‘Carmelita Ardren is very practical; an empathetic solicitor.’

‘Quality, first-class firm for medium to high-value clients. Led by Carmelita who has great sound judgment, wonderful people skills and great client service and attention to detail across the whole spectrum of family law.’

‘Carmelita Ardren is a real pleasure to work with, extremely capable and dedicated. Client focused, a great negotiator and always doing her best to get the best result – fought or negotiated for her client.’

‘They have a very effective team of solicitors who are capable of providing a bespoke service that is second to none, particularly with regard to clients with complex business structures and farms and estates.’

‘The team have really embraced the use of alternative dispute resolution approach, including round table conferences and private financial dispute resolutions, in order to achieve the outcomes that are in their client’s best interests.’

‘Joanna Lofthouse is an exceptional lawyer who has been a leader in her field for some years. She has a fantastic bedside manner and is always on top of her cases in a way that few others can match.’

‘A highly personable and professional team. Enjoy the best of reputations in Harrogate. They have many options available to their clients (lawyer, collaborative lawyer, one lawyer two clients etc.) and regularly refer matters out to mediation when this would better serve their clients.’

Work highlights

Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 3

The agriculture team at Raworths in Harrogate is led by Matthew Hill, who is also head of commercial client services and dispute resolution at the firm. The team draws on expertise across the firm, including assistance from the commercial, family and employment practices, to advise on issues such as agribusiness contracts, Agricultural Holding Act tenancies, farming divorces and development projects.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Hill

Other key lawyers:

Adam Colville-Robins

Testimonials

‘The team at Raworths are brilliant. Everyone works together as a team. The legal advice is excellent. The service they provide is exceptional.’

‘Matthew Hill and Adam Colville-Robins are excellent. They are very knowledgeable and experienced. They are good listeners, good at explaining things and identifying and implementing the best strategy.’

‘Raworths have a multidisciplinary team working from a central location allowing collaboration of skills to offer an efficient and comprehensive result.’

‘Matthew Hill is a knowledgeable solicitor with a wide breadth of experience. We most regularly instruct on the basis of agricultural and land-based queries which are expertly handled. Adam Colville-Robins has assisted in contentious areas, his advice has been balanced and accurate assisting with meeting the clients’ objectives.’

‘Raworths have dominated the Harrogate market for all the time I have been in practice. There are two very experienced partners with an up-and-coming junior who is extremely good and punches above his weight. Very client-focused, with old-school values.’

‘Matthew Hill – now something of a legend in the Harrogate market, he has been with Raworths for 15 years and is well-respected by clients, barristers, and opponents alike. Combines technical ability with a real adversarial punch. Adam Colville-Robins – has been with the firm around 2 years and is starting to take on higher value and more complex cases; ability far beyond his years of experience and a partner in waiting.’

Key clients

H. & F.N. Smith (Ellis Laithe) Limited

W F Alton & Son Limited

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 4

Raworths’ corporate team advise on acquisitions and disposals, equity investments, shareholder agreements, demergers and restructurings, and succession planning matters. Team head Jon Healey handles M&A and other corporate transactions, with demonstrable experience in handling commercial agreements. Simon Morris focuses on the SME sector, while Thaynara Charlesworth primarily acts on restructuring transactions for HNWIs.

Practice head(s):

Jon Healey

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The people are very friendly, capable, professional and quick to turn actions around. They are also very pragmatic in their advice.’

‘Jon Healey sees the wider picture of what needs to be achieved.’

‘Raworths is a well respected law firm we have been delighted to have been introduced to on entering the Harrogate market; we have had no hesitation in recommending them to our clients, and have also used them for our firm’s internal legal matters.’

‘We have been impressed by staff at all levels, but would particularly like to highlight Simon Morris, who despite his role as managing partner has still been able to bring his expertise to client matters and has proved of great assistance in the projects our firms have worked on together.’

‘Raworths had the experience and expertise to carry through an extremely complicated issue involving the bringing an overseas entity to the UK.’

‘I experienced nothing but courtesy, efficiency and friendliness from all with whom I had contact at Raworths.’

‘Straightforward, realistic sensibly pragmatic.’

‘Jon Healey us always available, willing to share experience without pressing home perspectives. Advice and guidance where it helps.’

Key clients

Lomond Capital and Linley & Simpson Limited

Community Partners

Celli Group

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 4

The team at Raworths is a ‘leading regional practice’ lauded for their ‘excellent service to clients’. The Harrogate based office acts for clients across the ‘golden triangle’ that encompasses Leeds, York, and Harrogate, often on disputes with international elements. Matthew Hill leads the team, with a focus on commercial and real estate litigation. Jonathan Mortimer has a wealth of experience in commercial litigation, and is noted for his ‘outstanding analytical mind’. At associate level, ‘knowledgeable but approachableAdam Colville-Robins is a key figure.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Hill

Testimonials

‘Raworths have a calm and concise approach to litigation issues. Their advice is sound and they do not fall for distracting nonsense from opposing solicitors.’

‘Their care and caution is beneficial to their clients and avoids unnecessary costs and delays.’

‘Their legal knowledge and grasp of case law is accurate and considerable and they work well with Counsel.’

‘Jonathan Mortimer deserves a special mention for his steady and knowledgeable conduct of litigation.’

‘Jonathan Mortimer has an outstanding analytical mind.’

‘Raworths is a leading regional practice, widely known for their excellent service to clients. Although the firm is reasonably small, it provides a broad and adaptable range of services for both individuals and businesses. Cases always appeared to be well managed and well-resourced with regular client communication. They provide exceptional value for clients compared to other firms. I worked with the dispute resolution team, who offered me a unique and innovative collaboration with other specialists for my case.’

‘I worked with Adam Colville-Robins (Associate) for over 2 years on a complex case with a large number of high profile defendants. Adam was exceptional. He is highly capable and knowledgeable, but also approachable, and explains legal processes clearly in “layman’s terms” to ensure the client has a good understanding of what to expect .

‘Adam Colville Robins is very able, with a good and clear grasp of all relevant applicable principles. He is astute in finding common sense solutions to difficult practical problems.’

Employment > Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 4

Operating from Harrogate, Raworths has experience handling advisory, contentious, and transactional mandates for its clients. Deborah Boylan, as practice head, brings her experience in industry to provide commercial advice, working alongside Sally Togher, who supports the corporate team in providing employment advice on transactions and works with individuals on their senior-level departures. Associates Liz Pollock and Harjeet Nangla have specialisms in schools and data protection respectively.

Practice head(s):

Deborah Boylan

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

This firm provides a fantastic service in employment law with a strong team of knowledgeable solicitors. They are all very approachable and easily contactable and their knowledge of employment law is second-to-none. They embrace all the new technologies available and respond promptly to calls if not available. Meetings can take place either face to face or online, which provides great flexibility for clients.’

Sally Togher was very approachable and carefully listened to the position that I was facing, as well as fully understanding the details of my employment contract. She was very knowledgeable about what my employment rights were and to what I would be entitled. Throughout the whole process she kept me fully informed and was always chasing up my employer if she had had no response from them.’

The have a strong, diverse presence in the local area, being renowned for their ability to resolve difficult issues. A team with differing specialisms within a well-respected practice.’

I have dealt with Deborah Boylan and Sally Tougher over many years. They have supported me both from an individual perspective and that of an employer with ultimate professionalism, but just as importantly, the understanding of getting the best resolution without the need to be unreasonable.’

Creative solutions, sound advice, and a commercial mindset.

Liz Pollock is an exceptional solicitor. Very responsive and attentive to client needs. Very commercial mindset backed by sound legal advice.’

‘The Raworths team are knowledgeable and supportive and speak to you in layman’s terms. They give direct answers rather than sitting on the fence.’

I work a lot with Harjeet Nangla. She is friendly and approachable and is always on hand to help and support me. No question or query is ever too small for her.

Key clients

Lomond Capital

Linley & Simpson Limited

Real estate > Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 4

The Harrogate-based team at Raworths is noted for providing ‘a centre of excellence‘ to its clients, which instruct the firm to handle commercial leases, acquisitions and disposals, and development projects, especially in connection with large warehousing and industrial premises. The firm is led by Alasdair Inglis, who regularly works with regional property owners and unit trusts. Further key contacts in the team include Janice Dale and John Carter.

Practice head(s):

Alasdair Inglis

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘A legal firm locally within Harrogate providing a centre of excellence for businesses and individuals. There is a modern approach, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, from a sector not known for these attributes.’

‘John Carter and Janice Dale are extremely competent solicitors with excellent interpersonal skills to get the job in hand done without fuss and unnecessary complications.’

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4

The Harrogate-based Raworths team is well-versed in handling possession and trespassing claims, contentious leasing matters, and boundary disputes. The practice is instructed by a diverse array of commercial and private landlords and tenants and has a strong reputation for advising agricultural landowners in the region. The practice is led by Matthew Hill, who is an ‘extremely competent and methodical solicitor’ with expertise in rural property disputes that enables him to act on a large volume of tenancy and boundary matters.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Hill

Testimonials

‘The property litigation team at Raworths is excellent. Their extensive expertise and experience combine with their tenacity and determination to achieve the very best outcomes for their clients at every step. The team’s engagement with clients is flawless – professional, approachable and helpful.’

‘Adam Colville-Robins and Matthew Hill are excellent. Their expertise in litigation strategy, the litigation process, and property law combines with their attention to detail and their determination to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients at every step. Adam and Matthew are very helpful and approachable in their engagement with clients.’

‘Matthew Hill is very good. Sensible and knowledgeable.’

‘Matthew Hill is an extremely competent and methodical solicitor with exceptional interpersonal skills rarely witnessed in smaller firms, demonstrating the strength and depth of the firm.’

‘Raworths have dominated the Harrogate market for all the time I have been in practice. There are two very experienced partners with an up-and-coming junior who is extremely good and punches above his weight. Very client-focused, with old-school values.’

‘Matthew Hill is now something of a legend in the Harrogate market, he has been with Raworths for 15 years and is well-respected by clients, barristers, and opponents alike. Combines technical ability with a real adversarial punch. Adam Colville-Robins has been with the firm around 2 years and is starting to take on higher value and more complex cases; ability far beyond his years of experience.’

‘I always get a swift response to any problem. There is an accurate assessment of issues and a precise plan to resolve matters.’

‘Jonathan Mortimer has an outstanding analytical mind. He is exceptional in his analysis and written responses. The quality of his writing is very good, always focused, and effective.’

Key clients

Celli Group (UK) Limited

Trustees of the Patrizia Hanover Property Unit Trust

Raworths provides an integrated service to both commercial and private clients, with specialists working together as one team. Our goal is to use our expertise to deliver outstanding legal advice in a way that is practical, relevant and valued.

The firm regularly advises businesses, individuals and families and covers the follow practices areas:

Corporate and Commercial:
Raworths acts for businesses as well as the people who create, own and invest in them, building long term relationships with clients to understand the opportunities and strategies they pursue. The firm’s depth of experience and knowledge enables it to provide practical advice designed to meet all clients’ business needs.

Key contact: Jon Healey, Head of Corporate and Commercial

Commercial Property:
Raworths’ Commercial Property team has the expertise to help clients deal with the opportunities and challenges of the freehold and leasehold real estate market. Buying and selling commercial properties can be a major business decision. The team can deal with the entire transaction from start to finish, ensuring that the process runs as smoothly as possible.

Key contacts: Heather Roberts, Legal Director and John Carter, Senior Associate

Dispute Resolution:
Raworths’ specialist Dispute Resolution team advises a wide range of clients involved in commercial, property and contentious wills and trusts disputes across a range of sectors. The team strives to achieve clients’ personal and commercial objectives using their advanced technical skills and significant expertise. Whilst disputes can of course be time consuming and stressful, they can in some cases, present opportunities which the team will seek to maximise for the benefit its clients.

Key contact: Matthew Hill, Head of Dispute Resolution

Employment:
Over recent years the burden of employment regulation has consistently increased and businesses must actively manage the resulting risks. Raworths’ Employment team can help clients to navigate through these complexities, finding the right route that fits their business.

Key contact: Sally Togher, Head of Employment

Family:
Going through a divorce and dealing with the fallout is never easy. Everyone is different and Raworths’ Family team works hard to find fair settlements and try to avoid conflict where possible, helping everyone involved to get on with their lives with as little pain as possible. Raworths’ experienced Family team helps and supports clients to navigate through difficult and complex family issues in a confident yet understanding manner.

Key contact: Carmelita Ardren, Head of Family

Residential Property:
Buying or selling a property is likely to be one of the most important and possibly largest financial transactions individuals and families will ever make. As such, it can be a time of mixed emotions, excitement but also of stress and worry. Raworths’ experienced Residential Property team can help steer clients through the process, making sure their interests are protected.

Key contact: Kelly Buckle-Fleming, Head of Residential Property

Trusts, Wills & Estates:
Raworths has one of the largest private client teams in Yorkshire and a significant practice in UK terms. The team deals exclusively with private client work acting for high net worth individuals and their families, trusts, charitable foundations and family businesses.

Key contact: Rachel Tunnicliffe, Head of Trusts, Wills and Estates

Department Name Email Telephone
Managing Partner Simon Morris simon.morris@raworths.co.uk
Trusts, Wills and Estates Rachel Tunnicliffe rachel.tunnicliffe@raworths.co.uk
Dispute Resolution Matthew Hill matthew.hill@raworths.co.uk
Corporate and Commercial Jon Healey jon.healey@raworths.co.uk
Employment Sally Togher sally.togher@raworths.co.uk
Commercial Property John Carter john.carter@raworths.co.uk
Commercial Property Heather Roberts heather.roberts@raworths.co.uk
Family Carmelita Ardren carmelita.ardren@raworths.co.uk
Residential Property Kelly Buckle-Fleming kelly.buckle-fleming@raworths.co.uk
Photo Name Position Profile
Carmelita Ardren photo Carmelita Ardren Head of Family
Deborah Boylan photo Deborah Boylan Partner
John Carter photo John Carter Senior Associate, Commercial Property
Thaynara Charlesworth photo Thaynara Charlesworth Senior Associate, Corporate and Commercial
Adam Colville-Robins photo Adam Colville-Robins Associate, Dispute Resolution
Ellie Foster photo Ellie Foster Legal Director, Family
Jon Healey photo Jon Healey Head of Corporate and Commercial
Matthew Hill photo Matthew Hill Head of Dispute Resolution
Sam Jenner photo Sam Jenner Partner, Trusts, Wills and Estates
Simon Morris photo Simon Morris Managing Partner
Jonathan Mortimer photo Jonathan Mortimer Partner, Dispute Resolution
Harjeet Nangla photo Harjeet Nangla Associate, Employment
Liz Pollock photo Liz Pollock Senior Associate, Employment
Sally Togher photo Sally Togher Head of Employment
Rachel Tunnicliffe photo Rachel Tunnicliffe Senior Partner and Head of Trusts, Wills and Estates
Alison Walker photo Alison Walker Partner, Trusts, Wills and Estates