A leading legal firm operating across Tynedale and the Tyne Valley has announced three senior promotions this week, as part of a move to highlight specialisms within its Dispute Resolution team.
Director and Head of Dispute Resolution at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors Mark Aspin said:
“Dispute Resolution encompasses a broad spectrum of legal work. While our team deals with the majority of ‘Civil Disputes’, we also employ recognised specialists in the areas of Will & Inheritance Disputes, Property Disputes, and Court of Protection, Care, and Capacity.
To highlight our specialisms in these areas, we’re restructuring our team and bringing these areas together under three new department heads. The move ensures clients know they’re receiving the specialist skill and care they require.”
Cartmell Shepherd has long been recognised for its work in Will Disputes, with a dedicated team and a standalone website (willclaims.co.uk). As part of the restructure, Senior Associate Rebecca Armstrong is promoted to lead this team as Head of Will & Inheritance Disputes.
Rebecca said: “I’m looking forward to leading and developing our team as we continue to grow. With blended families and cohabitation becoming more commonplace and the increasing value of estates, we’re seeing a growing number of inheritance disputes. These cases are often complex and emotionally charged, requiring a sensitive approach and deep understanding of relevant legal principles. That’s why we’ve invested heavily in training our team to ensure our ability to deliver for our clients.”
Rebecca is a registered Contentious Trust and Probate Specialist with ACTAPS (the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists), the ‘gold standard’ accreditation in this field. She is joined on the team by fellow ACTAPs member Peter Stafford, Stephanie Johnson who has completed the ACTAPS course and Selina Gonzalez who began in October 2024. Together, they form a dedicated team of specialists ready to help clients navigate the most challenging probate, inheritance, executor and trustee disputes.
Alongside the existing Will & inheritance Dispute offering, two new departments have been created:
· Property Litigation, led by Senior Associate Rob Winder
· Mental Capacity & Care, led by Senior Associate Stephanie Johnson
Mark added:
“Our decision to set up these new departments was prompted by rising demand for legal services in these areas. While everyone in our Dispute Resolution team will continue to support a variety of clients, each of the three newly appointed department heads will be able to develop their individual specialisms and streamline processes to better meet client needs.”
As Head of Property Litigation, Rob will lead a dedicated team on a wide range of residential and commercial property disputes, including landlord and tenant issues and general property matters.
Commenting on the timing of the new role, Rob said:
“The private rental sector is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation with the introduction of the Renters Rights Act 2025. As this legislation comes into force, landlords will need expert guidance to navigate the changes which include the end of no-fault evictions and fixed-term tenancy agreements. This restructure means we’re better positioned to support them.”
As Head of Mental Capacity and Care, Stephanie Johnson will oversee services relating to supporting and advising individuals in need of care and their families, including on funding assessments, and mental capacity concerns and disputes, including Court of Protection applications.
Stephanie said:
“As a firm, we have significant expertise in legal matters relating to Mental Capacity and Care across our Private Client and Dispute Resolution teams. This new role brings all of this under one roof, ensuring we can deliver a holistic service which puts the client at the centre.
With an ageing population and stronger emphasis on the rights of the individual, this work has never been more vital. Our role is to help clients navigate often very emotionally challenging situations, ensuring the best service possible.”
Summarising the changes, Mark said:
“Their extensive knowledge of complex legal points and procedures ensures Rebecca, Rob and Stephanie are perfectly positioned to lead their respective teams and continue to deliver exceptional service for our clients.”
Cartmell Shepherd employs nearly 130 staff, including 43 solicitors, and operates across Northumberland, Cumbria, and nationally. It has offices in Carlisle (two locations), Brampton, Penrith, and Cockermouth, as well as Hexham and Haltwhistle.
For more information or to speak to a member of Cartmell Shepherd’s Dispute Resolution Team get in touch via enquiries@cartmells.co.uk or willclaims@cartmells.co.uk; our websites www.cartmells.co.uk and www.willclaims.co.uk; or phone 01228 516 666.