Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors – A steadying influence in an ever-changing world
Change is something that happens to all of us… personal and business…nothing seems to stay the same forever.
Something that hasn’t changed however is the need to ensure legal matters are taken care of correctly. Granted, the way this happens has altered dramatically over the years, but the result needs to be the same.
You, your private and business affairs, need to belegally compliant and correct.
You need an experienced legal team to take care ofeverything.
It’s why Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors rack-up awardsand nominations at a staggering rate. The bottom lineis this…they’re good….and it’s official. For example,the firm’s agriculture team has been named as one ofthe best in the country for the sixth consecutive yearin the 2026 Chambers UK Legal Guide. The team is alsorecognised as having a Band 1 rating in the Legal 500 professional legal rankings.
And, for some icing on the cake, Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors was recognised for the outstanding achievements of its Wills and Inheritance Dispute Team by being shortlisted at the 2025 British Wills and Probate Awards.
Leading from the front is Joanne Stronach who recently took over the role of Managing Director.
“2025 has been a truly amazing year,” said Joanne. “The various awards show the strength in depth of our teams…and it proves that the teams work well together. To have three different teams, Family, Dispute Resolution and Private Client, as well as one of our apprentice trainee solicitors, as finalists at the Northern Law awards was a fantastic achievement. We have celebrated qualification success with our graduates and staff promotions across the teams. We have strengthened strategically by bringing in new talent in growing areas. To get the very best legal advice you don’t need to go to the big cities… everything you need is here with us in Cumbria and Northumberland.
Other 2025 highlights include our Commercial Property Team playing a key role in bringing brewing back to the iconic Jennings Brewery site in Cockermouth when local couple Kurt and Rebecca Canfield purchased the Castle Brewery site with the aim of reviving the historic Jennings brand and transforming the space into a thriving community hub.
Rob Winder in our Dispute Resolution Team went up against global giants, Apple, when he successfully represented a widow in her dispute with Apple, to gain access to her late husband’s password protected account to retrieve sentimental photos and videos.
We were also very proud to have our marketing manager, Terri Hope, carry the Baton of Hope as one of 57 individuals during the Cumbrian leg of the 2025 national tour. The Baton of Hope is the UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative.
Terri carried the Baton through her hometown of Penrith in memory of her brother, Gav Hope, whom she lost to suicide in May last year. With Hope being her family name this was a particularly poignant event and honour for Terri.
“We’re actively embracing new technology. We’re currently trialling different AI products to help us with administration and other rudimentary aspects of our work. Our team will always oversee this process, but it will help us to be more cost-effective for our clients and help us conclude legal matters as quickly as possible.”
It will be easier for clients to upload personal data documents safely and securely. Anyone who has used a legal advisor knows that checks have to be made before wheels can be put into motion. Okay, this can sometimes be tedious and laborious for the client, but new processes we have introduced will make everything quicker and straightforward.
It also gives clients confidence that Cartmell Shepherd are fully compliant when it comes to protecting clients, and it helps the company to be protected from threats posed by hackers and money launderers.
“Looking forward to 2026, legal changes will be rife from the Renters’ Rights Act to the most significant and revolutionary changes to employment law for decades in the form of the Employment Rights Bill. Having the right legal team helping landlords and employers to navigate these changes will be crucial.”
“The team, which is edging towards 130 employees, continues to grow, but we’re not stopping there,” adds Joanne.” We are already expanding our teams in agriculture, dispute resolution and family. Our property disputes, wills and inheritance claims, family and private client teams are extremely busy. We are always looking for talented individuals to join us. We do have vacancies and, let’s face it, Cumbria and the Tyne Valley are lovely places to come and work in.
“We’re growing our legal service provision in our offices in Hexham, Penrith and Cockermouth, as well as here in Carlisle. We continue to get out and about supporting business and local communities. There is terrific potential for expansion within our business communities across Northumberland and Cumbria with more local investment and initiatives. The future looks bright and exciting.”
Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors…always at your side.
If you’d like more information about what Cartmell Shepherd can do for you, the best idea is to visit their website www.cartmells.co.uk
email enquiries@cartmells.co.uk or call 01228 516 666.