Our People
- Home
- Our People
Our team is ready and waiting to help you, whatever your legal requirement.
Christopher Newton
Chris is the driving force behind Newtons and provides the inspiration for the practice´s innovative approach to providing top quality legal services at affordable fees. As well as spending his time building positive client relationships - a cornerstone of Newtons´ approach - Chris conducts his own litigation and insolvency caseload (Chris is joint insolvency board trained), writes on legal issues for the press, appeared in a "legal eagle" radio phone in and presents regular legal seminars.
Specialisms
Litigation
Insolvency
Crime
Contact
Email: chris@newtons.co.uk
Skype: chris.newtons
Tel: 01423 789051
Mobile: 07772 368167
Sarah Newton
Sarah manages the practice alongside her husband Chris, and assists with clinical negligence and personal injury cases. She co-founded Newtons with Chris, and brings a wealth of experience to the practice including court service work and a number of years working at national clinical negligence and personal injury firms.
Specialisms
Clinical Negligence
Personal Injury Claims
Contact
Email: sarah@newtons.co.uk
Skype: sarah.newtons
Tel: 01423 789051
Meryn Astwood
Meryn studied Law at the University of Birmingham following which she worked for city firm Eversheds in the commercial property department before studying for the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in York in 2001. Meryn trained with local Harrogate firm Hirst and Capes gaining experience in property law, family law and wills and probate. She qualified as a Solicitor in 2003. Meryn specialises in property law and has extensive experience in dealing with all aspects of residential and commercial property. She also has particular experience of dealing with retirement developments.
Specialisms
Residential Property
Commercial Property
Contact
Email: meryn@newtons.co.uk
Tel: 01423 789066
Mobile: 07889 411253
David Barraclough
David qualified as a solicitor in 1974 and has been involved in the property market for over 30 years. He has particular expertise in property management, property investment and property development.
Specialisms
Commercial Property
Contact
Email: david@newtons.co.uk
Tel: 01423 789056
Mobile: 07710 531432
Fiona Gillam
Fiona is a solicitor in the conveyancing department. Having spent nearly 20 years in private practice, she now specialises in both residential and commercial conveyancing, and has developed a particular interest in complex residential leasehold transactions. She also writes and edits legal training materials in land law and conveyancing. She is committed to exceeding client's expectations and is a passionate believer in clear, jargon-free communication.
Jay Hall
Jay has worked in conveyancing since 2002 at several well known large firms nationwide. He has gained extensive experience not only as a fee earner but also as a systems and case management developer.
Sam Haslam
Sam specialises exclusively in family law, providing specialist, tailored and sensitive advice. As a member of Resolution, she is committed to a code of practice requiring a constructive and cost effective approach to resolving relationship breakdown issues.
Specialisms
Family Law
Relationship Breakdown
Contact
Email: sam@newtons.co.uk
Skype: sam.newtons
Tel: 01423 789054
Mobile: 07540 220974
Shamim Hussain
Shamim qualified as a solicitor in March 2008 and specialises in Residential and Commercial property. She deals with commercial property acquisitions and lease transactions for both landlord and occupiers and has particular interest in Landlord and Tenant work. She also deals with the whole range of residential conveyancing.
Specialisms
Residential Property
Commercial Property
Contact
Email: sham@newtons.co.uk
Tel: 01423 789064
Mobile: 07730 526292
Heather Johnson
Heather has gained extensive experience of all areas of Residential Conveyancing over the last 17 years working with several well known firms in the Harrogate area. She has established a reputation for providing a caring, personalised, quality service to her many long standing clients.
Specialisms
Residential Property
Contact
Email: heather@newtons.co.uk
Tel: 01423 789057
Mobile: 07889 411251
Malcolm Jones
Malcolm is an experienced commercial solicitor who advises on and prepares agreements for small and medium sized enterprises. While the bulk of his time is concerned with corporate transactions Malcolm also deals with most commercial agreements and is especially interested in employment and e-commerce law. Malcolm uses his blog to comment on current developments and put them into perspective for SMEs.
Specialisms
Company Commercial
Contact
Email: malcolm@newtons.co.uk
Tel: 01423 789059
Mobile: 07764 795169
Lindsay Malthouse
Lindsay is currently studying to qualify as a legal executive and manages her own personal injury and debt collection caseload. Lindsay is also responsible for the day to day management of the Practice.
Specialisms
Personal Injury Claims
Debt Collection
Family Law
Contact
Email: lindsay@newtons.co.uk
Skype: lindsay.newtons
Tel: 01423 789053
Mobile: 07540 220973
Rob Minors
Rob is a solicitor in the litigation department having previously been a partner in a Harrogate law firm. He specialises in commercial litigation, insolvency and contentious probate, wills and trusts. He has acted on many matters of complex disputes with values ranging up to millions of pounds.
Specialisms
Litigation
Insolvency
Contentious Probate
Contact
Email: rob@newtons.co.uk
Tel: 01423 789065
Mobile: 07808 762612
Estella Pengilley
Estella is a solicitor in the litigation department dealing in both civil and commercial matters. She is able to advise on a wide range of issues where there may be conflict including contracts, property disputes and contentious probates.
Anne Rae
Anne is a non-practicing solicitor and looks after our Human Resource and Finance requirements. Anne also works with Fiona Gillam on Risk Management and Compliance.
Steve Rae
Steve joined us in October 2011 as a senior property and probate solicitor. Steve has practised in Harrogate for the last 28 years and brings a wealth of experience not to mention a superb client following.
Specialisms
Commercial Property
Residential Property
Wills and Probate
Contact
Email: steve@newtons.co.uk
Tel: 01423 789172
Sarah Townsend
Sarah is a member of the Institute of Credit Management with over 16 years experience. She specialises in debt collection and the county court process, dispute resolution and insolvency. Sarah's client database is made up of many high profile firms from small local businesses to large nationwide companies.
Specialisms
Debt Collection
Contact
Email: sarahtownsend@newtons.co.uk
Tel: 01423 789062
Mobile: 07808 761973
Elizabeth Webb
Elizabeth qualified as a solicitor in 2004, having previously qualified as an attorney at law in California in 1992. Her main practice areas were antitrust and business litigation and she did many years as a voluntary attorney with AIDS Project Los Angeles providing testamentary documents to their clients. Elizabeth now specialises in estate planning, probate and elderly client law. She is passionate about the care and service she gives her clients.
Specialisms
Wills and Probate
Contact
Email: elizabeth@newtons.co.uk
Tel: 01423 789063
Mobile: 07702 714180
Sophie Champion
Sophie provides secretarial support and assistance to the litigation department in the Knaresborough office.
Christine Salter
Christine provides secretarial support and assistance to the conveyancing department in the Knaresborough office.
Kelly Teal
Kelly provides secretarial support and assistance to the conveyancing department in the Knaresborough office.
Contact Us
Contact us today for an informal chat - we look forward to working with you.
T. 01423 789050
T. 01765 607200
M. 07772 368167
F. 01423 797435
E. info@newtons.co.uk
Testimonials
"First and foremost we want to use Solicitors who are technically very good. We also want them to be able to explain complex problems to us clearly and simply and to be polite and friendly, to be pragmatic and practical and to keep us informed. We want them to do all this and to provide value for money. We are very pleased to say that Chris Newton and his team always achieve these objectives, often exceeding our expectations. We are always keen to recommend Chris and his team because we know we can trust them and that they will not let us down."
Barry Cleaver, Gardiners Chartered Accountants and Insolvency Practitioners, York, North Yorkshire
"What I like about Newtons is that they tell you what can be done not what can´t and having established the parameters they just go about delivering effectively"
Roger Lindop, Jordon Lindop Management Associates LLP, Turnaround Management, Surrey
"We have always found their advice open, fair and incisive, providing guidance through a variety of difficult issues to logical and sensible conclusions. I would have no hesitation in recommending Newtons for your legal needs "
Simon Elliot, Gold & Brown, Food Service Providers, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
"It was good to meet you yesterday. Great to put a face to the voice I seem to have spent most of my time talking to over the last week. Both Jillian and I would like to thank you for all your help and assistance and honesty in this to get it sorted out. As I said it would be great for you to attend an event to see for yourself what it´s all about. "
Gordon Sheddon, Knockhill Racing Circuit Limited, Fife
"Clear and concise advice. Precisely what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear"
Tony Armitage of Armitage Jones LLP, Corporate Recovery, North Yorkshire
"Having worked with Chris Newton previously, the decision of what solicitors to use in a complex litigation case involving not only civil action but also a criminal investigation was easy. We contacted Newtons solicitors straight away. What we really like is their honesty in not racking fees up for their own interest as opposed to ours as sadly, often is the case with some other firms."
Company Director, Leeds, West Yorkshire
"I have dealt with Chris Newton for a number of years. His advice is always well considered and gratefully received. Chris has the ability work through difficult situations positively whilst still managing the clients expectations. This is critical, especially in litigation and is not often done. Having also witnessed Christopher in court I can vouch for his fair but hard approach which gives him significant credibility when in the court room. I would rather him on my side than the others and that is not said lightly. "
Andrew Stringer, Stringer Mallard Accountants, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
"I wanted to let you know how valuable we have found your advice during the time we have worked with you. You always provide a balanced view on what our best course of action is; this goes beyond the ´Legality´ of the subject and deals with the viability of pursuing a case both financially and in terms of outcome. This is why we have and will continue to use Newtons."
Jonathan Rayfield, Aspect Design and Marketing LLP, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
"We have had you representing us for some eleven years and have found you to be pleasant, highly efficient and, most importantly, successful on our behalf. We have no hesitation in recommending Newtons Solicitors and we wish you continuing success."
Cary Thornton, ITP Consultancy, Financial Services, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
"I have been dealing with Lindsay for a year now. She has always been extremely helpful, polite, and professional. I feel I am able to ask any questions about any of our cases that I am not clear about. No question is too trivial and I am always made to feel at ease when discussing difficult and complicated cases. I have known Chris for some time and I have always had confidence in dealing with him. I would not hesitate in recommending anyone to use Newtons should they have a good fight on their hands."
Debbie Elson - Credit Controller, Cartridge World Franchise Support
"Chris Newton has represented and assisted us with several legal matters over the past couple of years . His professionalism is second to none and we would always seek Chris´ advice in the first instance and would hold no reservations in recommending him to any future clients. "
Jason Shaw, World Product Sourcing Limited, Importers, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
"I was really impressed by the personal service and the prompt updates I received. My claim was dealt with quickly, efficiently and commercially..... oh, and I won! "
Business Advisor, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
"A very friendly, efficient and reasonably priced service, always prepared to go beyond the call of duty"
Steve Baird, Insurance Loss Adjuster, Suffolk
"An excellent personal and highly professional service - thoroughly recommended "
Julian Pitts, Begbies Traynor, Business Recovery Specialist, Leeds
"I am writing to you to say a belated thank you for the manner and professionalism in which you and your team dealt with my case, I really could not have asked for a better result. As you were aware it was a difficult couple of weeks for me leading up to the hearing but I always felt in ´safe hands´. Please also say a special thank you to Ash - he was brilliant on the day!"
Client represented in the Magistrates Court
"I recommend the team at Newtons to anyone in need of expert legal advice. From the start their analysis of my case was concise, reassuring and most importantly accurate, as demonstrated by the Judge dismissing the case against me and awarding full costs. I am pleased but not surprised to see that the firm is going from strength to strength. "
Steve Wood, Architectural Technician, Harrogate
"I would like to thank Newtons for providing the support I needed to get me through a very troublesome event which occured during my previous employment. Ash was not only a true professional but personable, thorough, efficient, and human with it."
Rob Robinson, Rotherham, South Yorkshire
"I am writing to express my gratitude to you for taking the time to support us at the tribunal yesterday. This support and your good counsel is appreciated and albeit I know that you did not need to be there your presence was reassuring. You and your colleagues have been very helpful."
Car Dealership, Harrogate
"I recently purchased a new home and Newtons were great! I required a quick completion and Shamim certainly delivered. This highly stressful time was made much easier with the professional expertise of Newtons. Communication was excellent! I was always able to contact Shamim either via e-mail or telephone. I highly commend and recomend their expert services! "
Carolyn Sharp, Knaresborough
"Newtons Solicitors provided us with an efficient and professional conveyancing service whilst retaining a friendly and approachable relationship, taking all the stress out of buying our house "
Paul Key, Harrogate
"Many thanks for an excellent service. Very professional, we would thoroughly recommend Newtons"
John and Fiona Raw, Harrogate
"Our house purchase was made easy by the team at Newtons. We had regular contact and updates from the staff. A friendly and professional service all round and would definitely recommend to others."
Kate Metcalfe and Matthew Gudgeon, Green Hammerton, York
"The decision to use a solicitor is often taken as a result of something happening, often unexpectedly. What you really need under such circumstances, is someone who understands your viewpoint, understands the overall situation and someone who can quickly and re-assuringly provide you with the advice you require. What you get from Newtons is all of the above together with down to earth, practical and incisive advice when you need it. Chris thought nothing of discussing a case with me at 10.30 p.m. because he knew it had to be dealt with as soon as possible. The service is, literally, second to none. Simply stunning. Thank you. "
Russ Hirst, Independent Financial Advisor, Harrogate
"Having recently appointed Newtons we have been delighted with their prompt, efficient and friendly service, all at a most competitive price. We would thoroughly recommend them."
Peter Marston, Farrah´s, Harrogate
"Natalie has provided to me, on a number of occasions, advice on employment law issues in varying circumstances. As well as being clearly knowledgeable in her field, which thus provides us reassurance when dealing with often a difficult and sensitive area of running a business, her advice has proved to be extremely commercial in addition to being legally sound. She also has shown a clear understanding of our business needs and therefore her advice has been invaluable. She has by doing this saved our business money but also helps us plan our HR effectively. Besides being very professional she is also extremely personable and therefore a pleasure to work with."
R Phillips, FD of Cartridge World
"I would like to express how grateful I am for your advice, support and skilful representation throughout our recent dispute. Although it could be said that it was a David vs Goliath scenario I remained confident and reassured throughout the battle - largely because of the skilful way you handled our case. Whilst I hope we do not need your services too much in the future we will always know who to turn to if we do! "
Dan Davies, IntegraCare Limited.
"I would like to take this opportunity to say how very grateful I am for the considerable efficiency and empathy shown by Elizabeth Webb. I felt that I and my family were supported all the way through, and now realise just how important that is in a solicitor."
C T Guest, Knaresborough
"Sarah is both professional and effective at debt chasing. Debtors who had previously remained impervious to letters from us have now paid their debts. If I was in the unfortunate position of some of our debtors, I would be very worried if Sarah Townsend contacted me!"
Anne Hardaker, Feather Smailes Scales LLP
"We were very satisfied with the speed of service from Elizabeth who was ultra-professional and very organised. The turnaround on our Wills was excellent."
Mr V Hall, Leicester
"We were extremely pleased with the service offered by Newtons. Shamim and Heather dealt with our sale and purchase in a professional, friendly and efficient manner and took the time to explain the process and guide us through each step. They really went the extra mile to ensure our move went smoothly, and were effective in dealing with a number of complications that occurred along the way. I´m happy to recommend the conveyancing team at Newtons for your move."
Peter and Fiona Wilkins, Harrogate
"Out of all the costs associated with buying and selling, instructing Newtons has proved money well spent. Cheap ´online´ conveyancing was tempting but we´re glad we went with a local solicitor - the service provided by Meryn and her team has been 1st class."
Matthew Bourne





















