KBL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Solicitor
- Senior Associate Solicitor / Department: Wills, Trusts, Tax & Probate / KBL Solicitors Bolton
Senior Associate, Berin Jones joined KBL in May 2022 from Irwin Mitchell Solicitors where he was instrumental in the formation of the Manchester based Trusts, Tax and Estates team. Prior to that, Berin spent almost 30 years at WHN Solicitors latterly heading up the firms Private Client offering. Berin is a highly experienced wills, tax, and trust Solicitor, well-versed in handling the full range of estate planning for those with high-value estates, the elderly and vulnerable. Berin has particular expertise in dealing with estate accounts and IHT calculations in complex probate cases including contentious matters.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Consultant / Department: Wills, Trusts, Tax & Probate / KBL Solicitors Bolton
Chris specialises in Wills, Trusts & Probate matters and is a Consultant at KBL.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Head of Commercial Property
- Partner / Department: Property / KBL Solicitors Bolton
Debbie is KBL's Head of Commercial Property. She has substantial experience of dealing with all aspects of commercial property work, including commercial lease procedures for both landlord and tenants and particular expertise in acting for commercial investors and developers.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal
- Paralegal / Department: Insolvency & Restructuring / KBL Solicitors Blackburn
Emma joined KBL in August 2024 as a paralegal, having obtained her law degree at Edge Hill University.
Based out of the firm's Blackburn office, Emma works closely with Partner & Head of Department Kathryn Maclennan and other solicitors in the Insolvency and Restructuring team, providing valuable caseload assistance.
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor
- Trainee Solicitor / Department: Litigation / KBL Solicitors Bolton
George joined KBL in September 2024 as a Trainee Solicitor, having obtained his law degree before completing his LPC with Masters at The University of Law, Manchester.
George is currently undertaking his first training seat within the Commercial Litigation/Dispute Resolution team under the supervision of Partner and Head of Department, Michael Slater.
Job Titles:
- Client Development & Compliance Manager / Department: Marketing & Compliance / KBL Solicitors Blackburn
- Client Development & Compliance Manager / Marketing & Compliance
Gill is KBL's Business Development and Compliance Manager, based in the firms Bolton office.
Gill has been with KBL for more than 21 years, in that time she has got to know clients and contacts extremely well and has developed a good understanding of all areas of the business. She is responsible for identifying and developing relationships with key intermediaries and prospective clients, as well as nurturing existing client relationships to support KBL's business growth.
Gill also plays a crucial role in managing the client onboarding process, ensuring all CDD checks and statutory requirements are met and we are compliant with all SRA regulations.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Department: Property / KBL Solicitors Bolton
Gillian is a Partner in our Commercial Property team, dealing with all aspects of commercial property work on behalf of developers, funders, business owners and companies as both landlord and tenant.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Department: Corporate & Commercial / KBL Solicitors Blackburn
Greg joined KBL Solicitors when his firm, Garricks, merged with KBL in 2016. Greg is based in KBL's Blackburn office and deals with corporate and commercial matters, advising small to medium enterprises / owner managed businesses on shareholder and partnership issues, director and shareholder duties and obligations as well as general commercial affairs.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal
- Paralegal / Department: Wills, Trusts, Tax & Probate / KBL Solicitors Bolton
Hannah is a Paralegal in the Wills, Trusts, Tax and Probate department.
Hannah assists the team with the smooth running of their caseload and is the first point of contact for new enquiries. Having been with the firm for over 10 years, Hannah has excellent knowledge and experience in the Private Client arena and is a vital member of the team.
Job Titles:
- Head of Divorce & Family Law
- Senior Associate Solicitor / Department: Divorce & Family Law / KBL Solicitors Bolton
- Senior Associate Solicitor / Divorce & Family Law
Jane joined KBL in May 2022 as Head of Divorce & Family Law. With a wealth of experience and Resolution accreditation, Jane is a highly skilled Solicitor who focuses on divorce and post-separation financial resolution.
She provides comprehensive advice on all issues stemming from relationship breakdowns for both married and unmarried couples. Her expertise covers the division of assets, including joint businesses and pensions and arranging child custody and support. Jane is a strong advocate of Alternative Dispute Resolution, championing its benefits over the often lengthy and costly process of litigation.
"Initially I used a different solicitors for my divorce. I was disappointed and not confident to continue with them to the next stage. I switched to Jane's team at KBL and immediately I was pleasantly surprised how easy and completely different my experience has been." D. Yorke
"I would like to thank Jane and Lucy personally for all your advice and invaluable experience during my recent divorce. You have made a horrible experience so much more bearable. Your knowledge and advice delivered the best possible outcome and I would highly recommend your practice." S.Watt
Jane is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Consultant / Department: Wills, Trusts, Tax & Probate / KBL Solicitors Blackburn
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Department: Wills, Trusts, Tax & Probate / KBL Solicitors Bolton
Jennifer joined KBL in 2021 to complete her Training Contract having graduated from UCLAN in 2018 and completing her LLM and LPC at BPP University. Jenny qualified into KBL's Private Client team and deals with all aspects of Wills, Trusts, Tax & Probate.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Consultant / Department: Corporate & Commercial / KBL Solicitors Bolton
Jonathan specialises in a broad range of corporate transactions including mergers and acquisitions, venture capital investments, buy ins/outs, equity investments, shareholder agreements, corporate borrowing/lending and commercial agreements (agency, distribution, franchising and manufacturing).
Jonathan has advised upon the incorporation of some 40 plus golf clubs up and down the country and regularly advises sporting organisations on constitutional and governance matters.
Job Titles:
- Head of Department
- Partner
- Partner / Department: Insolvency & Restructuring / KBL Solicitors Blackburn
Kathryn joined KBL in May 2019 as Partner and Head of Insolvency. Kathryn deals with all aspects of insolvency issues including bankruptcy, liquidations, individual voluntary arrangements, advice to creditors, debtors and insolvency practitioners. She is an associate member of R3 - which is the Association of Business Recovery Professionals. Kathryn regularly writes for professional publications in the field of insolvency.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Department: Property / KBL Solicitors Bolton
Kiran joined KBL's commercial property team in November 2022 and deals with all aspects of commercial property work on behalf of business owners and companies as both landlord and tenant.
Job Titles:
- Marketing Manager / Department: Marketing / KBL Solicitors Bolton
- Marketing Manager / Marketing
Kirsty joined KBL in 2004 and provides strategic marketing support across both the Bolton and Blackburn offices.
With responsibility for inbound/outbound marketing, Kirsty manages a diverse range of initiatives including online marketing, website management, social media, PR, design and client events. A key member of the client development team, she actively engages with prospective clients and fosters new relationships. Kirsty also collaborates with KBL's charity partners, leading fundraising efforts and organising staff events that strengthen team cohesion and community impact.
Job Titles:
- Conveyancing Quality Scheme Member
- Conveyancing Quality Scheme Member, Bolton Law Society
Job Titles:
- Partner / Commercial
- Partner / Department: Commercial Litigation / Dispute Resolution / KBL Solicitors Bolton
Michael heads up KBL's Commercial Litigation/Dispute Resolution team. He is an experienced commercial litigator with unrivalled expertise in the professional negligence arena. Michael advises on all aspects of complex commercial litigation with a particular emphasis on the banking and financial services industry. Other specialisms include: partnership / shareholder / contractual disputes, insolvency, property litigation, contracts, and debt recovery. With over 20 years PQE, Michael has a reputation for combining his technically excellent advice with a pragmatic and commercial approach in this highly specialised area of law.
"Michael is tactically astute" "Commercially orientated and a client focused service" The Legal 500
"The partner in charge of my case Michael Slater was both approachable, available and very professional" The Legal 500
Job Titles:
- Paralegal
- Paralegal / Commercial
- Paralegal / Department: Commercial Litigation / KBL Solicitors Bolton
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Consultant / Department: Property / KBL Solicitors Bolton
Nick is a consultant in our Commercial and Residential Property team, dealing with all aspects of commercial and residential property work as well as property-related litigation. He joined KBL as a consultant in 2013.
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor
- Trainee Solicitor / Department: Corporate & Commercial / KBL Solicitors Blackburn
Olivia is a Trainee Solicitor working alongside Partner, Greg Gardner-Boyes.
Before joining KBL, Olivia attended the University of Sheffield where she studied Law with Spanish Law prior to completing her LPC and Masters.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Consultant / Department: Corporate & Commercial / KBL Solicitors Bolton
Phil has spent his entire legal career at KBL. He specialises in corporate transactions, commercial contracts, management buy outs/ins, joint ventures, restructuring and partnerships - advising owner managed businesses across the North West.
Rachel deals with a full range of private client matters including wills; trusts; probate and estate administration; tax and estate planning; asset protection; Court of Protection matters and powers of attorney. Rachel is a fully qualified TEP (registered Trust and Estate Practitioner) - a specialist in inheritance and succession planning.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Solicitor
- Senior Associate Solicitor / Department: Insolvency & Restructuring / KBL Solicitors Blackburn
Richard joined KBL's Insolvency & Restructuring team in January 2020. Richard has considerable experience in advising companies, individuals, creditors, debtors, directors and other stakeholders in relation to all aspects of insolvency. He has a particular specialism in contentious matters and claims involving directors, directors' disqualification proceedings and statutory duties.
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor
- Trainee Solicitor / Department: Insolvency & Restructuring / KBL Solicitors Blackburn
Trainee Solicitor, Ryan joined KBL in November 2022. Prior to joining the practice, Ryan gained experience at several city centre practices and provides invaluable support to the team. Ryan completed his LLB in Liverpool and went on to complete the LPC at BPP Manchester before embarking on his career in Law.
Ryan is currently completing a training seat in Insolvency & Restructuring, working alongside Partner and Head of Department, Kathryn Maclennan.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor / Department: Divorce & Family Law / KBL Solicitors Bolton
- Solicitor / Divorce & Family Law
Samera joined KBL's Divorce & Family Law team in June 2024.
Samera qualified as a solicitor specialising in Divorce and Family Law having trained at Harwoods Solicitors. She is enthusiastic about helping clients navigate the complexities of family law with compassion and professionalism. Samera deals with various matters including divorce proceedings and financial settlements with a special interest in child arrangements. She is dedicated to providing clear, practical advice and is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients.
Samera is fluent in English, Punjabi and Urdu.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Conveyancer
- Licensed Conveyancer / Department: Property / KBL Solicitors Bolton
Licensed Conveyancer Sandra specialises in the legal aspects of residential property sales and purchases.
With over 20 years of residential property experience, Sandra is proficient at guiding clients through every stage of the property transaction process, whether it involves assisting first-time buyers in securing their dream home or facilitating transactions for property investors. Sandra approaches each case with diligence and professionalism, ensuring that the transaction proceeds smoothly, providing guidance and support at every step of her clients' property journey.
"Great service from KBL. I dealt with Sandra Cornwell, who was excellent. She talked me through the whole buying process and kept me up to date on the progress of the property sale. I would highly recommend using this law firm" C.Berry
Job Titles:
- Conveyancer
- Conveyancer / Department: Property / KBL Solicitors Bolton
Sarah joined the property team in 2018 and has considerable experience in conveyancing matters, progressing residential sale, purchase and remortgage transactions ensuring a smooth transfer of ownership from one party to another.
Sarah is currently working towards her Licensed Conveyancer qualifications.
"I used Sarah Bell for several transactions recently, excellent service. Sarah was always at the end of the phone if needed, responded to queries immediately and always kept me informed with progress reports. I would highly recommend and use again in the future. Thank you Sarah!"
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate ( FCILEx )
- Senior Associate ( FCILEx ) Department: Property / KBL Solicitors Bolton
Sarah is a Senior Associate (FCILEx) in our Property team, specialising in residential conveyancing and plot sales.
Sarah has a wealth of experience and is well versed in guiding clients through the complexities of conveyancing ensuring clients' interests are protected throughout the buying or selling process. Sarah works closely with agents and other parties involved in any transaction ensuring a smooth process throughout. Sarah's knowledge and dedication make her a valuable asset to both the team and clients.
"Sarah Sayers has just helped us to purchase a downsizing property for my parents - a stressful event made more complex by the fact they were moving long distance. I can't praise Sarah's professionalism enough - she has been very thorough and efficient throughout the process whilst also being very understanding and empathetic towards my parents' needs. I would highly recommend Sarah and the team at KBL. Thank you for all your help." N.Legget
"We had a great experience with KBL throughout our house sale and purchase. Sarah was a great support, with regular communication & a caring manner. We would highly recommend KBL." Mr & Mrs O'Sullivan
Job Titles:
- Paralegal / Department: Employment / KBL Solicitors Bolton
- Paralegal / Employment
Sarah joined KBL in 2019 having previously gained her degree in law and having taken up a Legal Assistant position at Bolton Council dealing with employment matters. Sarah assists the team with all aspects of employment law for businesses and individuals.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Department: Corporate & Commercial Property / KBL Solicitors Blackburn
Sophie joined KBL in May 2024 as a Solicitor in the Corporate & Commercial team.
Sophie's post qualification experience in corporate and commercial property law encompasses a range of expertise in negotiations, due diligence and contract drafting. Sophie works closely with Greg Gardner-Boyes, Partner and Head of Corporate, to execute a variety of corporate and commercial transactions with clients' best interests at the fore.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Consultant / Department: Wills, Trusts, Tax & Probate / KBL Solicitors Blackburn
Job Titles:
- Consultant / Department: Employment / KBL Solicitors Bolton
- Consultant / Employment