A solicitor has returned to the Cockermouth law firm where she completed her training and student placement.

Shannon Bateson has rejoined Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors as a fully-fledged Family Law solicitor, dealing with all aspects of marital law, divorce, children, cohabitation and domestic violence.

Shannon, who lives at Brigham, near Cockermouth, originally joined the legal firm on an 18-month training contract in 2017 following the successful completion of an LLB Law Degree from University of Cumbria and a masters degree from the University of Law in Manchester.

After her training, Shannon took up positions with Cumbria Family Law in West Cumbria and Lancaster-based Clarkson Hirst before returning to Cartmell Shepherd.

Her new role will be based between the firm’s West Cumbrian office on Main Street in Cockermouth and its head office at Viaduct House in Carlisle.

Times and Star: SOLICITOR: Former Cockermouth School pupil Shannon Bateson SOLICITOR: Former Cockermouth School pupil Shannon Bateson

Shannon said: “Having done my training at Cartmell Shepherd, I knew it was a firm which suited my working style as well as a place where I can grow and learn.

“The people are second-to-none and the working atmosphere is friendly, supportive and fun.

“Working in a well-regarded, large legal firm also offers the opportunity to work with other successful departments through sharing knowledge, experience and skills.

“The Family team helps individuals during the most challenging times using their knowledge, expertise, utmost care and empathy - I feel incredibly lucky to help people in this way.”

Shannon, who spent a summer placement while at university with Cartmell Shepherd, credits her time at the legal firm as well as her own personal experience as the inspiration behind her interest in family law.

The former Cockermouth School pupil said: “I have a personal interest in family law because my parents separated when I was younger. Thankfully, my situation was a good one and child contact was both agreed and amicable, but it does give me an insight into issues on a personal level as well as a professional one.

“It enables me to draw on my personal experience in the workplace to help clients through a difficult time and achieve a best-case scenario for them and their families.

“I am empathetic of their situation and can assist them through emotional issues associated with legal ones. I’m fortunate to have gained a proven track record of helping clients achieve what they want and need both in terms of children and financial matters.

“In terms of finances, I’m able to help clients understand complex issues by explaining things in simple, non-jargon terms which has proved useful and supportive throughout sometimes complicated proceedings.”

Peter Stafford, managing director of Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said: “We are delighted to welcome Shannon back to the Cartmell Shepherd team.

“We are committed to creating fulfilling and rewarding career opportunities so we can deliver the best possible service to our clients.

“Being at the heart of the communities in which we live and work is part of the Cartmell Shepherd ethos, and the success of the Cockermouth office is testament to that.”