
Meet the Team

Alison Barnes
Director
I am 52 and live with my two sons and our two dogs, Milo and Dexter.
My eldest son is 26 and a qualified architect. He plays semi-professional football and has recently spent two months travelling around South America with a friend and their back packs. My youngest son is 15. He plays rugby for his school and community teams. He has recently signed a scholarship with Bradford Bulls and wants to play professional rugby as well as having a career in property.
I qualified as a solicitor in 2002 but have over 27 years’ experience working in family law. Prior to that, I had various jobs including regional sales for Yellow Pages and working 12 hour night shifts on the factory floor at a plastic injection moulding factory. As the only female this was often challenging and always hard work.
I set up Barnes Family Law in 2010 following a bout of swine flu and pneumonia which landed me in a coma and on a life support machine. I have not looked back and I really enjoy the different challenges every day brings. My objective from the start was to make sure all my clients received the best level of service and client care that I could possibly offer and, I think, based on the feedback we get, that we have achieved that.
When I am not at work, or standing on a touchline somewhere, you can usually find me in my overalls driving a tractor. Farming is my “second job” and I love it!

Sally Clark
Director / Accredited Family, Civil and Commercial Mediator
I live with my husband, my two children, 13 and 10, our two cocker spaniels and ginger tom cat. I understand the process of divorce and separation having gone through it myself a number of years ago. As such I am very aware of how challenging separation can be particularly where there are children involved. My personal experiences, as well as my 18 years of legal experience as a solicitor and mediator, equips me with skills to help parties through the most challenging of times.
Before I became a lawyer and mediator I did a degree in mental health and spent my early 20s working as a mental health nurse. I have significant experience of working with children and young people dealing with mental health issues, quite often precipitated by family breakdown. This experience has really assisted me in my work as a Child Inclusive Mediator, an area in which I specialise.
I sit on the Family Mediators Association Board and actively promote mediation across the region and nationally. I also work as an accredited Civil and Commercial and Work Place mediator alongside my family practice.
I have worked in a number of legal practices over the years from large regional firms to being a partner in two smaller firms. I joined forces with Alison in 2018 to create what is now Barnes Clark Family Law. Alison and I share the same passion, commitment and drive for client care.
When I am not working I am a very keen runner. I also love travelling with my family and all things Italian. I spend a lot of my weekends cheering my children on in their various sporting activities and taking part in park runs.

Anneka Howie
Office & Accounts Manager
I have worked for Barnes Clark Family Law for nearly 12 years now. Time flies when you are having fun!
I originally came from a motor trade background whereby I ran the family business with my Father until he became ill and closed the business.
I then met Alison through a friend shortly after she had set up on her own and it all progressed from there. Alison taught me the mechanics of the business from the bottom up so I could always make sure my knowledge in this field was current and up-to-date, to enable me to progress in my career here and thus leading me to my current position of Manager.
I really enjoy my job and the great team of people I work with. I get job satisfaction knowing we help people start a new chapter of their lives and the personal touch we offer to our clients. Happy clients in our testimonials section of the website back this up.
Nothing beats time with your loved ones, spending time with my partner, family and close-knit group of friends. I love to Ski, travel and explore new countries; thankfully, I managed to get some of Australia in just before the first lockdown and there are many more countries to tick off my list.

Lesley Pugh
Legal Secretary
I am 54 years old and have worked as a Legal Secretary for 38 years. I have worked here for 9 years now. I am married to my second husband and have two children, a boy aged 24 and a girl aged 16.
My daughter has just finished her GCSEs and is hoping to attend Huddersfield New College from September studying Art, Photography, Design and Textiles.
My son having graduated from University with a Degree in Mathematics has now secured employment in what he hopes to be his forever job and has now bought his own house with his girlfriend.
I go out walking a lot. If I don’t have a companion to go with I just set off on my own. My goal next year is to complete 5 sections of the Via Francigena in Italy (about 100 miles) in five days finishing in Rome on the final day.
On a daily basis I do general administration tasks, typing, answering the phones and keeping the files in good order. I really enjoy working with the people I work with and the type of work we do. We work as an excellent team.

Sara Walker
Legal Secretary
I am 54 years old and have worked as a Secretary for 38 years in various sectors, the last 6 years being in Family Law. The best part of the job is meeting people, although we meet at a difficult time in their lives it is nice to see them come out the other side of the process as they enter a new phase in their lives.
I am originally from East Yorkshire but made the big move to North Yorkshire about 3 years ago. I live very close to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and love spending time outdoors exploring.
I am married, have two grown-up daughters and three very special grandchildren who definitely keep both me and my husband on our toes.
My big passion is gardening and interior design which I find really relaxing after spending all week in an office. I also love travelling, not fussy as to where as long as its sunny, warm and does great cocktails. My daily tasks involve typing, answering the phones, administration and keeping the files in good order.

Faith Colling
Associate Family Fee Earner
I have worked within a legal environment since completing my A-Level qualifications in 2017. When I finished sixth form, I started working as a Legal Apprentice where I achieved my Level 2 Diploma in Legal Administration. I have also achieved a Level 6 Specialist Paralegal Qualification in Family Law with The University of Law and I am now studying my CPQ with CILEX Law School, working towards becoming a fully qualified lawyer.
My daily duties consist of the day to day running of client files and supporting solicitors in preparing documentation for clients and for Court. I provide high standards of client care and ensure matters are progressed expeditiously. I take pride in making sure my client’s feel supported throughout a tough time in their life.
In my spare time I enjoy going on holiday, going to the gym and spending time with my amazing family and friends.

Louisa Pyrah
Receptionist/Legal Secretary
I am 19 years old and I live at home with my parents, my 10 year old sister and our many, much adored pets. I have just graduated from Huddersfield New College where I obtained 4 A Levels, two of which were A’s in Law and Criminology. I decided I wanted to pursue a career within the Legal Profession and was delighted to obtain the position of Legal Secretary and Receptionist here at Barnes Clark Family Law. I am thoroughly enjoying the opportunity of working and gaining experience/training from such a professional and friendly team.
My daily duties consist of, answering the phones, file administration, keeping the files in good order, and dealing with client queries.
I am also Lead Coach for the U16 Team at Huddersfield Giants Netball Club. In my spare time, I enjoy going to watch my Sister Show Jumping and at Dancing Shows. I also enjoy travelling to Spain over the Summer for a beach holiday or to colder climates in the winter for a thrilling ski holiday. But most of all I love socialising with my amazing family and friends.

Isabella O’Donoghue
Associate Family Fee Earner
I have worked within family law since completing my A-Level studies at Greenhead College. I am currently an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives working towards becoming a fully qualified lawyer.
I find my role incredibly rewarding and client care is always at the forefront of my work. I assist other members of the team as well as managing my own caseload of divorce, finances and children matters. When I’m not working or studying you will usually find me in the gym or on a walk. I also love holidays and exploring new places!

Helen Mayhew
Legal Secretary
I have worked in the legal sector for 23 years carrying out Legal Secretary/Administration duties. I am new to Family Law and have to say I’m thoroughly enjoying the new challenge that the role brings. I feel very lucky to be working alongside such a great team.
My daily duties consist of typing, general administration, keeping the files in good order and answering the phones.
I love working as part of a team and pulling together to get the job done.
When I’m not working my 10 year old daughter keeps me busy and we enjoy family trips out on the weekend exploring new places and visiting places of interest. I also enjoy going to the theatre, music venues, keeping fit and socialising with friends and family.

Divorce & Separation
We offer up-to-date legal expertise and a Divorce & Separation service you can both trust and rely on.

Financial & Property
For any couple faced with separation, finances will be a difficult and hotly contested area of discussion.

Arrangements for Children
We work sympathetically with both parents to avoid any unnecessary upset for the children involved.

Contact Us
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