LIVERSEDGE 01274 861 096 HARROGATE 01423 637 272
Barnes Clark are professional, friendly lawyers who offer the very best, high quality advice whatever your situation.
Alison Barnes
Director/Solicitor
I have not looked back since setting up Barnes Family Law in 2010 and I really enjoy the different challenges every day brings. I qualified as a solicitor in 2002 but actually have over 29 years experience in this field.
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. We have an amazing team and I am so proud of the service we offer.
When I am not at work, or standing on a touchline supporting my sons at rugby and football somewhere, you can usually find me in my overalls in a tractor….Farming is my “second job” and I love it!
Sally Clark
Director/Solicitor/Mediator
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.
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.
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. I live with my husband, my two children our two cocker spaniels and ginger tom cat.
Geoff Lorkins
Senior Solicitor
I qualified in 1990 and throughout my career I have practiced family law. I have worked at a number of firms since I qualified and have a very extensive knowledge in this area - I have conducted matters in all aspects of family law. I like to feel that I can relate to all types of people and can help anyone through the one of - if not the most difficult - times of their life.
When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my granddaughter and socialising with my friends and family.
Anneka Howie
Accounts/Office Manager
I have worked for Barnes Clark Family Law for over 13 years. I met Alison through a friend shortly after she had set up on her own and it progressed from there. Alison taught me the mechanics of the business from the bottom up - and I always ensure my knowledge in this field is current and up-to-date. This has enabled me to progress my career and led to my current position as Office 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.
My previous experience is within the motor trade whereby I ran the family business with my Father until he became ill and closed the business.
Nothing beats time with your loved ones! I recently became a mummy to a little girl and she is keeping me on my toes! I love spending time with my family and close-knit group of friends. I enjoy skiing, travelling and exploring new countries.
Lesley Pugh
Legal Secretary
I am 55 years old and have worked as a Legal Secretary for 39 years - the past 10 years here at Barnes Clark. 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.
I am married to my second husband and have two children, a boy aged 26 and a girl aged 18. My daughter is currently at Sixth Form College and is hoping to start University this September studying TV and Film Production. 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. I recently completed 5 sections of the Via Francigena in Italy (about 100 miles) in five days finishing in Rome on the final day. I received a Certificate from the Vatican.
Sara Walker
Legal Secretary
I have worked as a Secretary for almost 40 years in various sectors, the last 7 years being in Family Law. The best part of the job is meeting people, and although we meet at a difficult time in their lives, it is nice to see a person come out the other side of the process and enter a new phase.
I am based in the Harrogate Office and my daily tasks involve typing, answering the phones, administration and keeping the files in good order.
I am originally from East Yorkshire but made the big move to North Yorkshire about 5 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 aged 8,4 & 3 who definitely keep both me and my husband on our toes. My big passion is gardening which I find really relaxing after spending all week in the office. We have recently bought a Grade II listed cottage that we are currently fully renovating which is not so relaxing! I also love travelling, not fussy as to where as long as its sunny, warm and does great cocktails.
Isabelle Harris
Receptionist & Admin Assistant
The team here at Barnes Clark are a joy to be around. I am delighted that I have been given the opportunity to further my experience and knowledge with such a professional and ambitious group of people.
My role here is Receptionist and Admin assistant. I support my colleagues in their roles and to assist our clients with their needs when they call/drop into the office. I am based in our Liversedge office but am the main contact on the switchboard across both offices.
After finishing college, I spent a long summer travelling the world; I was able to explore the diversity of culture and religion, alongside seeing some of my favourite animals: turtles and dolphins in their natural habitat.
Louisa Pyrah
Accounts/Mediation Assistant
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, dealing with client queries and creating invoices/processing payments.
I graduated from Huddersfield New College in 2021 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 a position of Legal and Accounts Assistant following my graduation and have been in that industry for 2 years now.
I am 21 years old and I live at home with my parents, my 12 year old sister and our many, much adored pets.
In my spare time, I enjoy going to watch my Sister Show Jumping. 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. I have just recently returned from my 21st surprise holiday to the Maldives which was the most magical experience, I swam with Manta rays, Dolphins and even Sharks!
For further information, or to arrange an appointment please contact us on 01274 861096 (Liversedge) or 01423 637272 (Harrogate) or email us via the button below. Please note that we offer a free half an hour consultation.