We work for clients of all types including individuals, small and large businesses, private companies trusts and farmers. We aim to build friendly but professional relationships with our clients and to make a difference to them by listening to their specific needs and finding a way to address them. The majority of our solicitors (shown below) have firm links with the area and the local community of Tynedale, having either originated from the area or having spent the majority of their lives here. Many are involved in local interest groups such as Hexham Business Forum, Hexham Civic Society and the Rotary Club of Hexham. Our commitment to the local community is evidenced by our support for such diverse local events and organisations as Hexham Music Festival, Tynedale Rugby Club, Hexham Book Festival, Tynedale Beer Festival and the Hexham Christmas ice rink project.
As of April 2, 2024, Nicholson Portnell Solicitors became part of Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, a leading Cumbrian-based law firm working with clients across Northumberland, Cumbria and nationally. The amalgamation brings benefits to both firms and our clients and will strengthen the services both law practices provide to their growing client bases.
MEET THE TEAM
We are a team of dedicated professionals, here to help you.
Richard Nelson
Director
Property Law, Employment Law and Small Business Transactions
Richard has been a partner in Nicholson Portnell and its predecessor firm Portnell Ward & Rose since 1986, having trained with the former.
Having practised in Hexham for over 30 years, Richard has experience in almost all areas of general practice but now focuses on property and employment law.
Simon Jewitt
Director
Property Work and Small Business Transactions
Simon has been a Partner with Nicholson Portnell since 2012.
Simon specialises in all aspects of property work and small business transactions. He also has considerable expertise in dealing with agricultural matters and is a fellow of the Agricultural Law Association.
Alan Douglas
Director
Administration of Estate and Trusts, Wills and Inheritance Tax Planning, and Lasting Powers of Attorney
Alan joined Nicholson Portnell in March 2018, having previously practised in Newcastle and North Tyneside.
Alan qualified as solicitor in 2008, and specialises in private client work. Alan is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.
In 2021 Alan was appointed as a partner at Nicholson Portnell.
Helen Appleby-Mitchell
Associate Solicitor
Residential Property
Helen returned to Nicholson Portnell in 2023 having previously been at the firm earlier in her career.
Helen qualified as a Solicitor in 2014 and specialises in conveyancing and residential property work.
Jenny Ford
Associate Solicitor
Residential & Commercial Property
Jenny joined Nicholson Portnell in 2023.
Jenny qualified as a solicitor in 2007 and specialises in property law, whether this be residential or commercial.
Laura Murphy
Associate Solicitor
Administration of Estate and Trusts, Wills Inheritance Tax Planning and, Lasting Powers of Attorney
Laura returned to Nicholson Portnell in 2023, having qualified as a solicitor with the firm in 2010.
Laura specialises in Private Client work and is member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.
Henry Box
Solicitor
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Henry joined Nicholson Portnell in November 2023 as a solicitor in the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department.
Having been called to the Bar in 2009, he later cross-qualified as a solicitor in 2013 and practised commercial litigation from a number of firms in Newcastle Upon Tyne.
Ashley Shepard
Solicitor Apprentice
Residential Property
Ashley has been with Nicholson Portnell since 2004.
Ashley joined the firm as office junior and worked her way up to conveyancing secretary. Ashley qualified as a paralegal in 2017 after study and completing a Law Society approved course in residential conveyancing law.
Michelle Forster
Paralegal
Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney
Michelle joined Nicholson Portnell in January 2018 having spent the previous nine years working at a firm in Newcastle.
Born and raised in Tynedale, Michelle hails from a local farming family. Michelle is a qualified paralegal and is passionate about her speciality: advice about and the drafting of Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney
Vicki Waters
Paralegal
Matrimonial, Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Victoria previously worked as a Legal Secretary, specialising in family law, in the North East for a number of years before commencing work with Nicholson Portnell in 2010.
Jennifer Weir
Trainee Paralegal
Residential Property
Jennifer has been with Nicholson Portnell since 2019, joining as a legal secretary for the Conveyancing department.
Hayley Olsen
Paralegal
Private Client Department
Hayley joined Nicholson Portnell in December 2023 as a Paralegal in the Private Client Department.
Hayley is a Local Hexham Girl who is currently furthering her studies through CILEX.
Sarah Tweedie
Associate Solicitor
Sarah qualified as a solicitor in 2007 and specializes in family law, she has been an accredited resolution specialist since 2013. Having worked on Teesside, Harrogate, Northumberland and Newcastle, she joined Nicholson Portnell in 2024.
Hayley Howells
Paralegal Apprentice
Hayley joined Nicholson Portnell’s Dispute Resolution team in January 2023 as a Litigation Assistant.
Hayley has progressed in her role and is now a Paralegal Apprentice in the Dispute Resolution team and is furthering her studies through CILEX.
Emma Burns
Paralegal Apprentice
Emma joined Nicholson Portnell in October 2022.
Emma joined the firm as a Receptionist and has worked her way up to be a Paralegal Apprentice in the Private Client Department.
Emma is originally from Newcastle but has lived in the Hexham area for 12 years and is furthering her studies through CILEX.
Outside of work Emma enjoys spending time with her two young children and husband.
