Cumbria-based legal firm and partner of the network, Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, has just expanded its team with two new recruits.

Holly Berwick and Sarah Heal have joined Cartmells as part of its continued expansion.

Holly is a solicitor with the Agriculture team, based at the firm’s office in Cockermouth.

Sarah is a private client executive with its Wills, Probate and Inheritance team based at the Rosehill office in Carlisle.

Holly, 29, has returned to her Cumbrian roots after previously working for Wilkin Chapman LLP in Beverley, East Yorkshire where she specialised in agricultural law.

Originally from Whitehaven, she studied law at the University of Chester before living and working in London. She returned to her hometown to join law firm Brockbanks where she studied part-time for a Legal Practice Course at The University of Law in Manchester.

She moved to Yorkshire in June 2019 after her partner Matthew got a job working for a company in Hull.

The couple kept a home in Whitehaven while living in Yorkshire, returning to Cumbria at weekends.

With Matthew now mainly working from home due to Covid-19 restrictions, they have made their home permanently in West Cumbria.

Holly said: “I’m excited to be joining the Cartmell Shepherd team and building on the knowledge and experience I have gained so far in my career.

“Cumbria has always been home for me and it’s wonderful to be back, living and working in West Cumbria.”

Holly’s hobbies include gardening, baking and walking in the Lake District.

Holly will be part of Cartmell Shepherd’s team based at the firm’s new office in Main Street, Cockermouth.

Sarah Heal brings several years of experience working in the financial services industry to her role as a private client executive with Cartmell Shepherd’s Wills, Probate and Inheritance team.

Originally from Cambridgeshire, she worked in the finance sector before relocating to Cumbria in 2005.

Sarah began her legal career with Arnison Heelis Solicitors in Penrith, where she was a probate executive in their Wills and Probate team for 11 years. She moved to Carlisle when she met her husband, Rob, and they live in Denton Holme.

More recently, she has worked in Carlisle for Wragg Mark-Bell Solicitors, dealing with wills, probate and Court of Protection matters.

Sarah said: “I’m looking forward to joining the team at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors; getting to know the staff and the clients and building new relationships with them.”

Outside of work, Sarah is a keen cook and enjoys walking and reading.

Peter Stafford, managing director of Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said: “We are delighted to welcome Holly and Sarah to the business to further grow our expanding team and to support our clients with the best possible advice, expertise and service.”

Cartmell Shepherd’s full range of legal services is available throughout lockdown. The award-winning law firm has more than 40 solicitors who bring specialist expertise to individuals and businesses across a wide range of sectors.

The company has remained open for business throughout the pandemic, with staff working from home wherever possible and client meetings by appointment. Under current restrictions, where a phone or virtual appointment is not possible, staff will meet clients in person with social distancing and other safety measures in place.