Meet the Team

Director

David Mainwaring

David is a Director specialising in all aspects of Criminal, Road Traffic and Regulatory Law.

He  has over 25 years’ experience and is the head of our Crime Department advising and representing people at the Police Station, Magistrates and Crown Courts.

He  is a member of both the Lancaster and Kendal Duty Solicitor schemes.

In addition to providing Police Station representation, David regularly appears at Courts throughout Lancashire and Cumbria. He is a much sought after trial advocate and has defended individuals and businesses in a number of high profile cases.

David is a Road Traffic specialist. Road traffic law can be a complex area  and David is able to advise as to potential defences  in all types of cases. He regularly represents clients seeking to retain their driving licence even though they have acquired 12 points or more. He can also advise as to whether special reasons exist as to why you should not have penalty points imposed on your licence.

David has represented both individuals and organisations in a number of high profile Inquests.

He also advises and represents individuals and businesses in relation to both Food Safety and Health and Safety investigations and prosecutions.

David joined Holdens in 2000 and has been part of the senior management team since 2004.

He is a graduate of Lancaster University and was honoured to be elected President of the Students Union in 1985.

Having initially pursued a career in management he decided to study law. He enjoys the fact that he is faced with different issues each day and as a `people person` gets the opportunity to meet and to  represent the interests of a variety of different people.

When not working David enjoys gardening, travel,  watching football and spending time with his family.

Director

Jennifer Larton

Jennifer is a Director specialising in all aspects of Private Client matters, including Wills and Probate, Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection, Trust administration, Inheritance Tax and succession planning. Jennifer attended Lancaster University before completing her Legal Practice Course at the College of Law (now the University of Law) in Chester, where she was awarded a Distinction.

She joined Holdens from another local firm, and has worked in the Lancaster and Preston areas since qualifying as a Solicitor in 2011. Jennifer is a full member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP); the internationally recognised leading professional organisation in her area of law.

In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her young family. She is a frequent gym goer, but is at her happiest when she can get outdoors to enjoy the beautiful area.

Solicitor

Fiona Ward

Fiona is a solicitor specialising in Private Client matters which includes estate administration (probate), Wills, Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection, Trust administration, and Inheritance Tax planning.

Fiona’s first degree was in Child Psychology from the University of Warwick and after graduation she worked for Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) as a management consultant and later worked for national charities and a national retailer, before deciding to retrain as a solicitor.

She joined Holdens from another local firm and has worked in the Kendal and Lancaster areas since qualifying as a Solicitor in 2010. Fiona is a full member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP); and achieved the top exam mark in the country in one of her STEP exams.

Fiona is a friendly, compassionate and knowledgeable solicitor who strives to ensure that all of her clients understand the law without legal jargon.

Outside of work Fiona enjoys keeping fit, theatre and cinema, yoga and gardening.

Director

Nicola Houton

Nicola became a Director in September 2023 having joined the firm in 2007. She qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in December 2012.

Nicola is based in our Lancaster office where she has a wide client base covering all areas of family law including Care Proceedings representing parents, Private Law Children Proceedings, Non Molestation/Occupations Proceedings and Matrimonial Proceedings ie. divorce and finances.

Nicola is an Accredited Member of Resolution with specialisms in Children Law – Public and Domestic Abuse. Nicola was born and educated on the Fylde Coast, studying at Blackpool & the Fylde College and Blackburn University Centre before she qualified as a Family Lawyer.

In her spare time Nicola enjoys keeping active whether that be going to the gym, running or walks in the countryside. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, going on holidays and going to music concerts and festivals.

Head of Property - Solicitor

Jemma Higson

Jemma is a Solicitor who specialises in Residential Conveyancing. She has recently joined Holdens after moving to the area from her home town of Bolton. Jemma completed her law degree at the University of Hull and then went on to study the Legal Practice Course in Manchester. After gaining experience in real estate and residential conveyancing whilst working as a paralegal at firms in Manchester and Bolton, she then undertook her training leading to her qualifying as a Solicitor in 2014.

Jemma deals with all aspects of residential conveyancing including sales, purchases, remortgages, new builds, shared ownerships and leasehold properties. Client care is very important to her and she strives to build good relationships with her clients and ensure that they understand all aspects of the transaction to make the process as stress free as possible.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going on holiday and going to the gym.

Solicitor

Kevin Bamber

Kevin was admitted as a Solicitor in 1994 and joined Holdens Solicitors in 2003. Prior to joining Kevin was a partner at a large legal practice with offices in Greater Manchester and East Lancashire.

He has practised almost exclusively in Criminal Defence work throughout his career dealing with the full range of offences including Murder, Sexual Offences, Serious Assaults, Conspiracy, Drug Offences, Fraud, Theft and Motoring Offences. Kevin is a member of the 24-hour Police Station Duty Scheme and Court Duty Scheme.

Solicitor

Hannah Brook

Hannah joined the family team at Holdens as a family law paralegal after working at another local law firm. Hannah graduated with a first class law degree from the University of Central Lancashire in 2018 and has also completed her Masters of Law and LPC from which she graduated with a distinction.

Hannah qualified as a solicitor in December 2024. In her spare time Hannah likes to spend time with her young family and with her friends and also going to the gym.

Solicitor

Elizabeth Fawcett

Elizabeth graduated with a first class degree in History from Lancaster University in 2021. She then went on to study Masters of Law and PGDL at the University of Law due to graduate in 2023 after passing the SQE1 in January 2023. 

Elizabeth qualified as a solicitor in February 2025 specialising in criminal law. In her spare time Elizabeth likes to spend time outdoors in the local area. 

Chartered Legal Executive

Sara Williams

Sara qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2004. Her career began at a practice in East Lancashire where she remained for 15 years before leaving to take up a role which gave her the opportunity to become the sole family lawyer in that practice and which started her love of working in Lancaster. After nearly three years at another local firm, Sara joined Holdens Law in June 2025.

Sara is based at our Lancaster office but is able to see Clients at our Kendal office, and she deals with all areas of private family law; predominantly divorce and financial settlement, cohabitation disputes etc and also children proceedings.

Born and raised in the Ribble Valley, Sara studied at what was then Blackburn College. Not initially having any plans to study law, Sara gained an interest through a secretarial role and subsequently commenced the CILEx qualification. She is a big supporter of the CILEx route into law which led to her co-founding the former Lancashire Branch of CILEx.

In her spare time, Sara enjoys coastal and country walks, holidays and short breaks with her Husband, catching up with family and friends and cooking.

CLC Licensed Conveyancer

Lucy Chiddey

Lucy is a Licensed Conveyancer. She has recently joined Holdens to work as part of the dedicated team at Holdens which deals with all aspects of Residential Property Law. Lucy was awarded her Conveyancing Law & Practice Diploma in June 2021 after completing this by distance learning through the Council for Licenced Conveyancers.

Lucy has worked in the Conveyancing industry since 2012 starting her journey as a receptionist/secretary for a local Conveyancing Firm and thereafter progressing to becoming a Conveyancing Technician in 2019 and subsequently obtaining her first Conveyancing Licence, following qualification, in 2021.

Lucy deals with all aspects of residential conveyancing including sales, purchases, remortgages, transfers, new builds, shared ownerships and leasehold properties as well as equity release mortgages and help to buy transactions. Client care and building client relationships is very important to Lucy.

She strives to make the transaction as stress free as possible for her clients by providing the advice and level of support that that individual client requires and tailoring how this is delivered to meet the client’s particular needs. In her free time, Lucy, enjoys spending time with her Husband, family and friends. She also enjoys attending music events, going on holiday and open water swimming.

Head of Crown Court Team

Amy Wood

Amy is an Experienced Accredited Police Station Representative, who specialises in advising clients in Police Stations throughout the area. Amy is a valuable asset to the Criminal Department with her caring approach and infectious enthusiasm. Assisting the Crown Court Department in the preparation of cases.

Amy is an integral member of Holden’s 24/7 on call Police Station rota which ensures that clients can be assured of a Holdens representative if detained at a Police Station. Amy is keen to travel when the opportunity arises. Also a keen camper and at weekends enjoys walking especially if there is a nice country pub at the end.

CILEX Chartered Paralegal

Amy Nash

Amy is a CILEX Chartered Paralegal within the Holdens Private Client Team based at our Lancaster office.  Whilst Amy undertakes all aspects of Private Client matters she specialises in Lasting Powers of Attorney and understanding and navigating probate processes.  Amy has previously studied with CILEX Law School and is looking forward to commencing STEP qualifications in the near future.

Amy joined Holdens in 2025 having worked locally for the past 20 years. For two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024, Amy received recognition for her dedication to the legal industry as a Finalist at the National Paralegal Awards.

In her spare time, Amy enjoys spending time with her family, but when she gets a moment of peace, she can often be found with her nose firmly lodged inside a book.

Practice Manager

Kerry Weaving

Kerry began her legal career at age 18 as a trainee legal cashier and, through dedication and hands-on experience, has progressed to her role as Practice Manager. Since joining Holdens in 2009, she has been an integral part of the team, supporting day-to-day operations and ensuring high standards of compliance and client care.

With experience across several solicitors’ firms, Kerry has developed a strong understanding of legal accounts and practice management. She is known for being approachable, organised, and supportive, creating a positive environment for both colleagues and clients. For Kerry, it’s about keeping things running smoothly while making sure everyone feels looked after.

Outside of work, Kerry enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. She’s a big Disney World fan and more often than not has a holiday booked! She also enjoys cycling, aquafit classes, and getting lost in a good book.

Trainee Solicitor

Terri Whitlow

Terri Graduated from Lancashire Law School after completing her Law Degree and LPC. Terri joined the Family Team at Holdens in December 2023, after working for another local firm. Terri aims to qualify as a Solicitor and has a keen interest in Public Law Family Proceedings.

In her spare time, Terri enjoys spending time with her family and friends, horse riding and camping, as well as open water swimming and Kayaking.

Trainee Solicitor

Maria Georgiou

Maria is a Trainee Solicitor who joined Holdens Law in June 2023. Maria holds an LLB (Hons) in Law with Criminology and studied at UCLAN. Maria graduated with 2:1.

Maria is currently studying for her Masters in Law and will be undertaking the Solicitor Qualifying Exams to become a qualified Criminal defence solicitor. 

Outside of work Maria loves spending time with friends, family and her dogs. Maria also enjoys going out for food and going on summer holidays.

Trainee Solicitor

Jennifer Hallsworth

Jennifer Hallsworth joined Holdens bringing with her experience from her time working as a paralegal in the United States. Jennifer holds two degrees in Philosophy and Criminal Justice from The Ohio State University and has gained valuable insight working on both criminal and family law cases whilst there.

Jennifer’s commitment to high-quality legal research and her strong administrative skills make her a valuable asset to the firm. Now based in the picturesque Lake District, she is keen to continue developing her legal career while exploring new areas of law as a member of the Conveyancing and Probate departments.

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys cooking, a passion she has cultivated over the years. She also loves outdoor activities, including hiking in the beautiful landscapes of the Lake District, and she enjoys reading, keeping up with current affairs, and exploring new culinary trends.