Stephen is the Managing Partner of mlplaw and has over 25 years’ experience advising on all aspects of contentious and non-contentious business law and business ownership. Recommended in both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, Stephen is renowned for his ability to quickly identify a client’s successful outcome and to then relentlessly pursue that outcome.

Stephen has developed a particular specialism in digital, technology, healthcare and family owned businesses. He covers all areas of business law and ownership, including commercial litigation and private disputes, and together with his corporate and commercial team provides advice on all aspects of the law relating to mergers, acquisitions, financing, re-structuring, complex commercial contracts, standard trading terms, share options, shareholder and partnership agreements, commercial dispute resolution, joint venture and partnering arrangements, IT and Technology law, Intellectual Property, EU and competition law, Brexit, Data Protection and GDPR.

Stephen spent over 10 years at a leading city firm before moving to mlplaw which he acquired through a MBO in 2014. He continued to develop the firm as a boutique corporate and commercial firm with a specialist private client offering renowned for the quality of its people and its first class client service. During that time Stephen has published a book “Family Business Succession – the options and pitfalls” and raised significant amounts of money for charity.

Stephen works closely with mlplaw’s leadership team to implement improvements and innovations that enhance the service we provide to clients and that make mlplaw an even greater place to work.  This includes a collaborative and innovative approach to pricing including aligning our charges to the outcomes delivered for clients and monthly retainers that covers all our services and a full commitment to hybrid and flexible working and an impressive, flexible, benefits package.  He champions our “Do the Right Thing” initiatives especially our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion efforts and supporting our chosen social enterprises and charities with free advice.

Leanne started her career at an 8 Partner LawNet law firm in Huddersfield before moving to Manchester to join a multi-national law firm Eversheds. Leanne is ILCA qualified and has gained vast knowledge over the years’ on how finance in a law firm actually works. As well as finance Leanne looks after the HR, Operations and compliance of the firm, basically anything non legal.

Leanne is an avid Huddersfield town and Man City fan and believes in working hard to provide a future for her daughter Mia. Leanne hopes she is a great role model for Mia and is teaching her that working smartly really does pay off and opens doors to a great career.

Jane is a Private client lawyer who is CTAPS qualified, and a member of the Solicitors for the Elderly. Jane acts for a wide variety of clients including business owners, high net worth individuals and agricultural clients.

Jane is experienced on advising on Wills, Powers of Attorney, Tax Planning, Administration of Estates, Court of Protection matters, and Asset Protection within families and businesses and contested estates.

Jane lives locally in Stockton Heath with her 13-year-old son and in her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, particularly shopping and eating out.

Gareth is a Partner in MLP Law’s Employment team and for over 10 years has specialised in employment law, primarily advising businesses and senior individuals. Gareth has significant litigation experience, including experience as an advocate in the Employment Tribunal. Gareth also has considerable experience in advising on the employment issues in corporate mergers and acquisition, including the complexities which arise in TUPE transfers.

Gareth’s sector experience is wide ranging, encompassing advice to clients in the hospitality, retail, construction, healthcare, recruitment and manufacturing industries.

Gareth provides training to clients and organisations on a variety of key employment topics, such as absence management, disciplinary and grievance processes and employment law updates. Gareth also acts as a guest lecturer in employment law at Liverpool Hope University.

Gareth has been described by Legal 500 as someone who is ‘very reassuring and does a great job’ and was named Legal Personality of the Year by Downtown in Business. Gareth has also been quoted as an employment law expert in the Manchester Evening News and The Times and is known for his pragmatic and commercial advice, as well as his ability to quickly understand his clients’ business objectives and tailor his advice accordingly.

Prior to joining MLP Law, Gareth spent a number of years working in the employment teams at two international law firms in Manchester.

Away from work Gareth is a passionate cricket and football fan and enjoys discovering new music. Gareth is also a keen traveller but has had to put his plans to become fluent in a foreign language on hold in favour of spending time with family, particularly his two young sons of whom he is incredibly proud.

Rachel is a highly experienced Corporate lawyer who joined mlplaw in 2019 from a national law firm and now leads the Corporate Team.

Rachel’s main area of work is mergers and acquisitions covering share and asset acquisitions and disposals, but includes management buy-outs, investments, group re-organisations, demergers, joint ventures, shareholders agreement, articles of association, cross options, share capital arrangements, corporate governance, employee ownership schemes and share incentive schemes.

She has a pragmatic approach and understands client’s priorities and objectives. She assists with the day to day needs of business clients.

Rachel has gained particular experience in the Insurance and Healthcare sectors, but acts for clients from across the spectrum.

Shaista is a highly experienced Solicitor, having qualified 23 years ago. Shaista specialises in commercial litigation matters, and before joining mlplaw, she worked in well-known large city centre firms before later establishing her own practice.

She has represented a large variety of clients across numbers of sectors on a broad spectrum of disputes to provide clients greater depth of knowledge and experience in contentious matters to individuals, owner managed businesses, SME’s, high net worth individuals, directors/shareholders, property developers and charities.

Shaista has extensive experience in litigation, including experience as an advocate in the County Courts, regularly advising on high value complex contractual disputes, property litigation (claims for possession, rent arrears, breaches, dilapidations, service charge disputes), company and partnership dispute, high value debt recovery, professional negligence claims, claims against lawyers, property and finance professionals.

Shaista offers a down to earth and proactive approach to provide solutions and resolve disputes, and possesses extensive knowledge of various Alternative Dispute Resolution methods.

Outside of work, Shaista enjoys spending time with her daughters and reading.

Jonathan is a Legal Director in MLP Law’s Real Estate team with over 13 years’ experience in real estate transactions.  Prior to joining MLP Law, Jonathan was a partner in a long-established local law firm in Manchester for over a decade.

Jonathan has extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with both commercial and residential property matters.  His main expertise is in relation to commercial landlord and tenant matters (acting for both landlords and tenants), commercial property acquisitions and disposals (acting for both sellers and buyers), real estate aspects of real estate finance (acting for both borrowers and lenders) and corporate support.

Jonathan acts for a wide range of businesses and individuals including sole traders, SMEs, property investors, pension funds and property developers in the retail and wholesale, hospitality and leisure, food and beverage and industrial and office sectors.  Jonathan transacts properties in locations throughout the North West and nationwide.

Jonathan offers a friendly and pragmatic approach to commercial transactions.

Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys spending time relaxing with his family.

Sam has nearly 10 years’ experience of general commercial property matters with particular expertise in development and landlord and tenant work.

His recent experience includes acting for:

a commercial developer in connection with the acquisition, pre-letting and letting of sites across England to household name tenants including Starbucks, Greggs and Burger King;
an investment partnership in connection with general asset management work in London and Surrey;
a national coffee chain franchisee in connection with a pre let for a new site in Yorkshire;
a pizza chain in the taking of leases at new sites across London; and
a start-up pub company taking a lease of a site in London.

Sam feels his considerable experience in acting for both landlords and tenants gives him a balanced perspective when negotiating leases on different sides of a transaction which helps to get deals done.

Primarily a transactional lawyer, Sam has a developing practice in property disputes which he feels adds value to the service he provides to clients.

The aspects of the job Sam most enjoys are the interaction with people and problem-solving, no two days every being the same.

In his spare time Sam enjoys exercising, reading inspirational books and watching classic films

Doris qualified as a solicitor in 2012 and since then has worked as a private client lawyer completing the full range of trusts, tax and estates work. Doris has also achieved the STEP diploma.

Doris is also a committee member on the Manchester branch of STEP and is actively involved in working with STEP to promote private client work and to maximise the client experience. In addition, Doris has achieved the Solicitors for the Elderly Diploma in private client work.

In the Legal 500 solicitor rankings Doris was described as ‘incredibly meticulousn when she handles complex estates and has demonstratable experience acting on Court Protection proceedings and applications”.

Doris specialises in dealing with high-net-worth clients for Wills, estate planning and in the administration of complex estates. She also deals with powers of attorney, court of protection matters, drafting of trust documentation and the administration of trusts.

In her spare time, Doris is a keen gym attendee and loves walking in the Peak District, with Kinder Scout being her favourite walk.

Samantha is a n Associate Solicitor in MLP Law’s Wills, Trust and Probate team. Samantha has extensive experience in Private Client Law, providing clients with advice on Wills, Lasting Power of Attorney, Probate and future planning.

Having practiced in Private Client since 2013, Samantha has provided advice on a broad spectrum of matters including care home fee planning, asset protection, compensation protections trusts and trusts for parents of children with disabilities. Samantha regularly acts for business owners and high net worth individuals in relation to their Wills and Estate planning to provide innovative and tailored solutions for their individual needs.

Experienced in presentations and public speaking, Samantha enjoys making presentations about planning for the future and protecting assets.

In her spare time, Samantha loves spending time with family and friends, particularly going for walks with her partner and their dog. Samantha is a keen traveller and likes to visit new places and has previously travelled to Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Fiji and various countries in Europe.

Katie has completed an Applied Law and Business course at South Trafford College with a 3 A* equivalent. This course covers multiple areas of Law and Business such as Employment Law, Contract Law, Aspects of Civil Liability, Business Communications and more.

Katie works with us at MLP as a full time Legal Assistant. She has her long term goals set out for her upon completion of her Legal Assistant role here with MLP. After her 18 months she is hoping to progress through the company working her way up through qualifications, eventually becoming a solicitor.

In Katie’s spare time she enjoys being with friends and family, going to the gym, going for meals and watching films.

Chloe completed her Undergraduate Law Degree at the University of Chester prior to going on to complete her Postgraduate LPC and Masters in Law at the University of Sunderland. She then joined a growing, mid-size firm in Stockport as a paralegal specialising in residential property. Chloe instantly took on her own caseload and it was from this first role that she discovered her particular interest in property law, particularly residential property.

Chloe has experience in acting for both private individuals, first time buyers and companies. She has developed her knowledge and experience in many areas such as freehold, leasehold, shared ownership and right to buy.

Chloe is keen to develop her skills and expand her knowledge working closely with senior members of the Residential Property team at MLP Law, with the ambitious goal to eventually qualify as a solicitor.

In her spare time, Chloe enjoys spending time with her friends and family, going on hikes, trying new restaurants and going to the theatre.

Since joining the Conveyancing Industry in 2010, Victoria has become an experienced Residential Conveyancer.

Victoria has studied part-time in order to obtain her Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice and soon hopes to qualify as a Legal Executive.

In 2017, Victoria won the LFS Young Conveyancer of the Year Award.

On a day to day basis, Victoria assists clients by offering thorough and practical conveyancing advice and, as she is aware of the many issues faced by clients when moving home, she is able to deliver a personal and empathetic service.

During her spare time, Victoria enjoys the great outdoors and touring around the country in her VW camper van with her husband and young daughter.

Neil trained with and worked for a West End firm from 1993 to 1997, moving back to the North West in 1997, and setting up his own practice in 2003 which he merged with a Central Manchester commercial law firm in 2010. Neil joined MLP Law as a consultant solicitor in December 2014.

He specialises in residential and commercial real estate, landlord and tenant and corporate support, with particular emphasis in acting for property developers, investors and funders in London and the surrounding home counties.

Outside work, Neil enjoys spending time with his family, cooking and going to the theatre and concerts.

Vanessa is a legal assistant to Sam Swann, working remotely from South Africa.

She holds a BA LLB degree and became an admitted Attorney in South Africa in 2021. Vanessa has valuable experience in the legal property industry, claims assessments, and the financial services sector.

With a keen interest in commercial/corporate law and property law, Vanessa finds the diverse career options and practice areas within the legal field fascinating. She aims to acquire knowledge of the UK legal systems through her work at mlplaw.

In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, watching TV, and occasionally indulging in hiking.

Alissa started at MLP as the firm’s Administrative Assistant in 2014. Since then, Alissa has progressed through the firm and now looks after and manages the MLPower team, which provides first class business support to lawyers and their teams.  Throughout her progression, Alissa has worked in various roles and departments and appreciates the experience and insight that this has given her in her role.

Alissa is also a member of the firm’s Leadership team which works on strategies to implement improvements and  innovations which enhance our client service, and the day to day efficiency of the firm. Alissa looks after the Operational side of MLP and is involved in the everyday running of the firm, and enjoys the challenge that her role offers. No two days are ever the same and this is something that highly motivates and drives Alissa to provide excellent service to our clients everyday.

In addition, Alissa is also part of the firm’s dedicated People and Wellbeing team. Alissa is passionate about working to the firm’s vision of being a great place to work with great people. Alissa believes that happy people make a happy and successful workplace, and this motivates Alissa to ensure her colleagues feel supported in an entrepreneurial environment that supports their development and career ambitions.

Alissa enjoys the warmer climates, and has lived in 7 different countries varying through Europe and Asia. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the gym, having dinners out and relaxing with her friends.

Anna started out as an office junior and trained on the job. She gained her ILCA diploma and became MLP’s Accounts manager. Anna’s long term experience at MLP gives her good knowledge of the companies DNA and values. Anna loves the variety of her work, and no two days are the same.

Outside of the office Anna is kept busy by her young son and 2 pet dogs Olly & Teddy.

Zara has worked in the legal sector since 2017 and has gained experience as a barrister’s clerk and paralegal.

Zara started her legal career in a Manchester barrister’s chambers as an office junior before progressing to become a family clerk. In 2019, Zara took on a new role as a paralegal  where she managed her own caseload and later trained newer members of staff.

In addition to working as a paralegal, Zara was also a client service advisor within the business. As a result, Zara’s experience has taught her the importance of creating a positive client experience.

Zara joined mlplaw in October 2023. Currently she is learning the ropes within the accounts and marketing departments, whilst also managing the firm’s social media presence. Make sure to follow @mlplaw on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.

With origins in Latvia, Maria has been living in the UK for the past nine years. Throughout her career, she have delved into various facets of Marketing, beginning with conventional cold calls and client meetings, and progressing to crafting websites for small businesses and formulating marketing strategies. Maria is passionate for the possibilities that Digital Marketing presents to contemporary businesses, and she is always trying to learn something new.

Outside of work, she is a parent to two small daughters who bring immense joy and always cheer her up. Additionally, sometimes she helps out at our family-run street-food market stall during weekends, which adds a touch of excitement to her routine.

Ava is a commercially focused Law graduate from the University of Manchester, who has embarked on several legal and admin experience across several ranging sectors prior to joining mlplaw in 2023.

Ava’s main areas of work have been in property conveyancing, pro bono legal, employment law, and commercial litigation work. Along with this, Ava has vast experience across the retail and hospitality sector prior to legal experience, which has enabled her to grow a more casual, personable, yet enthusiastic approach when dealing with clients and overall work.

Ava has a hard-headed, rigorous yet realistic approach which allows her to take on tasks and work in an efficient manner. She assists the fee earners and consultants on a day-to-day basis with admin and litigation-based matters.

Ava has utilised her past experiences to effectively manage administrative tasks whilst taking into account the clients’ best interests.

Vanessa’s experience as a receptionist in a high-profile security company means she works well under pressure and can adhere to strict deadlines. It has also contributed to her ability to adapt and handle various situations with efficiency. Vanessa understands the importance of client experience and prides herself on her enthusiastic and reliable personality. Vanessa brings a positive attitude and a wealth of skills that ensures our clients receive a first-class experience.

Outside of work, as an arts and crafts maker, Vanessa has demonstrated her creativity and eye for detail.

Deborah is an experienced Employment and Discrimination lawyer who has had a mixed practice representing both businesses and individuals. She believes this gives her the edge when negotiating with ‘the other side’. Areas of expertise include discrimination, harassment, whistleblowing, restraints of trade, TUPE, collective redundancies, employment status and IR35 issues, managing employee conflict, grievance and disciplinary investigations, and negotiating severance packages (on both sides of the fence). With the explosion in remote working, Deborah has been advising businesses on the risks and opportunities of employing workers living in overseas jurisdictions.

Deborah was Called to the Bar in 2007 and cross-qualified as a solicitor in 2011. She has sat on advisory panels including the EHRC’s panel on Religion & Belief and the Federation of Small Businesses’ Employment Law Policy Committee. She is a member of Lincoln’s Inn Denning Society after being awarded a scholarship in 2005. She joins mlpplus as an Employment Law Partner.

Outside of work, she enjoys following her local pub bands and catching up with her three adult daughters – when they are all in the same country.

Karen has broad and extensive experience in corporate and commercial law and particular expertise in equipment leasing and asset finance, both working in law firms and in- house positions.

Karen studied French and Russian at Oxford University before attending Chester law school and training in a London law firm. She relocated, shortly after qualifying, to Paris and spent several years working in the Paris branch of the London law firm, specialising in shipping and aviation finance where her clients included French banks ,a leading Irish aircraft lessor and a major French shipping company. She returned to the UK in 1998 and spent 12 years as senior counsel in GE Capital’s European equipment leasing business and (after its sale from GE ) 4 years for TIP Trailer Services working on major customer leasing transactions and disposals and acquisitions of related businesses . Prior to joining MLP Karen was a partner in a national law firm. In her spare time Karen enjoys golf, yoga, dancing and learning Spanish.

Ella joined mlplaw in 2019 as a paralegal in the Corporate and Commercial team providing advice to businesses and private individuals. Ella’s particular interest lies with the company/corporate side of the department.

Previous to her employment with mlplaw, Ella spend over 12 years in Event Management before she decided to go back into education and study law.

Ella graduated from the University of Manchester in 2017 and finished her LPC with the University of Law.

Outside of work Ella spends most of her time with her family enjoying theatre breaks and weekend trips around the UK.

Amelia completed her LPC with a distinction in 2021 with the University of Law. Whilst studying for both her LLB and LPC, Amelia gained experience working as a legal assistant both in practice and in-house. It was during this time and experience that emphasised her particular interest within commercial law.

Amelia is a valued member of our Commercial, IP and Dispute resolution teams, she advises on all aspects of contentious and non-contentious business law. Amelia hopes to develop her knowledge and skills further enabling her to progress at MLP Law, ultimately qualifying as a solicitor.

Outside of work Amelia enjoys trying different restaurants, watching live music and attending comedy clubs, country walks and spending time with family and friends.

Max is a Trainee Solicitor in the Commercial, IP and Dispute Resolution team and works with a variety of clients such as owner-run businesses, national corporations and private individuals.

Having joined mlplaw as a Corporate Paralegal in November 2021, Max has built up experience in this area and hopes to continue developing his Business Services skillset.

Max graduated from the University of Oxford in 2014 and has since been a manager at a national education charity and started his own business as a Personal Trainer and Yoga Teacher. He completed his LPC and LLM at BPP University Manchester, having gained legal work experience at both a mid-sized Liverpool practice and a large London firm.

Having stepped away from the fitness industry to return to the law, Max’s love of exercise continues outside of work; he is a regular gym-goer and a fan of physical challenges. He also enjoys live music and comedy, and a good pub quiz.

Colin has over a decade of hands-on experience in dealing with most types of family law matters. He stands out as a beacon of expertise and compassion in the family law arena. Particularly skilled at addressing the multifaceted challenges of divorce, financial remedy matters, and private child arrangements, Colin seamlessly combines unparalleled professional judgement with a warm, friendly conversational approach. Understanding the pressures and stresses of modern life, especially for business professionals, Colin makes himself accessible outside the conventional 9-5, often going above and beyond to provide timely advice. His rapidly escalating reputation in the legal world is a testament to the consistently excellent outcomes he achieves for his clients and the glowing feedback he receives.

Drawing from personal experience as a separated parent, Colin offers a unique brand of empathetic service that resonates deeply with clients navigating the turbulent waters of family disputes. His recent accomplishment of skilfully handling an intricate divorce and financial remedy case — where he adeptly proved the opposing party’s deceit in dissipating assets, ultimately securing a remarkably favourable outcome for his client — further underscores his capabilities.

One of Colin’s key strengths is handling significant amounts of evidence and paperwork ensuring no stone is left unturned. He is extremely competent at preparing detailed and persuasive witness statements and evidence for clients.

Colin is a seasoned specialist in pre and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation and separation agreements/ disputes, and a vast range of intricate financial cases encompassing businesses, property portfolios, and substantial pension assets. He also deals with all types of private child arrangement matters post-separation, having managed cases involving severe allegations, resulting in fact-finding hearings. He ensures compliance through enforcement proceedings and does everything he can to ensure his clients achieve justice.

Notably, Colins’s recent assistance in securing an interim-contact order for a client in difficult circumstances, typically challenging in court, further highlights his competence and unwavering commitment to clients’ rights. In Colin, clients find more than a solicitor; they discover a loyal and hardworking ally dedicated to championing their cause during life’s most challenging times.

Away from work, Colin is kept busy with his four children. In his younger days he played for Everton FC and competed as a sprinter for Sale Harriers Manchester at National Level. The only running he does now is after his four children!

Colin provides a free first appointment. If you would like to book an appointment with him, please do no hesitate to get in touch using the details below.