Personal Legal Services - mlplaw

Personal Legal Services Experts
From Wills to Employment and Family Law

Welcome to mlplaw – Lawyers for Life

From shaping your legacy with Wills and trusts, managing property transactions, or tackling employment concerns, to resolving family matters, we provide expert, approachable advice with your needs at heart. Committed to doing the right thing, exceeding expectations, and getting things done without unnecessary jargon, mlplaw is your trusted partner in all personal legal matters.

Let us help you make life’s complexities simple.

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Personal Legal Services Team

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0161 926 9969

Our Personal Legal Services expertise

Wills, Trusts and Probate

Relying on our Wills, Trusts & Probate specialists ensures you approach estate planning and inheritance matters with confidence and clarity. With extensive expertise, we design bespoke solutions tailored precisely to your personal circumstances, delivering efficient and effective guidance.

We provide exceptional services in:

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Residential Conveyancing

Our residential conveyancing solicitors are committed to safeguarding your valuable investment in prime residential property. With a reputation for precision and exceptional client care, our experienced and accredited team provides clear guidance and proactive updates at every stage of the process. Recognized as a top-ranked firm among Housing and Property Solicitors in Altrincham on Review Solicitors, we deliver trusted expertise to ensure your transaction proceeds smoothly and efficiently.

We specialise in:

  • Buying your new home
  • Selling your home
  • Transfer of Equity
  • Mortgage and Re-mortgage
  • Property auctions
  • Declaration of Trust
  • Equity Release
  • Lease extensions
  • Right to Buy and Right to Manage
  • Deed of Variation
  • First Registrations
  • Buying a plot of land
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Dispute Resolution and Litigation

When disputes arise, our dedicated team for individuals offers expert guidance to resolve conflicts fairly and effectively. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or legal representation in court, we strive to safeguard your interests while reducing stress and costs. With a clear, approachable style, we provide unwavering support throughout the process to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Employment Law for Individuals

Positive life balance undoubtedly includes successful managing of the workplace challenges. Our accomplished employment solicitors, endorsed by Legal 500, are dedicated to safeguarding your rights and well-being. Operating with empathy and clarity, we confront issues like discrimination, bullying, and strategic executive exits, implementing a robust and proactive strategy to ensure your success.

We can help with:

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Divorce and Family Law

In the complexities of divorce, financial matters, and issues related to children, our family law services offer expert guidance, providing personalised advice for fair settlements, amicable dispute resolution, and sensitive child custody concerns, ensuring the best outcome for you and your family with clear, compassionate, and competent support.

How we can help:

  • Divorce and associated financial issue
  • Children matters
  • Non-molestation applications
  • Occupation Order applications
  • Unmarried couple dispute concerning property
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Our Team

Jane Hunter - Partner and Head of Private Client

Jane Hunter

Partner and Head of Private Client
Jonathan Chung - Commercial and Residential Property expert

Jonathan Chung

Partner - Real Estate

Victoria Hands

Senior Conveyancing Executive
Chloe Linsley - Trainee solicitor property

Chloe Linsley

Trainee Solicitor - Property
Lawrence Stansfield Conveyancing Assistant

Lawrence Stansfield

Conveyancing Assistant

Doris Raggatt

Legal Director - Wills, Trusts and Probate
Sophie Lennon - Solicitor Apprentice

Sophie Lennon

Solicitor Apprentice
Katie Davis - Paralegal Apprentice

Katie Davies

Paralegal Apprentice
Employment Law solicitor Manchester

Sasha Brine

Partner - Employment Law
Deborah Scales - Employment Law expert

Deborah Scales

Partner - Employment Law
Amy Jefferson - Paralegal - Employment Law

Amy Jefferson

Paralegal - Employment Law
Colin Hornby - Family Law Solicitor

Colin Hornby

Partner - Family Law

Jane Hunter

Partner and Head of Private Client

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

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

Jane lives locally in Lymm with her 18-year-old son and in her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and renovating her house and garden.

Phone: 0161 926 1542

Jonathan Chung

Partner - Real Estate

Jonathan is a Partner in mlplaw’s Real Estate team with over 13 years’ experience in real estate transactions.  Prior to joining mlplaw, 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.

Phone: 0161 926 1508

Victoria Hands

Senior Conveyancing Executive

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.

Chloe Linsley

Trainee Solicitor - Property

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 mlpaw, 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.

Phone: 0161 926 1525

Lawrence Stansfield

Conveyancing Assistant

Lawrence serves as a Conveyancing Assistant within the Residential Property Team at mlplaw, having joined the firm in January 2025. Prior to this, he was employed within the New Business Unit at a full-service law firm rooted in the Northwest, providing support to the Residential Conveyancing Team.

Having previously excelled in the initial onboarding stages of conveyancing transactions, Lawrence has a strong desire to enhance his expertise in the field of conveyancing and is dedicated to establishing a long-term career at mlplaw, with a particular focus on delivering great client service.

Lawrence holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Manchester Metropolitan University but returned to the legal profession in 2019.

Outside of his professional commitments, Lawrence is an enthusiastic cyclist and a devoted supporter of his favourite football team. He maintains his fitness through Shredfast kettlebell workouts and marathon training. Lawrence is committed to giving back to the community and actively fundraises for the National Autistic Society, Greater Manchester Youth Network, and Everyone Can.

Phone: 0161 926 9969

Doris Raggatt

Legal Director - Wills, Trusts and Probate

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 and is accredited member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers.

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.

Phone: 0161 926 1538

Sophie Lennon

Solicitor Apprentice
Sophie is mlplaw’s first Solicitor Apprentice, and in September 2021 started her six year journey to qualify as a solicitor.
During her apprenticeship with the University of Law, Sophie will obtain a Law degree in Legal Practice and Skills whilst continuing to work at mlplaw and gain additional practical experience. Sophie will be working 4 days a week in the firm and will spend one day a week on her University studies.
Sophie works in the Wills, Trusts and Probate department and with the support of the team, is working to developing her expertise and competency to the highest standard.
mlplaw is embracing the new road to qualification and we are excited to support Sophie along the way!
Phone: 0161 926 1592

Katie Davies

Paralegal Apprentice

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.

Phone: 0161 926 1526

Sasha Brine

Partner - Employment Law

Sasha Brine is a highly effective Solicitor with 15 years’ experience advising on all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment law . Sasha has provided crucial expert advice on a wide range of employment matters providing clients with timely pragmatic advice and the giving clients their desired outcome.

Sasha has worked closely with employers from various sectors including financial services, insurance, professional services, educational establishments, technology and health care environments delivering practical and strategic guidance on complex employment issues. Sasha covers all aspect of restructures and reorganisation working closely with commercial teams to ensure the best possible outcome for clients.

Sasha has spent a number of years with well-known corporate commercial firms and FTSE 100 organisations, assisting with large scale projects, buyouts and disposals prior to moving to mlplaw.

Phone: 0161 926 1521

Deborah Scales

Partner - Employment Law

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.

Phone: 0161 926 1520

Amy Jefferson

Paralegal - Employment Law

Following the completion of her undergraduate degree in Law, Amy started her legal career at a trade union law firm based in Sheffield in September 2022.

Amy’s interest in legal practice began following a series of trips to the Manchester Crown Court public gallery with her Grandad. What started as a few day trips sparked a real interest in legal practice and a few years later she undertook work experience with a high street firm in Bramhall specialising in employment law.

This area was further explored during university by studying an elective module in employment law and completing a part time work placement in employment law alongside studies in her final year. After university, looking to explore her options she began working in personal injury. However, quickly missing the pace and range of employment law, she returned to the area and has found the work to be meaningful and rewarding.

In her spare time, Amy likes to attend live music events and go for walks in the Peak District.

Colin Hornby

Partner - Family Law

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.

Why choose us

1. We Exceed Your Expectations

With over 300 five-star reviews on Review Solicitors, our reputation for delivering outstanding service and successful outcomes is well established. We are proud to be a Legal 500-recommended team for Wills, Trusts, Probate, and Employment Law. Additionally, our Housing and Property team ranks first in Altrincham on Review Solicitors, and we bring significant expertise in Family Law.

2. Our Expertise

Our team includes STEP-qualified lawyers, regarded as the pinnacle of qualifications in Wills, Trusts, and Probate. Many of our lawyers are also proud members of the Lifetime Lawyers Association, reflecting our dedication to professional excellence.

3. Our Approach

We recognise that legal matters often involve personal and emotional complexities. Our team is committed to providing clear, empathetic support tailored to each client’s situation. Beyond offering expert advice, we focus on understanding your individual needs and delivering practical solutions with care and professionalism.

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