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We are able to advise both employers and employees on a wide range of employment issues -
Advising your generation and the next... We have been offering friendly advice to elderly clients for over 100years -
If you have been injured and are considering making a personal injury claim we can help. -
Matrimonial Breakdown?
We can help! -
From A to B anywhere in country Ratcliffe & Bibby will get you moved quickly and efficiently
Ian Gardner – Business & Commercial and Domestic Conveyancing
Ian has lived locally all his life being born near Scorton attending Lancaster Royal Grammar School before going to Manchester University to study Law.
Ians first and indeed only job has been with Ratcliffe & Bibby who he joined in March 1975.
He was articled to Bill Ratcliffe at Morecambe and has worked in Morecambe throughout his career. Ian became a Partner (now a Director) in 1983. Ian specialises in private and commercial conveyancing and also carries out wills & probate work for many of his long standing clients.
In his younger days for relaxation Ian played badminton and represented Lancashire 2nd team and Lancaster. Now older Ian has plumped for the gentler pastime of golf and was Captain of Lansil Golf Club in 1985 before moving to Heysham Golf Club where he was Captain in 1997 and President in 2000-2 and again in 2010-2011.
Ian has lived locally all his life being born near Scorton attending Lancaster Royal Grammar School before going to Manchester University to study Law.
Ians first and indeed only job has been with Ratcliffe & Bibby who he joined in March 1975.
He was articled to Bill Ratcliffe at Morecambe and has worked in Morecambe throughout his career. Ian became a Partner (now a Director) in 1983. Ian specialises in private and commercial conveyancing and also carries out wills & probate work for many of his long standing clients.
In his younger days for relaxation Ian played badminton and represented Lancashire 2nd team and Lancaster. Now older Ian has plumped for the gentler pastime of golf and was Captain of Lansil Golf Club in 1985 before moving to Heysham Golf Club where he was Captain in 1997 and President in 2000-2 and again in 2010-2011.
Roy Drinkall – Personal Injury, Litigation, Business & Commercial and Domestic Conveyancing
Roy attended Garstang Secondary School leaving at 16 to pursue his first love Art. Roy attended Art College before deciding on a career change at which point he was offered a place to study Law at Manchester Polytechnic (formerly Manchester College of Commerce).
Upon completion of his professional exams Roy was offered a training contract at Ratcliffe & Bibby. Whilst at Ratcliffe & Bibby Roy developed a keen interest in personal injury matters and was one of the first Solicitors to be admitted to the Law Society Personal Injury Panel. Roy continues to specialise in personal injury and litigation matters whilst also managing a caseload of commercial and property related matters.
Roy discourages prejudice in all its forms and has had Articles published in The Times and FHM Magazine on the topic. Roy retains an interest and love of the Arts, in particular watercolours and installation art. His favourite band is Pink Floyd and favourite films include Mississippi Burning and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Roy attended Garstang Secondary School leaving at 16 to pursue his first love Art. Roy attended Art College before deciding on a career change at which point he was offered a place to study Law at Manchester Polytechnic (formerly Manchester College of Commerce).
Upon completion of his professional exams Roy was offered a training contract at Ratcliffe & Bibby. Whilst at Ratcliffe & Bibby Roy developed a keen interest in personal injury matters and was one of the first Solicitors to be admitted to the Law Society Personal Injury Panel. Roy continues to specialise in personal injury and litigation matters whilst also managing a caseload of commercial and property related matters.
Roy discourages prejudice in all its forms and has had Articles published in The Times and FHM Magazine on the topic. Roy retains an interest and love of the Arts, in particular watercolours and installation art. His favourite band is Pink Floyd and favourite films include Mississippi Burning and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Neil Anderton – Family & Landlord & Tenant and Employment Law
Neil has lived and worked in Morecambe all his life and is committed to the area and proud of his local ties. After graduating from Warwick University Neil returned to Morecambe to begin a career in law.
Neil joined Ratcliffe & Bibby in 1987, becoming a director of the firm in 2004. Specialising in matrimonial work Neil excels when dealing with complex financial issues surrounding divorce. Neil also carries out general litigation work and provides advice on landlord and tenant issues.
In his younger days Neil was both a keen footballer and golfer, representing Morecambe Golf Club at Junior Level. Although Neil does not now play as much football as he would like he retains a strong interest in the sport and is a keen follower of Morecambe FC. Neil continues to “try” to recapture his youth on the golf course.
Neil has lived and worked in Morecambe all his life and is committed to the area and proud of his local ties. After graduating from Warwick University Neil returned to Morecambe to begin a career in law.
Neil joined Ratcliffe & Bibby in 1987, becoming a director of the firm in 2004. Specialising in matrimonial work Neil excels when dealing with complex financial issues surrounding divorce. Neil also carries out general litigation work and provides advice on landlord and tenant issues.
In his younger days Neil was both a keen footballer and golfer, representing Morecambe Golf Club at Junior Level. Although Neil does not now play as much football as he would like he retains a strong interest in the sport and is a keen follower of Morecambe FC. Neil continues to “try” to recapture his youth on the golf course.
Sarah Carr – Family & Children
Sarah joined Ratcliffe and Bibby in December 1997 after completing her training contract in family law at another local firm.
Sarah is the head of our family department. She covers divorce and domestic violence but specialises in problems concerning Children. Sarah is an accredited member of the Resolution Panel (formerly Solicitors Family Law Association) and is also the only active member of the Law Societies Children Panel in Lancaster, a qualification which allows her to represent Children at Court. Sarah's extensive knowledge and experience enables her to confidently advise and guide her clients through what can be an extremely difficult period in their lives.
Outside of work Sarah enjoys keeping fit, recently running 2 half marathons to raise money for local charities. She also enjoys skiing, swimming and most other sports although mainly as a spectator!
Sarah joined Ratcliffe and Bibby in December 1997 after completing her training contract in family law at another local firm.
Sarah is the head of our family department. She covers divorce and domestic violence but specialises in problems concerning Children. Sarah is an accredited member of the Resolution Panel (formerly Solicitors Family Law Association) and is also the only active member of the Law Societies Children Panel in Lancaster, a qualification which allows her to represent Children at Court. Sarah's extensive knowledge and experience enables her to confidently advise and guide her clients through what can be an extremely difficult period in their lives.
Outside of work Sarah enjoys keeping fit, recently running 2 half marathons to raise money for local charities. She also enjoys skiing, swimming and most other sports although mainly as a spectator!
Shaun Foreman – Wills & Probate, Family Trusts and Court of Protection
Shaun joined Ratcliffe & Bibby as a trainee solicitor in 2006 following the successful completion of the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Chester Law and a Degree in Law at Lancaster University.
Upon completion of his training contract in August 2008, as a qualified solicitor, Shaun has chosen to specialise in wills, the administration of estates, trust work and matters involving the Court of Protection. Shaun particularly enjoys advising clients on estate planning to maximise the protection of assets and the reduction of Inheritance Tax Liability.
Away from work Shaun's primary interest is Football which he enjoys both watching and playing (although continuous injuries have curtailed playing time of late). Shaun is an avid Manchester United fan but also enjoys playing golf and cooking.
Shaun joined Ratcliffe & Bibby as a trainee solicitor in 2006 following the successful completion of the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Chester Law and a Degree in Law at Lancaster University.
Upon completion of his training contract in August 2008, as a qualified solicitor, Shaun has chosen to specialise in wills, the administration of estates, trust work and matters involving the Court of Protection. Shaun particularly enjoys advising clients on estate planning to maximise the protection of assets and the reduction of Inheritance Tax Liability.
Away from work Shaun's primary interest is Football which he enjoys both watching and playing (although continuous injuries have curtailed playing time of late). Shaun is an avid Manchester United fan but also enjoys playing golf and cooking.
Julie Hill – Domestic Conveyancing
Julie joined Ratcliffe & Bibby in January 1997, having worked for South Lakeland District Council since qualifying.
Julie has over 20 years experience in advising clients in property work, specialising in all aspects of residential conveyancing including transfers of equity and equity release.
Away from the office Julie lives to make the most of living in the beautiful area of South Lakeland and also is involved in work for a local Charity.
Julie joined Ratcliffe & Bibby in January 1997, having worked for South Lakeland District Council since qualifying.
Julie has over 20 years experience in advising clients in property work, specialising in all aspects of residential conveyancing including transfers of equity and equity release.
Away from the office Julie lives to make the most of living in the beautiful area of South Lakeland and also is involved in work for a local Charity.
Hayley Carter – Domestic Conveyancing
Hayley was educated and lives locally. She joined the firm in 2006 combining full time work with study, qualifying in 2010 as a Licensed Conveyancer.
Hayley specialises in all aspects of domestic transactions including buying and selling freehold and leasehold properties, transfers of equity and remortgages.
Outside of work Hayley enjoys reading and attending fitness classes at her local gym.
Hayley was educated and lives locally. She joined the firm in 2006 combining full time work with study, qualifying in 2010 as a Licensed Conveyancer.
Hayley specialises in all aspects of domestic transactions including buying and selling freehold and leasehold properties, transfers of equity and remortgages.
Outside of work Hayley enjoys reading and attending fitness classes at her local gym.
Patricia Boyd – Domestic Conveyancing
Patricia has worked alongside Ian Gardner within our conveyancing department since 2002, having moved to the legal aspect of property transactions, following a sales background in an Estate Agency.
From Northern Ireland Patricia completed her law degree at the University of Glamorgan before heading north to Lancaster University where she gained an MSc. in European Environmental Regulation and Policy.
Patricia has since worked with a number of firms locally before moving to Ratcliffe & Bibby. Based at our Morecambe office, Patricia lives locally in Heysham. In her spare time Patricia enjoys travelling and spending time with family.
Patricia has worked alongside Ian Gardner within our conveyancing department since 2002, having moved to the legal aspect of property transactions, following a sales background in an Estate Agency.
From Northern Ireland Patricia completed her law degree at the University of Glamorgan before heading north to Lancaster University where she gained an MSc. in European Environmental Regulation and Policy.
Patricia has since worked with a number of firms locally before moving to Ratcliffe & Bibby. Based at our Morecambe office, Patricia lives locally in Heysham. In her spare time Patricia enjoys travelling and spending time with family.
Alethea Gilmour – Domestic Conveyancing
Alethea Gilmour joined Ratcliffe & Bibby in 2000. She works as a Personal Assistant to Roy Drinkall and covers all aspects both residential and commercial conveyancing.
Alethea went to Lancaster & Morecambe College and gained a BTEC National Diploma in Business & Finance. She worked at another local Firm of Solicitors for 6 years before joining Ratcliffe & Bibby.
Alethea lives in Morecambe and in her spare time enjoys playing darts, being part of a local team and attending dog shows and keep fit/dance classes.
Alethea Gilmour joined Ratcliffe & Bibby in 2000. She works as a Personal Assistant to Roy Drinkall and covers all aspects both residential and commercial conveyancing.
Alethea went to Lancaster & Morecambe College and gained a BTEC National Diploma in Business & Finance. She worked at another local Firm of Solicitors for 6 years before joining Ratcliffe & Bibby.
Alethea lives in Morecambe and in her spare time enjoys playing darts, being part of a local team and attending dog shows and keep fit/dance classes.
Jenny Kinder – Family & Children
Having worked for a local firm of solicitors for a number of years alongside Sarah Carr, Jenny joined Ratcliffe and Bibby in 1997. Jenny has worked with Sarah throughout her career gaining skills that enable her to assist and advise clients with their problems.
Jenny qualified as a para-legal in January 2009 with a qualification in all aspects of Family Law and is often the first port of call for clients seeking advice, taking initial information and thereafter assisting clients in ensuring their matter is dealt with satisfactorily. Jenny often prepares matters for court and attends with barristers when instructed.
Outside of work Jenny enjoys walking and spending time with her family.
Having worked for a local firm of solicitors for a number of years alongside Sarah Carr, Jenny joined Ratcliffe and Bibby in 1997. Jenny has worked with Sarah throughout her career gaining skills that enable her to assist and advise clients with their problems.
Jenny qualified as a para-legal in January 2009 with a qualification in all aspects of Family Law and is often the first port of call for clients seeking advice, taking initial information and thereafter assisting clients in ensuring their matter is dealt with satisfactorily. Jenny often prepares matters for court and attends with barristers when instructed.
Outside of work Jenny enjoys walking and spending time with her family.
Anna Riddick – Elderly Client
Anna was educated locally at Dallam School. Upon completion of her A-Levels, Anna joined Ratcliffe & Bibby in 1999, and has been a key member of the Probate Department since 2001.
During her time at Ratcliffe & Bibby, she has developed experience in administering Estates and in drafting Wills.
In her spare time, Anna developed an interest in Sign Language and has gained a level 2 qualification in B.S.L. She also enjoys growing vegetables and cooking.
Anna was educated locally at Dallam School. Upon completion of her A-Levels, Anna joined Ratcliffe & Bibby in 1999, and has been a key member of the Probate Department since 2001.
During her time at Ratcliffe & Bibby, she has developed experience in administering Estates and in drafting Wills.
In her spare time, Anna developed an interest in Sign Language and has gained a level 2 qualification in B.S.L. She also enjoys growing vegetables and cooking.
Jennie Summers – Trainee Solicitor
Jennie is a trainee solicitor within the family department. Having completed her LPC at the College of Law in York in 2009, Jennie joined Ratcliffe and Bibby in May 2010. She works under the supervision of Sarah Carr and will qualify as a Solicitor in 2012. Jennie regularly attends clients has experience in all aspects of Children Law, Divorce, Financial Matters and Domestic Violence answering clients queries and progressing cases under the supervision of Sarah. Jennie also attends court with Sarah and instructs and attends with Barristers where needed and is gaining the necessary experience to advocate matters herself.
In her spare time Jennie enjoys keeping fit and playing sports, especially netball and tennis. She also enjoys travelling.
Jennie is a trainee solicitor within the family department. Having completed her LPC at the College of Law in York in 2009, Jennie joined Ratcliffe and Bibby in May 2010. She works under the supervision of Sarah Carr and will qualify as a Solicitor in 2012. Jennie regularly attends clients has experience in all aspects of Children Law, Divorce, Financial Matters and Domestic Violence answering clients queries and progressing cases under the supervision of Sarah. Jennie also attends court with Sarah and instructs and attends with Barristers where needed and is gaining the necessary experience to advocate matters herself.
In her spare time Jennie enjoys keeping fit and playing sports, especially netball and tennis. She also enjoys travelling.
James Tomlinson – Trainee Solicitor
James was educated at Lancaster Royal Grammar School, before going on to study Law at the University of Liverpool; this was followed by a LL.M Masters Degree in Law, Medicine and Healthcare also from the University of Liverpool, he has also completed his Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Chester.
James joined the firm in May 2010 and undertakes a wide variety of work including all types of litigation, including personal injury and commercial disputes along with some commercial work, and currently works alongside Roy Drinkall in the Lancaster office.
James has a keen interest in Medical law and Clinical Negligence, stemming from his LL.M degree in Law, Medicine and Healthcare.
James currently lives in Kirkby Lonsdale with his partner Sarah who is studying to be a Doctor and enjoys cooking, comedy and all sports.
James was educated at Lancaster Royal Grammar School, before going on to study Law at the University of Liverpool; this was followed by a LL.M Masters Degree in Law, Medicine and Healthcare also from the University of Liverpool, he has also completed his Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Chester.
James joined the firm in May 2010 and undertakes a wide variety of work including all types of litigation, including personal injury and commercial disputes along with some commercial work, and currently works alongside Roy Drinkall in the Lancaster office.
James has a keen interest in Medical law and Clinical Negligence, stemming from his LL.M degree in Law, Medicine and Healthcare.
James currently lives in Kirkby Lonsdale with his partner Sarah who is studying to be a Doctor and enjoys cooking, comedy and all sports.
