A solicitors firm with offices in Northumberland and Cumbria has announced the addition of an experienced solicitor to the team.

Sarah Tweedie, an established solicitor with 17 years of practice in the North of England, has now joined the growing Family Law team at Nicholson Portnell Solicitors, a Northumberland-based law company.

This is seen as a significant move for the company as it marks the firm's first recruitment since the recent acquisition by Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors.

Having been raised in the Tyne Valley, Ms Tweedie possesses comprehensive knowledge in every aspect of Family Law.

Since 2013, she has been a Resolution-accredited solicitor, demonstrating her specialism in assisting couples process swift and peaceful divorce or separation procedures.

Operating from Nicholson Portnell’s Hexham office, her role will be pivotal in collaborating with Cartmell Shepherd’s team of legal professionals to serve clients across Northumberland, Cumbria, and the broader UK area.

Ms Tweedie said: "The company’s focus on staff wellbeing and career development really appealed to me.

"Everyone has been really welcoming, with an open door policy which encourages people to work closely together as a team.

"It's an exciting time to be joining the company following the amalgamation with Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors which has enhanced the services Nicholson Portnell can offer.

"It’s important to the people of the Tyne Valley that Nicholson Portnell maintains its local presence and delivers its expert services from the Hexham office, while also having a much bigger team across multiple offices who can bring specialist legal knowledge and expertise."

Ms Tweedie has a longstanding legal career, which initially began on Teesside.

Over the years, her expertise was honed while working in acclaimed firms throughout Harrogate, Northumberland, and Newcastle, before she opted to return home to the Tyne Valley to serve in Hexham.

A large portion of her career has been dedicated to Family Law, where she dealt with a multitude of issues related to families and their relationships.

Ms Tweedie said: "Family Law is so varied which makes every day a new challenge, and I love meeting lots of different people and building trusted relationships with clients."

This hiring is the first following the recent acquisition of Nicholson Portnell by Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors in April 2024.

With this strategic integration, Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors now operates from offices in Hexham and Haltwhistle in Northumberland and five other locations in Cumbria, namely, Carlisle (two locations), Brampton, Cockermouth, and Penrith.