MEET OUR TEAM

Let us introduce the Hunton & Garget team…

Lisa Potts

Lisa Potts

Managing Partner

Lisa is a qualified solicitor and the Managing Partner of the firm. She specialises in all aspects of Property and Agricultural law with over 15 years experience, but she also advises clients in private client work such as wills, trusts and lasting powers of attorney. Lisa is an accredited civil and commercial mediator and enjoys helping people to resolve disputes.

In her spare time Lisa likes to explore new parts of the Country with her family. She is also part of the local ladies darts teams and is an avid boardgame geek.

Claire Richardson

Claire Richardson

Partner

The Wills and Probate Department is headed by Claire Richardson who after commencing her part time law degree at Northumbria University in September 2000 went on to complete the Legal Practice Course in 2005. Claire qualified as a solicitor in November 2007 having undergone her training contract at a firm in County Durham. Claire deals with Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection matters and Administration of Estates. In her spare time, she likes to do gardening, cooking, walking and spending time with her family.
Katy Thackray

Katy Thackray

Paralegal and Apprentice Solicitor

Alongside her role within the conveyancing department Katy has completed her Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship and is now extending her training to become a fully qualified solicitor. Katy loves to spend her weekends exploring the beautiful countryside we are so lucky to have on our doorstep!
Kate Wales

Kate Wales

Trainee Solicitor

Kate has moved back to Richmond recently following her university studies. She has completed a law degree and is currently undertaking her Legal Practice Course with Northumbria University. Kate has joined the firm as Claire’s assistant in the Private Client department and is also completing her training Contract. She will become a qualified solicitor in 2025.

Outside of work Kate enjoys walking her dog, George, and spending time with her family.

Mark O’Grady

Mark O’Grady

Legal Assistant

Mark grew up in Richmond and graduated from Newcastle University. Following graduation, Mark began working for Hunton & Garget in 1996 and has been a valued member of staff ever since. In his spare time, he enjoys watching horse racing and playing golf.
Lucy Evans

Lucy Evans

Legal Assistant

Lucy started working for a firm of solicitors in Bishop Auckland in 1990 and has always worked in the Probate and Will department.  Her role is assisting Claire within the department. Lucy has now been with the firm for nearly six years. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and having days out with her family.
Josh Smedley

Josh Smedley

Legal Assistant

Josh has moved from Hastings to Richmond in 2021. He started his professional career teaching English in a secondary school but decided to take on a fresh challenge and commenced a law degree with the University of Law. Josh has joined the firm as Lisa’s assistant in the Property department with a view to becoming a solicitor in the future.

Outside of work Josh enjoys spending time with his family, playing poker and going to the cinema.

Vikki Breslin

Vikki Breslin

Legal Secretary

Vikki moved to Richmond in 2003 where she started her career in Residential Sales. Now, with 20 years experience in the conveyancing sector Vikki joined the firm last year assisting the Conveyancing Team and also covering reception in the Richmond branch.

Out of work Vikki spends as much time as she can with her grandchildren and loves walking and enjoying the beautiful countryside with her dog Gizmo.  She also loves to travel and enjoys socialising with her friends.

Fiona Rudland

Fiona Rudland

Legal Secretary

Fiona joined the firm in 2007 having previously worked in law firms as a legal secretary since leaving college and has extensive experience across conveyancing, and wills and probate.

Fiona lives in Richmond and in her spare time enjoys gardening, walking and going on motor homing adventures and plans to do Scotland’s North Coast 500 (which is a road trip around the north of Scotland)

Carole Sanderson

Carole Sanderson

Legal Secretary

Carole joined Hunton & Garget in 1976 as office junior straight from school.  Having worked in most departments including private clients, family and conveyancing she has seen many changes in the legal profession over the years!  Born in West Yorkshire but moving to Richmond in 1961 Carole wouldn’t want to live anywhere else!

Joanne Chadwick

Joanne Chadwick

Legal Secretary

Jo has lived in the Richmond area most of her life and even attended Richmond high School.

Having worked for local estate agents over the last 15 years Jo possesses a wealth of knowledge in the Conveyancing sector.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family gardening, beekeeping, DIY and walks by the river with her Yorkshire Terrier, Missy.

Kirsty Williams

Kirsty Williams

Legal Secretary

Having lived and worked in the area since her youth Kirsty wanted to commence her legal career in a local firm. Up until now Kirsty has worked for a consultancy firm whilst studying for a law degree with Open University. Having enjoyed the degree so much she wanted to the challenge of commencing her legal career. Kirsty has the added challenge of being Lisa’s secretary in the busy Property department.

In her spare time, Kirsty enjoys walking and is a avid reader of true crime!

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