8th November 2023 ❘

A new Head for our Family team

We’re happy to announce a new Head for our Family team.

We have appointed Mark Ward as Salaried Partner and our Head of Family. Mark joined us in April 2023, has over 20 years’ experience in family law and has previously worked at Cartwright King. He specialises in financial matters on separation for both married and unmarried couples, as well as children matters.

Mark’s appointment as Head follows the retirement of Simon Mortimer, our former Head of Family, who joined us in 1988 and was a valued team member for 35 years.

Also on our Family team, Emma Armstrong is being promoted from Associate to Senior Associate and has returned from maternity leave. Emma advises on all aspects on family law and specialises in cases involving family farms and businesses.

Our existing Family team members Liz Wilson – Senior Associate, and Vikki Porthouse – Senior Associate Chartered Legal Executive, continue to advise on all aspects of divorce, matrimonial finances, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements and cases involving children, from our Carlisle, Newcastle and Cockermouth offices.

Nick Gutteridge, our Managing Partner, said:

“This is a new era for our Family team, and we’re delighted to welcome Mark, who brings with him many years of valuable experience, as Head and Salaried Partner.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Simon sincerely for his loyal service to Burnetts. He’s been a fundamental part of our team for a very long time, and we will miss him. I’d also like to congratulate Emma on her promotion, which is hugely deserved. Our clients remain in excellent hands.”

Mark Ward, our new Head of Family, said:

“I am delighted to have joined such a respected firm and to have been offered this opportunity within a well-regarded and highly-rated Family team”