Andrew Hill

Temple Heelis Solicitors

One of the area’s oldest and most respected practices, with offices in Kendal, Windermere and Ambleside. There is no resting on laurels, but very much a sense of history and place as the firm approaches its 200th anniversary.

Website: www.templeheelis.co.uk
Richard Moore: rmoore@templeheelis.co.uk (Direct Dial – 01539 761751)
Andrew Hill: ahill@templeheelis.co.uk (Direct Dial – 01539 761746)
Phone: 01539 723757
Address: See website

How long has the firm been in existence?
W Heelis & Son Solicitors was established around 1820 and 198 years later the firm – following mergers and name changes – lives on as Temple Heelis.

Notable history?
One part of the firm was once run by William Heelis, husband of internationally renowned children’s author Beatrix Potter.
He worked in his family’s legal practice, she completed her 23 little books, later translated into 35 languages, selling over 100 million copies.

Although Temple Heelis hasn’t moved far geographically since William Heelis’s forbears first established the business in Hawkshead, they wouldn’t recognise the breadth and scope of what we now do.

Client numbers?
We have probably acted for around 20,000 individuals or businesses over the last 20 years or so. At any one time, we typically have around 1,200 to 1,400 live instructions across the firm.

Ethos and Values?
Providing expertise in a wide range of areas of law, relevant to our community. Delivering accurate and relevant advice, always applying our core principles of integrity and good value for money.
While our clients are worldwide, we remain passionate about being here in the heart of the South Lakes’ communities we are proud to serve and totally committed to.

Staff numbers?
We have an expert team of specialists, with staffing levels at almost 30. This includes 11 solicitors, one barrister, further qualified staff and others undergoing formal legal training.
Almost all of our lawyers moved here to work, fell in love with the work/life balance in Cumbria and stayed, forming strong ties with their communities.
This permeates out to building relationships with local businesses, groups, organisations and the public sector. We aim to be the familiar, friendly face of legal services in the South Lakes.

What legal services do you provide?
Our Private Client and Individual Services department deals with wills, tax and estate planning, probate and residential conveyancing.
Our Business Services department, including the firm’s Consultant Barrister, focuses on all aspects of business work, including property, leases, contracts, employment rights and dispute resolution. We act for new businesses, those that are growing, changing ownership or restructuring.
We also offer a range of services to individuals experiencing difficult times such as personal injury, family and relationship problems, or an inheritance dispute.

Aims and aspirations?
As we approach our 200th anniversary, our aspirations are simple – to keep on delivering our best.
We understand that this means constantly looking at adapting and innovating our methods of delivery for advice and services and continuing to offer fixed fee options in many cases.
We are delighted in the trust and confidence of all our clients and are always looking to extend our reputation to individuals and businesses who have not used us before.
A great deal of our work comes from repeat instructions from clients, who in turn recommend us, as do local professionals.

And finally?
Our mission is to meet or exceed client expectations in service and value for money.

Testimonials

Excellent and highly professional service on complicated matters from start to finish.
Mr D & Dr A Stafford, Ambleside

Very good at explaining things thoroughly and in a way that can be understood.
Mrs M, Ambleside

Thank you for an excellent service, especially Robert Kornas, who is very patient, efficient and pleasant.
Mr & Mrs D, Kendal

Extremely helpful, professional and competent every step of the way. Definitely on our side.
Mr & Mrs R, Heysham.

Genuinely couldn’t praise Peter Dodd enough, thank you so much!’
Mrs W, Grange-over-Sands