Our Personnel
In April 2006, Carter Bells adopted Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) status, the latest move in a long and distinguished history.
Bells solicitors was established in 1858 and George Carter & Co in 1912. The two firms had similar areas of practice as well as a high regard for each other’s professionalism, and decided to merge in 1999. The new firm, Carter Bells, created departments specialising in particular areas of the law, to ensure excellent service to its clients in a rapidly changing legal world.
The success of Carter Bells is acknowledged by high levels of satisfaction recorded amongst clients, who routinely recommended the firm’s services to friends and family. Indeed, Carter Bells is recognised as a leading provider of legal services in the South West London and Surrey area.
A number of our team who have acquired additional skills or expertise are members of recognised specialist organisations or accredited panels.
The firm has eight ‘Members’ (equivalent to Partners in other professional organisations) who are assisted by an excellent and highly professional team of Associates. Members are indicated below by an asterisk.
Lucy is a qualified Legal Executive and joined Carter Bells in 2008; Lucy specialises in residential back of house sales, purchases and mortgages.
Roger qualified as a solicitor in 2002 and joined Carter Bells in 2010. A graduate of Oxford University, Roger specialises in wills, trusts, probate and tax planning. Roger also has expertise in complex Court of Protection matters. He is a member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) and the Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners (STEP).
John Field has lived or worked in Kingston continuously for over fifty years. He joined George Carter & Co in 1968 as a trainee Legal Executive, was admitted as a Solicitor in 1976 and became a partner in 1979. John specialises in property litigation and associated matters as well as commercial litigation and professional negligence claims.
A specialist in wills, probate and tax planning, Margaret heads Carter Bells’ Private Client department. She qualified as a Solicitor in 1989 and is a member of both Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
Having joined George Carter & Co in 1989, Elaine qualified as a solicitor in 1991. Since then she has specialised in all aspects of private law family work dealing with financial issues and those concerning children. She works with married and co-habiting couples and, more recently, those within a civil partnership. Elaine is an accredited member of Resolution, specialising in Advanced Financial Provision and Children’s Advocacy. She is also a qualified collaborative lawyer and offers this service for clients seeking an alternative method for resolving their family difficulties.
Frances undertakes Private Client work. With a background in the financial services sector, Frances started her training for the legal profession at Kingston Law School as a 'mature' student. After completing her training contract with Carter Bells LLP, Frances qualified as a solicitor in 2007.
A specialist in matrimonial matters and in litigation, Frank qualified in 1981. He is a member of Resolution and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). Frank also has particular expertise in relation to mobile home legislation.
Awarded his LLB from Southampton University in 1976, Richard went on to train with City firm Church Adams Tatham & Co., where he qualified as a solicitor in 1980. Richard joined the George Carter practice in 1983 and subsequently became a member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners). He now specialises in business development and commercial property work.
Justin qualified as a Solicitor in 1997 and joined Carter Bells in 2006. He undertakes a wide range of commercial property work including:- freehold and leasehold acquisitions, Landlord and Tenant - Offices, restaurants, retail shops, industrial units, developments - both residential and commercial (including site acquisitions and lettings/disposals), property investment purchases and disposal, business asset purchases and disposals.
Roland qualified as a Solicitor in 2006, and joined Carter Bells in 2008. Having trained at a niche property firm, he now specialises in property litigation, general civil litigation (including debt recovery) and professional negligence claims.
Andrew studied Law at London University and qualified as a solicitor in 1977 after completing articles at a London-based firm. He joined George Carter & Co in 1983. Andrew’s special areas of expertise are Commercial Property and Residential Property Development.
Carter Bells’ Head of Residential Property, Monica has a profound knowledge of the local area. She studied at Manchester University, graduating in 1981 and went on to study for her solicitor’s exams at Guildford. She was articled to Bells and qualified as a Solicitor in 1985.
And we have a dedicated team of Support staff from reception to accounts to IT who are also here to help you.