Mark Eyles

I am a Partner with the Firm and qualified as a Solicitor in 2002. I practice exclusively in Family Law and am a Resolution Accredited Specialist.

I have extensive experience in all areas of Family Law and have a particular expertise in dealing with cases involving substantial and complex assets. I adopt a constructive and practical approach to my work whilst ensuring my clients' interests are protected. I have dealt with many cases involving complex disputes regarding children and am a confident advocate at Court.

I am an Accredited Specialist in cases involving children and domestic abuse.  I have advised in both cases where there have been complex factual disputes and appeals relating to children.

I understand the emotional, financial and practical difficulties that clients and children experience upon relationship breakdown. At Jackson West we pride ourselves in giving our clients an excellent service whilst striving to achieve the results they want.

Away from the office I enjoy spending time with my partner and children; watching cricket, football and Rugby Union and if I have any spare time, playing cricket, football and running.

Kate Scammell

I am a Partner and a Chartered Legal Executive. I specialise in high net worth cases involving complex financial assets and disputes regarding children.

Beresford Kennedy

I am a Family Law Barrister and I have joined Jackson West as a Partner, having successfully worked together with colleagues here over many years. I am very excited to be associated with such an excellent team. 

I have been a barrister for 20 years. Prior to joining Jackson West, I was Head of the Family Law team at a barrister’s chambers in London and Portsmouth.

I advise in all areas of family law, with my primary area of practice being financial issues during/in divorces, separations or the ending of civil partnerships.

I also advise in the drafting of pre-nuptial agreements and-post nuptial agreements.

My cases usually include consideration of the division of the assets of parties, such as the family home and other property, and any ongoing maintenance.

I have represented many ‘High net-worth’ clients, and my cases often include complex issues such as business assets, large pension pots, family trusts and issues of a party’s capacity to earn. I also act in cases where some of the assets are outside of the UK.

I realise how difficult things can be during and after a separation. I pride myself on my ability to listen to a client’s needs and to work towards achieving the best outcome. 

I am able to assist you and advise you at any stage of your circumstances. If matters cannot be resolved by agreement, I am able to represent you at all levels of court. It may be a benefit to you that I can continue helping you with your case even if things get very complicated.

Away from work, I try to get out into fresh air as much as I can and on a weekend, I can usually be found on my bicycle or on the tennis court.

Jemma Holyoake

I qualified as a solicitor in August 2008, having completed my training contract at a firm in Blackpool. I specialised in all aspects of family work and moved to Manchester to gain invaluable experience in the city. After a few years, I specialised further in Child Care and was admitted as a member of the Law Society Children's Panel Accreditation Scheme in July 2012.

I now act for children, parents and family members in cases relating to social services involvement and also act in specialised private law matters. I know how difficult these proceedings can be and approach each case with compassion and determination.

Away from the office I enjoy spending time with my family, horse riding and reading when I have the time.

Tim qualified in 1981 and joined the firm in 1982.

Tim is Head of the Child Care Department, and specialises in child protection and adoption cases, particularly those of a complex nature, with a vast wealth of experience from over 35 years of working in this area. Tim has been a member of the Law Society Children panel for over 25 years.

Tim represents children, children’s guardians, parents and other family members in all forms of child matters, and has excellent Court Hearing representation skills.

Tim is also a Deputy District Judge and a well-regarded Law Society Approved Lecturer on Child Protection Law.

James qualified as a solicitor in 2008, joining the firm in January 2013. Before this James practiced in Milton Keynes and Oxford, gaining experience in all aspects of family law.

Prior to qualifying as a solicitor James had a successful career in the NHS before embarking on a career in law.

James specialises in all aspects of public law relating to children including child protection, care and adoption proceedings, acting for parents, children, extended family members and Childrens’ Guardians. James is a member of the Law Society Children Panel. In addition, James lectures on Child Protection Law for a variety of universities.

He is a tenacious and determined advocate employing a forthright approach who is committed to excellent client care.