Meet the team
-
John Cooper, LL.BSolicitor & Senior Partner
-
Ian Nancollis, LL.BSolicitor & Partner
-
Sean HarkinAssistant Solicitor
-
Nigel D. Illman, M.A. (CANTAB)Assistant Solicitor
-
Chloe SpeddingTrainee Solicitor
-
Linda DixonProbate Executive
-
Cath McClenan, LL.BCrown Court Caseworker
-
Sheila MeldrumPractice Manager

John Cooper, LL.B
John, as well as being Senior Partner since 2014, is currently the Head of the Crime Department and is a seasoned litigator in all aspects of criminal law work. He is duty solicitor accredited and can provide representation at all stages, from the Police Station to the Magistrates Court and even the Crown court due to being an HCA.
John is also the firm’s Money Laundering Reporting Officer and Compliance Officer.
Outside of work John is the Chairman of the Cockermouth Round Table. Through his work with the Round Table John is involved in lots of Charity work in Cumbria.
Please contact John on 01900 602235 or email: JCooper@paisleys.co.uk
Career
Qualified as a Solicitor in 2005
Joined Paisleys Solicitors in 2008
Gained Higher Rights of Audience in 2011
Became Senior Partner in 2014
Memberships
The Law Society
The West Cumbrian Law Society
Departments
Crime

Ian Nancollis, LL.B
Ian is a very experienced criminal advocate who is well versed at representing clients in both the Police Station and the Magistrates Court. His experience in the field of criminal law makes him a real asset to the department, and we were happy to welcome him into the partnership in 2017.
Please contact Ian on 01900 602235 or email: INancollis@paisleys.co.uk
Career
Qualified as a Solicitor in 1996
Originally joined Paisleys Solicitors in 1994
Re-joined Paisleys in 2014
Became a Partner in 2017
Memberships
The Law Society
The West Cumbrian Law Society
Departments
Crime

Sean Harkin
Career
Qualified as a Solicitor in 2012
Joined Paisleys Solicitors in 2020
Gained Higher Rights of Audience in 2019
Memberships
The Law Society
Departments
Crime

Nigel D. Illman, M.A. (CANTAB)
Nigel is a long-standing member of the team at Paisleys Solicitors, who over the years has held positions in the various partnership’s and is currently the Head of the Conveyancing Department. Nigel deals with the firms commercial transactions and complex probate matters.
Please contact Nigel on 01900 602235 or email: NIllman@paisleys.co.uk
Career
Qualified as a Solicitor in 1977
Joined Paisleys Solicitors in 1977
Memberships
The Law Society
Departments
Conveyancing
Probate, Wills & LPA’s

Chloe Spedding
Chloe
Please contact Chloe on 01900 602235 or email: CSpedding@paisleys.co.uk
Career
Joined Paisleys Solicitors in 2019
Memberships
None
Departments
Conveyancing

Linda Dixon
Linda, in her time at Paisleys, has gained experience in most departments and since 1997 has been our dedicated Probate Executive. Her wealth of experience is invaluable within that department.
Please contact Linda on 01900 602235 or email: LDixon@paisleys.co.uk
Career
Joined Paisleys Solicitors in 1971
Became Probate Executive in 1997
Memberships
None
Departments
Probate, Wills & LPA’s

Cath McClenan, LL.B
Prior to joining Paisleys Solicitors Cath could often be found advocating in the Magistrates court. On joining ourselves she decided to take a more office based role, and whilst she no longer practices as a solicitor, her wealth of knowledge and experience makes her the perfect person to manage our more serious crimes in the Crown Court
Please contact Cath on 01900 602235 or email: CMcclenan.co.uk
Career
Qualified as a Solicitor in 1992
Joined Paisleys Solicitors in 2014
Memberships
None
Departments
Crime

Sheila Meldrum
Sheila joined Paisleys in 1999 and took over as Practice Manager in 2009. Sheila’s experience and dedication to Paisleys makes her the ideal person to manage our day-to-day affairs.
Sheila is also part of the team who manages the social media and marketing for the firm.
Please contact Sheila on 01900 602235 or email: SMeldrum@paisleys.co.uk
Career
Joined Paisleys Solicitors in 1999
Made Practice Manager in 2009
Memberships
None
Departments
Office