Our Team

Nigel is one of our Directors.  He has over 15 years’ legal experience, in private practice as well as local government.  On qualification as a solicitor, he specialised in litigation, working with a wide range of public sector and private clients. His client friendly approach produces excellent results time after time and he has established a significant following.

Since joining First North Law he has expanded his knowledge base and offering.  He is Head of Legal at North Yorkshire Council which provides him with a unique skillset and knowledge base enabling him to truly understand the issues clients face, particularly in the public sector. 

 Whilst the vast majority of instructions remain litigious matters, Nigel also regularly receives instructions to advise on a wide range of issues including commercial, procurement and governance matters.

Nigel is also a Director of Brimhams Active and Company Secretary of NY Highways.

Gemma is our Practice Manager at First North Law, bringing over two decades of experience in the legal sector. Her career spans roles in risk and best practice at a major international law firm, as well as working with a niche legal practice advising golf clubs.

At First North Law, Gemma works closely with our directors to oversee compliance, business development, and operational efficiency.  Gemma is known for her client-focused approach, approachable nature, and meticulous attention to detail.

Gemma holds a law degree and is currently pursuing an MBA, further enhancing her strategic and leadership capabilities within the firm.

Mark has more than 30 years experience as a solicitor, having spent 15 years working in the private sector prior to moving into Local Government. He has comprehensive knowledge of many different areas of law, though he has focussed for over 10 years on education and employment law, leading our Education, Employment and Litigation Team. Mark’s team is dedicated to supporting schools and academies with legal advice, offering a responsive and much valued service and helpline to subscribing clients.

Mark has excellent client relationship skills and offers strategic solutions explained in a clear manner which clients find easy to understand. He is always committed to seek the best solutions to his clients’ needs. Mark has a very broad range of experience in advising on all aspects on education law, and has deep knowledge of employment law which includes representing clients to respond to complex discrimination and dismissal claims, advising on large scale TUPE transfers and offering strategic legal support on wide ranging restructures and reorganisation.

Mark will always endeavour to deliver comprehensive support to his clients and holds customer satisfaction in the highest regard.

Poppy is a Paralegal who recently joined the First North Law team, bringing a strong academic and practical background to her role. She graduated with a First Class law degree from Durham University, where she developed a thoughtful and methodical approach to legal problem-solving, strong legal research skills, and a solid grounding in core legal areas including contract, tort, and land law.

Before joining First North Law, Poppy undertook a voluntary role as an Adviser with Citizens Advice, supporting individuals with a range of legal issues including housing, employment, consumer matters and neighbour disputes. This experience gave her valuable insight into the practical application of legal principles and strengthened her ability to communicate clearly and empathetically in challenging situations.

At First North Law, Poppy supports the team across a range of matters, assisting with case preparation, legal drafting and research.

With over 20 years of post-qualification experience as a solicitor in local government, Rachael has developed a robust and specialist practice in Education Law, with a particular focus on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). Her career has been dedicated to supporting local authorities, schools, and academies in navigating the complex legal landscape of education provision, statutory assessment, and SEND tribunal work.

Rachael has extensive experience advising on all aspects of education law, including admissions, exclusions, safeguarding, and the implementation of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Her expertise extends to representing local authorities in SEND Tribunal appeals, judicial reviews, and complex casework involving vulnerable children and young people.

In addition to her core specialism, Rachael has advised on employment disputes within the education sector and her background also includes child protection work, where she has provided legal advice and representation in safeguarding cases, multi-agency working, and policy development to ensure the welfare and protection of children.

Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for providing clear, pragmatic, and solution-focused legal advice, supporting clients to achieve positive outcomes in often challenging and sensitive circumstances. 

Shirley is a Solicitor with over 30 years’ experience in litigation from both the commercial and private sector and more recently Local Government; throughout this time Shirley has represented individuals and  small to larger organisations in a range of litigation matters.     

Shirley’s experience includes debt recovery in both the High Court and County Court including recovery of debts under the Care Act 2014.  Insolvency proceedings against individuals and companies;  enforcement of Judgments; drafting of Wills and Estate administration; disputes under the Inheritance Act and property disputes.

Shirley will work closely with you to take away the stress of litigation and proceed in the most cost effective and efficient way, always ensuring that clients feel supported and informed throughout every stage of their case.