Meet The Teams

Richard Walters specialises in divorce & separation, finance, cohabitee disputes, wills, probate & administration of estates, powers of attorney, court of protection and civil litigation.

Richard completed his degree at University of Wales Aberystwyth and his Solicitors Finals at the College of Law, Chester, before qualifying as a solicitor in 1989.

He joined Grahame Stowe Bateson in December 1989 and soon moved to the Bramley office where he has remained managing that office on a day to day basis ever since. In more recent times Richard has assumed a supervising partner role at the Middleton office.

He has gained extensive knowledge and experience over the past 26 years in all aspects of family law but particularly in relation to divorce/cohabitation and finance, wills and probate, powers of attorney and court of protection and civil litigation.

He is very approachable and quickly places clients at ease adopting a sensible and pragmatic approach to disputes whilst always acting in his clients best interests.

Helen joined GSB in 2016 and is the Head of the Family and Child Care department having being promoted to partner in October 2023. Helen graduated from Liverpool University in 2005 and qualified as a solicitor in 2009.  

She is a specialist in all areas of family law, but her particular expertise is in representing parents, extended family members and children involved in care proceedings. Helen deals primarily with cases that involve child protection issues and often attends at PLO Meetings with parents who are facing the prospect of care proceedings being issued. 

Helen became a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel in 2012, which recognises her experience and ability in dealing with legal issues relating to children. She is regularly instructed to represent the interests of children both through court appointed children’s guardians and by children directly. 

Helen has a particular expertise in cases involving domestic violence having worked with a number of charities over the years providing them with support and assistance on legal issues.  

Helen has a kind and empathetic manner which together with her clear and proactive advice means that her client care is second to none. 

Adam specialises in family law.

Prior to training as a Solicitor he studied History, Politics and Swedish Language at the University of East Anglia and Karlstad University (Sweden). He later converted this to a Graduate Diploma in Law at Leeds Metropolitan University, where he also completed the Legal Practice Course.

Adam worked in Sales and Marketing for 8 years before joining Grahame Stowe Bateson in 2006.

Adam represents clients in all areas of family law including children cases where there are disputes over residence and contact, however he specializes in public law proceedings, Care and child protection matters.

He is a member of the Law Society Children panel representing parents, extended family members and children themselves in cases where the local authority are involved. Such cases are often an emotional time for all those involved. Adam always aims to provide a professional yet down to earth approach to assist clients in understanding and dealing with these complex cases.

He conducts his own advocacy in both the Family Courts and High Court and aims to provide clients with consistency from the 1^st appointment in the office through to representation in Court.

Adam is also a former member of the Law Society Criminal (Duty Solicitor) Panel. He has experience attending police stations and Magistrates Courts. He specializes in cases where clients face criminal charges and require assistance with related family matters, in particular where parents are alleged to have mistreated their children.

Nicola joined Grahame Stowe Bateson in May 2023 as a Family and Childcare Solicitor.  

Nicola graduated with an Honours Law Degree in 2017 from Sheffield Hallam University. She went on to complete her Legal Practice Course (LPC) along with a Masters at BPP University part time, whilst working full time as a Paralegal in a firm in South Yorkshire. Nicola qualified as a Solicitor in March 2021. 

Nicola represents parents and family members in court proceedings involving social services as well as representing separated parents in relation to residence and contact disputes. Nicola also represents clients in non-molestation and occupation orders and is experienced representing victims of domestic abuse and other vulnerable clients.  

Richard’s career began at Graham Stowe Bateson as Marilyn Stowe’s articled clerk in 1990. After qualifying as a Solicitor he remained with the firm for 20 years progressing to partnership.

During that time Richard represented clients in both the criminal and family courts and he also undertook work before Mental Health Review Tribunals.

After 5 years as a consultant to Zermansky and Partners, Richard returned to GSB in January of 2017, again in the role of consultant.

Richard now specialises in Child Care cases,  his approachable manner and strength as an advocate has allowed him to develop a strong practice representing both children and parents in proceedings.

A member of the Law Society `s children panel and criminal litigation scheme for almost 20 years, Richard also holds higher rights in the criminal and civil jurisdictions.

Charlotte graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 2020, achieving a masters in Law with first-class honours. She continued her studies in 2021, completing the Legal Practice Course at the University of Sheffield. Charlotte joined the Grahame Stowe Bateson when she qualified as a solicitor in 2023. 

Charlotte has represented clients throughout proceedings and conducted advocacy before Circuit Judges, District Judges and Magistrates. 

Charlotte predominantly represents clients in: 

• care proceedings where there are concerns for the welfare of the children 
• non-molestation proceedings which concern matters relating to domestic abuse and coercive behaviour and control 
• disputes in relation to child arrangements 
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Charlotte also endeavours to assist other departments relating to divorce and finance proceedings, although often voices that her passion remains with representing clients in matters concerning children and aims to become a member of the Law Society Children Panel in the near future. 

Charlotte prides herself on building a good rapport with her clients, ensuring they are well informed throughout, offering clear advice during what can be a particularly difficult time. 

Charlottes main hobby is going to the gym but she also loves socialising with family and friends. 

Jack completed his training with a Leeds high street firm and qualified as a solicitor in 2015.  He joined Grahame Stowe Bateson in 2022.

He has worked in family law since and specialises in Children Act proceedings.

Under the Children Act Jack represents parents and children in court proceedings having been a member of the Law Society Children Panel since 2018.

Jack predominantly represents clients in care proceedings where there are concerns for the welfare of children. He does at times, also represent client’s in disputes between parents where there are allegations of abuse.

Jack is very easy to speak to and provides clear and honest advice at times when clients can find their situation confusing and distressing. Jack is a very confident advocate.

In his spare time, he plays amateur league football and trains in Brazilian Jiu Jiitsu

Stephen recently joined the Practice as a senior Legal Executive, bringing over 30 years of experience from a Doncaster firm specialising in Family Law. His expertise spans Divorce, Finance, cohabitee disputes, and Private law Children and associated issues.

Throughout his career, Stephen has been dedicated to delivering a professional service to his clients, known for his pragmatic approach and skill in navigating legal matters to achieve resolution. He frequently represents clients in Court, with an emphasis of dealing with things in a non-confrontational way.

Beyond his legal career, Stephen is deeply involved in Cricket, serving as the Disciplinary Chairman of Yorkshire Premier League North, a panel umpire, and a member of the League Management Board since 2001. His commitment to teamwork extends into his professional life, shaping his collaborative approach within the workplace.