Meet The Teams

Melissa completed her LLB Law Honours Degree at the University of Hull in 2017 gaining an Upper Second Class.  She went on to complete the Legal Practice Course and Masters of Law (LLM) in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Law, Leeds with Distinction grade.  Melissa qualified at a Solicitor in January 2024.

Melissa specialises in Mental Health law. Melissa is an accredited Law Society Mental Health Panel Member and has experience advocating for clients at First-Tier Tribunal both civil and restrictive sections. She also has experience representing clients at professional meetings including Care Planning Approach (CPA) meetings, Hospital Managers Hearings and Best Interest Meetings. Melissa finds working in Mental Health Law very active and rewarding, and particularly appreciates how during this role she is able to help protect human rights on a daily basis.

Melissa has wanted to do work which helps and advocates the rights of people from an early age. Since the age of 4, Melissa was engaged in her family’s charity Mama Melissa Foundation, a charity based in Kenya that advocates children’s education especially girls and promotes breast cancer awareness in Kenya.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her Japanese Shiba Inu Tarzan and roller skating.

Shareen completed her LLB at Leeds Beckett University in 2019 and went on to complete her masters and LPC in 2020 from The University of Law in Leeds. Shareen qualified as a solicitor in March 2023. 

Shareen joined GSB in August 2023 and is a Solicitor working in our conveyancing and wills and probate departments.  

Shareen has a calm and empathetic manner which makes her popular with clients.  

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. 

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 
•  

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. 

Laura completed her LLB (Hons) Degree in 2016 and began her career in Conveyancing shortly after. She has recently completed the CILEX Graduate fast track diploma and is on track to become a Chartered Legal Executive in the near future.

As well as her academic achievements, Laura has a wealth of experience in Conveyancing and prides herself on providing clients with a stress-free service by ensuring that they are kept up to date throughout the process.

In her spare time, Laura enjoys spending time and going on adventures with her family and friends, especially her three children whom she absolutely adores.

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.

Suzanne works as a Crown Court clerk and Office Manager for our York branch following our merger with DMT Solicitors.

Suzanne has been married to her husband for nearly 27 years and has two grown up boys and  a cavapoo called Charlie.  She likes watching old and new horror films, love old 70/80’s cop series (Starskey & Hutch etc!) and watching the rugby, England men’s and women’s. She swims three times a week and likes to have a glass of rose at the weekend either socially or at home.