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About Us

Taylor Fawcett is led by Sarah Taylor, who has been a practising solicitor in the Harrogate and local communities for over 35 years, bringing a wealth of knowledge, understanding and expertise.

For us, growing a trusted legal practice has always been about strong roots.
We have lived and worked in the local community for many years and have established a reputation for providing straight-forward and friendly help to people from all walks of life.

Our business has matured by developing long-standing relationships. We are proud of the fact that today, we have worked with several generations of the same family, all of who trust us to be fair and open in everything we do and make a real difference to their lives.

A Practice Built On High Standards:

We know it is important for you to deal with a legal team that you can trust and who meet the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct.

We are proud to be members of ‘Resolution’, the national organisation of family lawyers and have gained the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation.

We also hold a number of other accreditations including Lexcel, the Law Society’s benchmark for excellence in practice management and specific areas of law, and membership of STEP, the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners.

Integrity
& professionalism

We uphold the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all our legal practices. You can trust us to act with integrity, protecting and prioritising your interests at all times.

Excellence
& Expertise

We strive for excellence in every aspect of our legal services. Our team of highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals is committed to staying up-to-fate with innovation and all relevant legal developments.

Trust
& Reliability

Building trust is at the heart of our practice. As your reliable partners, we ensure complete transparency, honesty, and consistent support throughout your legal journeys. We are proud to be a trusted pillar in the local community.

Collaboration
& Partnership

We value collaboration, not only within our team but also in building strong partnerships with local businesses, organisations, and community leaders. We work together to create a supportive network designed to benefit our community as a whole.

Our Residential Property Team

Sarah Taylor

Sarah qualified as a Solicitor in 1986 and has lived and worked in Harrogate since 1989. She has over 35 years’ experience of conveyancing, including both unregistered and registered sale and purchase property transactions, transfers of equity and re-mortgages. Sarah established Taylor Fawcett in 2002 and relocated the firm to our splendid Albert Street premises in July 2020.

Delivering a high level of client satisfaction is at the centre of all that Sarah does.

Sarah is a former President of the Harrogate & District Law Society and enjoys cycling, skiing and is a keen gardener.

Clive Farndon

Clive was a Partner in a Leeds City Centre practice before moving to Harrogate in 1998, when he became a Partner in Andersons Solicitors. Vastly experienced in several areas of the law over many years, Clive has now chosen to continue to concentrate his efforts on Commercial and Residential Property Transactions. Taylor Fawcett and Andersons joining forces will be of great benefit to all of our clients, both new and existing.

Kim Stockburn

Kim deals with all types of residential property transactions from sales and purchases through to mortgage finance, auctions, retirement accommodation and transfers of equity. With over 35 years’ experience, Kim has a vast wealth of experience and knowledge dealing with local property and properties in all areas of England and Wales. Kim’s approach is to deal with property matters in an efficient and timely manner, with precision and attention to detail, whilst providing outstanding levels of client care throughout. This approach has earned Kim an enviable reputation and made her an ideal addition to the Taylor Fawcett team in October 2023.

Outside the office Kim is an avid reader. She enjoys spoiling her cat and watching football with her husband. Kim is also a bit of a gadget geek.

Clare Strike

Clare, who also has over 35 years’ conveyancing experience, joined the Taylor Fawcett team in 2016 as Sarah Taylor’s assistant. Clare has an exceptional wealth of knowledge in all aspects of residential property transactions and helps Sarah with her extensive caseload. Clare strives to provide the best possible client care when dealing with clients and their various enquiries, and is passionate about her work.

Away from the office, Clare loves holidaying with her husband in America, and especially in California. She is also a ‘true crimes’ enthusiast.

Kathryn Gibson

Kathryn, who also has over 35 years’ conveyancing experience, joined the Taylor Fawcett team in 2018 and assists Kim Stockburn.

Away from the office, Kathryn is an avid reader, is a Formula 1 fan and adores her cats.

Melissa Strike

Melissa joined the team in 2023 and has been trained by and assists Kim Stockburn with her day-to-day workload. In addition, Melissa is the administrator of our residential case management system which involves administering, maintaining and updating our system as the conveyancing protocols and procedures evolve.

In her free time, Melissa enjoys going to the gym, watching football with her family and going out with her friends.

Barbara Fryer

Barbara has a wealth of experience as a legal assistant dating back from the early 1990s. She joined Clive’s team in 1998, supporting the management of Clive’s commercial transactions, residential conveyancing and probate matters.

Always a dog lover, and out of office hours Barbara enjoys Crown Green Bowling and is a devoted worshipper at St Wilfrid Parish Church where she supports the clergy in the role of Sacristan.

Our Commercial Property Team

Clive Farndon

Clive was a Partner in a Leeds City Centre practice before moving to Harrogate in 1998, when he became a Partner in Andersons Solicitors. Vastly experienced in several areas of the law over many years, Clive has now chosen to continue to concentrate his efforts on Commercial and Residential Property Transactions. Taylor Fawcett and Andersons joining forces will be of great benefit to all of our clients, both new and existing.

Barbara Fryer

Barbara has a wealth of experience as a legal assistant dating back from the early 1990s. She joined Clive’s team in 1998, supporting the management of Clive’s commercial transactions, residential conveyancing and probate matters.

Always a dog lover, and out of office hours Barbara enjoys Crown Green Bowling and is a devoted worshipper at St Wilfrid Parish Church where she supports the clergy in the role of Sacristan.

Our Family Law Team

Sarah Taylor

Sarah qualified as a Solicitor in 1986 and has lived and worked in Harrogate since 1989. She specialises in Family Law and is a member of Resolution (formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association) and is a Collaborative Solicitor. Sarah advocates, where possible, a constructive and non-confrontational approach to Family Law issues. Sarah takes a common-sense approach to all matters and delivers an exceptional level of client care.

Sarah is a former President of the Harrogate & District Law Society and enjoys cycling, skiing and is a keen gardener.

Clare Strike

Clare, who has extensive family law experience, joined the Taylor Fawcett team in 2016 as Sarah Taylor’s assistant. Clare is passionate about her work and always strives to provide the best possible client care experience.

Away from the office, Clare loves holidaying with her husband in America, and especially in California. She is also a ‘true crimes’ enthusiast.

Our Private Client Team

Sarah Arundel

Sarah has worked in the law since 2000 and is committed to providing a friendly, compassionate and professional service to her clients. Sarah has many years of experience of Wills and Probate and has practised in Harrogate since qualifying as a Solicitor in 2002. Practicing exclusively in private client work since 2004 Sarah has amassed a great deal of specialist experience in private client work. As a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), Sarah provides clear, concise and reassuring advice on Wills, Estate Planning, Probate, Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection matters and always strives to offer peace of mind and sensible solutions.

Susan Hudson

Susan has worked in law since 1980 and is committed to providing a caring and compassionate service to her clients. Before joining Taylor Fawcett in 2013, Susan worked for two large Leeds City Centre law firms. She qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 1998 and, having always been part of a Probate & Wills Department, provides a wealth of specialist experience in the administration of estates, elderly client work, Wills and Powers of Attorney.

Ellis Chapman

Ellis was admitted as a Solicitor in 2002 and deals with Wills, Estate Administration, Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection matters. Ellis has practised in Leeds and Harrogate and is a member of STEP and The Association of Lifetime Lawyers (formerly Solicitors for the Elderly).

Kim Marley

Kim joined Taylor Fawcett in 2008 and progressed to the Probate team in 2014. Kim works alongside, and has been trained by Susan, to assist with the day-to-day administration of her matters. Kim completed the CILEx Level 3 Certificate in Law and Practice (Probate Practice) in 2022.

Sandra Blackburn

Sandra has been a member of the Taylor Fawcett team since inception in 2002, progressing to the Probate team in 2014. Whilst assisting in the Private Client Department, Sandra also helps with general admin. for the firm.

Away from the office Sandra enjoys knitting and creative crafts, and is also a regular at a local gym. Sandra likes all thing to do with the natural world and is particularly fond of cats.

Liz Lancaster

Liz joined the Taylor Fawcett team in 2022 following a varied career as a legal secretary, working in a community business development centre and as a school secretary. Liz assists with all aspects of the Private Client Department.

Outside the office Liz sings in a choir, plays the cornet in a silver band, is a Duty Front of House Manager at Harrogate Theatre and in her spare time is the Stage Manager for the Harrogate St Andrews Players.

Sian Gibbs

Sian joined the Taylor Fawcett team in 2024 and is the newest addition to our Private Client Department team, providing invaluable support and assistance.

Outside the office Sian enjoys seeing her friends, hot holidays and winding up her cat, Eddy! (Sian asks, does this make us a cat obsessed office?).

Our Management and Reception Team

Jonathan Moody

Jon is our Practice, Finance & Compliance Manager. He joined the firm on a full-time basis in May 2021 bringing over 40 years’ experience in the Banking and Financial Services sectors with him. He initially was responsible for compliance and overseeing the client on boarding process ensuring the regulators stringent Anti Money Laundering Guidelines are adhered to. In May of 2023 he took over the role as Practice Manager to go alongside his Compliance and Finance responsibilities.

Away from the office Jon is a keen golfer and skier.

Tyler Moody

Tyler joined the Taylor Fawcett Team in 2023. He assists with the firm’s case management system and also supports the Private Client Department. In addition, Tyler’s skills are put to good use helping with practice management.

Away from the office, Tyler is an avid skier and cricketer.

Megan Moffat

Megan joined the Taylor Fawcett team in 2024 and is based in our reception area to greet visitors. She also provides invaluable assistance to the Residential Property Department.

Outside the office Megan likes to travel and experience new cultures, and likes to cook different dishes from around the world. Megan enjoys outdoor activities and has a love of art and design. She draws pet portraits as gifts for her family and friends.

Inspiring Testimonials
& Success Stories

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More Accreditations

You know you are in safe hands with Taylor Fawcett. Once again we have achieved Lexcel and CQS accreditations. As an extra boost we now have Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation

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Exceptional

In February 2024, we engaged Taylor Fawcett to represent us in the sale and purchase of a house. The process was far from straightforward due to complications with our buyers' solicitors. However, Kim Stockburn was exceptional, demonstrating persistence and professionalism that ultimately turned things around for us. Taylor Fawcett will be the only solicitors we use in the future.

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A Joining of Forces

TAYLOR FAWCWETT AND ANDERSONS HAVE NOW JOINED FORCES. Clive Farndon has joined the Taylor Fawcett team and has chosen to concentrate his efforts on commercial property transactions as well as residential This will be of great benefit to our clients, both new and existing

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Highly Professional

A very helpful, highly professional yet personal, close-knit team who have gone out of their way to help me on a number of occasions. Would strongly and enthusiastically recommend. Thank you as ever!

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Spofforth Cricket Club

According to village records cricket has been played in Spofforth since at least 1854 and Spofforth Cricket Club was a founder member of the Wetherby League just after the end of WWI. In 1953 the Club formed its first junior team and now operates various teams for boys and girls in all age groups. The Club has Sport England Clubmark Accreditation and offers coaching by a team of qualified Coaches and Assistant Coaches. Taylor Fawcett is a proud sponsor of the Spofforth Cricket Club Shirts.

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The Ethan Westerman Memorial Match

Taylor Fawcett were honoured to sponsor and make a donation to the Ethan Westerman Memorial Match which was played on 14 July 2024. Over £6,000 was raised for MIND, the charity that supports people struggling with Mental Health

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Supporting Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is just one of the worthy causes Taylor Fawcett is happy to support. Yorkshire Air Ambulance offer rapid and effective medical intervention to those in urgent need.

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Highly Recommended

Having entrusted them with my legal matters, I can confidently attest to their unparalleled expertise and professionalism. Taylor Fawcett brings an invaluable wealth of knowledge and understanding to every case. Their commitment to excellence and personalised approach made me feel well-supported throughout the entire process. I highly recommend Taylor Fawcett Solicitors to anyone seeking top-notch legal services in the Harrogate and District community.

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Wonderful

Wonderful solicitor who was prompt and professional!

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Wetherby Silver Band

Taylor Fawcett is delighted to sponsor the Wetherby Silver Band. Formed in 1878, the Band is a part of the local community. Although mainly a concert band, it does contest and currently competes in the Third Section in the Yorkshire Area. As well as concerts and contests, the Band plays at local community events such as Remembrance Sunday, the Community Carol Service and the Dickensian Market. The Band is aways pleased to welcome new players and contact details can be found on their website: https://www.wetherbysilverband.co.uk/

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Fireworks

Taylor Fawcett were delighted to sponsor The Spofforth Village Fireworks Event - a great community event in aid of Spofforth Cricket Club

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Genuine Dedication

Having recently employed Taylor Fawcett to handle the ownership transfer of a property, I have nothing but praise & satisfaction for this company's performance & would recommend them to anyone.