Merger sees established Grange solicitor unite with historic Kendal firm

A long-established Grange-over-Sands solicitor is to merge her practice with a historic Kendal firm.

Shirley M. Evans, based in Lowther Gardens, will continue to practise in Grange as the newest member of Kendal-based Arnold Greenwood Solicitors when the businesses merge in May. 

She said: “It will still be me, behind the same desk, and with the same phone number, ready to help my clients in the way I always have.

“I’ve had a long cooperative arrangement with Arnold Greenwood, and this merger means I can offer a wider range of services to clients in and around Grange.”

Shirley qualified at University of Bristol and Chester Law College, and worked for a large law firm in Manchester before relocating to south Cumbria in the early 1990s.

After a brief period working for an Ulverston-based solicitor, she took over the company’s Grange office to establish her own practice in 1994. Her main areas of expertise include wills, probate, conveyancing, powers of attorney, and commercial property leases.

She said: “I’ve loved every minute of it and I have particularly enjoyed being in Grange. As soon as I came here I could tell that it would be an excellent community in which to work. 

“I derive great satisfaction from helping others and I have the most loyal group of clients that I could ever have hoped for. My aim has always been for clients to leave my office feeling better than when they arrive.”

Alongside her legal work, Shirley has taken an active role in the community through a variety of posts, including Vice-Chair of Kendal’s hospital trust, a governor of Kendal College, Assistant Coroner for South Cumbria, clerk to the Tax Commissioners in Kendal, and tribunal judge.

She also became involved in a local support group for bereaved parents after losing her son in a road accident three years ago.

Established in 1871, Kendal-based Arnold Greenwood covers a wide range of legal areas, including family and relationships, business and employment law, dispute resolution, and commercial property.  

Partner Lee Hughes said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Shirley to Arnold Greenwood Solicitors. Her knowledge and experience, along with her strong reputation for providing excellent service to her clients, will be a huge asset to us.

“People in Grange can expect to receive the same high-quality and personal service they are used to, with the added bonus of access to the additional areas of expertise we can offer from our Kendal office.

“This is the natural next step in the close working relationship we have had with Shirley for many years.”