Commercial litigation solicitor and mediator Samantha Lowe has joined Setfords Solicitors as a consultant.
The North East-based lawyer previously spent nine years working for top 100 law firm Ward Hadaway.
Samantha has been recognised in Chambers and Partners since 2014 and has been listed as a recommended lawyer in The Legal 500. Samantha specialises in contested trusts and estates and comes highly recommended in this field. She is ACTAPS qualified and has the STEP certificate in International Trust Disputes.
Samantha represents clients nationally and internationally, ranging from private individuals to large charities.
As well as continuing to practise as a litigator, Samantha is also using her skills to focus on mediation and conflict resolution.
Samantha said: “Specialist commercial mediators in the region are lacking – specialist, dynamic, female, commercial mediators even more so. I am keen to emphasise that people don’t have to instruct mediators from London or Leeds for this expert service – the talent is here in the North East area.
“Mediation is a massive cost-saving exercise both financially and emotionally. It allows closure much earlier on in proceedings, it can avoid court hearings and prevents clients from having to get bogged down in too much detail and costs.
“As a litigator however I appreciate that timing is key for settlement discussions and therefore I can consider all options for clients involved in litigation and advise tactically on the next steps. I have significant experience in taking matters to successful trial when that is the only option available.”
Samantha, who lives with her husband and daughter in Yarm, will work out of offices at Acklam Hall, a Grade I Listed mansion in Middlesbrough.
Samantha added: “I am delighted to be joining Setfords as a consultant. Clients are becoming more savvy when it comes to what they want from lawyers and how they want their lawyers to work for them and more importantly how they want to pay them.”
“As a consultant I can offer flexible arrangements that best suit them from monthly retainers, to paying varied hourly rates and fixed fees and due to technology I can offer my services nationally and internationally.”
CEO Chris Setford said: “Samantha has a terrific background and a wealth of expertise and we are delighted she has joined Setfords.”
CEO Guy Setford added: “Samantha’s ambition and wish to enhance services in the North East area is something we greatly support and we look forward to seeing her thrive in the region.”