Meet The Team

Jane Kennedy
Jane is the Director and Founder of Yellow Legal and has a wealth of experience in dealing with all aspects of sales and purchases including complex leasehold titles, new builds, shared ownership and right to buy transactions. Jane lives in Northumberland and has great working relationships with estate agents and mortgage advisors and has sound knowledge of the North East property market. She prides herself on providing a swift, personalised and quality service, which extends to the large number of nationwide clients in her portfolio. Having studied at Northumbria University, Jane qualified as a solicitor in 2002 and as a Probate Practitioner in 2023. Prior to moving into residential conveyancing, she practiced in family law and was previously accredited by Resolution as a Family Law Specialist and by the Law Society as a Children’s Representative. Jane is therefore accustomed to dealing with stressful situations and appreciates that buying or selling a property can be a major step in life and realises the importance of the transaction running smoothly.

Claire Gale
Claire is a Licensed Conveyancer having qualified in 2021 with 20 years’ experience in residential property and she also holds a BSc in Pharmacology and Physiology. A valued member of the team from the outset, Claire was promoted to join Jane and Lucy as a Director in July 2023. Having previously worked in both fast-paced city centre law firms as well as smaller local practices, Claire prides herself on her ability to put clients at ease. She is easily contactable and maintains a proactive approach throughout the conveyancing process. Originally from Manchester, Claire moved to Northumberland with her husband and daughter in 2019. She enjoys walking in the great outdoors and active holidays with her family.

Stephen Bell
Qualifying in 2006, having been a Legal Executive prior to that, Stephen has over 25 years’ experience in private client law. He specialised in Wills, Probate & Estate Administration, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection and Inheritance Tax Planning. Stephen is originally from Devon and moved to Northumberland in 2023 joining Yellow Legal as an Associate Solicitor in October 2024. Having previously been a trustee of a bereavement counselling charity for 10 years, Stephen has developed a caring and sensitive approach to dealing with clients who are recently bereaved. Outside of work Stephen enjoys exploring the Northumberland coast. He is also an avid football, Formula 1 and music fan.

Joanne Clark
Joanne is a Senior Solicitor at Yellow Legal with over 20 years’ experience in residential property and conveyancing. Since qualifying in 2004, she has developed extensive expertise in managing a broad range of residential property transactions. Joanne specialises in freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, transfers of equity, shared ownership, and remortgages, acting for clients across the North East and nationwide. Known for her thorough approach and strong attention to detail, she provides clear, practical advice and works proactively to ensure transactions progress efficiently from instruction through to completion. With a wealth of experience in residential conveyancing, Joanne is committed to delivering a high standard of service and guiding clients through what can often be a complex process with confidence and reassurance. Outside of work, Joanne enjoys travelling and spending time on days out with family and friends.

Lauren Charlton
Lauren graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law in 2021, balancing her studies with a leadership role in retail. She went on to complete her Master’s in Law the following year. During her postgraduate studies, Lauren joined a Sunderland City law firm as a Conveyancing Assistant in the residential conveyancing department, where her dedication and skill quickly earned her a training contract. In 2025, Lauren qualified as a solicitor before joining Yellow Legal, where she now manages her own conveyancing caseload with a proactive and client-focused approach. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys reading and is an active member of her local book club.

Gavin Young
Gavin is a Conveyancer with over 10 years’ experience in the sector and takes pride in his calming approach, particularly in communicating with clients. Conveyancing is known to be a stressful process and Gavin therefore appreciates that a simple call or email could have a great impact in relieving any lingering doubts his clients may have. Gavin specialises in dealing with residential sales, purchases, transfers of equity and remortgages. Outside of work, Gavin can often be found keeping fit, whether that be on a 6 a side football pitch or out running.

Caitlin Gibbons
Originally from Liverpool, Caitlin moved to Newcastle to study at Newcastle University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law in December 2022. With the decision to make the North East her home, Caitlin joined the team in January 2023 to embark on her first graduate role in the legal sector in an administrative role. Thanks to her continued hard work, desire to achieve and obvious talent for the job, Caitlin was promoted to Conveyancer in January 2025 and has begun her CLC Level 6 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice which will lead to her becoming a Licensed Conveyancer in the very near future.

Darrion Borsberry
Darrion graduated from Northumbria University with a Master’s in Law (Exempting) in 2022, while also working in hospitality for a number of years alongside her studies. She began her legal career at a busy city centre law firm, where she gained valuable experience within a fast-paced conveyancing department, developing knowledge across all aspects of the conveyancing process, with particular focus on post-completion work and Land Registry applications.
Darrion has since progressed to the role of Conveyancer and is currently working towards her Level 6 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice, further strengthening her expertise in residential property transactions. Outside of work, Darrion enjoys long walks with her dog and going on hikes with friends.

Kierra Carr
Kierra graduated from Northumbria University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law in 2022, before completing the Legal Practice Course and achieving a Master’s in Law. She qualified as a Solicitor in December 2025 and joined Yellow Legal with over nine years’ experience in residential conveyancing and property transactions. Kierra has developed a strong background in supporting clients through the conveyancing process, providing clear communication and an efficient, supportive service to ensure transactions progress as smoothly as possible.
Outside of work, Kierra enjoys exploring new places with her dog and spending time with family and friends.

Terence Kennedy
Terence started his legal profession under the umbrella of a nationwide firm gaining valuable knowledge and experience as a Conveyancing Assistant. Having previously worked in a sales role for many years, Terence is familiar with the fast-paced environment of a conveyancing department and has embraced his role with great ambition. Taking customer care to heart, Terence prides himself on providing the best possible service to our clients, which has led to his promotion to Office Manager in June 2023.

Julia Holcroft
Julia is the most experienced member of our administration team and provides close support to Claire Gale. She has been working in the legal profession for over 20 years and has assisted in property transactions since 2007. Julia is proficient in her role and will be hands on throughout your transaction from the outset to completion. Outside of work Julia enjoys keeping fit including going to the gym, playing badminton and cycling with her family.

Tracy Bell
Originally from Lincolnshire, Tracy relocated to Northumberland in 2023. She has over 20 years’ experience in the legal profession and has worked in various departments including Private Client, Family Law and Residential Conveyancing. Prior to this she worked for a publishing company for over 11 years which required a good eye for detail and an ability to speed read which has helped greatly in her subsequent legal employment. In her spare time Tracy likes to travel and is a keen reader. She enjoys theatre trips, live music and spending time with family and friends and she is very much enjoying exploring all that Northumberland has to offer.

Giovanna Cassama
Originally from Portugal, Giovanna moved to Newcastle to pursue her legal education and graduated with a Master of Law (Exempting) from Northumbria University in July 2024. With a strong interest in property law and client care, she joined the Yellow Legal team as a Conveyancing Administrator shortly after completing her studies. Prior to joining the firm, Giovanna gained valuable experience working as a Claims Handler and later as a Paralegal, developing strong case management skills and a detailed understanding of legal procedures. Her background in hospitality also strengthened her communication skills, ability to work under pressure, and commitment to delivering high-quality client service. Fluent in multiple languages and passionate about learning, Giovanna brings a warm, approachable nature to the team. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, dancing, painting, and exploring new cultures.

Oliver Fiddes
Having embarked on his first year at Northumbria University in September 2024 studying for a Solicitor Higher Apprenticeship, Oliver was eager to start his career after finishing his A levels and joins the team with previous experience in customer service backgrounds. Having the mindset to strive within a busy legal practice whilst maintaining the best results for the client, Oliver is excited to gain the experience and knowledge to not only qualify as a Solicitor, but to also achieve his goal to one day run his own firm.

Holly Blakey
Holly is studying as an apprentice solicitor through Northumbria University and joined Yellow Legal in September 2024. Having completed her A Levels in Business, Maths and Sport, she is set to qualify as a solicitor in 2030 and is looking forward to gaining the knowledge and experience required to advance her career beyond this. Outside of work, Holly loves to travel to new countries as well as spending time with her friends, family, and her dog.

Adam Davison
Adam joined Yellow Legal in September 2025 as an apprentice solicitor and is currently studying through Northumbria University. He previously gained valuable work experience at a city-centre firm, where his interest in the legal profession developed and he was well prepared for the demands of the apprenticeship scheme. With A Levels in Law, Business and History, Adam is working towards qualifying as a solicitor in 2031. He is focused on developing his legal knowledge and practical skills to support his progression within the firm. Outside of work, Adam enjoys playing football, going to the gym, and spending time with his dog.

Laura Gamble
Graduating from Northumbria University in 2024 with a Masters in Law (Exempting), Laura had already gained valuable practical legal experience in the University’s Student Law Office Housing Firm for one year during her studies. In her final year, Laura was chosen to participate in a year-long archival dissertation project in collaboration with the National Archives, where her strong research skills, attention to detail, organisation, and clear communication skills really came to the fore.
Prior to joining Yellow Legal in 2025, Laura worked as a Litigation Paralegal, further developing her legal knowledge and professional etiquette. Outside of work, Laura enjoys travelling, attending her book club, and spending time outdoors on long walks with her two much-loved dogs, Olive and Bruce.