The Team

Kevin Lowther is the Director in charge of the firm’s Appleby office which services the Upper Eden Valley and beyond. Kevin obtained a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in law from Newcastle Polytechnic where he also went on to complete the Law Society final examinations before commencing the practical stage of his training.  Upon qualification as a solicitor in 1986, Kevin practised initially in ...

Mark is from Carlisle.  He began his career in law when he joined the Carlisle Branch Office of the Crown Prosecution Service where he worked as an Administrative Officer/Case Worker.  Mark qualified as a Legal Executive in 1998 and moved into Private Practice with a firm in Carlisle practising Criminal and Family Law. In 2001 he joined a firm in West Cumbria exclusively practising all aspects o...

Based at our Kirkby Stephen office, Alex is part of the firm's Private Client Department. He specialises in matters concerning the Administration of Trusts and Estates and is an Accredited Member of the 'Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners'., Powers of Attorney and Will drafting.  In addition, he deals with property and Land related matters including residential and commercial transactions....

Tanya is an experienced property Solicitor, based at our Penrith office.  Her legal career began at a well-regarded Thames Valley firm, where she qualified as a Solicitor in 1996. She later became a Partner at the same firm, with responsibilities including management of a busy residential property Department. In 2004, motivated by a desire to spend more time enjoying an outdoor lifestyle, she mov...

Julia King was born in Cumbria and has lived in the area throughout her career.  She attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Penrith leaving there to attend University at the London School of Economics followed by her qualifying examinations to become enrolled as a Solicitor. Julia served her articles with the current firm’s predecessors, then known as Harrison Grainger & Reed, when they develop...

Peter obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law from Liverpool Polytechnic.  He qualified as a Solicitor in 1983 working initially in the North West until he moved to Cumbria in 1987.  In 1993 he began working in the North East specialising in both residential and commercial conveyancing, and wills and probate. He joined Gaynham King & Mellor in 2013 working within the private client and propert...

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Tracy is an experienced residential conveyancer.  She is based at our Kirkby Stephen office, having joined GKM in January 2024 from another local firm.  Alongside her practical experience, in May 2021, Tracy achieved her Cilex Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice.  Tracy continues to develop her expertise and is currently studying for an advanced paralegal property and conveyancing mo...

Courtney is a paralegal in our family team and began her legal career by completing an apprenticeship in the accounts department of a small firm in the North East. She has then progressed and is completing her Law Degree with the Open University alongside working at GKM. Courtney has experience advising and assisting parents in care proceedings involving Children’s Services. Courtney also has e...

Jeanette has worked in various administrative roles throughout her working life and joined GKM as an experienced Legal Secretary in 2021. She is based in the Kirkby Stephen office and assists Alex Birtles in the Private Client Department dealing mostly with Probate matters and Wills. ...

Sarah is an experienced private client Solicitor, based at our Penrith office.  Sarah gained her law degree from Durham University before attending Chester College of Law.  During her career, she has worked at a number of law firms in England and Wales and specialises in Will drafting, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate matters. Sarah joined Gaynham King and Mellor in 2025, bringing with her...

Jane is a Private Client Legal Executive, based in our Kirkby Stephen office.  She specialises in advising clients on Wills, Court of Protection applications, Powers of Attorney, and the administration of trusts and estates. Jane joined Gaynham King & Mellor in 2025, bringing with her over 21 years of experience in the legal sector. Jane is an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Lega...

Hannah is based at our Penrith office and is part of the firm's Commercial Property department.  Hannah studied Law at the University of Cumbria, graduating in 2022, during which time she completed a work experience placement at Gaynham King & Mellor.  She then went on to complete her Masters in Legal Practice (incorporating the Legal Practice Course) at Northumbria University, graduating in 2023...