PRESS: Farnworth Rose announces four new Associates and three key hires as growth continues

Farnworth Rose Solicitors is marking another significant chapter in the firm's development, announcing the appointment of four new Associates and three strategic hires as it builds on another year of double digit growth. 

The firm, which has offices in Nelson and Salford, closed April 2026 with consecutive years of strong growth and is now investing in both its people and its operational foundations ahead of its next phase of expansion. 

Four new Associates named for the first time 

For the first time in the firm's history, Farnworth Rose has formalised an Associate progression pathway, with four people across the business being named as Associates following a competitive application process. 

The appointments recognise individuals who have demonstrated consistent high performance, taken on increasing responsibility and shown a clear commitment to the firm's future. Importantly, the cohort reflects the full breadth of the business, with Associates drawn from legal, operations and business development functions. 

The new Associates are Carole Hartley, Business Development Manager; Dawn Turner, Residential Conveyancing Paralegal; Vicki Bamber, Solicitor and Senior Litigator; and Sophie Holdsworth, Operations Manager. All are based at the firm's head office in Nelson. 

Janet Lalor, Co-founder and Managing Partner, said: "As we have grown into a multi-site practice, it has become increasingly important that the people who help lead that growth are properly recognised for doing so. We also wanted to make sure that recognition reaches across all kinds of roles and departments, not just fee earners. 

"We knew they were good, but each of the four applications showed us something we had not necessarily expected to see. Every one of them demonstrated a level of thinking about the business, its clients and its future that confirmed to us these are people actively finding new ways to improve what we do." 

Three strategic hires strengthen the team 

Alongside the Associate appointments, Farnworth Rose has made three hires that reflect both its growing caseload and its ambition to build a stronger operational platform. 

Rachael Sutcliffe joins the Family Law team as a Solicitor, based at the firm's Nelson office. She brings seven years of experience gained at Forbes Solicitors and will also support Pinnington Law, the firm's specialist family law team led by Clare Pinnington from its Manchester office. Her appointment adds further depth to the family law offering across both locations. 

Louise Clough joins as Operations Consultant, taking on a key role in building the infrastructure the firm needs for its next stage of growth. Louise brings senior-level operational experience from Keoghs, where she served as Operations Director and Partner, and will focus on the systems, processes and projects that underpin a growing multi-site practice. 

Linda Simcock joins the Wills and Probate team, bringing with her a wealth of expertise and a well-established reputation across the North West. Widely known and well-liked amongst her clients, Linda has spent her career building deep expertise in Wills and Probate and joins from Hollins Villas, where she built a loyal client following over many years. 

Janet Lalor added: "Each of these appointments has been made with real purpose. Rachael brings excellent family law experience that our clients will benefit from directly. Louise's operational background is exactly what we need as we grow and prepare for what comes next. And Linda brings a level of expertise and a client relationship that speaks for itself. We are delighted to have all three on board." 

About Farnworth Rose Solicitors 

Established in 2007, Farnworth Rose is a full-service law firm with offices in Nelson, Lancashire and Salford, Greater Manchester. With a team of 40 people and over 450 five-star reviews, the firm acts for individuals, families and businesses across the North West across Residential Conveyancing, Family and Matrimonial Law, Wills and Probate, Litigation, Commercial Conveyancing, Employment and Corporate Law. Trusted legal expertise, on first name terms.