David is a Director – and the CEO – of Helios Legal Services Limited, the company that continues the business of Bailey Smailes Solicitors.
Having more than 30 years’ experience as a property solicitor, David is used to dealing with all aspects of property transaction work and financial institutions.
A driving force behind Helios, his energy and experience pushes the business forward with new systems to promote efficiency whilst also appraising new practices to enhance the offering to Clients.
Approachable and driven, David is always interested to meet with new firms or individuals looking to join Helios.
In his spare time David enjoys golf, travel, Thai food, and the trials and tribulations of his beloved Leeds United.
Dominic is a Director of Helios Legal Services Ltd and has more than 20 years’ experience as a Commercial Litigation Solicitor advising on civil and commercial disputes and Court proceedings across the country. He has also worked within private equity and venture capital.
Whilst Dominic oversees the operation of the business, he works closely with all of the Directors to grow the business offering and consider new acquisitions.
In his spare time, Dominic enjoys spending time with his kids, cooking, skiing, and travelling near and far (especially to the US, where he used to live).
David is a Director of Helios Legal Services Ltd., the company that continues the business of Bailey Smailes Solicitors. He is a senior Solicitor and joined Bailey Smailes in 2007.
David is a very experienced Private Client Solicitor, with over 15 years of specialism. He can advise on complex Wills, Tax Planning, Trusts and Estate Administration. In addition, David can assist with Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection matters.
Whilst attending Manchester University, David studied Theology, graduating in 1999 before undertaking legal studies.
David is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and was also awarded the mark of distinction in the further STEP qualification Advanced Certificate in Will preparation. He is also a full professional member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) and The Ecclesiastical Law Society.
David is a Governor of a local special needs secondary school and part of the team which won the National Governing Body Award.
Click here to get a wills & probate quote.
Lyndsey is a Licensed Conveyancer and has worked in various conveyancing practices since 1996 gaining a wealth of knowledge in relation to residential property dealing with all manner of residential property transactions including freehold and leasehold sales, purchases, new-build, transfers of equity, assents, remortgages, voluntary first registrations and adverse possession applications.
Lyndsey provides both a professional and client focussed service whilst maintaining a friendly, approachable nature.
In her spare time Lyndsey enjoys spending time with her family and friends and long walks with her dog.
Emma is a Residential Property Solicitor based at the Huddersfield Office. She joined Bailey Smailes from another leading local firm in October 2020.
Emma studied Law at the University of Huddersfield and qualified with a Masters in Law and Practice in 2013, before moving on to gain experience in Residential Conveyancing and Family Law, qualifying as a Solicitor in April 2018. Emma undertook Family work upon qualification, before making a return to Residential Conveyancing. Emma deals with a variety of matters including Sales and Purchases of Freehold Properties, Leasehold Titles and Transfers of Equity.
In her spare time, Emma enjoys running, going to the Gym and cooking for friends and family.
Sophie is a Solicitor in the Private Client Department. She advises on Wills, Trusts, Tax Planning and Estate Administration as well as Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection matters. Sophie studied Law at Manchester Metropolitan University, gaining a Masters in Law and Practice in 2019, before qualifying as a Solicitor in 2024.
In her spare time, Sophie enjoys spending time at the gym.
Lisa is a member of the Property team and assists in the transactions of residential property. She is well on the way to attaining her qualification as a Licensed Conveyancer and assists clients in the Sale, Purchase, or remortgage of residential property.
Lisa enjoys spending her spare time with family, attending live music gigs and getting into the great outdoors in the Yorkshire dales and Peak District, often accompanied by her dog.
Courtney is a Conveyancing Assistant based in the Holmfirth Office. With nearly 4 years of experience assisting she is now keen to become a Licensed Conveyancer, with hopes to start in the near future.
Whilst Courtney has not always been in the legal sector, originally studying Animal Management, Horse Care and Dog Grooming, she prides herself in her client care and her ‘down to earth’ nature. She feels that sometimes in a world full of legal jargon a simpler touch may be just what a client needs.
Outside of work Courtney enjoys camping, walks around the Holme Valley and spending time with her family.
Emma has more than 20 years’ experience of Residential Conveyancing dealing with a variety of property transactions; Purchases, Sales, Transfers of Equity, and more and obtained her qualification as a Licensed Conveyancer in 2011. Emma also gained the qualification of Probate Practitioner in 2023 and advises on Wills, Probate, and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Outside the office, Emma enjoys spending time with her family, socialising with friends and getting into the great outdoors whenever she can. She is also a keen supporter of the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) championships where her son is a competitor.
Oliver is a Consultant Solicitor with more than 20 years’ experience as a Commercial & Property Litigation solicitor. He has spent the last few years focused on regulatory compliance, employee, and customer care. Oliver ensures that the Company delivers the very highest standards in everything it does; from training and education to team-building, attention to detail, and Client satisfaction.
Approachable and ‘fit-as-a-fiddle’ Olly enjoys squash, the great outdoors, trips to Australia, and leisurely cycling unimaginable distances.
Jolene is a senior Solicitor in our Private Client Department and joined Bailey Smailes at our Mirfield office. Jolene brings a wealth of experience having previously worked in large, commercial firms as well as high street practices over the past 14 years. She offers expert advice in areas of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection, Inheritance Tax planning, Care fees planning, obtaining Grants of Probate and dealing with Estate Administration.
In her spare time Jolene enjoys the theatre, cinema and spending time with her daughter.
Ian is the Senior Consultant Solicitor at Bailey Smailes and the former Head of the Private Client team. He has considerable expertise and extensive knowledge of matters including Wills, Probate and Lasting Powers of Attorney, as well as issues relating to Inheritance and Capital Gains Tax. He also has substantial knowledge in Agricultural issues, as well as Commercial and Residential Property transactions. With over 50 years’ experience in practice, Ian deals with a broad spectrum of complex matters on a day to day basis.
Ian joined the firm in 1968, qualifying as a Solicitor in 1973. He became a Partner in 1974, albeit in one of the constituent firms, Smailes & Walker. Ian is accredited with STEP (Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners).
A keen golfer, Ian also enjoys Fine Art.
Click here to get a wills & probate quote.
Georgette graduated from De Montfort University with an LLB in Law, specialising in Human Rights and Social Justice, in 2023. She is currently pursuing an LLM SQE 1 & 2 at BPP University, with the aim of qualifying as a solicitor.
As a paralegal with experience in family law, Georgette supports a range of cases assisting solicitors in navigating complex and sensitive matters. She is passionate about guiding clients through challenging circumstances and is known for her calm and composed approach.
Outside of her legal work and studies, Georgette enjoys travelling, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Khadija is a dedicated Conveyancing Assistant with a strong academic foundation and a genuine passion for property law. She graduated with an LLB in Business Law from the University of Huddersfield in 2021, before going on to complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the University of Law.
Since completing her LPC, Khadija has focused her career on conveyancing, gaining valuable experience in handling residential property transactions. She thrives in the fast-paced, client-focused environment and takes pride in delivering a service that is both professional and approachable. Khadija is committed to ensuring clients feel supported and well-informed throughout every step of the property process.
Outside of work, Khadija enjoys reading books and is always on the lookout for new reads, especially in the genres of contemporary fiction and thriller. She also values quality time with family and friends and enjoys exploring new places and cultures.
Sarah qualified as a solicitor in 1992 and initially specialised in Family law. In 2007, Sarah decided to re-train in Private Client. She worked at a long-established firm in Castleford for more than 15 years before moving to Bailey Smailes in November 2023, bringing a wealth of experience in non-contentious Private Client matters including Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Probate, Property and Financial Affairs, Court of Protection applications and Trusts. Sarah’s kind and compassionate approach puts her clients at ease and she prides herself in explaining complex legal issues in plain English.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys gardening, spending time at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, classical music and holidaying in sunny climes whenever she can. She’s also a big fan of tennis and Wimbledon in particular.
Sam is the Practice Manager and Senior Legal Cashier for Helios Legal Services Ltd, heading the Accounts Team. He began his career in finance in 2005 on completion of the Accountancy, Business Studies and ICT A-Levels at Kirklees College, and has 20 years’ experience in legal accounting.
Having joined Bailey Smailes in 2014 as Senior Legal Cashier after holding similar roles in other law firms, Sam also took on the position of Practice Manager in 2020.
Sam has studied towards the Institute of Legal Finance and Management (ILFM) and the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Diplomas.
In his spare time, Sam enjoys socialising, playing or watching football, and is a keen supporter of Manchester United.
Jonathan is a Senior Solicitor and Head of the Commercial Property Department, boasting over 30 years’ in Practice. Although specialising in Commercial Property, he is comfortable in dealing with Private Client matters, such as Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate. Jonathan also has extensive experience in Agricultural cases.
Having qualified as a Solicitor in 1985, he has gained substantial knowledge from working in various large law firms across the region. His straightforward manner and pragmatic approach to complex issues is appreciated by his Clients and means that they always receive clear and concise advice.
Jonathan regularly attends professional development training courses in relation to Property and Commercial law.
Sarah is a Senior Solicitor in the Private Client Department. She has been with Bailey Smailes since 2002 and has over 35 years’ experience working at various firms around the globe.
After studying Law at the University College London (UCL), Sarah trained as a Barrister at the Inns School Court of Law, London (now part of The City Law School). She then trained as a Solicitor and completed her Batchelor of Law Degree at the University of Sydney, Australia. Sarah qualified as a Solicitor in New South Wales in 1996, and as a Solicitor in England and Wales in 2003, allowing her to practice in both jurisdictions.
Sarah’s expertise has been further enhanced by working in a number of roles around the world, including locations such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, Australia and London. She can assist with all matters relating to Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Probate, Tax Planning, and Court of Protection matters, in addition to Residential Freehold/Leasehold Sales and Purchases.
Click here to get a wills & probate quote.
Candice qualified as a Solicitor in 2010 and advises clients in all aspects of Family Law, Divorce and Children matters. She is a member of Resolution, committed to the resolution of family disputes, and passionately pursues the best possible outcome for all of her Clients.
If you have a private family matter that you would like to discuss further, Candice can be contacted directly on her mobile 07500 105411. She offers a free initial 30-minute consultation on the telephone or at our Mirfield, Huddersfield, or Holmfirth offices.
In her spare time Candice enjoys spending time with her family, especially her children. She is also is an Elvis fan and does not miss an opportunity to see a tribute show.
Kerry is a Conveyancing Assistant with more than 15 years’ experience of assisting in Residential Conveyancing dealing with a variety of property transactions – Sales and Purchases.
Outside of work, Kerry enjoys socialising with friends and family, running, HIIT classes and walking in her beautiful town of Holmfirth and surrounding areas.
Ian Holmes and David Wells are the STEP accredited Solicitors for Helios Legal Services Ltd
David Wells and Sarah Markham are the Association of Lifetime Lawyers accredited Solicitors for Helios Legal Services Ltd
