Meet the Team

Louise is the head of the Family Department here at Atkinson Firth. Louise is an experienced Chartered Legal Executive Advocate and has worked in law for 23 years. Louise undertakes work in relation to divorce, financial matters, public law proceedings involving the Local Authority and private Children Act matters. Louise specialises particularly in supporting victims of domestic abuse.

Louise has a robust approach to other parties and their solicitors but will provide you with a reassuring, sympathetic and professional approach if you seek her advice and assistance. The majority of her work comes from personal recommendations.

Louise does a lot of fundraising work for charities, namely Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, and Missing Peace Wellbeing & Support. Louise’s interests lie in body-building and walking her dog.

If you need to contact Louise please email louise.blackwell@atkinsonfirth.co.uk

Ellie has worked in law for over 20 years and joined Atkinson Firth in January 2006. Over the years she has undertaken a course in Business Administration and in 2013 completed a Paralegal BTEC Advanced Diploma course in Family Law.

Ellie is a paralegal within the family department predominantly assisting victims of domestic abuse to obtain protective orders, taking initial instructions, preparing statements and lodging applications with the court. Ellie provides a personalised service and is able to deal with individuals in a sensitive manner.

Over the last four years Ellie has gained experience dealing with the Legal Aid Agency from assessing eligibility for legal aid and submitting applications for funding to preparing and submitting final claims.

Ellie is able to assist with enquiries relating to all aspects of Family Law and would be happy to discuss your needs and refer you on to another member of the team where appropriate.

In her spare time Ellie enjoys spending time with her family, they enjoy going walking, cinema trips and days out at the seaside.

If you need to contact Ellie please email ellie.steane@atkinsonfirth.co.uk

Rachael Stafford has worked in family law for over 30 years and has been a member of Atkinson Firth’s Family Department for 14 years. Rachael previously enjoyed a role as a fee-earner and continues her fee-earning now by way of being a paralegal for the department. Rachael primarily deals with divorce and preparation of financial remedy matters. She also takes initial instructions for all kinds of cases that come to the department.

Rachael Stafford is the assistant to our Head of Family Louise Blackwell and is your first port of call when making an enquiry of the team. Rachael has a sympathetic ear and will approach you in a caring and considerate way and will provide you with a professional service.

If you need to contact Rachael email rachael.stafford@atkinsonfirth.co.uk

Billie joined the firm in 2024 and is training to qualify as a solicitor in 2025. Billie works in our Family Department specialising in children cases and also cases involving domestic abuse. Billie also has a keen interest in divorce and financial matters.

Billie brings an energetic and professional attitude to her work which means clients warm to her very quickly.

If you need to contact Billie please email billie.metcalfe@atkinsonfirth.co.uk 

Fiona Hedar has been a leading childcare lawyer in West Yorkshire for the last 30 years. She is widely sought after due to her sympathetic nature advocacy skills and attitude in care proceedings. She is highly recommended. Fiona is now working as a consultant to practice having been the managing partner for 30 years.

If you need to contact Fiona, please email fiona.hedar@atkinsonfirth.co.uk