MEET THE TEAM

The founder members of the firm, Clare Barlow and Julie Ferguson, first met in 2011 whilst undertaking voluntary work for the Ipswich Council for Racial Equality (IPSCRE), a charity for which they both felt passionately. A lifelong friendship was formed. Clare’s earlier background in senior management at the NHS doubled with Julie’s experience working in City law firms in London meant these solicitors brought a dynamic energy to the brainchild of Christchurch Solicitors LLP which continues to this day. A combined wealth of legal and life experiences as mothers, solicitors, friends make this a very special partnership.

Partners Clare and Julie bring many years of experience between them to the firm. Julie qualified as a solicitor in 1989 and Clare qualified in 2010. They work tirelessly and care passionately about achieving the best results for their clients.

Clare Barlow (Partner)

Clare is a senior family solicitor specialising in private family law, with a background in senior NHS leadership, including board-level experience. This combination of legal and executive experience brings a distinctive perspective to her practice and underpins her calm, strategic approach to complex family issues.

Clare is committed to delivering a high standard of client care, combining clarity, pragmatism and empathy. She takes a hands-on, proactive approach to each case and is deeply invested in achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients. Known for her thorough preparation and strong work ethic, she ensures clients feel fully supported and well advised at every stage of their matter.

Her practice focuses on private family law, with particular expertise in children matters and matrimonial finances. Clare advises clients on complex, sensitive issues arising from relationship breakdown, offering clear, tailored guidance informed by the practical realities of each client’s circumstances.

Clare also acts as an attorney for vulnerable adults, supporting the management of their affairs and safeguarding their interests. She works closely with families and other professionals to ensure decisions are made carefully and compassionately, with a strong emphasis on long-term wellbeing and protection.

Alongside her legal practice, Clare is deeply committed to community involvement and safeguarding. She is a trustee of an academy trust, where she serves as safeguarding lead, and is also a trustee of Hope Church Ipswich and Chairman of Hope Church Football Club. These roles reflect her strong sense of responsibility, public service and commitment to safeguarding beyond her legal work.

Email Clare at: cbarlow@christchurchlaw.co.uk

Julie Ferguson (Partner)
Julie’s experience working in City law firms in London brought the dynamic energy to the brainchild of Christchurch Solicitors LLP which continues to this day

Email Julie at: jferguson@christchurchlaw.co.uk

JULIA WILSON: SOLICITOR

Julia is a solicitor who specialises in Wills and Probate matters. She can help you with will writing, lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) and Court of Protection deputyship applications, as well as estates of the deceased and inheritance tax. She is usually available to witness documents and statutory declarations as required.

Julia has a law degree from Cambridge University and completed her legal training in Bristol. She qualified as a solicitor in 1994. She loves words and numbers and people and thrives on the variety of her work, resolving and finding solutions.

In addition to working as a solicitor, Julia is a part-time carer for her elderly father, who is living with dementia in Yorkshire. In her spare time, Julia enjoys riding her bike around Suffolk and is a member of Ipswich Rowing Club.

Email Julia at: jwilson@christchurchlaw.co.uk

HELEN MASON: ASSISTANT TO THE PARTNERS

Helen joined the firm shortly after it started and assists with wills, LPAs and probate as well as the office administration.  She has a degree in French, Spanish and Marketing and worked in education administration before moving into the legal world.  Helen works hard to aid the Partners whilst also ensuring our clients have a straightforward understanding of processes.  She enjoys helping people and finds her role fulfilling as it allows her to support people in resolving situations that might otherwise feel overwhelming.

Fluent in five languages, she’s a fount of knowledge and enjoys travelling regularly to refresh her language skills .  Outside of work, Helen enjoys cooking, yoga and walking.

Email Helen at: hmason@christchurchlaw.co.uk

Rebecca Brunning: ACILEX tRainee Advanced PARALEGAL

Rebecca’s professional journey began studying Early Years and Childhood, igniting her passion for supporting others. She then travelled extensively, gaining a wealth of knowledge about different cultures and places.

In 2018, Rebecca joined the legal sector as an Assistant to the Partners and soon embarked on the CILEX route into law. She has since achieved legal qualifications and now holds a CILEX Diploma in Law. Rebecca is an ACILEX member registered on the Professional Paralegal Register, having completed both exams and the required professional experience.

Specialising in family law, Rebecca assists clients with all aspects of family breakdown, including matrimonial proceedings, finances on separation and divorce, arrangements for children, and cases involving domestic abuse. She is known for her calm and reassuring manner, helping clients feel at ease during even the most challenging times. Rebecca has a reputation for outstanding organisation and her commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients.

Rebecca’s approachable nature and unwavering commitment ensure that clients feel supported and confident throughout their legal journey, making her a valued member of the Christchurch Solicitors LLP team.

Email Rebecca at: rbrunning@christchurchlaw.co.uk

FATIMA CEESAY: TRAINEE SOLICITOR

Fatima is a Trainee Solicitor with a growing commitment to delivering thoughtful, client-focused legal support. She holds a Law degree from Nottingham Trent University and is currently undertaking the LLM Legal Practice Course on a part-time basis.

Fatima’s passion for law was shaped early on through volunteering and working as an administrative assistant at Suffolk Law Centre prior to attending university. This hands-on exposure provided valuable insight into the real-world impact of legal advice and access to justice, particularly for vulnerable individuals and families. It was here that Fatima developed a keen interest in family law, inspired by the opportunity to support clients through complex and often sensitive personal circumstances.

Fatima approaches her work with empathy, diligence, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference. She is especially motivated by the human aspect of legal practice and is committed to building a career in family law, where she can continue to advocate for and support clients during important moments in their lives.

Email Fatima at: fceesay@christchurchlaw.co.uk

SOPHIE BUTLER

Sophie Butler completed her law degree at the University of Suffolk, where she distinguished herself not only academically but through her practical commitment to client care. Alongside her studies, Sophie worked with the Suffolk Legal Clinic, a charitable organisation providing free legal advice to the local community. It was here that she developed a particular interest in family law, gaining early, hands-on experience in supporting individuals through sensitive and often complex personal matters. During her time at university, Sophie also undertook a year-long clinical placement with Christchurch Solicitors, where she worked in an administrative role and built a strong foundation in the day-to-day operation of a busy legal practice.

Following her successful graduation, Sophie joined Christchurch Solicitors as a paralegal, where she has continued to develop her skills within private family law. She is known for her compassionate and empathetic approach to clients, ensuring they feel supported and understood throughout the legal process. Highly organised and diligent, Sophie manages her work with efficiency and care, ensuring that matters progress smoothly and deadlines are consistently met. Her combination of warmth, professionalism, and reliability makes her a valued member of the team.

Email Sopie at: sbutler@christchurchlaw.co.uk

DENEST AKINTAJU: ACCOUNTS MANAGER

Denest is an experienced accountant and bookkeeper with over 35 years’ experience spanning various industries, namely financial services, insurance, accounting practice and manufacturing. With an impressive background in accounting and auditing, he has worked for reputable organisations such as Ernst & Young, AON and Aviva. He is a qualified accountant and a member of the ACCA

Email Denest at: dakintaju@christchurchlaw.co.uk