Serena graduated from Lancaster University and qualified as a solicitor in 2016. Initially, Serena undertook her training with a Derbyshire based law firm in the area of Criminal Law, although she has also assisted in Conveyancing and Family Law matters in the past. Serena joined Bakers Solicitors in 2022 as a Solicitor in the Criminal Defence team.

Specialising in all aspects of criminal defence and motor law Serena represents clients in Magistrates Courts, Youth Courts and Crown Court cases, including Magistrates and Youth Court trials. Serena has experience in dealing with a wide range of offences ranging from minor offences, serious assaults, drug matters and fraud cases to more serious offences such as sexual offences and murder. Serena also offers advice and representation in relation to Motor Law and can assist with all motoring offences. She also offers assistance with those being investigated for benefit fraud by the DWP.

Serena is a member of the High Peak Duty Solicitors scheme offering advice and assistance at the Police Station 24 hours a day as well as acting as a Court Duty Solicitor also. She has represented clients in Police Stations and Magistrates Courts throughout Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.

Coming SoonFollowing a passion for all things with engines, Annis started in the legal department for a well known and renowned motoring organisation.  After a spell Lecturing Law in Merseyside, Annis settled in Private Practice in Buxton.  Annis qualified as a solicitor in 1999. She occupies a senior role in the Criminal Department.  Working initially with Kirsten Collings in the late 1990s, she became part of the team at the highly regarded firm of Bunting and Riley in 2006 working with James Riley.  After a brief spell on the other side of Derbyshire, Annis is now back in the High Peak at Bakers, reunited with both James and Kirsten since October 2020.  
 
Specialising in all aspects of criminal defence and motor law Annis also has a keen interest in animal law and regulatory offences, successfully defending many dog owners, equestrians and farmers. A strong and robust advocate or skilled negotiator. Annis has a loyal following of clients and is often requested personally at the police station. Annis has attended many police stations and courts throughout England and Wales. Always dealing with a varied awry of cases from the most grave and serious, including murder, sex trafficking and conspiracies through to assault, public order, theft and careless driving.  
 
Annis is a member of the High Peak Duty Solicitors scheme offering advice and assistance at the Police Station 24 hours a day as well as acting as a Court Duty Solicitor. Annis continues to represent and is committed to clients best interests in the police station, Magistrates Courts and Youth Courts.

Coming Soon

Harvey joined Bakers Solicitors in June 2022. Developing his skills and knowledge by working in the administration sector before becoming an accredited police station representative in 2023. 
 
Harvey has represented clients in complex and serious criminal matters such as intentional strangulation, rape, dangerous driving and more.
 
At the police station Harvey has a reputation for striking decisive blows against the police investigation and has a real sense of empathy and professionalism when representing clients.

Arianne is new to Bakers solicitors, having only recently joined in September 2023. Arianne is a paralegal in the family department who is still training in her new role, whilst supporting both the solicitors and administration teams. Arianne is seeking to pursue a legal career, seeking to gain experience in both Family and Criminal Law. 

Dharma commenced her legal career with Bakers solicitors in January 2023 after obtaining a first class honours degree in Law. Dharma joined the firm as a paralegal offering support to the Family solicitors in the department. Due to her hard work, Dharma has now progressed to a position where she is to undertake the Solicitor Apprenticeship. Dharma will continue to support the solicitors in the department, whilst also undertaking her training under the supervision of the Head of Department. 

Sarah joined Bakers solicitors in March 2023.  Sarah comes from a non-legal background but joined us at a time when she was looking for a career change for a new challenge.  Since joining Bakers Sarah has been exceptional in supporting the business with her skills and professionalism.  Sarah supports the Family solicitors with administration which is a valuable role in the service provided to our clients.

Sue is Buxton born and bred, she has been a qualified Legal Secretary since 1978 with a local firm in Buxton covering all areas of law. In 2004 Sue was instrumental in setting up Bunting & Riley Solicitors. As Office Manager took on management duties, assisted in the Crown Court litigation and supported all members of staff.

Sue’s friendly and approachable nature is a huge attribute and asset to any firm, and always offers a ‘go to’ set of skills. Following the merger with Bakers Solicitors Sue is now a Senior Legal Secretary and is instrumental in the smooth running of our busy Buxton Office. Sue continues to support managerial functions and has a wide range of skills and competencies with her long standing and detailed knowledge of a legal practice.

James Riley is a Partner at Bakers Solicitors. He originally qualified as a Barrister in 1995. James achieved dual qualification by becoming a solicitor in 1999 specialising in criminal defence work. He gained valuable experience with firms in Stockport and Derbyshire before establishing his own practice in 2004 in partnership with John Bunting.

Bunting and Riley developed an enviable reputation for robust and professional defence of their clients alongside a recognition from the courts and Police for their legal expertise and knowledge.

James qualified as a Higher Courts Advocate in 2011 and in this role has successfully represented clients at crown courts across the country and in notable cases at the Court of Appeal in London. His particular qualifications and training have given James the foundations to become a formidable criminal advocate.

Notwithstanding his Crown Court work James will always prioritise his client’s needs at the police station, where for many they are in their most desperate need of immediate advice and assistance. James is renowned for his efforts at the police station, where due to his legal knowledge and expertise he is able to strike decisive blows preventing cases going any further.

In Court, James continues to demonstrate the same determination in presenting the best possible defence for his clients, all underpinned by the wealth of knowledge and legal expertise he has attained over many years of criminal defence work.

The combination of talent and experience possessed by James provides the perfect combination for his clients. He demonstrates compassion and a real empathy for those he represents, he is respected by the court and adopts a combative yet professional attitude towards those that prosecute.

James is both a 24 hour Police Station and Court Duty solicitor.

Abi is a solicitor in our family law department. Abi started work at Bakers as a paralegal but after impressing was offered a training contract at the firm. Abi studied law at the University of Teesside and completed her Legal Practice Course and Masters at the University of Sunderland.

Abi is qualified to give advice at the police station but primarily works in our busy family law department. Abi already has considerable experience of representing parents in cases concerning their children. Abi regularly represents parents and other family members who find themselves involved with social services but also represents clients involved in private law disputes and those who have experienced domestic abuse.

Abi is a keen advocate and represents clients at all levels of The Family Court.

Stephanie commenced her career in law as a receptionist and worked her way through her training contract before qualifying within the firm.  She originally studied Journalism before completing the Graduate Diploma in Law at the University of Law in Manchester.  Stephanie then went on to complete her Legal Practice Course within the same institute.

Stephanie is a Solicitor who has experience across both the family and criminal departments. Stephanie can offer advice and representation before the family court on various matters including private law children matters and care proceedings.  Her experience includes dealing with cases involving various safeguarding issues including, but not limited to,  domestic abuse, non-accidental injury and substance misuse.  Stephanie can assist with providing representation, including Court hearings.  

In the criminal department, Steph can offer advice and representation at the Police Station, including outset of usual working hours.

Sarah graduated from Liverpool University and qualified as a solicitor in July 2016. Since that time Sarah has gained valuable experience in all areas of family law and is now a valuable member of the team.

Sarah works in the family department offering advice and assistance in all areas of family law but specifically those that involve children. Sarah has a particular expertise in representing clients in proceedings under the Childrens Act 1989, including care proceedings brough by a local authority. Sarah has also helps clients who have experience of domestic abuse.

Sarah is accredited by Resolution, recognising her experience and specialist ability in both private and public law children matters.

Paul qualified as a solicitor in 2008 after completing his training contract with a Manchester firm specialising in white collar crime and regulatory matters.

Paul has since worked in both London and Manchester representing clients from across the country in a wide range of criminal matters. Paul has represented clients in serious and complex criminal matters such as importation and supplying drugs, offences against the person and rape as well as multi-million pound fraud cases and Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings dealing with confiscation and restraint orders. Paul is also a Duty Solicitor.

Often recognised by both clients and fellow professionals alike, Paul is a diligent, approachable professional who always recognises and responds to his clients’ needs and instructions. He is a welcomed addition to the expanding criminal department and is excited to be a member of the team.

Sarah is one of our longest serving members of staff, having joined the firm in 2002 as an apprentice. Sarah's role over the year has evolved and she has successfully supported the firm through several changes. Sarah now holds the position of Administration and Accounts Manager providing daily operational support to the firm and providing daily operational support to the firm. 

Sarah has enjoyed being a part of the firm's journey over the past 15 years and is excited to continue being a part of the firm's future.

Jennifer qualified as a Legal Secretary in 2001 and worked in city centre firms covering various areas of Law. Jennifer has over 20 years’ experience of working in law firms and her knowledge and experience has made her a valuable asset to Bakers.

Jennifer joined Bakers in May 2017, she is the Office Manager for Glossop and Family Department Co-ordinator. She is responsible for the line management of the administrative team and any training that may be required for the support staff. Jennifer also provides support to the Head of the Family Department to ensure the smooth running of the department.

Kirsten Collings qualified as a solicitor in 2000 and after several years of experience joined Bakers Solicitors in 2005. Kirsten became a partner in 2012.

Prior to qualifying as a solicitor Kirsten ran a successful insurance business based in Buxton. Kirsten's experience and passion is Criminal Law and representing Family Law clients who face involvement from social services.  Kirsten qualified as a Higher Court Advocate in 2011 meaning that Kirsten can represent clients in the Crown Court. Kirsten undertakes a range of magistrates court, Crown Court, High Court and Court of Appeal defence work. Kirsten has a vast amount of experience in dealing with a range of matters right through to complex and serious crimes.

Kirsten gives everything for her clients and has an enviable reputation that results in many of our clients requesting her personally.  In 2011 Kirsten was instrumental in the acquittal of a mother from Buxton accused of murdering her two children in a house fire. 

Kirsten is a member of the High Peak Duty Solicitor scheme. She assists people at the Police Station offering a 24 hour service and has a breadth of experience with assisting people being investigated for the most serious offences including rape and murder.  Kirsten is highly regarded and recognised as an expert in her field and should be the first person you call if you find yourself in conflict with the police.

Kirsten can be contacted directly by email: kcollings@bakers-solicitors.com

Lisa graduated from Durham University and qualified as a solicitor in 2007. Lisa undertook her training with a Manchester law firm in the areas of criminal, family and housing law. Lisa joined Bakers Solicitors in June 2010 as a solicitor and has progressed to her current role of Criminal Supervisor.

Specialising in all aspects of criminal defence and motor law Lisa represents clients in magistrates and Crown Court cases, including magistrates court trials. Lisa has experience in dealing with a wide range of offences from minor offences to serious assaults and high value drug and fraud cases. Lisa also offers advice and representation in relation to Motor Law and can assist with all motoring offences. Lisa also offers assistance with those being investigated for benefit fraud by the DWP.

Lisa is also a member of the High Peak Duty Solicitors scheme offering advice and assistance at the Police Station 24 hours a day. Lisa has represented clients in Police Stations and magistrates courts throughout Derbyshire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

Hayley is the Head of our Family Department and is an experienced and well-regarded family law solicitor.  Hayley completed her training contract with Bakers solicitors and has remained here since, developing her knowledge and expertise over the course of her career. Hayley is now a senior solicitor and as Head of Department is responsible for the ongoing support and training of other fee earners in the department alongside her own caseload. 

Hayley is an accredited member of the Law Society Children Panel which recognises her experience and ability is all areas children law. Hayley accepts instructions to act on behalf of parents and children in Family proceedings. 

Hayley’s passion and expertise is in representing parents and other family members in proceedings before The Family Court. Hayley has a particular interest in representing clients in proceedings which have been brought by a Local Authority and regularly conducts complex cases, including in the High Court.

Hayley’s experience is far reaching and includes representing clients in cases that involve various safeguarding issues including but not limited to, substance misuse, domestic abuse, mental health difficulties, sexual abuse, serious inflicted injuries and FII (fabricated induced illness). 

If you have a family law problem that relates to a child, then you should contact Hayley.

Samantha Hanson has been with Bakers Solicitors since its inception in 2002 and initially joined as a Legal Secretary. Prior to joining, Samantha spent a year working as a claims handler for the insurance industry.

The majority of Samantha’s expertise is in criminal law. Following several years in the Criminal Department at Bakers Solicitors, Samantha progressed rapidly to the position of Litigation Executive and was subsequently made Crown Court Manager in 2008. Samantha undertakes her own case load and supervision of Crown Court work and appeal cases. In April 2011 Samantha was admitted as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.

Samantha manages all work within the Crown Court department. She ensures the thorough preparation of cases prior to Court hearings. Samantha’s extensive experience includes working with those who have been charged with serious offences such as rape and murder.

Penny has been with Bakers since 2005 as an audio typist with a particular expertise in the drafting of legal documents. Penny assists fee earners generally including telephone handling.