The Nyland & Beattie Team
You’ll receive a warm welcome from our friendly team of solicitors at Nyland & Beattie, in the heart of Widnes town centre.
Working Together
We recognise the strength in being a small team of solicitors. Our ability to solve problems quickly and deliver efficient outcomes for even the most challenging cases, is all down to the effective communication and collaborative working encouraged within Nyland & Beattie.
Working For You
Find out more about the team of solicitors who’ll look after you and your case…
Partners
Mark Verdin
Partner
Qualifying with a BA Law (Hons) degree in 1987, firm partner Mark brings over thirty seven years’ experience as head of our private client and litigation departments. Specialising in complex probate, property matters and disputes, he has taken multiple cases to the high court including judicial review with consistently successful outcomes for his clients.
Mark is married to our new business manager Julie and together they enjoy hiking.
Mark is a keen Newcastle United supporter with a season ticket at St James Park.
Luke Hill
Partner
Luke qualified with an LLB (Hons) in 2010 and joined the Nyland & Beattie team soon after. Working closely with the team at Nyland & Beattie, Luke’s experience in different legal sectors and excellent work ethic has helped to secure his new position as Partner. Luke now specialises in property law. Luke is head of the conveyancing team.
Luke has developed a reputation as one of the leading Property Law specialists in Widnes and the surrounding area, and he is regularly recommended by brokers, estate agents and clients alike. His hardworking and client-centred approach to conveyancing matters has meant he regularly receives positive feedback on his transactions.
Commercial/Litigation
Shabnam Malik
Head of Commercial
Shabnam specialises in both Property and Commercial Law and has acted for a number of small businesses across the North West and further afield. With a large client following, Shabnam has a reputation for going the extra mile for her clients
She obtained her Law Degree from the University of Chester before completing her Legal Practice Course at Liverpool John Moores alongside her Training Contract which she undertook in a reputable specialist Commercial Firm based in Liverpool City Centre.
Omar Khokhar
Solicitor
Omar is an Assistant Solicitor working alongside Shabnam Malik in the Commercial Department at Nyland & Beattie. He brings extensive experience in Commercial, Immigration, and Residential Conveyancing. After obtaining his undergraduate law degree from Birmingham City University, Omar completed his LPC and qualified as a solicitor in 2011. With a wealth of experience across different legal areas, Omar is dedicated to providing valuable assistance and contributing to the success of the department. Outside of work, Omar enjoys baking and exploring new recipes alongside watching football.
Conveyancing
Luke Hill
Partner
Luke qualified with an LLB (Hons) in 2010 and joined the Nyland & Beattie team soon after. Working closely with the team at Nyland & Beattie, Luke’s experience in different legal sectors and excellent work ethic has helped to secure his new position as Partner. Luke now specialises in property law. Luke is head of the conveyancing team.
Luke has developed a reputation as one of the leading Property Law specialists in Widnes and the surrounding area, and he is regularly recommended by brokers, estate agents and clients alike. His hardworking and client-centred approach to conveyancing matters has meant he regularly receives positive feedback on his transactions.
Matt Cliffe
Conveyancing Executive
With 15 years of experience as a Conveyancer, Matt has worked across the UK, from Leeds to London, helping clients navigate the complexities of property transactions. Matt’s approach combines professionalism, expertise, and a genuine effort to make the process enjoyable.
In his downtime, you will find Matt on the golf course, watching Liverpool FC or chasing after his cocker spaniel, Bobby.
Matt is an advocate for balanced lifestyle, working hard whilst making time for those things that bring him joy.
Charmilla Lewis
Solicitor
Having undertaken her studies at Liverpool John Moores University, Charmilla qualified with a LLB (Hons) in 2018 and went onto complete the Legal Practice Course and LLM in Law in 2019.
Now undertaking work across the conveyancing department, Charmilla looks forward to taking on new challenges and striving to ensure that her clients achieve a high standard of service with her support at each stage of the process.
Caitlin Fairbrother
Trainee Conveyancer
Caitlin joined Nyland & Beattie in 2017 as a receptionist and progressed due to her interest in the Conveyancing department. She is currently providing support to fee earners whilst also undertaking her Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) qualification to become a Licensed Conveyancer.
Caitlin helps with various tasks within the Conveyancing transaction and assists clients where possible. She is looking forward to qualifying as a Licensed Conveyancer and progressing further within our Conveyancing department.
Sammi Murray
Trainee Conveyancer
Sammi joined Nyland & Beattie in 2020 as a receptionist and progressed to the role of Trainee Conveyancer. She previously worked as an Estate Agent and therefore has a working background in residential property. She is currently assisting one of our partners Luke Hill and Conveyancer Rose Finnan whilst also undertaking her Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) qualification to become a Licensed Conveyancer.
Sammi helps with various tasks within the Conveyancing transaction and assists clients where possible. She is looking forward to qualifying as a Licensed Conveyancer and progressing further within our Conveyancing department.
Eleanor Forbes
Conveyancing Assistant
Ellie is a dedicated conveyancing assistant with over 6 years of experience, combining a strong background in estate agency with knowledge in property law and transactions.
Her supportive and caring personality ensures that clients receive not only professional guidance but also personal attention throughout the process, she strives to make every transaction smooth and stress free for all parties involved.
Outside of work, Ellie enjoys staying active, indulging in some retail therapy and values quality time with her family and her dog, Millie, who always brings joy and balance to her life.
Rose Finnan
Post Completion Executive
Rose is an experienced conveyancer with a demonstrated history of working in the conveyancing law practice industry specialising in property law. Skilled in Legal Assistance and Fee earning.
Rose was Liverpool based for 20 years before re-locating to Cheshire in 2012 where she previously worked as a locum before joining Nyland & Beattie in the conveyancing department in 2021”.
Wills & Probate
Mark Verdin
Partner
Qualifying with a BA Law (Hons) degree in 1987, firm partner Mark brings over thirty seven years’ experience as head of our private client and litigation departments. Specialising in complex probate, property matters and disputes, he has taken multiple cases to the high court including judicial review with consistently successful outcomes for his clients.
Mark is married to our new business manager Julie and together they enjoy hiking.
Mark is a keen Newcastle United supporter with a season ticket at St James Park.
Natalie Behan
Solicitor
She joined our firm in 2021 as a paralegal in the Private Client Department, where she gained valuable experience. After completing her training contract with Nyland & Beattie in 2025, Natalie has successfully qualified as a Solicitor and continues to work in our Private Client Department, where she now applies her expertise to supporting and guiding clients through various legal matters.
Sharon Pugh
Legal Assistant
In her free time, her favourite pastimes are regular visits to Chester Zoo, the cinema and planning out her Best of British radio shows that she presents on Radio Northwich every other Wednesday evening. She is also a member of Frodsham Silver Band. Music is a huge part of her life and she enjoys a vast selection of music from classical, pop, all things 80s and her personal favourite 70s Disco.
Reception/Admin
Harry Robinson
Head Receptionist
Bretta Marsden
Anti Money Laundering Executive
Bretta started working at Nyland and Beattie in 2021, her main job role involves carrying out the initial checks for clients wishing to sell or purchase properties and liaising with the solicitor. Her other duties include working on reception, taking calls and dealing with clients face to face.
Before working at Nyland and Beattie, Bretta worked as a Travel & Tourism Lecturer for over 20 years therefore, she has a great deal of experience dealing with the public.
Rebecca Atkins
Administrative Assistant
Rebecca started working at Nyland & Beattie in 2024, her main job role involves carrying out compliance checks for clients who wish to purchase of sell properties. Her other duties include working on Reception, taking calls and dealing with clients face to face. Rebecca has always worked in customer facing roles and has great experience dealing with the public, she looks forward to taking on new challenges and strives to achieve the highest standards for our clients.
New Business
Julie Verdin
New Business & Marketing Executive
Julie who is married to Mark Verdin one of the firm’s partners is often the first point of contact for Nyland & Beattie clients, welcoming new clients to the firm and providing all the information they need. Liaising with the legal team and maintaining the highest standards, Julie knows how much you value timely and helpful communication.
Having worked across multiple law departments within the firm for over 30 years, she has a unique insight into the inner workings of the firm knowing what a client needs before they realise it themselves.