Donnelly McArdle Adamson Solicitors

Jim Phillips

Jim Phillips was admitted in 1980 and is a Partner in the firm. He specialises in Family Law cases and he is a member of the Law Society Children panel. He acts in child care proceedings and other family cases including Divorce, Financial disputes, domestic violence and private law cases including issues over contact and residence. Jim has practised in Sunderland since 1985. Outside the office he is interested in music and sport.

Sally Hawks

Sally Hawks is a Senior Family Solicitor and heads the Family Department at the Sunderland Office.

She has over 20 years specialist family experience. She is accredited within the Solicitors Regulation Authority Children's Panel Scheme and as such is recognised as a Specialist in the fields of both Public Child Care and Private Child Care disputes. She has represented children and their parents over many years in all aspects of the Law relating to children and families and has undertaken many complex cases.

She has also considerable experience in the fields of Matrimonial Law.

Sally Hawks also sits as a part time Tribunal judge with the Tribunals Service.

Notwithstanding her years in the profession, Sally brings great enthusiasm to each and every client and their particular problem.

Debra Taylor

Debra Ann Taylor joined the firm in March 2008 having had over 20years experience in the area of Family Law. Debra is a Member of the Institute of Legal Executives and offers experience in all areas of family law specialising in Divorce/ Relationship Breakdown and Ancillary Matters, Proceedings relating to children, Domestic Violence and Injunction Applications, and Child Protection in both Private and Public Law Proceedings.

Debra lives with her husband and two children in Sunderland. She enjoys spending her free time at weekends with her family. She enjoys cooking and reading in her limited spare time.

Jodine Teasdale

Jodine Teasdale is a Trainee Solicitor currently working within the Family Law department at Sunderland. She obtained her Law Degree (LLB) from Sunderland University in 2003 and joined the firm in December 2005 as a legal secretary having previously worked within the Citizens Advice Bureau as a trainee Generalist Advisor.

Jodine began a part time Legal Practice Course at Northumbria University in September 2008. She commenced her training contract with the firm a month later whilst continuing to assist one of the senior partners with his workload.

Jodine lives locally with her partner and three children. In her limited spare time, she enjoys quality time relaxing with her family