Laura Robinson - Debt Supervisor / Caseworker

Laura is currently the money advice supervisor. She possesses experience across the spectrum of advice, specialising in money advice. She began her training at Workington CAB, and developed her skills in specialist debt work at Whitehaven CAB. Laura has been with us for over a year, her interests include music, socialising, and internet forums.

Gordon Johnson - Caseworker

Gordon initially worked at the Law Centre from its inception in 1991 until 1998.  His principal area of work at that time was employment.  He returned to the Law Centre in 2007 as part of the Debt Team.  He is a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives – a qualification he gained in his first period at the Law Centre.

Claire Burton - Trainee Solicitor

Claire studied law in London and Cambridge.  She has extensive experience of legal aid work, having worked for many years as a legal representative.  Claire joined the Law Centre as a trainee solicitor in October 2008.  She is delighted to have swapped the crowded south for the lovely north.  Claire has expertise in asylum and immigration law.  She is currently specialising in welfare benefits.

Roger Batsford - Caseworker

Roger has been involved in providing advice in the ‘not for profit’ sector for 7 years, and has given specialist advice in both housing and debt matters. He has specialized in housing advice for the last 4 years, and has a wide experience of advocacy for homeless clients and housing litigation in the County Court. He has been a trade union activist all his working life.  Apart from a good working relationship with St Jude, his hobbies are reading, ornithology, cooking  and sadly, a 30 year addiction to Emmerdale.

Adele Barsoum - Solicitor

Adele qualified as a solicitor in 2003, having trained with an international commercial firm. She joined Cumbria Law Centre in November 2009, fulfilling a long-held ambition to work on matters of social justice. As a springboard into this new and expansive field, Adele completed a Master’s in Human Rights and an internship with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. She then gained experience in immigration, asylum and criminal defence. Adele now practices employment and housing law.

Joanne Ratcliffe - Legal Secretary

Originally hailing from Berwick on Tweed, Joanne juggles working life and motherhood in a calm, efficient and seamless manner. Her legendary typing speed ensures that work never piles up while she is around.

Julie Goldsmith - Legal Secretary

Jules spent seven years in Peterborough where she worked in both the legal and accountancy sectors. Typing at the speed of light, she is extremely organised and efficient with highly developed IT skills that ensure that everyone wants to keep on her good side! Add to this a fine, dry sense of humour and you have a very effective team member.

Fiona McCrum - Receptionist/Volunteer Coordinator

Fiona is an avid footie fan and has been a Sunderland season ticket holder for the past 10 years. She also attends Wimbledon each year. She is a volunteer mentor in her spare time which she finds very rewarding and enjoyable.  She is also studying Polish, enjoys the cinema and spending time with friends and family.  She also has a qualification in sign language.

Hazel Bowmaker - Community Relations Officer

Hazel has worked within the voluntary sector for 7 years, recently as Housing Coordinator at Action for Blind People, currently as a board member of Impact Housing Association. She is an active campaigner, currently studying for an MSc in Environmental Sustainability, hates racism and consumerism, and loves wild camping and anyone who tries to make this world a better place.