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Experienced Solicitors in Burnley, Blackburn & Preston
Established in 1898, Waddington & Son is a distinguished law firm with a legacy of providing expert legal services across Burnley, Blackburn, and Preston. Our practice combines over 125 years of experience with a commitment to integrity and professionalism, offering tailored solutions in family law, criminal defence, legal aid, and court of protection matters. In 2023, we strengthened our expertise through a merger with JWR Solicitors, integrating their 150-year heritage of client-focused service. Our team of accredited specialists, including members of the Law Societys Childrens Panel and Resolution, delivers personalised advice in plain English, ensuring clients feel understood and supported.We prioritise transparency, ethical standards, and practical outcomes, serving both individuals and businesses with dedication. Our multi-office presence ensures accessibility, while our accreditation in legal aid services underscores our commitment to community support. With a focus on innovation and tradition, we continue to build trust through excellence in legal representation.
Services
Family Law
Criminal Defence
Wills & Probate
Court of Protection
Adoption
Domestic Abuse Cases
Legal Aid Services
Care Proceedings
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Bereavement Services
Highlights and features
- We have over 125 years of experience in legal services.
- Our merger with JWR Solicitors adds 150 years of combined expertise.
- We offer Legal Aid-accredited family and criminal law services.
- Our team includes Law Society Childrens Panel members.
- We provide personalised advice with a client-focused approach.
What people say
Expertise in family law
Compassionate support
Successful outcomes
Clear communication
Trusted guidance
Services
Family Law
We specialise in family law matters including divorce, child custody, and domestic abuse cases. Our accredited solicitors provide compassionate guidance to achieve fair outcomes. Clients benefit from our deep local knowledge and court-proven advocacy.
Criminal Defence
Our criminal defence team offers robust representation in magistrates' and crown courts. With experienced duty solicitors and police station coverage, we protect clients' rights through transparent, strategic defence planning.
Court of Protection
We assist in appointing deputies for individuals lacking mental capacity. Our specialists handle financial and welfare matters, ensuring compliance with annual reporting requirements and safeguarding vulnerable clients' interests.
Legal Aid Services
We provide legally aided representation in family and criminal cases. Our team ensures accessible justice for eligible clients through government-funded support while maintaining the highest advocacy standards.
Wills & Probate
Our private client department offers will drafting, probate administration, and lasting powers of attorney. We help clients secure their assets and future through clear, legally sound documentation.
People
Colin Warner
Director, Family Solicitor
Qualified in 1989, Colin leads our family law team with expertise in child custody and court of protection cases. He has represented clients in high-profile cases and contributes to regional family justice policy.
Trish Hassell
Director, Family Solicitor
As our first female director, Trish brings 20+ years of family law experience. She specialises in local authority care proceedings and has managed office expansions in Blackburn since 2018.
Philip Turner
Consultant Criminal Defence
With 40 years of criminal law experience, Philip established our criminal defence department. He continues advising on complex cases while mentoring junior solicitors in courtroom strategies.
Nicola Mawson
Director, Court of Protection
Nicola heads private client services with expertise in deputyship matters. She manages high-net-worth cases involving mental capacity issues and acts as a dementia friend advocate.
Andrew Clegg
Head of Crime
Andrew oversees criminal cases with higher court advocacy rights. He maintains strong barrister networks and specialises in defending vulnerable clients across Lancashire courts.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We focus on family law, criminal defence, court of protection, and wills/probate services.
Can I get legal aid assistance?
Yes, we offer legally aided services for eligible family and criminal law cases.
Do you offer 24-hour police station representation?
Our accredited duty solicitors provide emergency support at police stations anytime.
How do I start a court of protection case?
Contact us for initial advice – we guide families through deputyship applications and reporting requirements.
Are consultations free?
We offer paid initial consultations to assess your case and recommend next steps.
Do you operate outside Lancashire?
While based in Lancashire, we handle cases nationally through court appearances and remote consultations.
