Partners

Originally chose Law because his mother said he was argumentative but still happy to argue forcefully on behalf of his clients.
Qualified as a Solicitor in 1969 so vastly experienced but with 2 teenage sports mad children still very much in touch with the modern world.

Has a second job as unpaid chauffeur to the children. Has two older children who both live and work in London where Henry is a well known fashion designer being one of the designers recently invited to create an outfit for Pudsey Bear as part of Children in Need. Passionate about golf but handicap which is increasing in direct proportion to age. Supports the Shakers (i.e. Bury F.C.) and if Wigan doesn’t improve could soon be in the same division.

Deals with Conveyancing (both domestic and commercial) Wills and Probate.

E-mail: jrh@wigansolicitors.com

Born in Wigan, Mark's parents owned Boon The Chemists in Market Street Wigan, Mark never shone at Chemistry and much to his father’s disappointment did not follow him into Pharmacy but elected instead to pursue a career in the Law in his home town of Wigan. Mark's clients value his knowledge of the Town and many of his clients have become personal friends over the years.

Mark's first degree was a Science degree in Economics followed by the Common Professional Examinations and Final Law Qualifications at the College of Law in Chester prior to his qualifying as a Solicitor in 1983 and becoming a Partner in the Practice in 1984.

Mark who initially specialised in Criminal and Civil Litigation and Family matters was appointed at the age of 39 as a Deputy District Judge on the Northern Circuit sitting on a regular basis in the High Court and the County Courts throughout the North West. After 13 years of service Mark resigned his appointment within the Judiciary to enable him to concentrate fully on the Practice following the retirement of his Partner Tom Bennett.

Mark therefore brings a unique wealth of experience to his job having dealt with many diverse and varied legal problems and situations from both a Solicitor’s point of view and from a Judicial point of view. There are few areas of law that he does not have some experience of.

Notwithstanding Mark's Litigious background he now specialises in Commercial matters, the acquisition of Companies and Businesses, Landlord and Tenant matters, Commercial Leases, Commercial and Residential Conveyancing.

Mark also leads with the help of experienced support staff the Probate and Administration and Advice for the Elderly Department including Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Mark spends his free time with his family. He has always had a love of sports enjoying skiing on snow and on water, sailing, fell walking, playing 5 a side football, golf (when he can find the time) and general DIY.

Mark is practical and down to earth in the advice that he gives. He is a good listener and his experience enables him to quickly assimilate information, identify the essential issues and find solutions to problems.

E-mail: mtb@wigansolicitors.com

Paul is a very experienced Litigation Lawyer who has been with McCarthy Bennett Holland for over 20 years.

He has an in depth knowledge of a wide range of litigious matters encompassing all aspects of Civil Litigation to include Debt actions, Insolvency matters, Personal Injury Claims and actions arising out of breach of Contract. A large proportion of Paul's work arises out of Accidents at work, Road Traffic accidents and Industrial Disease. Paul is a long-standing member of The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.

Paul is also an experienced Family Law practitioner. Paul together with his Partner in the Practice, Janet Long are qualified Mediators and members of the Family Mediators Association.

For many years Paul has also practiced as an Employment Lawyer in claims before the Industrial Tribunal and is used to acting for both Employees and Employers.

Paul also prepares Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection Orders and Wills.

Outside of work Paul enjoys a number of different interests such a listening to rock music and attending rock concerts. He follows a number of different sporting events, such as football and boxing. He has a very keen interest in Horse Racing and attends some of the key festivals in the racing calendar. He also enjoys socialising with friends and family.

E-mail: pda@wigansolicitors.com

Family matters; Divorce; Financial settlement; contact and residence issues; cohabitation issues

Janet Long specialises in all areas of family law especially those concerning the breakdown of a marriage and financial settlements.

Janet also deals with cohabitation disputes, matters relating to children and transfers of equity/re-mortgages.

Janet specialises in the entire range of financial settlements on marriage breakdown – low to high value cases.

Janet is approachable, has empathy and a no-nonsense approach to resolving matters. Janet has the experience to focus on your needs and the resources available to bring about a financial solution to the difficulties that follow on from the breakdown of a marriage.

Dealing with family breakdown is a particularly difficult area of law. Janet has the experience to understand the issues from both sides – which goes a long way to achieving good quality settlements for the families that she represents.

Janet has excellent communication skills and deals with all her clients with tact, diplomacy and understanding.

Janet provides an initial free half hour appointment – the aim of which is to identify and explain the legal procedures. It also gives you the opportunity to decide whether Janet is the person you feel will guide you through what is without doubt an emotional and upsetting time.

Janet has specialised in family law for 14 years, prior to that working in the field of civil litigation.
Janet is also a qualified Family Mediator and a member of Resolution.
Away from the office – Janet is a rugby league fan and a keen supporter of Wigan Warriors. Janet is also a keen motorcyclist – and has travelled thousands of miles – riding her own motorbike and riding pillion with her husband.

E-mail: jml@wigansolicitors.com

John was born and raised in Wigan. He joined MBH in August 2002 as a residential conveyancing Solicitor, having qualified as a Solicitor in 1984.

Throughout his career as a Solicitor John has specialised in residential conveyancing. He has bought and sold numerous houses, properties and apartments for clients both in Wigan and the surrounding towns and throughout the U.K.

He has extensive experience in knowing what problems can arise when you are buying and selling houses. John has the experience to avoid these problems or to take the necessary action to prevent the problems arising. In this way he is able to ensure that your house move goes through as smoothly and swiftly as possible.

Outside of work John enjoys reading and also has a passion for Rugby League and needless to say, in particular, Wigan Warriors and has been for many years a long-standing season ticket holder at Central Park and the DW Stadium.

E-mail: jcp@wigansolicitors.com