Chris Smith - Partner
Chris qualified as a solicitor in 2003 having attended Liverpool John Moores University and Chester College of Law.
Chris originally began his career in the estate agency business, and after working alongside solicitors in sale and purchase transactions decided to pursue a career in law.
His experience in the estate agency field has given Chris a unique appreciation of the conveyancing process from both sides of the transaction.
Having worked in a high street legal firm for many years, Chris helped form ACS Solicitors in September 2006 with his fellow partner Susan Wilson, utilising his developed skills in the disciplines of conveyancing and wills and probate.
Chris lives on the Wirral and enjoys golf, tennis and supporting LFC.
Susan Wilson – Partner
Susan graduated from Kent University in 1996 with a degree in Law and French, she subsequently attended Chester College of Law to complete her formal legal training. Susan worked for a number of years in a large national law firm based in Manchester, specialising in all aspects of property law. After qualifying as a solicitor, Susan co-founded ACS solicitors and draws on the knowledge gained early on in her legal career and specialises in all matters connected to residential property.
Susan is understanding and approachable and appreciates the stress and anxiety that can come with moving house. She endeavours to explain the legal process as clearly as possible and will keep clients updated regularly as to the progress of their matter. Susan is married and lives on the Wirral with her three children and two dogs. When time allows, Susan enjoys walking, spending time with her family and socialising with friends.
Emma Oakden – Solicitor
Emma qualified as a solicitor in 2002 at a large Commercial Law firm. After taking a prolonged career break, she returned to practise Law at ACS Solicitors in 2022 and has never looked back.
Outside of work, she is a wife and mother to three children. She enjoys walking her dog on the many local Wirral beaches.
She is also a fan of Fleetwood Mac, but nobody is perfect.
Clare Watson – Paralegal
Clare joined ACS Solicitors in Jan 2021.
Clare has worked within the Legal sector since 1997, having previously worked assisting on cases involving Personal Injury and Medical Negligence. Clare has been working within Conveyancing since 2010.
Clare is currently a Paralegal, working alongside our Partner Susan Wilson, assisting with sale and purchase transactions.
Clare lives in Wirral, with her husband and two daughters, two cats and an excitable German Shepherd called Georgie. She enjoys reading, listening to music and podcasts.
Carol Evans – Legal Assistant
Carol has worked at ACS Solicitors for 8 years having previously worked within the lettings industry as a negotiator with a Wirral based Estate Agent. Carol enjoys holidaying in north Wales and can also be found pottering in her greenhouse, tending to her home grown veg.
Karen Clydesdale – Legal Assistant
Karen joined ACS Solicitors in Jan 2024 having worked as a Sales Director for a large PLC publishing company for over 25 years.
Whilst working in her previous role, Karen studied for her Law Degree and LPC part time, and completed her studies with the College of Law in Chester in 2012.
Karen is a Legal Assistant within the Wills & Lasting Power of Attorney team, as well as helping with some of the marketing of the practice.
Karen lives in Wirral and enjoys walking her dog, foreign travel (particularly cruises!) and going to live music concerts.
Vicky Smith – Practice Manager
Vicky joined ACS solicitors in September 2006 having completed her legal studies and is employed as our Practice Manager. She is responsible for ensuring the finances are accurate and up to date and also oversees the health and safety of staff and clients alike.
Vicky is married and has a daughter and lives on the Wirral. She enjoys going out with friends and family to restaurants and the cinema, reading, cooking, travelling and walking her dog, Bobby
Laura Barling – Legal Assistant
Having previously worked within the local business community, Laura took a career break to become a mother and joined ACS in 2015 as Susan’s assistant in the conveyancing department. Laura is a keen gym goer and enjoys holidays and spending time with her family.
Georgina Doughty – Legal Assistant
John Cartlidge – Probate Consultant
For those needing assistance with estate and probate matters, John has been the first point of contact for our clients for over 10 years. John will assess the circumstances with you and provide you with guidance as required.
Barbara – Receptionist
After a 15 year career in lettings and property management, Barbara joined ACS in 2020 as a Receptionist. Barbara enjoys holidays and eating out at the many local restaurants Wirral has to offer.
