Wills and Probate Team
Lovedays Solicitors

Our Director, Chris Gale, was admitted as a solicitor in 1992 and has been with the practice for over thirty years. Chris specialises in Wills and Probate, Lasting Powers of Attorney/Deputyships, trust work and property law. Outside of work, Chris is an active member of local amateur dramatic groups.

Gemma Brownlow is a Chartered Legal Executive specialising in private client services, including Wills and Estate Planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection matters, Probate and Estate Administration. She guides clients through complex and sensitive issues with a friendly, approachable manner. Gemma qualified in 2015 and became a Trust and Estate Practitioner in 2021. She is also a full member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers and a Dementia Friends Champion. Outside of work, Gemma enjoys spending time with her three enormous Leonbergers.

Helen qualified as a solicitor in 2004 and has been practising in private client work (wills, probate and powers of attorney) since 2005. Helen has been with the firm for around 10 years, joining initially in 2011 but having a break between 2021 and June 2023 to experience practice in Adult Care legal work which brings a breadth of experience to her private client practice, considering vulnerable and elderly client work and the issues that partner this. Helen lives locally with her husband and two children and enjoys reading, film and keeping active (as much as she can).

Kathryn is a Chartered Legal Executive in the Wills & Probate Department, specialising in applications for Probate and Letters of Administration, as well as the administration of deceased estates. She also advises on Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney. Her approach is to ensure that clients are provided with all the relevant information needed to make informed decisions that are right for them. Clients value her thoroughness and the clear, detailed explanations she provides, particularly in relation to life interest trusts. Kathryn has worked for the firm for 37 years. The majority of her career was spent in the conveyancing department, with the last 11 years dedicated to the Wills & Probate Department, which she joined following the death of her father. She grew up locally and attended Highfields School in Matlock. Kathryn now lives on a working farm and helps out whenever she can, especially during pig farrowing and ewe lambing

Stacy is an experienced Wills and Probate Practitioner in our Wirksworth Office, having specialised in wills, trusts, probate and powers of attorney for the last 20 years. Stacy has been with the firm since 2017 and is currently working towards becoming a Chartered Legal Executive. Stacy lives in Derby and enjoys spending time discovering Derbyshire, photography and is an avid reader.

Kate Burt is a CILEX Advanced Paralegal at Lovedays Solicitors, with a law degree from Sheffield Hallam University and a diploma in Archaeology from Durham University. She began her legal career in 2015 after working at a stately home, drawn to law by its practical nature and the opportunity to help people. Kate specialises in Private Client work, including Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Estate Administration, and Court of Protection matters. She finds meeting and assisting people the most rewarding part of her role.

Ed is a recently qualified solicitor, specialising in Private Client Law, joining the firm in 2023.  After running a local online retail footwear business, he decided to embark on a career change into law.  He brings with him a wealth of business experience.  He understands the needs of the client, and his empathic nature lends itself to Wills, Probate and Powers of Attorney, ensuring you will feel supported and understood.  Ed was born in Buxton and fully understands the local environment.  He lives locally with his wife and four children.  He is a keen Derby County fan and enjoys the outdoors of the Peak District.

Zarkra is an experienced Wills and Probate Practitioner in our Buxton Office, specialising in wills, probate and powers of attorney. Zarkra did her law degree in Sheffield and finished her postgraduate qualifications in recent years. Zarkra has over 6 years' worth of experience specialising in Private Client work across South Yorkshire.

Lauren Clarke is a Trainee Solicitor in the Private Client department, supporting clients with Wills, later life and tax planning, and estate administration. She enjoys the personal nature of the role, taking the time to understand clients, their family backgrounds, and individual circumstances in order to provide practical, tailored solutions. Lauren takes pride in building strong, trusted relationships and guiding clients through what can often be sensitive matters with clarity and care. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys travelling with her fiancé, keeping active with the gym and Pilates, and spending time with friends, family, and her young springer spaniel.