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Mark Cook

Founder & Director

Solicitor

Mark Cook was born and bred in Sunderland. He studied law at the University of Leicester before returning to Sunderland to complete the remainder of his training. Mark worked for a local firm at their Sunderland office, rising to Partner and running their Newcastle office for several years before opening the doors to Mark Cook Solicitors in 2006.​

Mark’s vision was to create a new, progressive law firm for Sunderland and the North East that prides itself on an informal and relaxed approach to legal services, an area often seen as daunting and unapproachable. Mark’s client-centric and friendly attitude to the provision of legal services carves the way for a new line in client service and expectation. 

Mark’s specialist areas are Property, and Wills & Probate.

Richard Walls

Director


Head of New Build

Richard Walls is a director of the firm and a Chartered Legal Executive with over 20 years of experience in conveyancing.

Richard is head of the New Build team, which specialises in acting for clients buying new-build properties from builders and developers. Richard provides expert advice and guidance to clients buying new-build properties, ensuring that they are properly guided through every aspect of the new-build process.

In addition, Richard provides additional support and mentoring to the team’s conveyancers, ensuring that the team is up-to-date with current regulations and best practice working standards and is always providing the highest standards of conveyancing advice and client care.

Lee Gilder

Director


Head of Residential & Commercial Property

Lee Gilder, director, is an experienced property Solicitor and Head of Residential and Commercial Conveyancing.

Lee deals with all aspects of freehold and leasehold residential transactions and commercial property transactions, acting for both landlords and tenants on lease transactions and dealing with lease assignments.

With a passion for networking, Lee is heavily involved in investor groups throughout the country, actively discussing all things property and providing much-needed help and advice.

In addition, Lee also specialises in Bridging Finance and all other types of commercial finance.

Outside his role as Director at Cooklaw, Lee Gilder serves as a trustee for Age UK North Tyneside.

Rhaynor Garvin

Practice Manager

Rhaynor is our Practice Manager and is responsible for overseeing the firm’s operational efficiency and strategic direction of the business. 

Rhaynor joined the team in 2024 and brings 17 years of dedicated experience in law firm practice management to Cooklaw. Prior to joining us, Rhaynor held the position of Head of Debt Recovery at Peter Millican Law, where she gained extensive experience in various aspects of business law. 

Rhaynor’s comprehensive understanding of legal operations and business law is invaluable in ensuring Cooklaw maintains a high standard of service and efficiency. 

Outside of work, Rhaynor enjoys swimming, dining out, and spending quality time with family.

Daniel Parker

Conveyancing Manager

Daniel joined the firm in 2021, working alongside the members of our residential conveyancing team. He is currently working to complete his CILEX qualification to become a Chartered Legal Executive. Daniel is an integral member of the team, building a solid rapport with his growing client base.

Daniel enjoys cycling, hiking, and spending time with friends and family outside of work.

Demi Laws

Paralegal

Demi Laws is a Paralegal specialising in Private Client work.

Demi joined the firm in 2022 and assists clients with a range of services, including residential conveyancing, Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and Probate.

Demi has many years of experience in the legal sector, having worked at both a large regional firm and smaller local firms.

As Demi looks to expand her legal services career further, she is currently undertaking a law degree.

Ruth Markham

Director

Clinical Negligence/Personal Injury Team

Ruth has joined the Cooklaw team as a Director to provide a new specialist Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence service.   

With over 25 years of experience, Ruth brings a unique perspective gained from representing both claimants and defendants. This experience enables her to achieve optimal settlements for her clients. 

Ruth has a proven track record of securing successful outcomes in complex cases, including clinical negligence, catastrophic injuries, fatalities, and employer’s public liability claims. She also has expertise in prison officer claims, Criminal Injury Compensation claims, and high-value road traffic accidents. 

Recognised as a Lawyer of the Year runner-up at the Northern Law Awards 2024, Ruth is well known for her exceptional client care, service, and professionalism.

Anne Richardson

Legal Assistant

Anne joined the firm in November 2020 as part of the new build team. With extensive knowledge of new build conveyancing, including leasehold and freehold matters, Anne advises our residential conveyancing clients on a wide range of matters.

Anne has over forty years of experience working within the legal sector, where she has progressed through the ranks of secretarial staff to fee earner to the position she holds today.

When away from the office, Anne likes to spend time with her family and friends and attend Rock Concerts.

Tracy Farman

Solicitor

Clinical Negligence/Personal Injury Team

Tracy joined the Cooklaw team in February 2025, bringing with her vast experience and knowledge that will support the firm as it continues to grow and improve. 

Since qualifying in 1989, Tracy has specialised in Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence, serving clients with various injuries ranging in severity. 

Some of Tracy’s most prominent cases have revolved around clinical negligence, road traffic accidents, employer’s liability, public liability and product liability. 

As a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, Tracy is exceptionally skilled and accomplished and has quickly become an indispensable member of the team.

Adam Lawson

Paralegal

Adam graduated from university in 2015 with a degree in English Language and Literature before embarking on a career in Law. 

Adam joined the Cooklaw New Build team in 2021, providing specialist help and advice to clients on Help to Buy purchases and other government-backed First Home schemes.

Adam is a published author and, when not working, can often be found at a concert or music festivals.

Julie Banks

Legal Secretary/Paralegal

Julie joined Cooklaw’s Clinical Negligence team as a Legal Secretary/Paralegal in March 2025, contributing her diverse legal background.

Julie graduated from the University of Sunderland with her LLB in 2022 which was swiftly followed by her Masters in Law and LPC in 2023. During her time at university, she was also part of the Law Clinic which was a pro bono firm set where students were given the opportunity to assist people in the local area with their legal queries.

Upon graduation, she gained experience at a local North East firm, specialising in personal injury and industrial disease.

In her spare time, Julie enjoys helping the local community with veterinary care, having previously worked in a veterinary clinic. She is also a devoted mother of four children and has four dogs. She often spends her evenings and weekends with them and enjoys going on long walks. She is also an avid cook and loves trying new recipes and cuisines.

Graeme Tennant

Post Completion Lawyer

Graeme Tennant graduated from the University of Teesside 2006 with an LL.B (Hons).

Graeme joined the firm in 2014, working closely with our residential conveyancing team and assuming responsibility for dealing with post completion registrations with HM Land Registry.

Megan Montgomery

Legal Assistant

Megan joined the firm in 2019 as an apprentice and is now a legal assistant in the New Build department, supporting our conveyancing team.

With a can-do attitude and a client-centric approach, Megan is always happy to help our clients. She is a strong advocate of our commitment to providing outstanding legal service and is always looking to go the extra mile.

Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time with family and friends and attending concerts.

Amanda Nelson

Post Completion Assistant

Amanda is a Post Completion Assistant, ensuring the seamless finalisation of property transactions. 

Her responsibilities include providing administrative support to the conveyancing team, assisting with file management and dealing with client and third-party queries. 

Amanda brings years of administration and client support experience to the firm and demonstrates strong problem-solving skills which is invaluable in her role.  

Outside of work, Amanda enjoys baking, going on holiday, and spending time with her three great nieces who keep her on her toes!

Rhiannon Smith

Legal Assistant

Rhiannon joined the team as a Legal Assistant in March 2024 and is often the first point of contact for our clients. 

In her role, Rhiannon provides essential support to the legal team while also handling client inquiries, scheduling appointments, managing incoming calls, and assisting with various administrative tasks. 

Outside of work, Rhiannon enjoys relaxing with a good book, indulging in some retail therapy, and trying out new food spots.

Tamsin Blades

Receptionist

Tamsin completed her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship with us and is now a valued receptionist at the firm.

Tamsin provides essential support to the firm’s day-to-day operations. She assists with a range of administrative tasks, including managing client communications, organising documentation, and supporting the legal team. Tamsin is gaining valuable experience in the legal sector and developing key skills in office administration. Her valuable contributions help ensure the smooth running of the Cooklaw office. 

Outside of work, Tamsin enjoys reading, watching documentaries, and has a personal goal to travel and visit six of the seven continents.

Oluwayomi Asoronye

Trainee Conveyancer

Tahmi Rehman

Conveyancer

Tahmi joined our team in 2025 as a Trainee Conveyancer and has taken to her role with great determination and enthusiasm, earning praise from across the firm. She has since become a qualified Conveyancer at the firm.

Having graduated from Northumbria University with an integrated master’s degree in law, Tahmi impressed us with her knowledge and commitment before coming aboard. 

As a Conveyancer, Tahmi supports various property transactions on both the legal and administrative sides as she develops her skills and confidence. 

Outside of the office, Tahmi enjoys going on long, scenic walks as well as sociable shopping trips with her friends. She also has a passion for cooking and often crafts beautiful meals for her family, with whom she spends much of her free time.

Anika Mollik

Trainee Solicitor

Anika joined our team in 2024 as a Trainee Solicitor, working within the residential property department. 

With a law degree and integrated masters from Northumbria University, she brings a solid academic background and a distinct passion for property law to the team. 

Anika is currently involved in all aspects of the department, including sales, purchases, remortgages, and transfers. Her attention to detail and dedication ensures our clients receive an exceptional service. 

In her free time, Anika enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Carol McElwee

Receptionist/Administration

Carol is the first point of contact for many of our clients and customers, and she’s always ready with a warm smile and a friendly welcome for everyone who comes in. 

Bringing a wealth of experience to her role as a Receptionist, Carol has proven time and time again that she is second to none when it comes to face-to-face support. 

Also responsible for a variety of administrative tasks, Carol handles incoming calls and assists the team with meeting room bookings among plenty of other essential work. 

When she’s not in the office, Carol always has time for her family, including hosting sleepovers with her beloved grandchildren. She also loves soaking up the sun on holidays abroad, walking with her dog lovely Bella, and meeting up with friends.

Gail Richardson

Legal Secretary

Gail brings over 27 years of experience as a Legal Secretary to Cooklaw, including 20 years at a single firm specialising in Commercial Disputes. 

Following redundancy during the Covid pandemic in 2021, she took time away from the legal sector, gaining experience in both a nursery setting and a construction company. 

We were delighted to welcome Gail in April 2025 as Legal Secretary to Ruth Markham, Company Director and Head of Clinical Negligence. With her expertise and depth of legal knowledge, she has quickly become a valued member of our team. 

Outside of work, Gail enjoys reading, attending rock concerts, watching motorsports, and spending time with family and friends.

Oliver Barrass

Admin Apprentice

Oliver Barrass is a valuable member of our team, currently undertaking his Level 3 Admin Apprenticeship. Oliver is a highly motivated and dedicated individual who is quickly developing essential skills in administration.  

Outside of his professional development, Oliver leads an active lifestyle, enjoying badminton and golf every week. When he’s not on the court or the green, you can find Oliver engrossed in a true crime documentary, indulging his fascination with real-life mysteries.  

Looking to the future, Oliver has an inspiring personal goal of travelling the world, eager to explore new cultures and experiences.

Niall Milley

Admin Apprentice

Niall is an Administration Apprentice working towards his Level 3 qualification.  

As an enthusiastic and motivated member of the team, he is building a solid foundation in administration while gaining valuable experience that helps support the smooth day-to-day running of the firm.  

Outside of work, Niall unwinds by playing on his Xbox and is a passionate football fan, often heading to matches whenever he gets the chance.  

His energy and positive attitude, both professionally and personally, make him a valued addition to the Cooklaw team.

Vicki Robinson

Cashier

Vicki has worked in legal accounts for over 28 years, bringing a wealth of experience from her work in law firms across the North and South East of England.  

Her journey began as a cashier and saw her rise through the ranks to become a head cashier, all the while gaining deep expertise in accounts management and finance. This extensive background allows her to provide exceptional service to both the firm and its clients. 

When she’s not balancing the books, Vicki enjoys spending much-loved time with her family and friends.

Max Hodgson

Legal Clerk

Lisa Nichols

Legal Assistant