Head of Family Mediation

Laura is a highly experienced family solicitor and a fully accredited family mediator. Laura is ranked in Chambers and Partners as a Notable Practitioner in family/matrimonial law. Laura assists separated couples resolve issues concerning children and/or finances following relationship breakdown. Laura has particular experience in dealing with cases involving complex financial arrangements including overseas assets, businesses and trusts. Laura is known for her solution focused approach and friendly demeanour together with her technical legal knowledge as a practising family solicitor.

Laura is a trained direct child consultant and is able to speak to children as part of the mediation process.

Laura is the Chair of Resolution (North and West Yorkshire). As a member of Resolution, Laura abides by a Code of Practice and is committed to the constructive resolution of family issues and considers the needs of the whole family, in particular, the best needs of any children involved.

Laura has trained local Magistrates and Legal Advisors on the role that mediation plays within family disputes and hosts regular talks and seminars on the topic of mediation.

Laura was named in the Legal 500 as leading individual as her work as a lawyer and mediator in the local community. “Consilia Legal has quickly cemented its reputation as ‘dominant in the field of mediation in Leeds’, with many clients viewing it as their ‘first choice for mediators’…The firm’s holistic approach to mediation is singled out, as is its level of service, which ‘regularly goes over and above that which is expected’.”

Laura was shortlisted for Partner of the Year at the Yorkshire legal Awards 2018. Consilia Legal was also shortlisted for small firm of the year, through Laura’s hard work and dedication to the company.
Here are some comments from referrers about Laura’s work as a mediator:

"I often recommend Consilia Mediation as they offer a high quality service, regularly take cases at short notice and have helped clients work through issues in a safe environment." Scott Halliday, Solicitor, Irwin Mitchell

"I would highly recommend Laura as a mediator. She takes the time to listen to the clients and gain a clear understanding of the issues behind the family dynamics. She provides a constructive way for parties to move forward to make informed decisions as to their futures." Jane Auty, Partner, Simpson Millar

"Laura is a top class mediator and I have no hesitation in referring my clients to her. I am not privy to mediation sessions themselves but Laura's written follow-up work is always thorough and clear. She is a pleasure to work alongside!" S Cheryl Grace, Senior Solicitor, Stowe Family Law.

When Laura is not at work she is spending time with her family and friends. Laura enjoys hosting dinner parties at her home and is known for her cooking amongst friends. She also enjoys travelling particularly around Asia and experiencing new cultures. Laura tries to keep active and enjoys running and taking part in charity races.

We're here to help!
We are here to help provide the mediation services you need.
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What will it cost?

We offer a range of fixed fee packages on a pay as you go basis so that you can budget and costs are kept to a manageable level.

A Trusted Name In Mediation, whether in your personal or professional life

At Consilia Mediation we recognise that the process of the breakdown of a relationship, whether in your personal or work life, is stressful and can be a very traumatic time. Our accredited mediators are sensitive in approach and highly skilled at dealing with difficult and challenging situations.

What our clients say about Consilia Legal on


  • Consilia have done a good job of mediating the discussions across family and financial matters. Quick responses, good communication and a helpful/flexible approach.

    Rob Hennessy
    3/06/2019
  • Very professional and got the right result for me in a very timely abs efficient manner. Great service, good advice and an excellent result I couldn’t have got on my own

    Jon Geldart
    5/23/2019
  • What an excellent service and experience Sarah Mannings at Consillia delivers to both personal and professional clients.

    I have been able to send my own clients to Sarah with the peace of mind that they will receive a quality service that is also cost effective. Feedback from them has been that aside from the points mentioned, she is able to 'talk to me clients as person and takes a genuine interest in my circumstances to offer the best solution'.

    If you are needing a friendly, reasonable and professional service then Sarah is the person to speak to!

    Ashley Mccartney
    1/20/2021
  • Sarah Manning was great - really efficient and supportive. I would recommend her to anyone.

    Leah Gore
    6/28/2019
  • Being in a situation where you require legal advice and action in an employment situation is never easy. However Victoria was absolutely fantastic. She didn't skip a beat, she made the law easy to understand around certain actions I could take, and she delivered all of the service in a truly personable yet professional manner. Being in a situation like that can feel so daunting, but having someone like Victoria by your side, you feel invincible.

    Thank you again for everything.

    Francesca Fielding
    1/20/2021
  • I recently had occasion to require the services of an employment lawyer and was recommended to this firm by a professional colleague. I have dealt with many lawyers around the world in the most complex business transactions and personally. I can honestly say I have never received the level of consideration and service from any other legal firm to match that of Consilia Legal. From the moment they picked up the phone to my initial call to the matter being finalised in record quick time; their service and attention to detail was never less than exemplary. Their legal advice was also spot on. It is extraordinary to see this level of service across every aspect of a business and it is a huge credit to Marie Walsh and her team (especially Emma Cartlidge) that they are all able to make their clients feel so welcome and so cared for. I would heartily recommend them to anyone.

    Stephen Wilson
    9/13/2019
  • Sarah Manning has been fantastic with our family law matter. She is very good and professional with a very quick response time.
    Sarah has put my mind at ease on many occasions, given ongoing support and is attentive to special needs too.
    I recommend her services to everyone as she puts her heart into it for you.

    Michala Fawthrop
    1/20/2021
  • Cannot recommend this company enough. Seriously on the ball, ring you back when they say they will and completely exceed expectations. Thank you Andy and all at Consilia.

    Dawn o'driscoll
    4/21/2021
  • I could not recommend Emma enough. As someone who is pretty clueless about legalities, Emma ensured everything was explained both concisely and with sufficient detail. Emma always made herself available when I had questions and was professional at all times. I would without a doubt use Consilia Legal again especially Emma - she is an asset to the company! Thanks again 🙂

    Rebecca Davison
    1/05/2021
  • When my autistic son was suspended from work, we felt he had been treated unfairly in the workplace because of his disability and needed help and advice from a specialist employment lawyer. Consilia Legal were highly recommended to me.
    I dealt with both Marie and Vicky and I can honestly say they were both amazing. They were both very professional and caring.
    Initially, I was worried that I would find speaking to a solicitor confusing and complicated but they simplified things so I was able to gain a better understanding of employment law.
    Vicky then delt with my son’s case and I felt we built a very good relationship. She was so easy to talk to and I found her very approachable, which made me feel very comfortable.
    Because of my son’s disability, our aim was to seek a quick and satisfactory resolution rather than a lengthy, damaging conflict. Vicky was always there to advise me on the best course of action to resolve the dispute as quickly as possible and to help us achieve a positive outcome (which we did).
    Thank you Vicky for all your help.

    Julie Goodwin
    4/15/2021
  • Consilia were fantastic helping me deal with a redundancy issue. They were helpful and professional. Really put my mind at ease knowing I had their help

    Robert Cubbon
    10/07/2019
  • Marie and her team are brilliant. They are always professional whilst being personable and great fun to work with. Their updates during the Coronavirus Pandemic have been a lifesaver. Would definitely recommend!

    Alex Macleod
    12/08/2020
  • Spoke with Andy Boyde for some legal advice, he couldn't personally help me with my case, however he spent 20 minutes of his time on the phone with me offering advice and he followed up by sending me an email with very helpful information.
    I would highly recommend Andy, he was professional and very helpful even when the situation wasn't benefitting himself or the business he worked for, so I can only imagine his level of service if it was.

    Ben Vickers
    9/06/2021
  • I found Consilia on LinkedIn when having trouble with own ET. Victoria was my assigned solicitor and she was amazing. She guided me, lobbied on my behalf and gave me emotional support when I was feeling angry, upset or defeated. She gave me a metaphorical hand to hold and guided me through the bureaucracy.
    I would highly recommend Consilia Legal. Their staff are professionals with compassion and understanding. I can honestly say, I would not be heading to ET without them.

    Thank you so much!

    Zoe Rollinson
    3/15/2021
  • Consilia Legal have been a huge part of my toolkit this year... they have been so proactive with their updates - which are written in easy/quick to read updates - sent out at precisely the right time - when everyone needs it the most. Their energy and positivity throughout has been inspiring - we are truly grateful. Thank you all.

    Walkers Limited
    12/09/2020
  • Laura and the team have been an incredible help in my divorce. Through a very difficult time they have always been on hand to offer exceptional advice and assistance. I have always felt reassured by their professionalism and care. Thank You.

    tim capper
    10/23/2019
  • I had a great service from Laura and her team at Consilia Legal and would certainly recommend them to others. The service was very friendly and informative keeping me up to date in a timely manner and been on hand to offer advice when needed. Thankyou.

    Matthew Bell
    3/05/2019
  • Marie, Andy, Victoria and Emma were exceptional in their help, advice and support – all done with a non-nonsense super friendly approach. Really took the stress out of a difficult corporate employment process. I felt safe and confident in their capable hands, recommending them highly.

    Sophie Webb
    6/03/2019
  • Andy Boyde was very helpful helping me sort out my employment issue.
    Highly recommended.

    Patrick Frankel
    2/02/2022
  • I emailed Sarah at Consilia and received a very quick response.
    Sarah agreed to call me the following day and called me at the agreed time so no waiting for the call!
    Sarah was fantastic, she offered great advice and left me feeling alot more positive and informed on my situation.
    I cannot recommend highly enough, professional and caring and highly informative.
    Thank you

    kate Fricker
    3/26/2020
  • Professional and received good customer service. I would really recommend them as they helped me to negotiate my way out of a difficult work situation on the best terms possible. Andy was very polite and knowledgable.

    Diane Holden
    3/15/2019
  • Thanks Laura and team at Consilia Legal. Great service and such a pragmatic and human approach to the legal system. Fitted really well with my personal values. Truly aimed at being conciliatory rather than adversarial.

    David Beaumont
    8/18/2019
  • Emma Cartlidge (Employment Solicitor) and the Team were absolutely fantastic to work with. Clear communication/informative. She got the job done to an exceptional standard and was very quick about it. Thank you so much, you were amazing! 🙂

    Harry Calvert
    1/01/2021
  • Working with Andy Boyde was just what I needed, a person who could respond quickly, professionally and get to the crooks of the matter and explain in plain English what it all meant and what we needed to do.

    Great experience and customer service just when you need.

    I would highly recommend Andy and Consilia to anyone.

    dave helm
    12/01/2020
  • Excellent personal support, advice and understanding from Marie, Emma and the Team, thanks for all you have done.
    Highly recommended

    Ian Reed
    5/30/2019

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