Walker Foster

Business Details

50+ Years

experience

Trusted Legal Services in Skipton & Yorkshire

Established in 1919, Walker Foster is a long-standing law firm with offices in Skipton, Barnoldswick, Silsden, Settle, Ilkley, Northallerton, and Harrogate. Our firm is built on a foundation of client-focused legal services, delivering expert support across personal and corporate matters. With over a century of experience, we prioritise long-term relationships, community engagement, and a trusted, caring approach to legal practice. Our team of solicitors and legal professionals specialises in areas including litigation, family law, residential and commercial property, employment law, and trust services through our dedicated subsidiary, WF Trust Corporation.

Recognised for excellence through awards such as Best Solicitors in North Yorkshire 2025 and Will Disputes Solicitors of the Year, we combine traditional values with modern expertise. Our commitment to transparency, personalised service, and ethical standards ensures clients receive reliable legal guidance tailored to their needs. We operate appointment-only offices, offering a welcoming environment and flexible document submission options to enhance client convenience.

Services

Fixed Fee Divorce Residential Property Commercial Property Employment Law Will Disputes Trust Services Litigation Family Law Wills and Trusts

Details

Year established: 1919

Highlights and features

We have over 100 years of experience in legal services.
Our team provides personalised legal support tailored to client needs.
We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
We operate appointment-only offices for enhanced client convenience.
Our firm is recognised with awards for excellence in legal practice.

Associations and certifications

Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

What people say

Wonderful service Feel personally known Expert legal support Trusted for generations Excellent client care

Website

Update Listing

Services

Fixed Fee Divorce

Our fixed-fee divorce service provides clear, cost-effective legal support for individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage. We handle all procedural aspects, ensuring transparency and minimising stress. Clients benefit from expert guidance tailored to their circumstances, including financial settlements and child custody arrangements.

Residential Property

We specialise in residential property transactions, assisting buyers and sellers with contracts, conveyancing, and legal compliance. Our team ensures smooth processes, addressing title issues, surveys, and mortgage requirements. Clients receive dedicated support to meet deadlines and protect their interests.

Commercial Property

Our commercial property services cater to businesses requiring legal support for leases, acquisitions, and property management. We provide due diligence, contract negotiation, and compliance advice. Clients benefit from strategic insights to safeguard investments and facilitate growth.

Employment Law

We advise employers and employees on employment law matters, including contracts, disputes, and HR policies. Our proactive approach helps prevent conflicts, while our litigation team resolves complex cases efficiently. Clients receive practical solutions aligned with regulatory standards.

Will Disputes

Our specialist team handles contested wills and probate matters with sensitivity and legal precision. We represent clients in mediation and court proceedings, addressing inheritance claims and executor responsibilities. Our goal is to achieve fair outcomes while minimising emotional strain.

People

Maxine Heppenstall

Managing Director

Maxine Heppenstall leads Walker Foster with over 25 years of legal expertise. She focuses on strategic growth and client satisfaction, ensuring the firm maintains its century-old reputation for excellence and community engagement.

Katie Ingham

Head of Private Client and Senior Solicitor

Katie Ingham oversees private client services, including wills, trusts, and lasting powers of attorney. Her client-centred approach ensures tailored solutions for estate planning and probate matters, combining legal knowledge with compassionate support.

Catherine Ackroyd

Solicitor

Catherine Ackroyd specialises in family law and litigation, resolving disputes with a focus on fair outcomes. Her experience includes complex child custody cases and financial settlements, delivered with professionalism and empathy.

Alex Richardson

Private Client Solicitor

Alex Richardson advises on wills, probate, and inheritance tax planning. He works closely with clients to protect assets and ensure estates are managed efficiently, providing clear guidance during emotionally challenging times.

Allan Stewart

Senior Solicitor

Allan Stewart handles commercial property transactions and employment law. His pragmatic advice helps businesses navigate legal challenges, from contract disputes to property acquisitions, ensuring compliance and operational stability.

Questions

What areas of law does Walker Foster specialise in?

We specialise in family law, residential and commercial property, employment law, wills and trusts, and contentious probate matters.

Do you offer fixed-fee legal services?

Yes, we provide fixed-fee options for divorce, wills, and property transactions, ensuring transparent pricing and predictable costs.

Are your offices appointment-only?

Yes, we operate appointment-only to ensure dedicated time for each client, though document drop-offs can be arranged via post boxes.

What accreditations does Walker Foster hold?

We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and have won awards including Best Solicitors in North Yorkshire 2025.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Bobby De Nobrega

Jan 24, 2022 Report

Liz and her team oversaw the sale of our apartment and purchase of our new cottage, and are a delight to deal with! Great communication and nothing was an issue. They processed all of it within a very short space of time. We hadn't had much luck with other local solicitor firms in the past, so dealing with Liz and her team with a fantastic experience - can't recommend them enough! Thanks Liz 5*

Leanne Dilworth

Jul 21, 2021 Report

Highly impressed by the service we received from Walker Foster Solicitors. We completed on our sale and purchase in June 2021. I found Liz Hird and her secretary Lucy Greenwood really professional, responsive to calls/emails and most importantly honest. The property market seems to be at its peak and I'm sure all solicitors are extremely busy. However Walker Foster solicitors were always one step ahead of the rest and relieved a lot of the stress of moving house. I can't thank them enough! One last thing to add we complete in 9 weeks from offer to purchase, absolutely amazing! Thank you again for all your help. X

D. Tk

Apr 04, 2021 Report

Had a fantastic response when I called to discuss some conveyancing work a five minute conversation with simone answered all my questions and put me at my ease very professional and got a confirmation email a few hours later

Frances Haughey

Mar 31, 2021 Report

Great service from Rachel in drafting our wills. She was extremely thorough and made sure we had considered everything and future proofed as much as possible. She was also a pleasure to deal with!

Graeme Cubie

Mar 27, 2021 Report

Absolutely 100% good service. They have dealt with our wills and house conveyance and have been fully supportive and professional throughout. Their communication is excellent as well.

Chris Pearce

Feb 04, 2021 Report

Fantastic job by Ian Haynes on the sale of my prior home and purchase of the new. Communication and guidance was excellent throughout. Strong coordination skills also ensured an efficient and smooth process.

Krisztian Szatmary

Feb 01, 2021 Report

Thank you very much for Simone Robinson and all the staff at Walker Foster, Ilkley. They did a fantastic job, it was a difficult and long process but they managed everything and kept us updated always. Highly recommend.