Our professional Team at Holland Family Law

CLAIRE HOLLAND  – Managing Director and Founder of Holland Family Law

I am Claire Holland, a professional and accomplished Family and Divorce Lawyer based in Leicester. Since joining the legal profession in 1992, I have developed a passion for achieving the best outcome for you in cases involving family matters. You can expect a sensitive, supportive and straightforward service from me, helping you to take the right steps.

Trusted to manage matters of family law by a number of local Solicitors in Leicester over the years, I have established myself as one of the best family and divorce lawyers in the City. I have worked with Douglas Wemyss Solicitors (DWS Legal), Josiah Hincks Solicitors, Glynis Wright Solicitors and GS Solicitors, providing practical, easy to understand family legal advice.

In 2009, I qualified as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. After recognising that family law is my forte, I now dedicate my life to helping people resolve potentially complex cases, amicably.

WHY IS CLAIRE HOLLAND THE BEST LAWYER FOR YOUR CASE?  

I am personable and proactive, always aiming to maintain your best interests and provide the best family legal help possible. I am a member of Resolution, an organisation of specialist Family Lawyers committed to a constructive approach to the practice of Family Law.

As a result of my commitment to Resolution over the years, most of my cases achieve settlement by constructive negotiations, cutting costs for everyone involved. If you are confused by legal jargon or you are unsure of your rights, I’m here to support you and bring clarity to your case.

SENSITIVE, STRAIGHTFORWARD SUPPORT 

Coping with a combination of serious concerns about your future and the emotional side of a relationship breakdown is stressful. I work with you to lighten the load, putting you at ease and giving you opportunity to discuss your fears and say what is on your mind. This helps me to give you the right advice to achieve a settlement you are satisfied with.

I am a trusted, dedicated family and divorce lawyer ready to represent you.

Claire Holland is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw

JENNIFER MCNEIL – Director – Senior Family Law and Divorce Solicitor

I am Jennifer McNeil.

Since joining the legal profession in 2006, I have always specialised in family law, particularly in respect of divorce cases and the financial matters arising on divorce. My specialism is complex financial matters including (but not limited to) jointly owned property, family businesses, and issues around family maintenance.

I am sensitive to the challenges individuals face during these difficult times, but also keen to give clear and frank advice, which will help you to achieve the best outcome without incurring unnecessary costs.

EXPERIENCED FAMILY AND DIVORCE LAWYER IN LEICESTER

Before joining Holland Family Law, I held important roles at other highly regarded local firms. I have been an Associate at Nelsons Solicitors Limited and a Family Law Partner at Dodds Solicitors LLP.

The diversity between those two practices has given me a very clear overview of the challenges that family law solicitors and their clients face in times of uncertainty.

I see it as absolutely essential to work as a team in order to deliver the best possible service for people facing future uncertainty amid a relationship breakdown. That is why I am so happy to be working with the amazing lawyers and support team here at Holland Family Law.

I am so proud of our team and how we they pull together to get the best outcome for all of our clients.

MY WORK WITH DOMESTIC ABUSE SUFFERERS

I have previously held several positions across Leicestershire which have allowed me to support victims of domestic abuse, including:

• Co-Chair of the Civil and Criminal Justice Working Group
• Supporting role for the Leicester and Leicestershire Family Justice Board, Training and Education Sub-Committee; and
• Leicester Law Society, Family Sub-Committee.

I continue to act as an advisor to the Domestic Abuse Forum for Hinckley & Bosworth, which includes training other professionals in the legal options available to their service users.

RESOLUTION MEMBER

I am a Resolution Family Law Specialist, meaning I have additional training in relation to matters concerning finances on divorce, and complex children issues.

CLEAR, HONEST ADVICE

I give clear and honest advice. I am sensitive but tenacious in my approach.

I will proactively advance your matter in the most cost-effective manner and will keep you informed every step of the way.

ALEXANDRA KELLY – Senior Family Law Solicitor Specialising in Private Law Children Matters and Domestic Abuse Cases

I’m Alexandra. I started my legal career in 2003 before qualifying in 2008. I have always worked in family law and therefore I have over 20 years of experience in family law matters. I have previously had mixed caseloads relating to family matters including:

Divorce
Financial matters
Domestic abuse
Children matters

However, my main focus is on private law children matters and domestic abuse cases. I am passionate about assisting my clients to achieve resolution at the earliest opportunity. I always strive to give clear advice, and support my clients during what is often a difficult time.

WHY IS ALEXANDRA THE RIGHT FAMILY LAWYER FOR PRIVATE LAW CHILDREN AND DOMESTIC ABUSE CASES?

Having practised in family law for over 20 years, I have gained substantial knowledge of the full spectrum of family law matters. Plus, my experience enables me to advise my clients in respect of their matters, fully.

I am approachable and I ensure that my clients feel comfortable and at ease to talk to me in a full and frank manner. This ensure that I am aware of all of the issues they face, and can assist them in seeking to resolve them.

I provide honest and clear advice focused on seeking resolution in a cost-effective way and setting realistic expectations.

RESOLUTION MEMBER AND RESOLUTION ACCREDITED

I am a member of Resolution and follow their Code of Practice. I have also achieved Resolution accreditation in Financial Remedies and Domestic Abuse.

I am committed to assisting my clients to achieve the best outcome in the individual circumstances of their case.

ROD STEPHENSON – Senior Family Law Solicitor

I am Rod Stephenson.

I have specialised in Family law from the very start of my career having joined the legal profession in the 1990’s.

APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ORDERS
My experience allows me to provide clients with tailored solutions and compassionate guidance in what can be a highly emotional time. I advise husbands, wives, cohabiting couples and former partners in all areas of family law, and particularly the implications of their relationship coming to an end. I have a vast experience in dealing with applications for financial orders on the breakup of relationships including pension sharing.

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.CHILDREN ACT PROCEEDINGS
In addition to financial matters, I have extensive experience in dealing with Children Act applications for married/unmarried couples and same sex couples and have often represented other parties including grandparents and extended family members in relation to child issues including Special Guardianship applications.

Areas of Practice:
• Family Law
• Divorce & Dissolution of Civil Partnerships
• Matrimonial Assets
• Cohabitation Agreements
• Separation Agreements
• Pre & Post-Nuptial Agreements
• Financial Issues including Property Disputes and Pension Splitting
• Child Arrangements

PERSONABLE AND PASSIONATE
I pride myself in being personable and passionate about family law. I will always provide the most appropriate advice in easy-to-understand terms and ensure that clients hear what they need to know, not what they want to hear.

ALISTAIR DOBSON – Senior Family Law Solicitor

I am Alistair Dobson.

I joined the Legal Profession in 1994 and qualified as a Solicitor in 1997.
I specialised in Family Law whilst qualifying as a Solicitor and now have over 30 years of experience in this area. My aim is to ensure that my clients receive clear, constructive and tailored advice, providing them with structured guidance and help my clients achieve the best solution at a time that is often very difficult for them.

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN FAMILY LAW

I have a wide range of experience in all aspects of relationship breakdown including:

• Divorce and Civil Partnership dissolution
• All financial aspects linked to relationship breakdown, including complex and high net value business arrangements and pension division.
• Family Business Disputes.
• International aspects of relationship breakdown, including financial relief after an overseas divorce.
• Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements.
• Separation Agreements and Cohabitation Agreements.
• Arrangements for children, including Parenting Plans, Court Applications for Parents, Court Applications for Grandparents and applications for permission to take children abroad.

I am a Member of Resolution and adopt their Code of Practice to promote a constructive approach in resolving family issues.

TIA SUDRA– Trainee Solicitor

My name is Tia Sudra

I joined Holland Family Law in 2024 after graduating with a Degree in Law as a Paralegal.  Holland Family Law then offered me a training contract, alongside undertaking the part-time Legal Practice Course (LPC).

As an aspiring Solicitor, I am passionate about gaining valuable experience and I am committed to supporting both my colleagues and clients with the upmost dedication and professionalism.

In my current role, I have the opportunity to collaborate and shadowing Senior Family Law Solicitors, further expanding my skills and knowledge in Family Law. I pride myself on being approachable, ardent, and focused on delivering the highest standard of service in everything I do. Confidentiality and organisation are at the core of my work, and I am always eager to contribute meaningfully to the success of the team.

Driven by my ambition to qualify as a Solicitor, I am committed to continuous learning and growing in this dynamic and rewarding firm.

LOUISE HILL – Senior Paralegal & Office Manager

I am Louise.
I am one of Holland Family Law’s first points of contact.

ENTHUSIASTIC AND DEDICATED
I started my Holland Family Law journey as a Paralegal in July 2021 and was promoted to Senior Paralegal and Office Manager in October 2022. In my over 20 years of experience in the legal industry, I have held various administrative roles covering different areas of law and business, all of which have developed over time with my enthusiasm and dedication to be involved in different projects and general business operations. I pride myself on my organisational skills, compassion for others, and I think my niche role within Holland Family Law is perfect for me and our clients.
I successfully balance dual roles at Holland Family Law and multiple responsibilities, while maintaining attention to detail, seamlessly managing our office while providing Paralegal support to our Directors – a testament to my strong organisational capabilities and efficiency.

I am a loyal and dependable individual that will always take a role above and beyond the job description and in April 2025 I won Support Staff of the Year at the Leicestershire Law Society awards. A very proud moment for me personally and professionally.

COMMITMENT TO CLIENT CARE
I am dedicated to providing the best support to my colleagues and clients, taking confidentiality seriously and a strong commitment to procedures and client care.

ZOE HOLMES– Legal Case Manager

I am Zoe Holmes, an experienced Legal Case Manager.
I began my career in the legal profession in 1990, starting off as an ‘Outdoor Clerk’ working for a firm in West London.

I spent most of my time in Court dealing with administrative matters and Court hearings.
Having got a taste for legal work, I then took a similar role in Covent Garden, central London, getting involved in a lot of cases in the High Court.

After a few years in this role, I trained as a Legal Secretary, and continued in that role working for a Solicitor in the firm’s family department.

EXPERIENCED IN FAMILY LAW

I spent several years working in various firms in London working mainly in family law. I then relocated to Windsor, and worked for two Solicitors’ firms, one of which was as a Paralegal for a Legal 500 firm.

TRUSTED LEGAL CASE MANAGER

In 2017 my family and I made the decision to move to the East Midlands. I worked for 3½ years in a small firm in Leicester as the sole fee earner in their family department. My caseload included divorce, financial matters and private law children work. I then joined the team at Holland Family Law.

I am a trusted, legally trained case manager.

CLAIRE HAVERS – Legal Secretary for Holland Family Law

I am Claire Havers.

I joined Holland Family Law in 2023 as a Legal Secretary, providing the firm’s lawyers with direct assistance, scheduling client appointments, organising and maintaining all legal documents, and more.

EXPERIENCED LEGAL SECRETARY
I have over 14 years of experience working within the legal profession. I have knowledge of various areas of law including Personal Injury, Civil Litigation and Family Law.

DEDICATED TO SERVING
I pride myself on being friendly, enthusiastic and approachable person

I’m dedicated to providing the best possible service in all that I do.