Our solicitors are capable of handling a vast range of legal services
Robert Hanratty LLB (Hons)...
Originating from Carno, Robert was educated in Newtown before progressing to read law at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. After graduating and attending the College of Law he returned to Newtown as an articled clerk with Williams Gittins and Tomley eventually becoming a partner in the mid 80’s.
In 1988 he left and set up Hanratty & Co. Although his first years in practice were as a specialist conveyancer dealing with large housing estates, landlord and tenant matters, Robert went on to extensively develop the Firm’s Matrimonial and Criminal Departments.
He currently heads the Firm’s Matrimonial, Criminal and Conveyancing Departments. He is an Accredited Specialist in all three disciplines. He is a member of the Family Law Advanced Panel specialising in financial matters arising from relationship breakdowns and Private Children Law. He is also a Solicitor Advocate with Higher Rights of Audience in criminal matters. In addition, he deals with the drafting of Wills and Probate and general Civil Litigation. A local man, Robert is very active in supporting and being involved with a number of organisations and charities throughout Mid Wales.
Robert is also head of our Property department and is a specialist in all aspects of residential, commercial and bespoke property work. Robert also deals with general commercial and business matters and civil litigation.
Paul Inns LLB (Hons)...
Paul undertook his training contract with Hanratty & Co and has been qualified as a solicitor for over 20 years. He became a partner in Hanratty & Co some years ago.
He has developed a particular expertise in providing legal services for the elderly to include Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Deputy applications to the Court of Protection, Probate and Contentious Probate. Paul is a member of the Solicitors for the Elderly Group and the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners as well as being a former deputy coroner for Powys.
He also provides advice and assistance in Personal Injury matters as well as advice and representation in Criminal cases both in the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court. He is a Court and Police Station Duty Solicitor.
Outside of work, Paul is involved with a number of local sports clubs, leagues and other organisations.
Sophia Nazar LLB (Hons)...
Sophia Nazar qualified as a solicitor in 2006. She joined Hanratty & Co in 2008 and was made a Partner in 2016.
She is fully qualified in advising and representing clients in all areas of family law including: divorce and separation, ancillary finance, co habitation agreements, unmarried property disputes, children matters such as contact disputes, residence, child maintenance, care proceedings and domestic violence. Sophia is a member of Resolution and is committed to resolving disputes in a constructive and non-confrontational manner. She is also a member of the Association of Lawyers for Children and NAGALRO (The Professional Association for Children's Guardians, Family Court Advisers and Independent Social Workers).
Sophia also deals with all aspects of property work, to include residential conveyancing, Leasehold property, and Tenancy Agreements.
Sophia is board member of the Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre
Chris Tomley...
Born in Montgomery, Chris grew up in Newtown, Mid Wales. He attended Liverpool College of Law and did 5 years in Articles to his father, Edward Tomley of Williams Gittins & Tomley at 31 Market Street, Newtown. Chris qualified in November, 1972 and joined Hanratty & Co. in March 21.
At that time the firm had offices in Montgomery, Llanidloes and Bishop’s Castle. Chris ran the Bishop’s Castle office three days a week whilst in Articles
Both Grandfathers were solicitors. J. E. Tomley CBE of Montgomery and F. H. Jessop of Aberystwyth, who was still in practice. He was President of The Law Society in 1953.
After qualifying, Chris was taken into partnership by his Father and Mr Gentle. They retired in due course and Chris then practised on his own account. In 1978 Robert Hanratty became the first of Chris’ many articled clerks/trainee solicitors.
Chris held various public offices in the past, Clerk to Commissioners of Taxes, Llanidloes and also Assistant Deputy Coroner for Powys on two occasions. Also Chairman of the Newtown CAB, and then became Chairman of Powys CAB. He also was governor of various primary and secondary schools and a member of Powys Local Access Forum.
Chris’ areas of work are agriculture, business matters, partnerships, company formations, charity advice and formations, commercial and residential property, and wills, LPAs and probate. He also advised several Community Councils and Village Hall Committees who built or improved their community facilities. Health & Safety was another area of interest through motor sport and recovery.
Chris is trustee, board or committee member of several local charities and charitable organisations.
Chris became a member of the Rotary Club of Newtown in 1973, was President in 1981/2 and was elected again in 2020/1.
Isabella Jennings LLB (Hons)...
Isabella graduated from Aberystwyth University in July 2018 with a first class honours degree. Isabella completed her training contract with Hanratty & Co in conjunction with Chester Law School and qualified as a solicitor Jan 2022.
Isabella handles conveyancing, family and crown court criminal work. Isabella's supervisor is Robert Hanratty.
Gurleen Kaur...
Gurleen joined the practice in January 2021, as a paralegal after graduating with First Class Honours in Law from Cardiff University. Gurleen completed her Legal Practice Course and training contract with Hanratty & Co Solicitors, and qualified as a Solicitor in March 2024. Gurleen is an Accredited Police Station Representative.
Gurleen undertakes work in the criminal, litigation and family departments under the supervision of Robert Hanratty and Paul Inns.
Freya Maguinness...
Freya joined the practice in February 2021 as a paralegal, after graduating with an undergraduate History degree and Master in Laws from Lancaster University. Freya has recently completed the Law conversion course. She is also an Accredited Police Station Representative.
Freya commenced her training contract to become a solicitor in Sept 2023, and is currently undertaking the Legal Practice Course at The University of Law, Chester.
Freya assists with criminal matters in Crown Court, Wills and Probate, and Conveyancing under the supervision of Paul Inns.
Huw Wyn Williams...
Huw is a well-known local solicitor, having practised in the locality for many years.
He joined the firm as a Consultant in 2022 and provides advice in relation to residential and commercial conveyancing as well as Agricultural Law. He also assists the firm with Criminal Advocacy in the Magistrates Court.