Our People...
Jacquie Lyall
Personal Assistant to John Cook
Jacquie Lyall is John’s assistant, a providing dedicated support across all aspects of the business and playing a key role in the delivery of an efficient, client-focused legal service.
With over 30 years’ experience in the legal sector, Jacquie has worked within both high street firms and national corporate law practices. This extensive background has given her a deep understanding of the demands of complex transactions, as well as the high standards of service expected by clients.
Jacquie is integral to ensuring that matters are managed seamlessly from instruction through to completion. Her meticulous approach, strong organisational skills, and attention to detail enable transactions to progress efficiently, even within tight timeframes. She works closely with John to coordinate all aspects of each matter, ensuring clear communication and a consistently high level of service.
Focused on delivering a best-in-class client experience, Jacquie is known for her professionalism, reliability, and calm, approachable manner - providing reassurance and continuity for clients throughout the legal process.
John Cook
Managing Director
John is a highly experienced Chartered Legal Executive with over 30 years experience, specialising in commercial property, corporate transactions, secured lending, and high-value property matters. He has held senior roles at a number of leading corporate law firms, advising on complex, high-value transactions for a broad range of clients.
John’s practice spans both property and corporate law, giving him a unique ability to provide joined-up, commercially focused advice across a wide range of matters. He has extensive experience advising on business sales and acquisitions, investment transactions, shareholder arrangements, and specialist finance, as well as acting on complex commercial property deals including development land, HMOs, and agricultural transactions.
He is also recognised for his expertise in specialist areas such as bridging finance, secured lending, and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs)—working closely with clients and their advisers to structure transactions efficiently and deliver successful outcomes, often within demanding timeframes.
With a strong background in advising lenders, developers, investors, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals, John has developed a deep understanding of the commercial drivers behind transactions and the practical challenges that can arise. His approach is pragmatic and solutions-focused, ensuring that matters are progressed efficiently while maintaining careful attention to detail.
John is known for his calm, straightforward style and strong commercial awareness. Clients value his ability to cut through complexity and focus on what matters most—providing clear advice, practical solutions, and a structured approach that gives confidence at every stage of a transaction.
Outside of work, John is a keen sports and music enthusiast and was once (some time ago) a professional musician.
Tony Butterworth
Business Development Consultant
Tony Butterworth brings over 40 years of experience in the legal sector, having previously served as a Senior Partner at a well-established law firm. His extensive career at the forefront of legal practice gives him a deep and practical understanding of both client needs and the commercial realities of delivering high-quality legal services.
Now focused on business development, Tony plays a key role in strengthening client relationships and supporting the continued growth of the firm. His experience enables him to quickly understand client objectives, identify opportunities, and ensure that clients are connected with the right expertise to meet their needs.
Tony’s background as a senior lawyer means he brings more than just relationship management—he offers genuine insight into the legal process, allowing him to anticipate challenges and provide a valuable, informed perspective from the outset.
Known for his approachable and personable manner, Tony is highly regarded by clients and colleagues alike. He takes the time to understand each client’s individual circumstances, building strong, long-term relationships based on trust, clarity, and responsiveness.
Tony’s combination of senior legal experience, commercial awareness, and client-focused approach makes him an integral part of delivering a high-quality, seamless service