Tim Barker

I moved to the North East to attend Northumbria University when I was 18 and have lived here ever since.   I became a Partner in the firm in 1999. 

I head up the firm’s Family Law Department and have for many years regularly dealt with cases throughout Northumberland Newcastle and in Durham.  One of the advantages of lockdown (if there were any!) is that many hearings were dealt with by video and over the phone.  Whilst this was difficult for people and indeed practitioners, it has enabled us, without adding greatly to the cost, to deal with matters much further afield.  Indeed over the last 2 years I have dealt with cases in court in Kent, Coventry, Manchester, Cumbria, Wakefield and Devon.   

Historically I have dealt with criminal work so have experience where this can cross over into family work such as when allegations of violence are made involving family members.

Increasingly I spent my time dealing with all aspects of family work including divorce and financial matters.  Together with Michelle Lamond we have amongst the biggest caseloads in terms of dealing with matters involving children, in the North East.  

I am also a member of the Police Station and Magistrates Court Duty Rota and have been for many years.  I have experience of dealing with offences at all ends of the spectrum from road traffic through to serious assaults and murder cases.

I live in Newcastle with my wife and two children with whom I enjoy spending my spare time. Other than family my passions are travel and sport.   

I have not travelled enough and want to see more of the world. 

In terms of sport I have played regularly throughout my life football, tennis and squash. Unfortunately both of my children are now getting the better of me on the squash court.  

In that regard Lawson & Thompson is a keen supporter of local grass roots sport, sponsoring a children’s football team in Ashington as well as local junior squash events.