Meet The Team

Lara is a Senior Solicitor, Director and Head of Practice. She is a business leader specialising in matrimonial finance, private children matters and equine law.
Her extensive experience and strategic thinking are pivotal in steering clients towards favourable resolutions, always with a commitment to the highest standards of legal care. She excels at demystifying legal complexities, making her a trusted adviser for those confronting the many and varied challenges of family law.
As Head of Legal Practice, Lara’s leadership is characterised by her dedication to fostering professional growth within her team. She is deeply involved in mentoring junior lawyers, providing guidance and training to ensure the next generation of legal professionals upholds the firm’s reputation for excellence and empathy in client service.
Lara is an advocate of the collaborative approach espoused by Resolution, the Family Law association, and promotes this philosophy within her practice, encouraging a non-confrontational path to dispute resolution where possible.
Her legal acumen is particularly notable in her work with high net worth individuals in complex financial remedy proceedings, private child custody disputes, and Inheritance Act cases. Lara is also passionate about the protection and representation of vulnerable clients, including those affected by domestic violence, and has distinguished herself in advocating for the rights of fathers in child-related proceedings.
Within the firm, Lara’s leadership extends beyond her legal expertise. She is instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives that enhance the firm’s culture, advocating for continuous learning and development opportunities.
Her commitment to professional excellence is mirrored in her personal achievements as a competitive dressage rider at both National and Regional levels. She proudly represented Wales in dressage as a Young Rider for several years and, more recently, returned to represent Wales as a Senior Rider. Lara has trained and ridden to Prix St Georges, most notably with a Welsh Section D.
Lara can be found in the gym most mornings before work and is an avid mountaineer – enjoying hiking and skiing trips in her time off – reflecting her belief in the importance of well-being and testament to her perseverance and determination.
Lara can speak conversational Welsh and French, and is based in our Llanelli office.
Sian is a Director and Solicitor within our Llanelli Office specialising in Family Law, Civil Litigation and Wills, Probate and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Sian obtained her law degree in 2018 and went on to complete her Masters in Advance Drafting and Legal Practice at Swansea University in 2019. Sian was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors on the 1st October 2021.
Sian trained and spent 5 years at a Llanelli firm specialising in Children Act Cases, Civil Litigation and Wills before moving to a new firm further afield to assist with setting up a Private Client Department within new offices. Sian returned to work within the Llanelli area and joined our firm in April 2025.
Sian has experience in a variety of areas of law which assists with providing an adaptable and rounded approach to achieve desired outcomes for clients.
Sian has previously completed the Law Society’s Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQs) which recognises the high standards of practice and integrity required to provide quality services to our clients. Sian has also completed the Dementia Friendly courses.

Lucy Batstone LLB (Hons) (FCilex)
Chartered Legal Executive And Swindon Team Leader
Lucy obtained her Law Degree, graduating in 2017 from Bristol Law School at UWE. Lucy has worked at OLS since 2018.
Through a combination of hands-on experience and internal and external training, Lucy has developed her expertise and progressed within the firm.
Lucy now specialises in Family Law, with training in Civil Litigation. Lucy’s workload mainly comprises of divorce, matrimonial finances, private children matters, TOLATA claims, Nuptial, Cohabitation and Separation Agreements, as well as Will writing.
She is known for her analytical approach and attention to detail, identifying potential issues before they arise. Her practical and approachable manner, combined with a strong commitment to client care, regularly earns her excellent feedback from those she represents.
As a member of Resolution, she understands the importance of Non-Court Dispute Resolution where possible and, in any event, adopts a harmonious and constructive approach to resolving issues. Lucy appreciates the strain family law matters have on the lives of client’s and their families which only drives her to be more meticulous and conscientious when bringing matters to a conclusion as smoothly and promptly as possible.
Lucy is team leader of our Swindon office and is dedicated not only to her own ongoing development but also to providing guidance and training to the junior members of the team.
Lucy is married and in her spare time enjoys caring for her horses, cats and dog.
Georgina has recently been admitted as a Solicitor following a long period of study while working as a paralegal with the firm.
She has a degree in English literature and cultural criticism and obtained a PGCE in middle English.
Before starting her legal career, Georgina has worked in the education sector as a teacher, recruitment services at a senior level as well as Management, Property Renovation and Maintenance with her own property company. She has an analytical mind and is a great communicator, which is essential in family lawyers.
She has devoted the last few years to becoming an expert in advising on, and drafting complex pre nuptial agreements.
She has always wanted to be a lawyer and OLS gave her the opportunity to study and work while raising her family.
She has two young children and a partner in the forces.
Georgina is based in our Swindon office,

Steph Broadfield
PRACTICE MANAGER
Steph is our Practice Manager. She has spent most of her working life in the legal accounts sector in London before choosing to become part of the OLS team.
She maintains our accounts and ensures we all comply with the strict rules surrounding client money.
As well as being a whizz with numbers, she teaches aqua fit and step in her spare time.

Sian Jones
Trainee Solicitor
Sian graduated from Swansea University in the summer of 2022 with a 2:1 in Law LLB and this year Graduated in her Masters Degree of Legal Practice and Advanced Drafting where she gained a distinction for her dissertation which focused on Concussion Legislation in Sport Law which had a particular emphasis on how it has impacted the Equestrian Sport. Her academic and practical experience position her as a promising future solicitor within our Llanelli office.
Sian has a particular interest in Equine Law, an area she is passionate about and has explored extensively, having written two dissertation on this subject. She will be looking to help expand our firm’s equine law offering, bringing her niche expertise and dedication to this specialised field. Her involvement will enhance our ability to serve clients in the equine industry, and we are excited to support her in this endeavour. Sian’s years of involvement from a young age, being able to ride a horse before she could walk, allow for a true firsthand experience on the matters that impact many equestrians of today.
Outside of her legal career, Sian is an accomplished equestrian, regularly competing in eventing. She has proudly represented Wales as a member of the Welsh team, showcasing her commitment and drive both in and out of the office. She also is a passionate runner who is looking forward to running some more half marathons this year.
We are thrilled to have Sian join our Llanelli office and look forward to seeing her grow and succeed within our firm. She always puts the clients needs first and has a great drive in ensuing clients needs are always at the forefront.

Caitlin Jones LLB(hons) LLM
Trainee Solicitor
Caitlin is bilingual and speaks both Welsh and English.
Caitlin has both a degree in law and a Masters from Swansea University.
Caitlin is the youngest member of the OLS team but is passionate about her work and always has the clients best interest.
Caitlin enjoys shopping, trying new foods and site seeing. Caitlin also loves to spend time with her family and two dogs on beach walks.
She is a determined young woman who knows how to balance working hard and enjoying life. When at work she puts the clients needs first and does her best to aid them in any way she can.

Jack Furnell LLB(Hons)
PARALEGAL
Jack graduated from Southampton Solent University in 2023 with a first in law. Jack is assisting with Consent Orders, Will drafting and all necessary admin work. He will start training in due course to become a Solicitor as he progresses through his apprenticeship. Outside of work, He spends his time being creative with painting and photography.

Zoe Harding
LEGAL SECRETARY
Zoe is a highly experienced and efficient legal secretary.
She spent many years working for a senior partner for a firm of Solicitors in South Africa before returning to the UK for family reasons.
She assists the fee earners with a whole range of matters. Her friendly and warm nature gives clients the reassurance they need, during what can be a difficult time.
Zoe is based in our Swindon office.

Lorraine Ford
LEGAL SECRETARY
Lorraine is an experienced and highly efficient legal secretary.
Lorraine supports the lawyers with their workload and her friendly and warm approach gives the client reassurance during what can be a difficult time.
Lorraine enjoys travelling, walking her dog and attending fitness classes.

Donna Jones
LEGAL SECRETARY
Donna is a highly experienced and efficient legal secretary.
Donna has worked in family law firms for over 20 years . Donna supports our lawyers with their workload and will often be a point of contact for client updates, and a friendly reassuring voice at the end of the phone.
Donna is bilingual and speaks both English and Welsh.
Outside of work she enjoys cold water dipping/ swimming in the sea all year round. She is a huge music fan and attends as many gigs as she can. She also is passionate about art and loves visiting galleries and exhibitions all over the country.
Donna is based in our Llanelli offiice.

Clare Howell
NEW CLIENT CO-ORDINATOR
Clare has worked in a number of Solicitors firms for over 19 years, firstly as a receptionist and then as a Legal Secretary primarily for a Conveyancing department.
She wanted to do something different and the opportunity came to head up our client onboarding team. Her friendly and empathetic manner made her perfect for the role.
She is usually the first person that a client will speak to when they contact the firm.
She is responsible for giving initial advice to new clients, setting up their appointments with the most appropriate lawyer , sorting out their ID and AML requirements and helping with documentation . She is very friendly and warm and simply enjoys helping people.
She lives locally with her husband and daughter and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Clare is based in our Llanelli office.

Mark Keenan
Director
Mark Keenan is the Founder and Chief Executive of OLS Group, which includes OLS Solicitors, an SRA-regulated law firm, and Divorce-Online, the UK’s original online divorce service.
Mark has worked in the legal sector for over 25 years. He began his career in 1988 as a solicitor’s clerk specialising in family law, gaining practical experience in divorce and financial matters while working with established law firms across Dorset, the West Midlands and Wiltshire. This early, case-level experience continues to inform his approach to delivering legal services that are clear, proportionate and focused on client outcomes.
In 2000, Mark founded Divorce-Online to provide an affordable, structured route through divorce for couples who do not require contested proceedings or full solicitor representation. The service was among the first internet-based divorce providers in the UK and has supported more than 200,000 couples through amicable divorce applications and related processes.
As client needs evolved, OLS Solicitors was established in 2017 to provide SRA-regulated legal advice and representation for cases requiring solicitor involvement, including financial remedy work, consent orders, child arrangements and other family law matters. OLS Solicitors operates as a regulated law firm, subject to the SRA Principles and Code of Conduct, with responsibility for reserved legal activities and client legal advice.
Mark is responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of the group, working closely with solicitors and compliance teams to ensure that services are delivered in line with regulatory obligations, professional standards and client care requirements. His focus is on transparency, fixed-fee pricing where appropriate, and the responsible use of technology to support — not replace — professional legal judgement.
He is regularly quoted in national and regional media on family law issues and legal service delivery, and contributes commentary on the practical impact of legal processes on separating couples.
Outside of work, Mark enjoys travelling, plays golf (with limited success), and spends time with his dogs.

Sian James
Legal Secretary
Sian brings over 30 years of experience in the legal sector, offering a wealth of knowledge and practical insight gained across a long and varied career in law. She has worked both as a fee earner, having qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive, and as a legal secretary, giving her a well-rounded understanding of legal practice from multiple perspectives.
Sian currently supports our fee earners within the Private Family Law department as a Legal Secretary and is often a key point of contact for clients. She draws on her extensive experience to assist with a wide range of legal matters, providing knowledgeable, approachable, and reliable support.
Outside of work, Sian enjoys socialising with friends, travelling, and spending time walking her dog.




