Leading East Midlands law firm Chattertons has significantly strengthened its Family Law department with the promotion of Rachel MacLean to Head of Department.

Rachel’s appointment follows a number of senior hires within the firm’s growing Family Law team, including Partners Lisa-Marie Leanders and Elena Metawea, alongside Associate Solicitor Emily McKay. These appointments reflect Chattertons' continued investment in delivering high-quality Family Law services to individuals and families across the region.

The expanded leadership team brings together extensive experience across a wide range of Family Law matters, including divorce, child arrangements, financial settlements, cohabitation disputes, domestic abuse cases, and prenuptial agreements. Their combined expertise strengthens the firm’s ability to provide clear, compassionate, and practical legal advice tailored to each client’s circumstances.

Rachel MacLean will lead a highly skilled team also comprising Chartered Legal Executive Peter Hardy, Apprentice Solicitor Leah Light, and Consultant Robert Smith. Together, the department combines established legal expertise with fresh perspectives and emerging talent to support clients through often complex and sensitive family matters.

Recognised as a Tier 2 practice in The Legal 500, Chatterton’s continues to build its reputation as a trusted provider of Family Law services, delivering exceptional client care and legal expertise across Lincolnshire, Newark, and the wider East Midlands region.

Meet the team

Rachel MacLean - Head of Department and Partner - Grantham

Rachel joined Chattertons in February 2026 and brings nearly 30 years’ experience in family law, specialising in children matters. She has been a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel for over 25 years and brings significant expertise in complex cases, including those with international elements.

Rachel regularly represents clients in courts across the Midlands, including the High Court. She is also highly experienced in domestic abuse cases and injunctions, and is recognised for her clear, pragmatic approach.

Client feedback: “Thank you for all you have done, to keep our life raft afloat. We will never forget what you have done for us.”

Lisa-Marie Leanders - Partner Family - Grantham

Lisa-Marie joined Chattertons November 2025, bringing over 23 years of experience in all matters relating to relationship breakdown but with a strong focus on financial matters arising from divorce and separation, particularly complex and high net worth cases. Lisa-Marie's advice is realistic and her representation robust. Lisa-Marie is also highly skilled in the drafting of pre- and post-nuptial agreements.

Lisa-Marie is also a member of Resolution and a trained Collaborative Lawyer, who is recognised for her balanced and constructive approach to resolving disputes outside of court wherever possible.

Elena Metawea - Partner Family - Horncastle

Elena joined Chattertons in November 2025, bringing over a decade of legal experience, and has specialised in family law since qualifying as a solicitor in 2017.

Elena advises on all aspects of family law, with particular expertise in complex, high-value cases involving businesses, farms and pensions.

Elena is known for her pragmatic, client-focused approach and her direct yet compassionate style, providing clear and accessible advice throughout what can be a challenging time. She also speaks fluent Russian and regularly acts for Russian-speaking clients nationwide.

Emily McKay - Associate Solicitor - Stamford

Emily joined Chattertons in November 2025 and brings several years of experience assisting clients across a wide range of family law matters. She adopts a client-focused and conciliatory approach, with an emphasis on resolving issues efficiently and cost-effectively. Emily is committed to providing clear, practical advice while offering supportive guidance throughout the process.

Peter Hardy - Chartered Legal Executive Family – Lincoln

Peter joined Chattertons in February 2025 following the acquisition of JGQC. Peter has specialised in divorce and separation work for his entire career and has lots of experience dealing with complex issues, including business interests and uniformed public sector pensions as well as child arrangements cases with welfare concerns.

Leah Light - Apprentice Solicitor Family – Lincoln

Leah joined Chattertons in October 2023 after graduating from Lincoln University. She began as a receptionist and quickly progressed to Senior Legal Assistant and Trainee Paralegal, before advancing to Apprentice Solicitor in September 2025.

Robert Smith - Consultant Family Law – Horncastle

Robert has over 40 years’ experience in Family law, specialising in breakdown of marriages, cohabitation and civil partnerships, high-net worth clients and members of the farming community.