Kiran is a highly experienced solicitor and the joint co-owner of Gary Jacobs & Co Ltd, having taken over directorship in December 2025. Since qualifying in 2006 and joining the firm in 2008, she has built a robust practice covering all areas of family law, including divorce, financial settlements, and domestic violence injunctions although now concentrates on Children Act Proceedings only.
A specialist in Children Act proceedings, Kiran has been a Law Society Accredited Children Panel Member since 2011. She is a strong advocate for her clients, undertaking her own advocacy in court whenever possible to ensure continuity and dedicated representation.
Beyond her casework, Kiran serves as the firm’s COLP (Compliance Officer for Legal Practice). She is also fluent in Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindi, allowing her to provide accessible legal support to a diverse range of clients.
Michelle is a Director and joint co-owner of Gary Jacobs & Co Ltd, having assumed leadership of the firm in December 2025. Admitted as a solicitor in November 2005, she joined the practice in July 2008, bringing with her a versatile background in both criminal and family law.
Today, Michelle specialises exclusively in Family Law, offering expert guidance on public law childcare cases, and private children matters. A dedicated advocate, she is known for her hands-on approach and endeavours to undertake her own advocacy in court whenever possible.
Beyond her casework, Michelle serves as the firm’s AML (Anti-Money Laundering) Officer.
Michelle’s expertise in child-related proceedings is formally recognised by The Law Society, where she has been an accredited member of the Children Panel since August 2010.
Debbie Jacobs is a highly distinguished Solicitor with nearly four decades of experience in legal practice. After serving as the Principal of the firm for 35 years, Debbie transitioned to a Consultant role in December 2025 following the sale of the practice.
Her career with the firm began in 1986. She trained under Gary Jacobs and was formally admitted as a Solicitor in 1988. A specialist in Family Law, Debbie led the firm’s Family Department as Head of Department from 1999 until the recent transition, establishing a reputation for excellence in complex litigation.
Debbie focuses primarily on Children Law, representing both children and parents in sensitive proceedings. Since 1999, she has been a continuous member of the Law Society Children Panel, a testament to her expertise in this field.
A skilled litigator, Debbie is known for her robust courtroom presence. She conducts her own advocacy across a broad range of jurisdictions, including:
Her extensive experience in handling complex caseloads and her long-standing commitment to her clients make her one of the most respected practitioners in the region.
Paula is a cornerstone of the firm’s operational success, bringing over three decades of legal industry expertise and executive leadership to her role. After beginning her career in high-level executive roles within the city, Paula transitioned to the family firm in 1990 as Practice Manager.
Paula serves as the firm’s Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA) and Company Secretary. She is also the primary Lexcel Representative, ensuring the firm consistently meets the highest standards of excellence in legal practice management and client care.
Between 1990 and 1998, Paula balanced her management responsibilities with a fee-earning role, during which she successfully completed the Law Society Qualified Police Accredited Representative exams. This dual experience as both a legal practitioner and an administrator provides her with a unique, holistic understanding of the firm’s needs.
As the engine behind the firm’s daily operations, Paula manages:
With her extensive history at the firm and her deep roots in the legal sector, Paula remains dedicated to maintaining the firm’s reputation for integrity, efficiency, and professional excellence.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you very much for all your help and advice over this very difficult time…”