Meet The Women Helping Shape The Future of Slater Heelis
Charlotte Beck, Rachel Fletcher and Zara Banday from Slater Heelis Solicitors
Charlotte Beck, Rachel Fletcher and Zara Banday from Slater Heelis Solicitors
At more than 250 years old, Slater Heelis may have a long history, but its sights are firmly set on the future. Having been acquired by Lawfront in 2024, Slater Heelis has invested in its growth with the successful opening of its first office in Chester and has embedded themselves into the business community whilst also developing major partnerships with the likes of Storyhouse and Chester Zoo.
Now, celebrating the first-year anniversary of its Chester office, we are putting the spotlight on three women from the Executive Team whose shared ambition is to grow the business, support their colleagues and ensure the firm remains a place where people, clients and communities’ matter.
The three women helping to shape that direction are Managing Partner Rachel Fletcher, Partner, and Head of Residential Property Zara Banday, and Partner, and Head of the Family team Charlotte Beck.
Together, they are helping to lead the firm's next chapter, building on its long-established reputation while embracing new technology, new ways of working and continued investment in its people. Their focus is on ensuring Slater Heelis remains a modern, ambitious and forward-thinking business while retaining the personal service and strong relationships that have always defined the firm.
What unites them is a belief that leadership starts with setting the right example. All three continue to work closely with clients alongside their leadership responsibilities. That helps ensure the firm remains responsive to client needs while keeping its leaders connected to the realities of practice. It also reinforces a culture where leaders work alongside their teams, not apart from them. At Slater Heelis, leaders do not expect people to do anything they would not be prepared to do themselves, and there is a shared commitment to going above and beyond for clients and colleagues alike.
As Managing Partner and Head of Crime and Regulatory, Rachel Fletcher combines responsibility for the strategic direction and day-to-day management of the firm with a criminal and regulatory practice representing individuals, directors and businesses facing investigations and proceedings. For Rachel, leadership is about creating a high-performing, forward-thinking business while preserving the supportive culture that has always been at the heart of the firm.
Working closely with the Executive Team, she has helped position the firm for its next phase of development, championing collaboration, innovation and a culture where people feel empowered to contribute and embrace change.
Rachel said: “We have ambitious plans for the future and are well placed to achieve them. We have the right people in place, a clear strategy and the backing of Lawfront, whose commitment to investing in technology, innovation and our people gives us a real competitive advantage. Combined with the talent and commitment of our teams, that puts us in a strong position for the years ahead. It is an exciting time for the firm as we continue to evolve while staying true to the values that have always made Slater Heelis special.”
As a Partner, member of the Executive Team and Head of Residential Property, Zara Banday is recognised for her leadership, expertise and unwavering commitment to client service. She leads one of the firm's largest teams while maintaining a significant personal practice, advising clients on a wide range of complex residential property matters. Recognised for her commercial insight, attention to detail and pragmatic approach, Zara has built an exceptional reputation within the market and enjoys long-standing relationships with clients, referrers and professional contacts alike. Much of her work is generated through repeat instructions and recommendations, reflecting the confidence placed in her judgment and advice. Zara takes a highly personal approach to every transaction, combining technical excellence with clear, strategic guidance to help clients navigate some of the most important financial decisions they will make.
Zara said: “Property transactions are about more than completing paperwork. Clients want clear, practical advice from someone they trust to guide them through the process and help them make informed decisions. I try to bring those same values to my role as a leader by being approachable, supportive and setting high standards for both myself and my team. At Slater Heelis, we combine technical expertise with a genuinely personal service, and that is something we are committed to maintaining as the firm continues to develop.”
As a member of the Executive Team, Partner and Head of the Family team, Charlotte Beck believes collaboration is equally important. She advises on a wide range of complex family matters, including divorce, high-net-worth financial disputes, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreement. The family team has developed a strong reputation for handling complex and sensitive matters and has recently been recognised for its expertise in high-net-worth family law. Charlotte has also built a strong network of trusted advisers, including accountants, financial planners and tax advisers, enabling clients to access specialist support tailored to their individual circumstances.
Charlotte's collaborative training influences both her client work and her leadership style. As a member of the Executive Team, she plays an important role in shaping the firm's culture and future direction, championing collaboration, professional development and a people-first approach. She is committed to creating a culture where people work together, learn from one another and feel supported to develop their careers.
Charlotte added: “Family law is about people, not just legal issues. Clients often come to us at a point of significant change in their lives and place a great deal of trust in us. I never lose sight of that responsibility. My aim is always to provide clear, pragmatic advice and support clients in finding the best path forward. I am equally passionate about creating an environment where people feel supported, valued and encouraged to develop their careers. When colleagues are able to thrive and work collaboratively, our clients receive the very best service, and that benefits everyone.”
Together, Rachel, Zara and Charlotte reflect the leadership approach at Slater Heelis: visible, collaborative and grounded in the day-to-day realities of legal practice. While each leads a different area of the business, they share a commitment to leading by example, driving positive cultural change and helping shape the firm's future direction. Their focus is not simply on growth, but on building a modern, ambitious and forward-thinking business that delivers exceptional outcomes for clients, creates opportunities for its people and remains true to the values that have underpinned its success for more than 250 years.
Slater Heelis is a full-service law firm with offices in Chester, Sale and Manchester.
If you need legal advice, visit slaterheelis.co.uk or call 0330 111 3131
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