A solicitor’s firm based on Yarm High Street is celebrating a double promotion, with one team member being made Partner and another Head of Litigation.
Merritts Solicitors LLP is an independent firm that has been a face on the High Street for almost 60 years and offers a wide range of services both personal and commercial.
Charlotte Fairfax joined Merritts as a newly qualified solicitor in 2021 and has since developed her career within the firm, culminating in her recent promotion to Partner. Charlotte has been committed to a legal career since the age of 15. She began gaining hands-on experience at 16, working in local law firms as an office junior, where her responsibilities included administrative support such as preparing refreshments and managing copying tasks. Alongside her academic studies, Charlotte continued to build practical experience by working in law firms during school and university holidays. After graduating, she secured a full-time role at a local firm, where she progressed to complete her training contract.
Victoria Skelton, now Head of Litigation, joined Merritts 20 years ago in 2006 as a floater typist. She progressed to working as a legal secretary to a partner, then as an assistant, before becoming a fee-earner. During this time, Victoria also reached significant personal milestones, becoming engaged, getting married, and having two children while completing her CILEX qualification in partnership with Teesside University. More recently, she has led Merritts’ efforts to support landlords and estate agents by sharing guidance and practical advice following the introduction of the Renters Rights Act 2026, which came into force on 1st May 2026.
Managing Partner, Matthew Moran said: “Charlotte and Victoria’s promotions are a natural and well-earned recognition of their dedication, professionalism, and the positive impact they have had at Merritts. Their commitment to both their clients and colleagues reflects exactly what we stand for as a firm. Charlotte’s journey with us, from newly qualified solicitor to Head of Department and now Partner, has been exceptional, and we are delighted to see her step into this role. Victoria’s contribution has been equally impressive. Alongside her professional achievements, she plays a key role in fostering a strong team culture, pulling together “Team Merritts” for the Yarm and Ingleby fun runs, which we sponsor annually”.
Merritts champions the local community through supporting events, sports teams and community initiatives, as well as sourcing from independent shops such as Diana Kaye Florist, who provides the office flowers, Yarm DIY, who provides the annual Christmas tree, Browns who have provided flooring and carpets for our offices over many years and hosting celebrations at restaurants and bars on the High Street.
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