Meet the team
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Legally qualified staff to answer all questions or queries
Carrie Boughtwood
I have been helping individuals and families with Wills, Trusts, Probate and estate planning since 2006. Over the years, I have had the privilege of supporting hundreds of clients through some of life’s most important decisions and, at times, some of their most difficult circumstances. I firmly believe that legal advice should be delivered in a way that is clear, approachable and tailored to each individual client.
I am a qualified member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), achieving the internationally recognised TEP qualification in 2015. Throughout my career I have remained committed to expanding my knowledge and ensuring that my clients receive the highest standard of advice.
In 2016, I founded APT Legal with a simple vision: to create a business built on strong morals, exceptional customer care and a genuine commitment to putting clients first. I am incredibly proud of the team we have built. We share the same values, work ethic and passion for helping people, and I truly believe that we have created a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and part of a family.
Whilst I take great pride in my work, family is at the heart of everything I do. Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, keeping active through the gym and Pilates, going for long walks, reading and making the most of opportunities to recharge and enjoy life. These interests help me maintain the balance and perspective that I bring to both my personal and professional life.
Based at our offices in Newark, my team and I support clients throughout Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Peterborough and the surrounding areas. Whether you are putting your first Will in place, planning for the future, or dealing with the administration of a loved one’s estate, we are here to guide you every step of the way with professionalism, empathy and care
Jodie Lindsay
I have been working with APT Legal since 2023. Starting in the role with no previous experience, I shadowed Carrie, started to take the lead in meetings and progressed to start taking on clients on my own and gain my Wills and Estate Planning certificate through The College of Will Writing. No two days are ever the same, which is one of the things I love most about my job. One day I might be meeting clients to prepare or sign their Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, the next I’m helping keep everything running smoothly in the office or meeting clients over Zoom.
I know that talking about Wills and LPAs can feel overwhelming, so my aim is to make the process as relaxed and straightforward as possible. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing the relief on clients’ faces when they realise it wasn’t nearly as daunting as they expected. I’ve always wanted a career where I could genuinely help people, and I truly feel I’ve found that at APT Legal.
Outside of work, I’m a first-time mum, enjoy spending time with my partner and our two dogs, Letty and Mushroom, and can usually be found chasing after our now crawling little girl, spending time with family and making precious memories.
What I love most about working at APT Legal is our friendly, down-to-earth approach. As a small team, we get to know our clients personally and pride ourselves on creating a welcoming environment where people feel comfortable asking questions and know they’re in safe hands.
Deborah Wylie
Before becoming a Will Writer, I had a varied career, some of which helps me now to give a first-class service to my clients (did I mention that I won the Customer Care Award at the local business awards). I am a qualified Coach and NLP (neuro linguistic programming) Practitioner which helps me to help clients with the difficult conversations that they sometimes struggle with and get to the bottom of what they really want to achieve in planning their estates. I also spent some time in the end of life care sector as a Senior Carer, which has helped me to gain a really deep perspective on what is important and the stresses on families throughout this part of life.
I became an estate planner nearly five years ago and am qualified with the Society of Will Writers. I was delighted to be able to join Carrie’s team here at APT as it was Carrie that I trusted with our Wills and Powers of Attorney nearly 10 years ago when she was getting established. It is great to be able to work with a local company, with a close knit team.
When I’m not writing Wills, I’m a keen member of Grantham Sunrise Rotary – helping local causes with fundraising and fixing things, I love cooking and our dog and pony keep me out in the fresh air. I’m also an ambassador for the Buddy Bag Foundation, helping the children of survivors of domestic abuse.
Lindsey Duffie
With no experience in the legal sector, I got a job working at a Solicitors as admin/legal assistant. I worked there for around 1 ½ years just before COVID struck. Although didn’t like the corporate feel of the place, I really enjoyed the work. When I saw the job at APT advertised, I nearly didn’t apply as I assumed all Solicitors would be the same – I was wrong! As soon as I met Carrie and she told me about her company, I knew it was the right role for me – the work I love with the right atmosphere, one that is friendly and relaxed without compromising professionalism.
My favourite books are the Dark Tower series by Stephen King because I really cared about the characters, and they are the only books that have ever made me cry.
I appreciate working with the whole team because they are all the most caring, helpful people I have met and they very quickly became friends instead of just colleagues, plus Jodie is quite clumsy and makes me laugh lol!
I am lucky to be able to maintain a good work-life balance, mostly thanks to working here at APT. Carrie allows us to be flexible with our working hours, enabling me to pop out to my son’s school as and when I need to for meetings and awards assemblies. I can also work from home when I need to.
What sets APT apart from others is the friendly, relaxed service we offer our clients. Many of our clients have become friends and members of our team often visit them for a coffee and a catch-up. We also offer out of hours appointments if needed.
Although I do not have any ‘official’ courses or certifications planned, I do like to try and keep myself informed by doing online courses in different areas of Wills and LPAs, so I can better help our clients if they have any questions.
Some of my favourite quotes are by Winston Churchill, so I would have to say him. I bet he would have a lot of interesting stories to tell.
Lisa Polanek
I’ve always worked in retail or hospitality, my latest role was in ASDA for 13 years. Although I enjoyed my time there I was ready for a change . when I heard about the role at APT legal I jumped at the chance after hearing what a wonderful place it is to work and I wasn’t disappointed. It helps that I get to work with my best friend, Lindsey!
My favourite films are the same as my favourite books, I’m a secret geek and love all things Harry Potter. I love the incredible bond the friends have through thick and thin.
I really appreciate the openness of my colleagues. Everyday we’re all learning something new and sometimes mistakes are made but there is no judgment just support to keep moving forward. Although the job we do is very serious the girls all still find time to laugh and make the day really enjoyable.
The whole APT legal team is a massive inspiration. They are wonderful people who have worked hard to build a successful business with a positive and warm environment.
This is the best job I’ve had for a work life balance. As a single mum to a 5 year old this is very important for me. Carrie is very understanding and flexible and allows us to work from home or move shifts around, its very refreshing.
I would love to have dinner with Princess Diana, I think she was such a good role model. All through her life she kept pushing boundaries and stood up for what she believed in. I especially loved when she joined in on the sports day race when she was told not too!
Megan Carlile
Megan Carlile is an Estate Planner at APT Legal, where she supports clients with clear, practical guidance on estate planning matters. She works closely with individuals and families to help them put the right plans in place, ensuring their wishes are understood and properly documented.
With a strong interest in the law and client-focused work, Megan combines attention to detail with a calm, approachable manner. She is currently awaiting pupilage as she progresses towards becoming a barrister, reflecting her commitment to developing her legal expertise and long-term career in the profession.
Outside of work, Megan is a singer and enjoys performing, bringing creativity and confidence into everything she does.
I joined APT Legal in September 2025 as an Estate Planner, where I work closely with individuals and families to help them put the right plans in place for the future. I provide advice on Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Trusts and I am passionate about making what can often feel like a daunting process as straightforward and reassuring as possible.
I graduated with a First Class Law degree before completing a Master’s in Bar Practice and achieving a Distinction in the Bar Course. I was called to the Bar in March 2025 and am currently working towards securing pupillage. In the meantime, my role at APT Legal has allowed me to gain invaluable practical experience, working directly with clients and developing my legal knowledge in a client-focused environment.
One of the things I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and take the time to really understand their individual circumstances. Every client and every family is different, so I believe it’s important to provide a personal, friendly and empathetic service where clients feel comfortable asking questions and confident that they are being listened to. Building genuine relationships with my clients is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.
Alongside my work at APT Legal, I have gained valuable experience supporting clients through my volunteering with Women’s Aid and Citizens Advice, including assisting clients through court proceedings. These experiences have strengthened my ability to approach sensitive situations with empathy, patience and understanding, skills that I bring to every client meeting.
Outside of work, I have a real passion for performing and regularly sing at events and gigs at the weekends. I also love to travel whenever I can, with Thailand being one of my favourite destinations so far!
Being part of the team at APT Legal has given me the opportunity to combine my legal training with a genuine passion for helping people. I take great pride in making every client feel at ease and ensuring they leave their appointment feeling informed, reassured and confident that their wishes are in safe hands.
Darren Ward
Megan Carlile is an Estate Planner at APT Legal, where she supports clients with clear, practical guidance on estate planning matters. She works closely with individuals and families to help them put the right plans in place, ensuring their wishes are understood and properly documented.
With a strong interest in the law and client-focused work, Megan combines attention to detail with a calm, approachable manner. She is currently awaiting pupilage as she progresses towards becoming a barrister, reflecting her commitment to developing her legal expertise and long-term career in the profession.
Outside of work, Megan is a singer and enjoys performing, bringing creativity and confidence into everything she does.
I have worked in financial services and estate planning since 1998, and became a Chartered Financial Adviser in 2019. I then developed my expertise in later life and estate planning. Throughout my career, I have always enjoyed helping individuals and families make important decisions about their future, giving them clear, practical advice and helping them put plans in place that provide peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones.
Having recently sold my own business, I was looking for the right opportunity to continue doing the part of the job I enjoy most – meeting people, understanding what is important to them and helping them plan for the future. Joining APT Legal as a Consultant Estate Planner felt like a natural next step.
I have known and worked alongside Carrie since 2014, and during that time we have built a fantastic working relationship. We share the same belief that estate planning should be personal, straightforward and centred around what is right for each individual client. We have always worked well together, so I am really pleased to now be joining Carrie and the wider APT team.
My experience as a Chartered Financial Adviser, together with my background in later life planning, gives me a broad understanding of the different considerations families can face as they plan for the future. I particularly enjoy taking what can sometimes feel like a complicated or daunting subject and making it easier to understand.
Outside of work, you will quite often find me on the golf course – although whether the golf is any good is another matter! I also love getting away on holiday whenever I get the opportunity.
I’m really looking forward to this next chapter with APT Legal, working alongside a great team and, most importantly, continuing to help clients and their families put the right plans in place for the future
