Meet the Team: Carolyn Harmer
Solicitor & Director at Nantes Solicitors
At Nantes Solicitors, we know that the strength of our firm comes from the people behind it. Carolyn Harmer, Solicitor and Director, is a key team member and has been with us for over 26 years. Her dedication, expertise, and calm measured approach are valued by colleagues and clients alike.
A Career of Consistency and Care
Carolyn has been qualified in law for over 26 years, and she has spent every one of them at Nantes. Starting as a newly qualified Solicitor, she has grown her career within the firm and became a Director in 2014. Her long service is a reflection not just of her loyalty but of her genuine belief in the values Nantes stands for.
Her practice focuses on Family and Matrimonial Law, as well as residential conveyancing. Carolyn is particularly skilled at handling complex and high net-worth matters, and one of the stand-out moments in her career was managing a multi-million-pound case in the High Court. Despite the pressures involved in such high-value matters, she approaches each case with professionalism and a steady hand.
Carolyn is especially committed to collaborative family law. This approach aims to reduce conflict and encourage open, constructive communication between separating couples. She believes this leads to better long-term outcomes, not just in legal terms but emotionally too. Her clients appreciate her ability to guide them through difficult situations with sensitivity and care. Carolyn has built upon these skills to further offer Nantes’ Separate Together pathway.
Leadership Grounded in Values
Becoming a Director was a proud moment for Carolyn, who has helped shape the future of the firm while staying true to its foundations. Her leadership style is inclusive and thoughtful, grounded in the same supportive ethos that drew her to Nantes in the first place. She considers her colleagues more than just co-workers; they are, in her words, “like family”.
In addition to her directorial role, Carolyn also acts as the firm’s Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP). This means she oversees our adherence to professional regulations and ensures we meet the highest standards of legal service. Carolyn couples this role with that of being the firm’s Risk Manager. These are responsibilities that she takes seriously and ones that reflect her commitment to doing things properly.
A Niche in Clergy Divorce
Over time, Carolyn has developed a specialist interest in clergy divorces. Working with clients in the church community requires a careful and considered approach, and her compassionate style is particularly well-suited to this niche area. She understands the unique sensitivities involved and provides discreet, tailored support for clients navigating these personal challenges.
Giving Back Through Girlguiding
Outside of work, Carolyn is equally committed to supporting others. She has been involved with Girlguiding since she was 7 and became a leader at the age of 18. It is a role she has embraced wholeheartedly, helping girls and young women build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.
Her volunteer work has been widely recognised and Carolyn has received the county-level award for her contributions in Dorset. Carolyn currently holds a County appointment supporting new Commissioners, a South West England Region post as Assistant Lead Volunteer for Safeguarding as well as supporting the Division of West Dorset and running her own guide unit in Bridport —a testament to her dedication to creating safe and supportive spaces for young people.
Her involvement with Girlguiding reflects the same values she brings to her legal work: kindness, fairness, and a belief in empowering others.
Making a Difference Every Day
What stands out most about Carolyn is her desire to make a positive impact. Whether she is supporting clients through a divorce, helping someone buy or sell their home, or mentoring the next generation through Girlguiding, she does it with compassion, professionalism, and integrity.
Her long-standing career at Nantes is a reflection of both her skill and her values. Clients know they can trust her to offer sound advice and a steady presence, no matter the complexity of their case.
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