Fourth HLF Berry Solicitor Appointed Registrar For Manchester Diocese

HLF Berry Solicitors has announced that Donna Myers from its Manchester office has been appointed Diocesan Registrar for the Diocese of Manchester – and is the fourth solicitor from the firm to be made Registrar.

This appointment follows the retirement of Diocesan Registrar for the Manchester Diocese Jane Monks, solicitor at HLF Berry.

As the newly selected Diocesan Registrar, Donna Myers becomes the fourth Registrar to be chosen from HLF Berry and will provide legal support for the Bishop of Manchester, his clergy and diocesan staff as well as for parish volunteers, in their various roles and on a wide range of legal matters.

“I am deeply honoured and so proud to have been appointed – and to have become the fourth Diocesan Registrar from HLF Berry,” says Donna Myers.

“Since joining HLF Berry in 2008, I have worked with Jane Monks, the previous Diocesan Registrar. When I started, I had no training in ecclesiastical law other than my personal experience of being a member of the congregation and parochial church council of my own church in the Diocese of Liverpool.

“It’s fair to say that it was a steep learning curve and hard work. There was so much to learn but I quickly began to love the variety of work and unpredictability of each working day that being involved in ecclesiastical law offers – from handling legal issues concerning baptisms and governance through to gas pipes and exhumations, and everything in between!”

“Over the following decade, I took on more responsibility and was appointed Deputy Registrar in 2018. Continuing to work with Jane, we both provided legal support for the Bishop of Manchester and those associated with ministry throughout the Diocese.

“When Jane retired, I was appointed Diocesan Registrar and am delighted to step into her shoes and continue her great work, ably supported by my colleagues Katie and Julie.”

In her new role, Donna will provide legal support for Bishops, Archdeacons and other members of the clergy, parish officers and parochial church councils on the law relating to their roles and responsibilities. She and her team will also respond to enquiries on church-related issues from the public and clergy, maintain Diocesan records, and provide advice on land and property and charitable trusts.

HLF Berry Solicitor, Paul Citron, comments: “We’re all so happy for Donna that she has been appointed as the Diocesan Registrar for the Diocese of Manchester and wish her the best of luck in her exciting new position.

“The role comes with a huge number of responsibilities and is far reaching, but we know Donna will continue to thrive in this environment and fulfil her duties incredibly well.

“Huge congratulations, Donna! You thoroughly deserve this appointment – well done.”

Donna adds: “I’m excited to get started – and to strive to ensure that I and the Registry team will continue to deliver an excellent personal service for the Diocese for many years to come.”