Western Mail, 23rd September 2006
South Wales-based Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice, one of the UK’s leading specialist family law firms, has recruited another three lawyers following a significant increase in demand enjoyed during the last year.
Founded with just three solicitors in 1996 as the first law firm in Wales devoted entirely to family law, it currently employs approximately 30 staff, including 13 lawyers, covering all aspects of family law including divorce and separation, children matters, finances and services for the elderly.
Among the trio of lawyers joining the practice is Tom Allen, who becomes only the second male member of staff at the Windsor Place firm.
Tom, aged 30, joins as an Associate from the family department of Cardiff firm Leo Abse & Cohen. Having spent his childhood in Pembrokeshire, he is a Liverpool University graduate who qualified in 2001. He has experience of a wide range of family law matters including divorce, ancillary relief, trust proceedings and child care proceedings.
Kate Edwards, aged 27, joins Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice as a solicitor from Tayntons in Gloucester. Having qualified fully earlier this year. She is a Swansea University graduate who also attended California State University, where she studied American pre-law and politics.
Claire Cooper, of Cardiff, has joined the practice as a trainee solicitor, having obtained LLB with honours at Swansea University followed by the legal practice course at Cardiff University.
Joint Senior Partner Melanie Hamer said, “As the firm continues to enjoy strong growth, it is more important than ever for us to invest in the future. Earlier this year we undertook the largest intake of trainees at the firm, which was a milestone for Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice.”
“We have further strengthened the practice with these three appointments, including a very experienced lawyer in Tom Allen who we are delighted to welcome as an Associate.”