Western Mail, 21st October 2009
Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice has announced further expansion, increasing its team of lawyers to 15.

The Cardiff-based family-law practice, has also admitted David James as its fourth Partner and promoted Kate Edwards to Associate level.

The new recruits are Sarah Wyburn, who has joined as an Associate, and law graduate Ciara Walker, a new trainee solicitor at the offices in Windsor Place, Cardiff.

The firm was founded with just three solicitors in 1996 as the first law firm in Wales devoted entirely to family law. It covers all aspects of family law including divorce and separation, children matters, finances and services for the elderly.

David James, aged 42, joined the firm from Cardiff commercial practice, Merrils Ede Solicitors, where he was the head of its Matrimonial Department.

Admitted as a solicitor in 1991, he has worked exclusively in family and matrimonial work and is a specialist in family law, including financial divorces.

Ms Edwards has made a significant impact since joining the firm in 2006 and has established strong links with several local women’s aid charities and is Chair of Pontypridd Women’s Aid. She specialises in supporting victims of domestic abuse and regularly lectures on the subject.

Having worked recently in Cowbridge, Sarah Wyburn has rejoined the firm as an Associate. She last worked for the firm between 2000 and 2006 and qualified as a solicitor in 2002. She has considerable experience of high net asset and high-profile cases.

New trainee solicitor Ms Walker has already undertaken considerable pro bono work for the National Centre for Domestic Violence and completed her Legal Practice Course in the College of Law in Chester with a commendation

Joint Managing Partner Melanie Hamer said, “As the firm continues to enjoy strong growth, it is more important than ever for us to secure the services of the best legal talent and reward the achievement of those within the practice.

“These promotions and appointments reflect the progress we have made in recent years and the market-leading position we have held for a considerable period in Wales.”