Two of our private client solicitors have achieved full membership accreditation of a professional panel and a new solicitor has joined our commercial arm.
After sitting exams and spending a substantial amount of time working for elderly clients, solicitors Ruth Baker and Jennifer Emerson of the Chambers-rated wills, probate & trusts department at Willans, have joined the elite few in Gloucestershire as fully accredited members of ‘Solicitors for the Elderly’. It is an independent panel of nationally recognised lawyers who provide specialist legal advice for older and vulnerable people, their families and carers.
Head of wills, probate & trusts, Simon Cook, said:
“I’m proud of Ruth and Jen’s efforts. They are both excellent solicitors and this nationally-recognised accreditation adds a further quality mark to the firm, demonstrating our solicitors’ expertise and experience.”
We are also pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Bridgens to our Chambers-rated dispute resolution team. Simon, who grew up in Malvern and now lives in the Forest of Dean with his young family, will focus on a mixture of private and commercial disputes.
Simon is a graduate of the University of Liverpool and has worked for three of the UK’s top 100 law firms. He began his legal career as a paralegal for Burges Salmon before training and qualifying as a solicitor at international law firm DAC Beachcroft in 2013. Shortly after qualification he embarked on a new challenge with Thrings. He joins Willans from their commercial disputes team where he worked for two years.
His experience spans a variety of disputes relating to professional negligence (in particular financial services professionals), shareholder and share-purchase agreements, property damage, defamation, and commercial contracts. He will assist Willans’ litigation partners, Nick Cox and Paul Gordon, with issues relating to commercial contracts, contentious probate, intellectual property, and contentious landlord and tenant matters.
Nick Cox, head of dispute resolution, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Simon to the firm. He has acted for a variety of clients from multinationals to NHS foundation trusts, financial services networks, SMEs and private individuals and will add to the strength of the team. I’m confident Simon will be a great resource for all of our clients, and will help us to build on our reputation for commercially-aware advice and excellent client service.”
Commenting on his new role, Simon Bridgens said:
“I am very excited to be joining Willans and hope to build on the continued growth and success of the firm. I look forward to engaging with new and existing clients, and aim to provide commercially sensitive advice with a view to resolving issues quickly and cost-effectively.”
