A LEADING legal firm has recognised the achievements of its team by promoting several members of staff to key positions.

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors has made the appointments as part of its expansion plans which have continued throughout the pandemic.

The 11 internal promotions include the appointment of Katherine Pretswell-Walker to the firm’s board of directors.

Six new Senior Associates have also been created, along with four Associate Solicitors.

Peter Stafford, Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors’ managing director, said it was a reflection of the firm’s commitment to investing in its staff.

He said: “It’s important that we recognise the hard work and talent of our team, and support them as they develop their careers with Cartmell Shepherd.

“We are committed to providing the best possible legal advice and support for our clients across all our departments, and we are able to deliver that thanks to the expertise and experience of our team.”

New director Katherine is part of the Agriculture and Estates department, which is ranked as one of the best in the country. She has been with Cartmell Shepherd since 2006.

Amy Fallows, one of the six new Senior Associate Solicitors, has taken over from Julian Nelson as head of the Family Law department, to allow Julian more opportunity to focus on her role as a director with Cartmell Shepherd. She will continue to work alongside Amy and the Family Law team.

Elizabeth Crouch, who works in the Property department, becomes a Senior Associate and head of the Brampton office, while Claire Wilson, from the Wills, Probate and Inheritance team, now leads the Cockermouth office, and also becomes a Senior Associate.

Commercial property specialist, Mike Little; Stephanie Johnson from Dispute Resolution; and Sam Lyon, head of Corporate and Commercial, have also been made Senior Associate Solicitors.

Megan Wilkinson and Nicholas Devlin from the Wills, Probate and Inheritance team, and Rebecca Armstrong and David Tew, who work in Dispute Resolution, have been promoted to Associate Solicitors.

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors operates across Cumbria and Northumberland and employs 89 staff including 45 solicitors.

The award-winning law firm has offices in Rosehill Carlisle, Carlisle city centre, Brampton, Penrith, Cockermouth, and Haltwhistle. The firm opened a new office in Main Street, Cockermouth last year, moving from its former base in Dovenby.

The firm recently employed a new agricultural solicitor, Holly Berwick, and a private client executive, Sarah Heal, who works in the Wills, Probate and Inheritance team.

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors is the only legal firm in Cumbria to be a member of the innovative UK200Group, and offers specialist expertise to individuals and businesses across a wide range of sectors.

It has remained open for business throughout the pandemic, with staff working from home wherever possible and client meetings by appointment. Under current restrictions, where a phone or virtual appointment is not possible, staff will meet clients in person with social distancing and other safety measures in place.