Cheshire family law solicitors hit the 'gold standard'

A leading Warrington law firm’s family department has secured two further additions to the “gold standard” of practice.

Gill Lacey and Amy Jones of Watsons Solicitors have received accreditation to sit on the Law Society Children Law Panel after demonstrating required level of competence and knowledge in representing clients in Children Law proceedings.

In doing so, the pair join Catrin Parry, partner and head of the family law department, in holding the recognition, meaning all of Watsons practitioners in the field of child care work are on the panel.

A graduate of the University of Liverpool, Amy became part of the Watsons team in 2014 and specialises in all aspects of family law – including children’s issues, childcare proceedings and injunctions.

She said: “This is the gold standard to have all your practitioners who deal with care proceedings on the panel and it’s something I’ve aspired to achieve over the years.

“With doing so much work in this field, it made sense to take the course and I’m really proud, not only of myself, but of the firm for having the three of us hold this recognition and accreditation.”

Gill joined Watsons in 2018 having practised as a family law solicitor for over 25 years. She brought a wealth of knowledge in all areas dealing with matrimonial finance, child arrangements, injunctions and care proceedings.

She said: “Joining the Law Society Children Law Panel is an example of the firm continuing to support its employees with our ongoing training and development.

“It means we can give the best possible advice to our clients in an area which can often be sensitive. It’s a real achievement to be one of three at Watsons who is accredited to this high level.”

Only solicitors and chartered legal executives who are employed by a solicitor and hold the Rights of Audience Matrimonial Proceedings/Family Proceedings Certificate (or other appropriate advocacy qualification) awarded by the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), may apply to sit on the panel.

Catrin Parry, partner and head of the family law department, congratulated Gill and Amy for their achievement.

She said: “Both Gill and Amy have been recognised as having the quality standard required to act in complex legal children’s matters including the representation of children through their guardians where required.

“This was a difficult process and demonstrates the depth of experience in Watsons Solicitors’ family law department.”

Watsons Solicitors, which has been established for more than 60 years, specialises in family law, employment law, wills and probate, personal injury and conveyancing.

The team of experienced solicitors each hold various accreditations and memberships of professional bodies relevant to their expertise, while the firm’s partners oversee all areas of work.