New Private Client specialist looking forward to growing professionally with Watsons

A specialist in providing legal services has said she’s very pleased to have joined a leading Cheshire law firm, which will enable her to further develop her own skills and expertise.

Kristel Clarke has joined Alex Mitchell’s Private Client department which specialises in Wills and Probate, Administration of Estates, Court of Protection, Lasting Power of Attorney, Trust advice.

Having gained her Law degree at the University of Liverpool, she qualified as a solicitor in 2013 and brings with her eight years’ experience in Private Client work.

Kristel expands the knowledge and skill base within the team, as a Deputy appointed by the Court of Protection to act in financial matters in the interests of vulnerable people.

While this currently takes up around a third of her time, she is hoping to grow this with Watsons.

Kristel said: “Everyone has been really welcoming and I’m looking forward to working with Alex as well as the rest of the firm.

“Watsons is a very close-knit team made up of some of the most talented legal professionals in the area and I’m very happy to have joined. I had a lot of lovely emails on my first day from my new colleagues welcoming me onboard.

“I’m involved with all aspects of Private Client work, which is Wills, Probate, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Administration of Estates, but my specialism is acting as a Financial Deputy appointed by the Court of Protection. For people that can’t look after their own finances, I am appointed by the Court of Protection to act on their behalf in making financial decisions in their best interests.

“In the longer term, the intention, with the help of everyone at Watsons, is to build on that and to increase the amount of work we take on."

Kristel says helping to protect the vulnerable and being there for them in difficult circumstances is a particularly fulfilling aspect of the job.

She added: “It’s very rewarding helping individuals that could be the victim of financial abuse. Sometimes they might have family members they may be at-risk from, particularly when it comes to money.”

Alex Mitchell said: “As a firm, we are always looking to bring in the most talented local legal professionals and Kristel fits the bill perfectly.

“She has already made a positive impression and is a welcome addition to the Private Client 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.