REDDITCH-based law firm Kerwoods of Church Road have recruited new partner Emma Beddows from mfg Solicitors.
Her move is the culmination of a remarkable 25 year legal connection where she has risen all the way from secretary and office junior.
“For me it is a huge moment,” said Ms Beddows. “I am absolutely thrilled.”
She will be working closely with wills and probate partner Jan Thompson and is in the process of taking over from her as Head of Private Client.
“We are a team,” said Ms Beddows. “It is a growth area of the law.
“Kerwoods has a very good reputation. It is an excellent High Street practice and well known within the community.”
Ms Thompson commented: “We are very pleased that Emma has joined us.
“She has a wealth of experience and I feel sure she will be a very significant addition to the partnership.”
Ms Beddows is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners specialising in all aspects of private client matters including advising on and preparing wills, administration of estates, inheritance tax planning, creation and administration of all types of trusts, powers of attorney, Court of Protection issues and care fee advice.
She said: “The law is rapidly changing especially inheritance tax and trust legislation. It is important to have specialist knowledge.”
From Coseley originally, she attended The Coseley School and then took a secretarial course at Dudley College.
“On the basis of my studies my career adviser suggested the law,” said Ms Beddows. “It was in the era of television programmes like L.A. Law and looked very glamorous.”
Was it glamorous? “No!” she quipped. “It proved a lot of hard work but it has been well worth it.”
Based in Wolverhampton for the last 14 years, she took the legal executive route, beginning in the early 90s, obtaining her qualifications whilst working full time for FBC Manby Bowdler and studying part time at Wolverhampton University.
“There were no lawyers in the family and I was the first to go to university.”
She moved to Quality Solicitors Talbots and joined mfg Solicitors in 2013 where she was an associate.
“It has been a long journey,” she noted. “I am proud of what I have achieved and I hope to make a big contribution to Kerwoods who have given me this opportunity.”
