Leading law firm Higgs & Sons has promoted five solicitors to the position of associate.

Joanne Walker (27), Claire Burnell, Geoff Kettle, and Andy Shaw all aged 29, and Kate Legg (30), have all been appointed associate on the back of continued business growth for the Black Country firm which last year posted record figures.

Kate Legg and Geoff Kettle are both members of Higgs' highly regarded corporate and commercial department.

Kate joined the firm in 2001 and qualified as a solicitor in 2003. She has written articles and lectured extensively on Data Protection and directors' liabilities and has a particular interest in the growing area of succession planning. Geoff, who qualified as a solicitor in 2002, joined Higgs in 2005. He is a recognised expert in corporate restructuring, mergers and acquisitions.

Joanne Walker joined the firm in 2003. Working within the Employment department she deals with both contentious and non contentious matters. Joanne is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and regularly lectures on all aspects of employment law.

Experienced solicitor Claire Burnell has been with Higgs & Sons since 1999. A member of the personal injury team, Claire is a member of the Birmingham Medico Legal Society and specialises in holiday claims and accident claims against uninsured and untraced drivers. Claire is also a trustee of Headway Black Country, an organisation which supports people with acquired brain injuries.

Fellow personal injury solicitor Andy Shaw qualified as a solicitor in 2003 and joined Higgs & Sons in 2001. Andy is regional co-ordinator of Motor Accident Solicitors Society (MASS) and sits on the management committee of the Occupational and Environmental Disease Association. Andy previously worked at Zurich insurance where he specialised in disease and illness claims.

Higgs & Sons' senior partner, Ian Shovlin, said that the appointments were a reflection of the ongoing growth of the firm as it continued to meet the high expectations of its expanding client base: "Higgs & Sons has grown tremendously over recent years and that is thanks to the commitment and expertise of all its employees.

"The appointment of Claire, Geoff, Kate, Andy and Joanne to associate recognises the contribution they have all made to Higgs & Sons and the skills they bring to this firm and to its clients," concluded Ian.

Higgs & Sons provides a comprehensive legal service to a range of private and corporate clients. Established in 1875, the firm operates out of offices throughout the Black Country.

ENDS

Further information

Mark Hand

Connect PR

01902 714957

markh@connect-goup.com

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