Young solicitor is awarded second Law Society Accreditation

A member of one of the region’s largest family law teams has been awarded The Law Society Children Law Accreditation.

Children Law Accreditation is a recognised quality standard for practitioners representing children in law proceedings. The accreditation covers all types of children law work and is recognised by the Legal Aid Agency.

Leah Mountford, who completed her solicitor training with GHP Legal before joining the firm’s family law team at their Wrexham head office, gained the Children Law Accreditation on 1^st April 2023. In 2018 she was awarded the Law Society Family Accreditation.

Solicitors who gain law society accreditation must show that they have and will maintain the required level of competence and knowledge, as defined by the Law Society, in a particular area of law.

Child Law Accreditation is only awarded to those professionals who can prove sufficient experience of personally conducting cases and representing parties in children proceedings. Applicants must show they have carried out advocacy for clients and have a thorough awareness of ethical issues that can arise in children cases, together with an up-to-date knowledge of guidance, legislation, case law and practice developments, and the ability to work directly with children, explore their competence and understand their wishes and feelings.

Leah joined GHP Legal as a Paralegal in October 2013 and was invited to join the firm’s trainee Solicitor programme shortly afterwards. In 2016 she was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors and joined the firm’s Family team, one of the largest Family Law teams in the region.

Nathan Wright, head of the firm’s Family Department and a Partner of GHP Legal which has offices in Oswestry, Wrexham and Llangollen, said:

“From the very beginning of her journey with GHP Legal, Leah was a promising young solicitor with a very bright future ahead of her. Despite her young age she gained the respect of colleagues and clients alike. Now, through her knowledge of her chosen field, her efficiency and her excellent client care, she has been rightly recognised by being awarded not just one, but two well-earned accreditations from The Law Society. As a firm we are proud to have her on our team.”