Wendy Hopkins, Knight Frank and Kilsby & Williams

Apr 2 2008 by Aled Blake, Western Mail

Nia and Eimear join family law specialists

FAMILY lawyers firm Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice has continued on the expansion trail with the appointment of Nia Roberts as a solicitor and Eimear Kane as a new trainee solicitor.

The South Wales-based firm, which is also one of the UK’s leading specialist family law firms, was founded with three solicitors in 1996 as the first law firm in Wales devoted entirely to family law.

The firm covers all aspects of family law including divorce and separation, children matters, finances and services for the elderly.

Nia Roberts graduated from Cardiff University in 2003 having read law and French. She also studied at the Université de Picardie Jules Verne in Amiens, France. Nia then undertook the legal practice course at Cardiff University, obtaining a distinction in family law.

She worked for two large law firms before joining Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice as a trainee solicitor in 2006.

Ms Roberts has recently qualified, specialising in all areas of family law.

Trainee Eimear Kane has joined Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice, having graduated from Queen’s University, Belfast, with a law and politics degree and a masters in human rights. Eimear then undertook the legal practice course at De Montfort University, Leicester, obtaining a distinction in family law.

Head of land at Knight Frank
PROPERTY consultancy Knight Frank has strengthened its team in Wales with the appointment of a new head of land.

Martin Lewis, 43, from Radyr has joined the Cardiff Bay-based residential development department, which is responsible for the sale of residential developments including St David’s 2 Apartments in Cardiff and Friars Walk in Newport. Mr Lewis will be responsible for leading the team in sourcing and selling residential land investment opportunities across Wales.

Mr Lewis, right, said, “The Cardiff office of Knight Frank has witnessed considerable success over the past five years and I’m delighted to join the growing team.

“There are many development opportunities still to be had in South Wales and I’m looking forward to using my experience to expand the business further.”

Catherine Maunder, Knight Frank head of residential development for Wales, said, “Our strength in the market place to date has been down to the calibre of industry experts we have recruited. Martin’s appointment reflects this and highlights our commitment to developing our reputation further in South Wales.”

Fabulous five come to Kilsby & Williams
KILSBY & WILLIAMS, one of the largest regional firms of accountants in South Wales, has expanded further with five senior appointments.

Based at Cleppa Park, Newport, it employs 40 people and specialises in giving advice to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Lauren Richards, a qualified chartered accountant, has joined as a manager in the firm’s corporate tax department having previously worked for Deloitte in Cardiff for three years and has enjoyed experience in multi-national groups and SMEs.

Jonathan Harrhy, a newly-qualified chartered accountant, has joined the firm from Houghton Stone in Bristol as a client manager in the business services department.

Dafydd Ford, a graduate, has joined as a tax assistant having previously worked for a year at William Ross Limited in Cardiff.

Ian Lewis has been appointed to the post of personal tax manager. He has amassed over 20 years’ experience, the last three of which were with KTS in Cardiff, dealing with tax planning for high-net-worth individuals.

Finally, Dee Pattimore has started with the firm as an accounts trainee having left school in 2007.

Stephen Williams, senior partner, said, “In the last 18 months the firm has expanded dramatically.

“Our strategy is to continue to grow our business by improving on our already excellent technical tax and commercial advice whilst maintaining the same quality of service.”