Solicitor promoted after return to firm where she trained

A solicitor has been promoted less than 12 months after returning to the law firm where she trained.

Hexham-based Nicholson Portnell Solicitors has appointed Laura Murphy to the role of Senior Associate Solicitor.

Laura initially joined Nicholson Portnell in 2008 as a trainee and worked there for eight years, qualifying as a solicitor in 2010. She returned last December after time away working for a Newcastle city centre law firm and starting a family.

Nicholson Portnell was acquired by Cumbrian-headquartered Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors in April, with the deal creating additional career opportunities for the Hexham-based team.

Laura said: “I’m really pleased to become a Senior Associate Solicitor, and I’m delighted to be back working with familiar faces at Nicholson Portnell.

“I’m excited to continue developing my role and working as part of the team as we expand further and develop the level of legal services we provide.

“Cartmell Shepherd has introduced a fluid, transparent career progression structure, and it’s great to be working within a larger company with increased access to different legal expertise.”

Laura specialises in private client legal cases particularly in the administration of complex and high value estates.

She is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, a global professional body aimed at helping families plan for their futures.

Having been back with Nicholson Portnell for nearly a year, Laura is excited for her future with the company.

She said “The firm is very supportive of people’s personal circumstances and being able to fulfil my working week around a young family means I can enjoy a great work life balance, and I’m motivated to develop my career as far as possible.”

The appointment of Laura as Senior Associate Solicitor coincides with a further promotion within the firm as Sarah Griffiths, based at Cartmell Shepherd’s Penrith office, has been promoted to the position of Associate Solicitor.

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors works with clients across Cumbria, Northumberland and nationally, and has offices in Hexham, Haltwhistle, Brampton, Penrith, Cockermouth, Carlise city centre and Carlisle’s Rosehill Industrial Estate.

Nicholson Portnell can be contacted on 01434 603656.