Solicitor’s ongoing commitment to providing counselling support to clients

A recently promoted solicitor is going the extra mile for her clients by further widening the level of care provided by the law firm she works for.

Coinciding with her promotion to the position of Associate Solicitor at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, Sarah Griffiths has gained a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills from the Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body.

She has already embarked on the Level 3 qualification as she is passionate about offering more than just a high level of legal service to her clients.

The law firm also has specialists certified as Dementia Friends, members of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers to support elderly and vulnerable people and Resolution Together-accredited solicitors to support amicable splits for couples going through a divorce or separation.

Sarah said: “I have learned a lot about counselling skills during my studies and it really helps you to understand the clients’ frame of mind. I specialise in Wills, Probate and Inheritance, and these are usually upsetting times for people going through grief and bereavement, or perhaps have received an awful diagnosis and are trying to get their affairs in order.

“I’ve learnt how to listen properly. We all think we can offer people comfort through listening to their problems, but I’ve learned how to listen differently to pick up on things troubling clients through what they don’t say, or even in the manner they say things.

“It’s about providing empathy with the client to let them know we are there to help during some upsetting times, and to signpost them in the right direction of any further help they may need.

“I have developed an information sheet so we can direct them to a support group or counselling service, and help them get to the right place to get the support they require.”

She said: “I would recommend the counselling courses to anybody because I have learned a lot about myself personally, and how to provide a more sympathetic ear to people.

“I’m excited to expand these skills and improve what services I can provide, and implement them alongside the range of legal services we offer as a firm.”

Sarah joined Cartmell Shepherd 12 months ago having returned to her home town of Penrith.

Her promotion to the role of Associate Solicitor comes ahead of her 30^th anniversary of qualifying as a solicitor next year.

Sarah said: “I’m enjoying my time at Cartmell Shepherd, and I have settled in well. I’m very interested in progressing here and developing my counselling qualifications to complement the great work the team here does for all our clients.”

Sarah’s promotion comes at a time of further career development for one of her colleagues as Laura Murphy, who works from Cartmell Shepherd’s office in Hexham, Northumberland, has been appointed as Senior Associate Solicitor.

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

Cartmell Shepherd can be contacted on 01228 516666.