A LEGAL career that began as an office junior has led to Emma Beddows rising to become a partner at a Worcestershire law firm.

She has joined Kerwoods in Redditch after 23 years climbing the legal ladder and is to take over the firm's private client department.

“For me it is a huge moment,” said Ms Beddows. “I am absolutely thrilled.” She will be working closely with wills and probate partner Jan Thompson and is in the process of taking over from her as head of private client. “We are a team,” added Ms Beddows. “It is a growth area of the law and Kerwoods has a very good reputation. It is an excellent High Street practice and well known within the community.”

Ms Thompson said: "We are very pleased that Emma has joined us. She has a wealth of experience and I feel sure she will be a very significant addition to the partnership.”

Ms Beddows is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners specialising in all aspects of private client matters including advising on and preparing wills, administration of estates, inheritance tax planning, creation and administration of all types of trusts, powers of attorney, Court of Protection issues and care fee advice.

Originally from Coseley, Dudley she took a secretarial course at Dudley College and then started with a Wolverhampton law firm as a secretary and office junior. She then obtained her legal qualifications, later moving to Quality Solicitors Talbots and mfg Solicitors, where she was an associate, before joining Kerwoods.