Law firm Watkins & Gunn has strengthened its legal team with two new appointments.

The award-winning law firm, which has offices in Pontypool, Newport and Cardiff, has appointed Janine Edwards as head of the property team and Linda Dack as a private client solicitor.

Mrs Edwards, 36, from Pontypool, will join the Pontypool office and will head up the property team which specialises in residential and commercial conveyancing across Wales and England.

She will advise clients on all aspects of residential conveyancing, including sale purchases, re-mortgages and also provide commercial property advice on acquisitions and disposals.

Having worked for Newport City Council for nine years where she advised on a number of commercial property transactions, Mrs Edwards brings with her a wealth of experience in the commercial market. She also has vast experience with residential transactions having worked for several private practices and is a chartered fellow of Institute of Legal Executives.

Linda Dack, 31, from Newport, joins the firm as a private client solicitor dealing with wills, probate, tax and trusts and recovering wrongly paid care home fees. Ms Dack returns to Watkins & Gunn after beginning her career at the firm as a paralegal where she was offered a training contract after demonstrating her skills and knowledge.

After taking a two year career change where she taught law and business in secondary schools, Ms Dack returns to the law firm where she hopes to continue to grow the private client department in Cardiff.

Both departments at Watkins & Gunn have secured prestigious accolades with the private client department becoming one of the first firms in Wales to acquire the Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme mark and the property department being recognised in the Law Firm Services’ annual Conveyancing Awards in 2013.

Janine Edwards, said: “My aim is to provide a well-managed department where we will offer the best possible service to our clients within our market base.”

Linda Dack, said: “I hope to make a valuable contribution to the private client department and ensure that all clients have a service which not only meets but exceeds their expectations.”

Clive Thomas, managing partner at Watkins & Gunn, said: “We’re delighted that Janine and Linda are part of the Watkins & Gunn team. Their enthusiasm, passion and drive fits perfectly with our business ethos."

Watkins & Gunn Solicitors is an award-winning law firm and was the only firm in Wales to be selected in the category of Law Firm of the Year at the prestigious Halsbury Legal Awards 2014. Most recently, it was chosen for the 360 Legal Group Member Firm of the Year 2014.