An award-winning Gwent law firm has strengthened its private client team with a new appointment.

Watkins & Gunn Solicitors, which has offices in Newport, Pontypool and Cardiff, has appointed Ashleigh Woodward, 24, from Caerleon, as a paralegal solicitor.

Ms Woodward will be tasked with assisting the healthcare department, particularly focusing on care home claims and negligence within care homes.

Having gained a law degree and LPC at Cardiff University, Ms Woodward has worked at Hugh James Solicitors in Cardiff for the past three years.

At Hugh James, Ms Woodward worked within the private client team, specifically on care home claims.

Ms Woodward said: “I’m delighted to join Watkins & Gunn Solicitors. I’ve been familiar with the firm for a number of years and it is extremely well respected in the professional and legal world.

“During my third year at university, I did work experience at Watkins & Gunn Solicitors and I knew then that I wanted to join the firm one day.

“Having worked on care home claims for the past three years, I feel my experience and skills will add to the team. With the deadline for submitting claims fast approaching, I’m looking forward to getting started straight away.”

Clive Thomas, managing partner at Watkins & Gunn Solicitors, said: “Ashleigh is a hard-working and talented young professional and we’re excited for her to join our team. Care home claims and negligence is an area we are looking to grow and we’re sure Ashleigh’s skills and experience will help us achieve this.

“I know the team is looking forward to working with Ashleigh and we’re sure she will be great with all of our clients.”