A Newport-based law firm, a successful criminal law provider, has welcomed two new permanent members of staff.

Rachel Adams joins the criminal department of HPJV, which has its base in the Baneswell area of the city, as a solicitor.

Ella Saunders, who completed her training contract with HPJV and qualified as a solicitor this month, also joins the criminal department.

Rachel is a police station and court-appointed duty solicitor and has spent the majority of her career working in criminal law defending clients.

As a criminal solicitor advocate Rachel has also represented clients in crown court as both a junior and led junior in complex multi-million pound money laundering and serious fraud matters.

Paul Philpott, head of the criminal department, said: "We are pleased to have Rachel on board, and we are sure she will bolster our extremely busy department bringing with her a wealth of experience.

"We would like to congratulate Ella on her qualifying as a solicitor and we are certain that she will be a fantastic addition to the department."

Jayne Chandler, managing director of HPJV, said: "This is going to be an exciting year for HPJV with two new permanent additions to our exceptional team in the criminal department.

"We are looking forward to building on our already excellent reputation and maintaining our status as a key player in criminal defence work’