A Cwmbran law firm is backing the NHS as one of its legal professionals has become one of the first solicitors in the county to achieve advanced certification in the preparation of wills.

Kate Toner, solicitor at Cwmbran-based Rubin Lewis O’Brien, has achieved an Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation as part of her journey to obtaining full Trust & Estate Practitioner membership. The certification sets her apart from other legal professionals in the area.

Kate said: “I began sitting examinations to obtain full TEP membership at the start of last year. I am halfway through the qualification and cannot wait to obtain full TEP Membership. STEP is a worldwide recognised organisation and a qualification that very few legal professionals hold. When the opportunity arose to complete this qualification, I could not turn it down.

“I am delighted to be one of the first solicitors in the county to hold the Advanced Certificate and I know that my knowledge will help couples, individuals and families prepare their estate and protect their assets.

Kate joined the firm in 2017 after completing her training contract and prior to qualification, she read Law with Criminology at the University of Sheffield and completed a postgraduate diploma in legal practice at Cardiff University.

She said: "Will writing is too often considered a task that many can complete, when in fact, it is more than ever a task in which legal advice should be sort. During my time working for Rubin Lewis O'Brien, I have seen too many families who have been ill-advised when drafting Wills and the consequences can be disastrous.

“The firm has been doing all it can to support the NHS, its staff and patients and as a result, we are donating 50 per cent of all standard will fees to those adversely affected by the pandemic, as well as offering half-price Wills to NHS and emergency service workers.

Partner and head of wills, trusts and probate, Damian Lines said: “This recognises a long period of hard work and while there is more to come, I’m sure she will succeed and represent our firm in an incredibly important area of law."