A lawyer who joined her firm as a secretary has been promoted to senior associate and team leader in its wills, trusts and probate department, which has welcomed two new solicitors to further strengthen its offering.
Jannina Barker’s promotion at Jackson Lees Group comes alongside the arrival of Laura Beattie and Catherine McCrindle.
Jannina began as a secretary in 2009 at the firm’s forerunner Lees Solicitors, then trained as a paralegal. After a spell at Bell Lamb & Joynson Solicitors, she returned in 2021 and became a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX).
She advises clients on wills, lasting powers of attorney, probate and inheritance tax planning matters.
Laura has joined Jackson Lees Group from Kennan Doyle Solicitors and is based in the Liverpool office. Catherine has moved from McHale & Co Solicitors and is based in the Hoylake office.
John-Paul Dennis, divisional director of the private client division which includes the wills, trusts and probate department, said: “Jannina has gone from strength to strength, both as a fantastic lawyer and team leader.
“Her promotion is brilliant recognition for her amazing hard work. It’s also a great example of people growing their careers with us, showing that, whatever their route into the law, the way we can make a positive difference for our clients is all the same.
“Laura and Catherine join us at an exciting time, as we are seeing a significant increase in demand for private client advice.
“In line with this growth in demand we are expanding our team, and the excellent experience which Laura and Catherine bring will further enhance our offering.”
Jackson Lees Group is a full-service practice which comprises Jackson Lees, Broudie Jackson Canter and Farrington Law. The group employs 240 people across offices in Liverpool, Wirral and Southport.
It is part of MAPD Group, which was founded by Brian Cullen and Joanna Kingston-Davies in 2020 to power the growth of local law firms nationally through acquisition. The initials stand for Making a Positive Difference.
Jannina said: “I’m passionate about my work and supporting my clients in what can often be difficult and sensitive matters.
“I look forward to continuing to support our clients and the department as we grow and develop the team and encourage a new generation of lawyers.”
Laura said: “I’m thrilled to join a firm where I can continue to make a positive difference to clients’ lives. Seeing clients and building up a rapport with them, being the face they trust, is one of the best parts of the job.
“I’m excited for what lies ahead, and for the opportunity to enhance my knowledge from the many experienced colleagues around me.”
Catherine said: “I’m delighted to join a team with such a wealth of experience at a firm which promotes such positive values. Being able to provide meaningful support and make a real difference to clients and their families is incredibly rewarding, and I am excited for the future at Jackson Lees.”
In addition to private client matters, Jackson Lees advises on a diverse range of specialisms including medical negligence, conveyancing, commercial property, litigation and personal injury.
Broudie Jackson Canter specialises in civil liberties and social welfare, with teams working on actions against the police, inquests and inquiries, immigration, criminal matters, prison law and family and children law. It is representing around 1,500 clients at the Covid Inquiry and has been instrumental in shaping the Hillsborough Law.
Farrington Law specialises in private client services and commercial property.