Jessica Beddows has joined Lodders Solicitors in Cheltenham as a Senior Associate in the private client team.

Previously at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, the wills, trusts, estates and probate legal specialist has more than 10 years' experience specialising in advising and assisting elderly and vulnerable clients.

As Senior Associate at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, Jessica had been head of the firm's probate team in Worcester since July 2015 and had previously assisted with managing the team after joining the firm in 2012.

Prior to this, Jessica was at Birmingham firm The Wilkes Partnership for seven years, where she completed her training and qualified into its private client team.

In the new role in Lodders' top-ranking 20-strong private client team, she will work alongside partner and head of Lodders in Cheltenham, Paul Mourton, and partner and head of Lodders' Care and Capacity team, Sofia Tayton.

Jessica has particular experience of advising older and vulnerable clients, assisting them with financial management, health and welfare concerns and a range of Court of Protection matters.

She is a specialist in advising young adults and parents of children with learning disabilities on important future-planning through trusts and wills, as well as advising on care and financial assessments and healthcare funding from the NHS.

A member of Solicitors for the Elderly, the Law Society's Private Client Section, STEP, and the STEP Mental Capacity Special Interest Group, Jessica holds the STEP Advanced Certificate in Advising Vulnerable Clients.

She volunteers for an organisation providing friendship and support for people with learning disabilities, is a Dementia Friend, and has delivered seminars on behalf of charity Mencap.

Jessica said: "Lodders has a really great reputation for its private client work, which is a major focus for the firm.

"The team, one of the largest in the area, has consistently received recognition for its excellent advice and client service in both the Legal 500 and Chambers Directory.

"There is a real synergy between my expertise and the firm's specialisms; the blend of these skills and commitment present a great professional opportunity for me alongside a further strengthening of an already leading care and capacity and private client practice at the firm."

Paul Mourton added: "Jessica is highly experienced in advising elderly and vulnerable individuals, their families and carers, and represents a skilful addition to our Cheltenham team.

"There is growing need for this area of specialist advice and help and Jessica's appointment reflects the firm's commitment to responding with the very best advice and legal know-how."

Sofia Taynton, a leading expert in care and capacity law and specialist in Care Funding, Mental Capacity, Court of Protection and Powers of Attorney, said: "Lodders is dedicated to addressing and easing the needs and concerns of the most vulnerable, the elderly, and those who care for them.

"Jessica's expertise in all these areas, combined with her unique skills in working with children and young adults with learning disabilities, is further evidence of this."

Lodders is a premier law firm in Cheltenham, the North Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, and Warwickshire.

Established for over 230 years, Lodders in particular works with private individuals, business owners, family businesses, landowners, rural communities, real estate and property owners, developers and investors.

The firm has 25 partners, a portfolio of sector and market specific legal teams, over 130 fee earners and support staff across its office network, and has recorded year-on-year growth in recent years.

For more information about Lodders, visit www.lodders.co.uk.

Picture: Jessica Beddows and Paul Mourton