Two lawyers have joined the private client division of Willans, as the Gloucestershire law firm continues to grow.

Janine Guthrie, a chartered legal executive with more than 12 years' experience joins the wills, trusts and probate team as an associate, and the appointment of solicitor Kristie Rhodes further bolsters the firm's family law department, which secured a coveted top-tier ranking for the sixth year running in the latest edition of Chambers UK.

Gloucestershire native Janine Guthrie joins from WSP, having previously worked in a City firm. A full member of professional organisation Solicitors for the Elderly, she has particular expertise in advising vulnerable clients, on issues surrounding mental capacity, care fees, deputyship applications, Court of Protection matters and lasting powers of attorney.

She said: "Willans has a fantastic reputation for wills, trusts & probate and is one of the largest, most experienced private client teams in the area. I am delighted to join the team and look forward to meeting and helping a wide range of new clients."

Kristie Rhodes, who also joins from WSP, is a member of Resolution - a group of family law professionals who are committed to a constructive approach in resolving conflict. She is experienced in all aspects of divorce and dissolution proceedings, domestic abuse and injunction applications, along with advising on and preparing pre & post-nuptial, financial and cohabitation agreements.

She said: "I am excited to be joining a well-established, reputable firm like Willans. I'm looking forward to working with Sharon (Giles) and Jonathan (Eager) who are both very experienced family lawyers with excellent reputations in the Cotswolds and surrounding areas."

Managing partner Bridget Redmond said: "We're experiencing a sustained increase in demand for many of our legal services, despite the current economic climate. It is a privilege for Willans to be able to attract such high-calibre lawyers, and Janine and Kristie's expertise and approachable manner make them an excellent fit for the firm."

Willans was established in 1947 and employs around 80 people from its Gloucestershire offices. The firm offers legal advice to businesses, individuals, charities and not-for-profit organisations, based locally, nationally and internationally.

For more information about Willans, please visit https://www.willans.co.uk or call 01242 514000.