A LEADING Cumbrian law firm has added three new members to its books as part of the company's expansion.

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors has taken on the trio to join the almost 90-person staff in the leading law firm.

Solicitor Ingrid Fraser, Private Client Legal Executive Jane Oakley and paralegal Sarah Hinett will all join offices in different parts of the county.

Ingrid, who specialises in wills, probate and inheritance, is based from Cartmell Shepherd’s Haltwhistle office; Jane becomes part of the Private Client team based at the Penrith office; and Sarah joins the Family Law department based at the firm’s city centre office at Viaduct House in Carlisle.

Peter Stafford, managing director of Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said: “Our team is critical to the success of the business, and to delivering the best possible service for our clients.

“We are committed to creating fulfilling and rewarding career opportunities for all our staff, and I’m delighted to welcome Ingrid, Sarah and Jane to the Cartmell Shepherd team.”

Ingrid, who has practised for 17 years, joins Cartmell Shepherd from Nicholson Portnell Solicitors in Hexham, where she worked for six years.

She said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to be part of a larger firm, while still being part of a smaller team based from the Haltwhistle office.”

Former police officer Jane is only one exam away from qualifying as a CILEx Lawyer, and said: “I’m really looking forward to starting the next stage of my career with Cartmell Shepherd.

"I started working in criminal law after leaving the police force but became interested in the Private Client sector while studying towards my professional diploma in law and practice with CILEx.”

Sarah who moved up to Cumbria 14 years ago, is looking forward to being a para-legal for the firm.

“I’ve always found family law interesting," she said, "but most importantly I wanted to work in a role where I can help people through stressful and difficult times in their lives,”

Cartmell Shepherd has more than 40 solicitors based across Cumbria and Northumberland.