Brockbanks Solicitors has appointed Diana Smalley as a director with the firm.

Diana, who started her career as a receptionist at the company's Whitehaven office, climbed the professional ladder over time, becoming a legal secretary and a trainee solicitor, before qualifying as a solicitor in 2014,

As well as being a senior solicitor at the firm, Diana is also a notary public, having qualified in 2020.

As a director, Diana is expected to provide a fresh perspective to the board while contributing to the firm’s continued success.

John Branch, practice manager at Brockbanks, said: "At Brockbanks, we are committed to developing our people to reach their potential, and Diana is the ultimate success story in that respect.

"She joined us as a receptionist 15 years ago, and, as a result of her determination, has risen through the ranks to become an owner and manager of the business. It has been a pleasure watching her career flourish.”

Diana said: “I am very pleased to be accepting the position of Director with the firm. I hope that my career progression encourages the next generation of young professionals to work hard to achieve their full potential.

"I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead with my new role and to continuing to support our clients by providing high quality legal services.”

Senior Director Geoffrey Hall echoed his approval.

He said: “I am delighted to have Diana join our board of directors.

"She has proved her dedication and outstanding ability by her remarkable rise during her career with Brockbanks from the position of secretary to solicitor and notary public, and now by her appointment as a director of the firm.

"She is a credit to herself and Brockbank’s development programme. I am sure she will be a great asset in ensuring the firm’s continuing success.”

Brockbanks Solicitors, one of Cumbria’s largest law firms, operates a range of legal services that spans family and matrimonial law, residential conveyancing, wills, lasting powers of attorney, trusts, estates, litigation, dispute resolution, criminal defence work, and commercial property, contracts and leases.

They maintain multiple offices in Carlisle, Cockermouth, Keswick, Maryport, Whitehaven and Workington.