Experience shines at Wards Solicitors

Wards Solicitors' Rebecca Parkman has become a fully accredited member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) reflecting her significant experience in providing specialist legal advice for older and vulnerable people, their families and carers.

After undertaking additional specialist training, Rebecca, a partner in the Wills, Probate and Mental Capacity team and a deputyship specialist, has been given the independently accredited Older Client Care in Practice Award (OCCP) which recognises her experience in advising older and vulnerable clients. This includes being sensitive to the potential physical and cognitive limitations that may affect the way advice is given.

Wards Solicitors' Wills, Probate and Mental Capacity team is now one of the biggest in the South West and the majority of its lawyers are either student or full members of Solicitors for the Elderly. In addition, Jenny Pierce, head of the team, is SFE's regional coordinator for Bristol and Bath and Ruth Coles is Somerset's regional coordinator.

The SFE is an association of lawyers providing specialist legal advice for older and vulnerable people, their families and carers. Members of SFE have a wealth of experience within this key legal area and are required to have spent a substantial amount of time working for elderly clients.

The aim of this national association is to improve the knowledge and service provided on legal issues including, tax planning, Wills, enduring powers of attorney, long-term social and health care and other retirement issues.

Rebecca, who is based in Wards Solicitors' Weston-super-Mare office, says: "I believe passionately in the need to offer a rounded service, going beyond the individual transaction or issues that brought the client to the firm. I always aim to advise the client on how best to achieve the end result they want but also make them aware of other, relevant and important issues."