Provision of specialist legal advice for older clients recognised at Wards Solicitors

Wards Solicitors' Ruth Coles has become a fully accredited member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) as she continues to develop her expertise in helping older clients prepare for the future.

Partner Ruth, who works in the Keynsham office as part of the Wills, Probate and Mental Capacity team, has been given the independently accredited Older Client Law in Practice (OCLP) award 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. She already holds the Older Client in Care Practice (OCCP) Award.

Ruth was also recently awarded full membership of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) after writing three theses on the Mental Capacity Act, inheritance tax and the administration of trusts.

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.