A Malpas-based family lawyer considered one of the best in the North West has moved closer home by joining a Chester law firm.

Elizabeth Hassall, who was born in the village and still lives there, has joined Jolliffe & Co LLP as head of their Family Law team, returning to Chester from Manchester where she was running her own firm.

Ms Hassall, who has more 30 years of experience, is looking forward to getting started in a role that she feels is in a crucial element of law.

“Clients contact me at what is one of the most difficult and distressing times of their lives," she said.

"My experience and knowledge of family law must come with an understanding of the emotional needs of clients, their children and frequently their extended families.

"There is so much change in family law at present with an end to no-fault divorce being proposed, the introduction of civil partnerships for heterosexual couples and the joys of Brexit which will impact upon this area of law.”

She is returning to her roots as she is a farmer’s daughter born in Malpas, before taking her Law Society exams in Guildford, eventually settling in Chester where she developed her reputation at Hill Dickinson for 11 years.

Legal 500 described her as 'professional and sensitive, deals with things calmly and firmly and is a very polished solicitor and an excellent tactician and an excellent negotiator'.

Ms Hassall specialises in the financial aspects either on a breakdown of a marriage or a cohabiting relationship frequently involving business or complex asset structures,with extensive experience in pre-nuptial and cohabitation agreements, often working with a client’s accountant and financial advisors.

She joins an established team with Helen Davies and Chelsey Bayliss, and together they are able to provide expertise on all aspects of Family Law including child and cohabitation advice.

Simon Williams, managing partner and head of corporate and commercial at Jolliffes said: “We attract high quality work and clients in all areas of business. We pride ourselves on our level of service, quality of expertise and experience.

"Elizabeth’s appointment is further evidence of our commitment to building a strong and talented team for growth and helping to deliver the firm’s ambitions as a Tier One Legal 200 law firm.”