Vincents Solicitors—Claire Hamilton

The Chorley office of Lancashire firm Vincents Solicitors has a new head in Claire Hamilton. She began her practice in 2005 as a legal secretary, in what is now the Penwortham office of Vincents. She now joins from Merseyside firm Kirwans, where she spent almost four years in the Southport office. Claire specialises in private client work, with particular expertise in elder law. She will now be leading the 10-person team in the Chorley office as well as continuing her private client practice.

Commenting on the move, Claire said: ‘I am so pleased to be heading up Vincents’ Chorley branch. I am Chorley born and bred but have never actually worked in the town until now, so I am really looking forward to having the chance to make a difference in my own community. I’ve come full circle since working with the team in Penwortham as a legal secretary, and feel like I’ve ‘come home’ in more ways than one.

‘As a private client specialist I often see the problems created by the lack of having a will or a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, issues which are so easily avoided by simply having your wishes documented properly in advance. I am also a qualified and accredited Solicitor for the Elderly and have a lot of experience in working with older people to resolve worries such as accessing and paying for care, providing for their families and reducing the burden of incapacity.’

The managing partner of Vincents Phillip Gilmore added: ‘Our Chorley branch is going from strength-to-strength and we are extremely pleased to have appointed Claire to continue that good work. We are very lucky to have someone of her calibre and expertise to drive the business, and she is an excellent solicitor with a lovely manner that will no doubt put our private client and elderly clients at ease.’