Bury-based Woodcocks, Haworth and Nuttall Solicitors has made four new appointments as part of its ongoing strategy to develop skilled lawyers for the future.

Trainee solicitors Fiona Williams and Laura-Beth Thompson, along with paralegals Sarah Collier and Sophie Raby will help ensure WHN Solicitors has the legal expertise it requires going forward as it continues to expand across all service lines.

Fiona Williams, 24, has been appointed as a trainee solicitor in the commercial property department, with a remit to assist with landlord and tenant work, as well as sales, purchases and running her own cases.

Previously Fiona worked as a paralegal in the commercial property department of a Manchester law firm, with responsibilities for organising and assisting a team of six fee earners.

Fiona, who lives in Milnrow, attended Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School and Beech House School, Rochdale, before taking her law degree at Leeds University and completing her Legal Practice Course at BPP University in Manchester.

Laura-Beth Thompson, aged 24, has also joined the firm as a trainee solicitor and works in the commercial property team at the Bury office. He role includes advising clients on leases, transfers of property and remortgages, as well as residential conveyancing.

Laura-Beth, from Rossendale, has experience in clinical negligence and insurance law. She took a law degree at Manchester Metropolitan University before completing the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in Manchester.

Sarah Collier, aged 28, has been appointed as a paralegal in WHN’s personal injury department after joining the firm as an office junior in 2007 and later becoming a secretary. She works with Pam Roberts in the personal injury team at the Bury office, handling a wide range of claims including road traffic accidents, accidents at work and public liability accidents.

Sarah, who comes from Bury and lives in the town, said: “WHN has been very supportive for my development, particularly now as I have moved from an administration role. They are keen to develop people who they feel have potential and there is support there whenever I need it.”

Sophie Raby, aged 22, has also joined the firm as a paralegal, working in the family law team to support parents who are going through Children Act proceedings.

Originally from Bacup, Sophie lives in Great Harwood. She joined WHN Solicitors after completing her law degree at Liverpool John Moores University.