Banner Jones has strengthened its family law division with the appointment of senior solicitor Shetal Gudgeon and the promotion of Kelly Parks to director, who also takes on the role of head of family law.

Possessing a specialist accreditation in children related and domestic violence cases, Shetal brings with her 15 years of experience advising on a diverse range of complex family law issues relating to married, unmarried and same sex couples including divorce, financial, children and injunction proceedings.

She joins from Best Solicitors and will be splitting her time between the firm’s Sheffield and Chesterfield-based family law teams.

Her appointment follows the promotion of Kelly Parks; overseeing all issues relating to personal relationships, relationship breakdown, high value financial disputes and child arrangement disputes.

Director and head of human resources, Chris Sellars, said the expansion of the team’s offering was strategic, and would allow the firm to meet growing demand from family’s seeking advice.

He said: 'I am delighted to announce Kelly’s promotion to director and head of family law. With 15-years’ specific family law experience which includes over five years at Stowe Family Law, the largest specialist family law firm in the UK, Kelly has become integral to the team and the service we provide our clients since joining us in 2017.

'We are also delighted to welcome Shetal who brings with her considerable expertise, further bolstering our ability to meet increased demand.'

Kelly commented: 'With increasing scope to be involved in regional, national and international cases I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the family law team at Banner Jones during a period of growth and expansion.

'Shetal and I were trainee solicitors together 17 years ago and it’s great to be reunited; she is a welcome addition to our established family law team and it will be great to work with her again.'

Shetal commented: 'This is a very exciting opportunity to join an award winning, ambitious law firm with a long-established reputation for excellence.'

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