A Lichfield firm with a “clearly different” approach to practicing law has expanded by taking on new staff and extending its niche services.

Four Oaks Legal Services (FOLS) has increased its workforce by taking on another solicitor and a legal assistant after enjoying a steady year-on-year business growth since it launched in 2016.

As part of its expansion programme, it also plans to recruit yet more new employees in the coming months and is also poised to reveal a newly revamped website.

Tracey Edridge, of Lichfield, has joined the independent firm, which celebrated its milestone fourth anniversary over the summer, as legal assistant, and Adam Penn, of Cannock, is a new private client solicitor, having previously worked for Ansons Solicitors across the region.

New addition Adam Penn extends firm’s niche offer

While both are a welcome addition to the team, Adam also extends FOLS’ niche offer into contested wills and probate – like family arguments over distributing a deceased relative’s will.

The firm’s “clearly different” mantra, and being part of a small, friendly, caring team, is what Adam, who has 25 years legal experience, is relishing most about joining FOLS, based in Davidson Road.

As part of its different stance to practicing law, FOLS, headed up by ex-fraud squad detective Stuart McIntosh and Rebecca Head, offers a personal, caring, attention to detail, transparent approach to clients, which includes giving fixed or capped fees and direct mobile numbers for all its solicitors.

It’s this approach that’s won, and continues to win the firm loyalty from a growing list of businesses and individuals across the region, enabling it to expand, create more jobs and to serve more clients across the Midlands.

Delighted to be able to take on contested wills and probate cases

Welcoming Adam to the team, co-director Rebecca, a wills and probate solicitor, said:

“We are thrilled to have Adam on board.

“While we already have expertise in dealing with wills and probate clients, contested cases aren’t something we’ve been able to take on in-house before. But, with Adam’s wealth of experience in this arena we can now extend this service to our clients, which we’re delighted to be able to do.”

Contested wills, estate and probate cases are where beneficiaries are unhappy with the distribution of a person’s will. Examples include when a will has been changed close to a person’s death to a non-relative, or someone is not in a relative’s will as expected or promised.

Adam, who enjoys long coastal walks, is a member of Cannock Rotary Club and served on Cannock Town Centre Partnership, said:

“My background in litigation means that I’m in a unique position to deal with estate planning and contested estates, wills and probate.

“My objective is to provide peace of mind to those wishing to plan for the future and those dealing with disputes, which can arise following the death of a loved one. I’m delighted to be part of a team that prides itself on having an attention to detail, caring and transparent approach.”

Adam’s other areas of expertise include preparation of wills, estate planning, estate administration, lasting powers of attorney, deputyship orders, trusts, and deeds of variation.

The FOLS’ team also includes wills and probate solicitor Joanna Parkin and Stuart is a business law expert.

FOLS also has a sister company Four Oaks Financial Services at Shenstone, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, for clients who need any financial advice alongside legal advice.

For more visit www.fouroakslegalservices.com, telephone 01543 440308, or find them on Facebook @fouroakslegalservices or Twitter @fouroaksls.