A lawyer who has worked at Bromleys Solicitors since joining as a trainee has been promoted to partner and head of its care proceedings and social services team.
Olivia Bell, who qualified as a solicitor in 2003, succeeds long-serving Keith Platts as the departmental head.
She specialises in childcare matters, representing children, parents and other relatives and guardians where there are disputes within families, involvement with social services or court proceedings.
Olivia is a member of the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme and is also a trained mediator.
Keith has been a solicitor since 1976 and joined Bromleys in 1989. He was the first at the Tameside firm to undertake care work and established the team which is now eight-strong. Keith remains at the firm as a consultant.
He is a leading expert in the childcare field. He acts in complex cases instructed by guardians and in care proceedings on behalf of children, parents and other family members.
Bromleys’ senior partner Mark Hirst said: “Olivia’s promotion reflects the high regard in which she is held. She is widely respected at Bromleys, by clients and by professionals working in the field of childcare.
“She is a hugely talented solicitor and is completely committed to the development of the firm and the growth of the care team. We are confident she will be a great success in her new role.”
He added: “Keith has overseen the creation of the department and its progress over a number of years. During this time he has trained and mentored many people, including Olivia, and he remains a vital member of the team.”