Pictured above: Joyce Bennell

A leading lawyer in wills, probates and trusts has joined Warwickshire law firm Alsters Kelley. Joyce Bennell will help the firm expand into new specialities within the field. She joins after working at Band Hatton for five years as an assistant solicitor and senior fee earner.

Since qualifying as a solicitor in 1978, Joyce has specialised in the field of wills, probates trusts and Court of Protection matters. 

Neil Raiseborough, a partner at the firm and head of private client, said: "Joyce brings more than 30 years' experience to the team - she's dealt with everything from complex wills and trusts to the execution of multi-million pound estates. Perhaps what's most exciting though is her vision to help us target more specialised areas within the field." 

Joyce said: "I love the complexities involved in this area of the law and I get a real buzz in finding solutions to what can be complicated problems. I'm looking forward to helping the firm diversify within the field."

Until now, Joyce has divided her career between Birmingham and London.  She says she's seen a big change in attitude towards will writing and estate administration in both areas of the country. 

"I've dealt with a huge range of situations but perhaps the most worrying is the increasing trend in people administering estates themselves," Joyce said.   "People don't understand that the law is fickle - the difference between the words 'may' and 'shall' can completely alter how a will is executed. Executors face a personal liability if they get things wrong."

Joyce is currently dealing with work from Alsters Kelley's offices in Nuneaton and Coventry.

For more information on Alsters Kelley, view their website here: www.alsters.com