Mortimers has been awarded contracts to offer Legal Aid services in each of its three offices.

The firm won the contracts in the categories of family law, education and employment to members of the public who qualify on a means and merits basis.

Bryony Walker, a partner at Mortimers who specialises in family law and education, said that this was a major cause for celebration for the firm.

“While the Bridgnorth and Hereford offices have traditionally been awarded these contracts, this is the first time the Shrewsbury office has been able to offer Legal Aid services,” said Mrs Walker.

“Our Family Law department, which is now nine strong, has developed into something of a powerhouse division which we would like to think is the equal to pretty much any in the area.

“We have an established reputation for advising privately paying clients but it is great to be able to offer our services to those needing publicly funded legal help in all our offices.

“Our privately funded work will of course continue as before, but we now feel that our services are better balanced across the social spectrum.

“It is particularly pleasing that our newly opened Shrewsbury office, which is now based in Windsor House in the town centre, has been awarded the contract enabling it to become a really dynamic force in the county town.”

Mrs Walker added that the areas in which the firm’s Family Law team were most specialised were matrimonial issues, complex financial issues, matters relating to children and care proceedings, and domestic violence.