Accreditation For specialist Devon solicitor

Crediton-based private client solicitor Lesley Austen has attained the Older Client Care in Practice award, awarded by the Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE).

SFE was founded in 1996 as a specialist group to help, support and make a difference to older people. The independent body recently introduced this accreditation to demonstrate that its members are the best in their field. The standards required are over and above the legal training that all solicitors are obliged to do and are independently assessed.

Lesley is a private client lawyer, specialising in advising elderly clients in matters relating to financial and welfare provision, at Veitch Penny LLP in Crediton. She has been a full member of SFE since 2009.

Ian Penny, partner and head of Crediton private client team at Veitch Penny, said: “We’re delighted that Lesley has achieved recognition of her experience and expertise in this area of law. The accreditation provides reassurance to our older and vulnerable clients that they will receive specialist legal advice, which is independent and in their best interests.”

“Given Devon’s older population profile it’s important that specialist services are available and accessible to this age group.”

Lesley trained as a solicitor in London and moved to Devon in 1985. She joined Veitch Penny’s private client legal team in 2014.