Full-service national law firm Shakespeare Martineau has added to its Bristol-based private client team with the arrival of solicitor Benjamin Griffiths and paralegal Margarita Kappanen.
Benjamin, pictured, right with Margarita, qualified last September with Welsh law firm JCP Solicitors, where he had worked for more than four years, while Margarita, who has more than two years’ experience in estate administration, joins the firm from Bristol-based Kings Court Trust, where she was a probate case handler and responsible for managing 50 estates. 
Benjamin, who specialises in Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, estate administration, Court of Protection and Trusts, said: “Private client work is very rewarding as you are helping people during what tends to be difficult points in their life. I enjoy making a daunting time as easy as possible for them.
“Shakespeare Martineau is based in the heart of Bristol, and known for its superior client care and interesting, complex cases. I feel extremely privileged to have joined a fantastic team and I am looking forward to building my career here.”
Margarita is currently studying for a masters in law, with the hopes of qualifying as a solicitor in the future.
She said: “Working in private client means your work is more intensely personal to your clients and ensuring their loved ones are protected upon death is very rewarding.
“Estate administration is a long process, so you get to build strong relationships with clients and help people during extremely difficult times in their lives.
“I am thrilled to have joined Shakespeare Martineau and was attracted to the firm because it is highly regarded and has a strong focus on empowering its people and ensuring their wellbeing.”
Shakespeare Martineau Bristol head of private client Heledd Wyn said: “We are delighted that Benjamin and Margarita have joined our private client team in Bristol. We are currently experiencing growing demand for our services due to the strong reputation we have built over the years. I look forward to them both building and continuing their already successful careers with us.”
Shakespeare Martineau completed its merger with historic Bristol firm GL Law last year, which expanded its reach into the South West for the first time.
The firm is part of rapidly expanding legal and professional services group Ampa, which also includes consumer law firm Lime Solicitors, planning consultancy Marrons Planning, uninsured loss recovery experts Corclaim and cyber security consultancy CSS Assure.
