Law firm Cartmell Shepherd has been named as one of the best in the country for training solicitors.

The Carlisle-based practice is the only one in Cumbria to be listed in this year's Lex 100, which provides information to students preparing to undertake the final stage of training to become a solicitor – gaining a training contract.

The guide describes Cartmell Shepherd as “dependable and full of good advice” and says it offers “a well-rounded training contract”.

The  findings are based on feedback from trainees.

The Cumbrian firm was ranked joint third in the country for the amount of client contact offered to trainees. It also scored highly for work/life balance and the quality of work provided.

Meanwhile, Cartmell Shepherd has appointed Bryony Robin as an assistant solicitor in the property and private client departments.

Miss Robin, 32, will be based at the Penrith office.

She is originally from Lancaster and now lives in Penrith.

She joins Cartmell Shepherd having finished her training contract at Veale Wasbrough Vizards (VWV) in Bristol.

Prior to that she was a legal assistant at VWV and at Eversheds.

She gained a distinction in her legal practice course and holds a first-class honours degree from Manchester Metropolitan University.

Cartmell Shepherd has also announced that four of its lawyers will become associates, with effect from January 1.

They are Mark Jackson at the Rosehill, Carlisle, office, Katherine Pretswell-Walker at Brampton, Caroline Smith at the Viaduct House head office in Carlisle, and Miya Mark at Haltwhistle.

Scott Garson, practice manager, said: “Cartmells are very proud of Miya, Mark, Katherine and Caroline and we are delighted to offer them all this promotion.

“We are also pleased to welcome Bryony to the team. It is rewarding to be able to encourage and support the development of all our staff.”

  • Peter Stafford, staffing director at Cartmell Shepherd, has joined the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists as a registered member.