An award winning law firm has welcomed a new director.

EMG Solicitors, which has an office in Penrith, has appointed Deborah Jude as a director within the Court of Protection (COP) and Private Client team.

The firm, which also has offices in Durham, Newcastle, Darlington, and Manchester, said Ms Jude's appointment will 'extend EGM's specialism in supporting those without capacity.'

Ms Jude will serve as a Panel Deputy for the Court of Protection, making EMG 'one of the few' law firms in the country to offer this service.

She will work across EMG’s offices, serving clients nationwide.

Ms Jude brings more than 23 years of legal experience to her new role, having previously worked at Womble Bond Dickinson.

She will take on a hybrid position, using her COP specialism alongside her expertise in private client matters, including wills, trusts, and Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

Joining Ms Jude at EMG Solicitors are Joanne Shearer, legal secretary, and Lauren Gray, trainee legal executive.

Ms Jude said: "It’s a real privilege to be part of the EMG team.

"They have a fantastic reputation in the market, not least for their COP work, so I was delighted to have the opportunity to join them.

"COP is an area that I find incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to supporting them further in this field, alongside my private client work.

"I was also equally attracted by the firm’s culture, values, and commitment to both their clients and people.

"The work they do in the local community alongside their charitable work is very impressive.

"The opportunity to take on a hybrid role at EMG is very exciting, as it offers variety in the work I deliver, but most importantly the scope to fully utilise my key skills and take advantage of the opportunities at EMG.

"I’m also really looking forward to working alongside the many talented colleagues here."

Ms Jude was described in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK Guide as being 'absolutely first class,' with clients highlighting her trust expertise as 'second to none.'

Jemma Morland, director and head of Court of Protection Property and Affairs at EMG Solicitors, said: "I am delighted to welcome Deborah, Joanne, and Lauren to EMG.

"Deborah’s expertise in panel deputyship work is a huge asset to EMG, extending our COP specialism further.

"There are very few firms out there that provide this service, so we are proud to be able to say we offer a 360-degree service in COP.

"I would like to wish our new colleagues the very best in their new roles and look forward to working together."

Samantha Edward, director and head of Wills, Trusts, and Probate, is also listed 'top-tier' in the Legal 500 and is 'delighted' with Ms Jude’s appointment.