THERE have been some changes at Lamb Brooks Solicitors.

The Basingstoke law firm has a new partner with Amanda Hayman, who works as part of the private client team.

Amanda, who joined the firm in Winchester Street at the end of 2012, advises on wills and trusts and associated taxation matters, elderly issues, court of protection work and probates.

Amanda said "I’m very pleased to have been asked to join the partnership, and feel very fortunate to be part of Lamb Brooks’ excellent private client team.”

The firm’s family team has also been given a boost with a newly qualified collaborative lawyer, Laura Bell.

Joint managing partner Ann Davies said “I am really pleased that Laura has successfully completed her training in collaborative law. The focus is, and should always have been, the amicable resolution of family matters – for the sake of both the couple and any children they may have. I am glad that as a profession this has finally been acted upon.”

Collaborative law is an alternative way to deal with issues that arise from relationship breakdown. The process enables couples to work together with their specially trained lawyers through a series of face-to-face meetings to reach agreement. The process is focused on finding creative routes to settlement. It provides clients with a real alternative to trying to achieve settlement that best meets the specific needs of both parties and their children.