LOCAL girl Rachel Roche (née Smith) has opened a private client practice in Linton-On-Ouse, North Yorkshire where she lives with her husband, a pilot in the RAF.

Having studied law at Hereford Sixth Form College, Rachel always dreamt of opening her own firm.

Upon returning from Paris in the summer of 2013, following completion of a Master’s degree at the Sorbonne University, Rachel then took to creating a new breed of law firm that focuses on building long-lasting relationships with clients and provides specialist advice to individuals.

“Legal services should be available to everyone who needs them,” said Rachel. “And to be easily accessible, prices should be reasonable and, above all, solicitors need to be approachable. Here, you can just pick up the phone and talk to me if there’s something you think I might be able to help you with.”

“I wanted to open a firm that embodied all of these things, a firm where a client can get straight through to me with no fuss and deal with me throughout their legal matter, no matter where they are calling from.”

The last few years have seen huge changes in the legal services market with firms getting larger by increased mergers and national branding.

Rachel said “I firmly believe that there is a market for the small law firm. Clients want someone who is down to earth, who can offer a personal and trustworthy service.”

Roche Legal deals with wills, probate and estates, powers of attorney and court of protection work. Fees are fixed from the outset wherever possible, meaning no surprise bills and free consultations are offered as a matter of course. Clients are located throughout the UK.

As well as being a qualified solicitor, Rachel is also a member of various professional organisations such as Solicitors for the Elderly, which is a national organisation providing specialist legal advice to older and vulnerable people, their families and carers.

Roche Legal is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority. More information about the firm can be found at www.rochelegal.co.uk or by telephoning the office on 01347 844 046 or by emailing your query to info@rochelegal.co.uk.