A SCOTLAND-wide legal specialist has expanded its Peebles office with a series of new appointments and promotions.

Road Traffic Accident Law Scotland (RTALS), which operates specialist services Motorcycle Law Scotland, Cycle Law Scotland and Pedestrian Law Scotland, has brought in several new staff at its Cavalry Park office.

Jodi Gordon has been promoted to associate solicitor; Carrie Burrows has joined RTALS from Thompsons Solicitors and the firm has recruited two trainees, Thomas Mitchell and Zara Jones, bringing staff numbers up to ten.

The expanded team is needed to handle a caseload that has risen 45 per cent in the past two years.

Forecasted damages recovered for clients this year are expected to be £4.5 million.

Senior partner, Brenda Mitchell, a personal injury lawyer of over 30 years, said that employing local people was high on the agenda. 

She said: “While RTALS has a Scotland-wide focus, I like working with people locally as it brings a very strong team spirit, which is vitally important to us as a business. 

“I’m delighted by the recent round of recruitment and promotions. Jodi has been with us for three years and has successfully handled numerous accident compensation claims.

“Carrie did her traineeship with us and has returned with an additional two years’ experience of road traffic related cases. Thomas and Zara have been working with us on a part-time basis as they completed their diplomas and I’m thrilled to have them now as official trainees.

“As a firm, we also pride ourselves in our specialist knowledge, not only of personal injury law, but by representing vulnerable road users, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians. 

“The team are all personally – and for some, professionally –experienced in the world of two wheels. This enriches our relationships with our clients and makes us passionate about our discipline.

“Our team of Fiona, Andrew, Kerrie and Ellie are all from Peebles or Innerleithen.”