A Gwent law firm has strengthened its team with the appointment of three trainee solicitors.

Watkins & Gunn Solicitors, which has offices in Pontypool, Newport and Cardiff, has appointed Natalie Corten, Carys Jones and Kayleigh Wilding to assist the firm following the launch of its online legal platform, Gateway2Law.

Natalie Corten, 26, from Newport, joins the firm with a first class honours law degree from Swansea University. Having studied her Legal Practice Course at Cardiff University, Natalie has gained experience working for New Law and Hugh James Solicitors.

Carys Jones, 27, from Barry, joins the firm with experience of working for the NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership, Morgan Cole and Hugh James. Carys has a law degree from Swansea University and completed her LPC at Cardiff University.

Kayleigh Wilding, 28, from the Rhondda, is a graduate of Lancaster University. She is currently studying her LPC at the University West of England and has previously gained experience at Ty Arian Solicitors, Morgan Cole and Hugh James Solicitors.

During their training contracts, all three trainees will gain experience in all departments across Watkins & Gunn’s three offices.

Natalie said: “I was attracted here as it is a local firm with a very good reputation in the legal world. As an award-winning, full service law firm, I’m confident that the training I will receive will be of the highest quality. The firm is able to offer experience in a large variety of practice areas which will enable me to identify where I’d like to specialise going forward.”

Clive Thomas, managing partner at Watkins & Gunn Solicitors said: “Natalie, Carys and Kayleigh have all quickly become assets to the team. We knew when we interviewed them that they were the right fit for our training contracts. They’re all extremely personable and hard-working individuals who are eager to learn and develop. They’ve already made their mark on the firm and we are looking forward to seeing them develop further in the future.”