As part of an ongoing expansion programme at the Gwent firm of solicitors Watkins & Gunn, Barbara Coward has recently been appointed head of conveyancing. Based at the practice's head office in Pontypool, Barbara leads a large conveyancing team at the Pontypool office and also the practice's two other offices in Newport and Newbridge.

Barbara is actually re-joining the practice after a 20-year break, as she started her career with Watkins & Gunn in the 1980s as a legal executive. "I am delighted to be back with Watkins & Gunn after many years," she said. "Conveyancing is now subject to enormous change with the advent of Home Information Packs and e-conveyancing. Working with Watkins & Gunn, I intend to ensure that we make the most of the opportunities that arise to provide a high-quality service to the local community in this challenging time."

In the intervening years, Barbara has held senior positions with a number of other key law firms in South Wales, moving to Watkins & Gunn from Granville West.

A newly-introduced case management system ensures a thorough and fast service in residential conveyancing, much of which is frequently conducted via phone calls, e-mails and correspondence.