Busy lawyer – and full-time mum – Sian Fisher, has become a legal pioneer.
She is the first legal executive in North Wales to become a full partner at a law firm.
Since professional body rule changes in 2009 allowed Fellows of the Institute of Legal Executives to become full partners in law firms just one other person in Wales achieved the honour before Sian’s appointment was confirmed.
Sian, of Upton, Chester, joins the other five partners at solicitors Cyril Jones and Co (incorporating Stanley Williams,) which has offices in Wrexham and Shotton.
Even as a busy expert in family law issues, Sian finds time to look after daughters Sapphira, nine, and six-year-old Tara, thanks to flexibility in her working hours from an understanding firm.
Sian joined Cyril Jones and Co in Wrexham as a trainee legal executive in 1992.
She said: “It was the start of four years studying part-time and then a further two years to qualify as a legal executive.
“I really enjoyed it but I then decided to have a family. I took a few years off work but still maintained a close relationship with the partners and staff.
“After a few years as a full-time mum I was delighted to be asked by the partners when I was going to come back to work for them. That was when I started my second spell and I hope to be with the firm now for many years.
“It is a super firm to be with and the working atmosphere is great. I am now looking forward to pursuing my career here as a partner.”
Sian is now the company’s expert in a family law issue which is becoming a growing problem – power of attorney.
Getting people to make wills is difficult enough, but with increasing numbers of people suffering from dementia, it is vital to take precautions and authorise someone to take charge of affairs if dementia or Alzheimer’s becomes a problem.
It’s estimated that 40,000 people suffer from dementia in Wales and that Wrexham alone will see a 60 per cent increase among over 75s up to 2021, and it is a similar picture in Flintshire and Denbighshire.
Sian added: “Failure to put power of attorney in place can lead to all kinds of difficulties and complications if a loved one is suffering from dementia. Thankfully it’s something the Alzheimer’s Society is promoting.”
Between her law work and looking after Sapphira and Tara, Sian has little spare time.
“I have a very busy life but many people and especially working mothers are in the same position as myself.
“That helps me understand their problems when they come to see me on emotional matters relating to their family issues.”
