THE entire private client team at a Brierley Hill law firm are now ‘Dementia Friends’ after they received awareness training from the Alzheimer’s Association.

Staff at Higgs & Sons took part in the Alzheimer’s Association national scheme, which aims to give as many people as possible an understanding of dementia and how to help those living with the condition.

Tim Jones, head of Higgs’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme said: “We take our community responsibilities very seriously and I am delighted that every member of our private client team is now a Dementia Friend."

The training complements the firm’s recent fundraising efforts for the Alzheimer’s Society which saw staff members hand over £15,000 after a series of activities, including a quiz night, a football tournament, a family fun day at Stourbridge FC, an extreme 10k ‘Wolf run’, the Birmingham Legal Walk and the city’s half marathon.

This year, Higgs’ will be supporting the Stroke Association as its chosen charity of the year.

The firm is also celebrating after three members of staff were recognised for their achievements.

Higgs’ trainee Natalie Marsden has been nominated for the prestigious title of Trainee Solicitor of the Year by the Birmingham Law Society. Adam Maguire, a solicitor in the family team, has received Law Society Accreditation as a specialist in family law, while fellow family solicitor Hannah Nicholls has been accredited by leading national body Resolution.

Paul Hunt, managing partner, said: “This is fantastic news. The recognition received by Hannah, Adam and Natalie is a real testament to their hard work and dedication.”

Natalie will find out whether she wins the coveted trainee solicitor title at the legal awards ceremony taking place at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham, in April.