Law firm strengthens child and commercial teams
Growth at Gloucestershire law firm leads to new appointments in its commercial property and child law teams.
* Welcome to our PR Wire channel where we run the very latest unabridged and unedited press releases from companies connected to Gloucestershire that catch our eye. If you want to see your stories placed here, and featured on our email editions, please contact us and we’ll let you know how it’s done. Email andrew.merrell@raikesjournal.co.uk.
WSP Solicitors, a leading Gloucestershire-based law firm, has announced the expansion of its commercial property and child law teams with the appointments of senior associate, David Ashcroft and associate solicitor, Jessica O’Shea.
The firm’s newest hires come as part of its strategic growth plan as demand for its commercial property and family law work continues to grow, seeing a 30 per cent and six per cent increase year-on-year.
Joining WSP Solicitors’ Commercial team, David brings with him over 40 years of experience specialising in all aspects of commercial property.
During his career David has acted on leases for a major Swedish household goods retailer and worked on the privatisation of nationalised industries in Slovenia and Europe. He also holds a high level of MOD security clearance having worked on security and defence contracts.
With thirteen years’ experience, Jessica is a Child Panel accredited solicitor working in one of the most sensitive areas of family law, representing children in legal proceedings.
Her specialisms include care proceedings and advising on cases involving social services, alongside kinship care, and special guardianship and child arrangement orders.
Ashcroft said: “WSP Solicitors has a strong reputation for delivering practical, client-focused advice. I’m keen to build on the team’s existing expertise and develop relationships with both new and longstanding clients in the region.
“The firm’s clear ambition was a key factor in my decision to join. With my background in commercial property, company and commercial matters, as well as defence-related work, I’m looking to bring that experience into the team and contribute to the continued strength of the practice.”
O’Shea said: “Having previously worked with our Managing Director, Camella Cephas, and Lawyer Litigator, Amy Caddick, and hearing what a great place WSP Solicitors is to work, I knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
“The firm has a clear direction for the future and a strong client focus. I’m joining a highly experienced Child Law team and am keen to contribute to the continued development of its services.
“We work in a hugely emotive area of law. I’m looking forward to working closely with our clients, understanding their individual circumstances, and supporting them every step of the way.”
With offices in both Stroud and Elmbridge East Business Park, Gloucester, WSP Solicitors are an independent multi-practice area firm spanning private client, residential conveyancing, family law, commercial property and corporate law.
With a presence in the region for over 265 years the firm now employs 65 legal professionals and team members.
Managing director, Camella Cephas said: “We are delighted to welcome both Jessica and David to the firm. Each brings a wealth of experience and specialist expertise that will further strengthen our commercial and child law teams.
“Their appointments reflect our ongoing commitment to making life less complicated for all our clients and investing in talented people who share the same values as our firm.
“We’re looking forward to seeing their contributions, not only in delivering excellent service to our clients but also in supporting the continued development of colleagues across the business.”
This press release was sent to The Raikes Journal by HeadOn PR Ltd on 28 May 2026.
* If you want to see your releases featured here, and included on our email editions, email the editor.
The Raikes Journal is a digital magazine and community interest company whose supporters believe, like us, that journalism about Gloucestershire is worth keeping alive. Everything you read on The Raikes Journal is made possible by our incredible Founding Partners: QuoLux, Willans LLP, Gloucestershire College, Merrell People, our sponsors and our Founding Members and wonderful paying subscribers.
If you upgrade to paid you will be able to see past the paywalls on our second and third email editions of the week, that lock all our archive after two weeks and lock our rolling Top 100 Businesses in Gloucestershire, the series that follows the financial fortunes of our biggest firms by turnover. You will be able to comment on our stories too. You’ll be helping make this CIC sustainable. Please do join us.
You can do that for just £2.30 a week - or £1.80 a week if two or more people sign up at once.