Leading Gloucestershire law firm strengthens Child and Commercial teams

27 May 2026, Gloucestershire: 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% and 6% 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.

On his appointment David 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.”

Jessica 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.”

Ends

Editors notes

WSP Solicitors has been at the heart of Gloucestershire since 1758, formed following the merger of three local firms: Winterbothams, A E Smith & Son and Penleys, which was established by the Vizard family. William Vizard acted for Queen Caroline when George IV tried to divorce her.

The firm’s ethos is to make life less complicated from everything it does from the legal advice it offers individuals and companies down to its fees. With offices in the Cotswold town of Stroud and just outside Gloucester City Centre, enabling them to easily service clients in both Gloucester and Cheltenham, the firm now has a team of 65 providing a wide range of personal and business legal services including:

• Commercial contracts • Commercial property • Buying and selling a business • Residential conveyancing • Child and family law • Separating together – out of court family law services • Wills, trusts and probate

In 2025, WSP Solicitors was a finalist in the Customer Excellence category at the SoGlos Gloucestershire Business awards