A law firm is celebrating a quarter of a century serving the people of Northwich this weekend. 

Susan Howarth and Co. Solicitors opened its doors to clients in 1997, and since then, the business has gone from strength to strength.

Founder and director Susan Howarth took an unusal route into law, having started her career in the probation service.  

But the further she progressed in her career there, the less time she spent face to face with clients, and this spurred her decision to retrain as a lawyer.

After qualifying, Susan work at a law firm in Manchester for just four years but she decided to strike out on her own. 

“I started in probation work, then into psychiatric social work.

“But the only way to progress in those areas is to go into bureaucracy, and I wanted contact with people.

Northwich Guardian: The first prize of the birthday giveawayThe first prize of the birthday giveaway (Image: Susan Howarth)

“When I first qualified as a lawyer, I was working in Manchester. The commute was horrendous, so I decided to set up my own practice closer to where I lived. 

“I thought, ‘If it doesn’t work, I’ll just have to go and work for someone else again'. I had nothing to lose.  

“But it did work, and he we are today - 25 years on and still thriving.”

The firm now employes 23 people, including eight solicitors and two trainees.

Susan added: “To mark our 25th birthday, we are pushing the boat out with our end of the year celebration. It will be a bit more special than our normal Christmas event.

“It’s a chance for us to to show our appreciation for everyone’s contribution to our achievements. Obviously, I couldn’t have done what I have done on my own. 

"We are a team of likeminded people an we all have the same ethos. We want to provide quality legal servicse that are available to all.”

To mark their 25th anniversary, the firm is giving away three luxury Christmas hampers in a competition prize giveaway.

First prize is worth £150 and contains a bottle of champagne; second prize is worth £100 pounds; and third prize is worth £50.

This giveaway is currently being promoted on the firm's Facebook page, with the competition winners being announced on Friday, December 16.