Leading lawyer and co-founder of what was Wales’ first dedicated family law firm, Wendy Hopkins , has died.
Ms Hopkins, 81, qualified as a solicitor with what was then Philip and Buck (before becoming Eversheds) in Cardiff in the 1970s, having first joined as a legal secretary.
She went on to set up Wendy Hopkins & Co as Wales’ first dedicated family law firm with Melanie Hamer in Cardiff in May 1996. They had previously both been with Eversheds.
READ MORE: {}
She left the firm, now known as Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice, in 2006 to set up Hopkins Law, before in later years working with law firm Gordon Dadds and more recently as a consultant with Robertsons Solicitors.
Her clients ranged from well-known names in the world of sport, entertainment, and also senior business leaders and surgeons.
Commercially savvy she also had an ability to spot and nurture legal talent.
In a statement Robertsons said: “The directors and staff are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our most highly regarded consultants, Wendy Hopkins There is no doubt that Wendy was a force to be reckoned with. It was undoubtedly her no-nonsense approach, together with her magnificent negotiation skills and her positive attitude towards her clients that attracted such a prestigious list.
"She would instantly inspire confidence and build a strong rapport with her clients through her warm personality. Wendy was a much-revered figurehead within the legal community. She will be greatly missed."
Most Read
Ms Hopkins was raised in the Splott area of Cardiff. Her mother, who was one of 13 siblings, worked as a domestic for a Cardiff barrister, while her father worked as a clerk at the British Rail goods yard in Tyndall Street.
After passing her 11-plus she went to Heathfield House Catholic school in Cardiff. Having learnt to type she became a legal secretary at Phillips and Buck at the end of the 1960s.
She was supported by the firm to take O-level English by a correspondence course, and then was sent to London to study for College of Law and Law Society exams. On her return in 1978 the newly qualified solicitor was immediately made a partner.
She is survived by her two children.