Planning law specialist Vicky Stoodley has joined the Whitehead Monckton partnership.

She qualified as a solicitor in 1988 and has built a formidable reputation in Kent as an associate and partner at two other prominent firms.

Her expertise is specifically recognised by the influential legal directories; Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500.

Vicky joins Whitehead Monckton's Commercial Property Team and will be focusing on the twin areas of property development and rural business.

Stephen Beck, managing partner, said: "The partners are delighted to welcome Vicky to both the partnership and the firm.

"Non-contentious planning is a growing specialism for Whitehead Monckton and we look forward to Vicky's substantial experience and skills bringing a new dimension to our property teams across the firm as a whole."

Whitehead Monckton's partnership takes the number of partners at the firm to 14.