A YORK law firm is celebrating a hat-trick of honours after three members of its team were awarded specialist status.

Family lawyers John Reynard, William Kaye and Nicki Mitchell, from Harrowell Shaftoe in York, have joined an elite group of solicitors to gain specialist accreditation by the Solicitors Family Law Association (SFLA).

Only a small percentage of family lawyers in the United Kingdom hold this status, which recognises exceptional levels of experience and skill.

The accreditation scheme was set up by the SFLA four years ago to help people make an informed choice when appointing a family solicitor.

John Reynard, who is head of Harrowell Shaftoe's Family Law Department, said: "It is quite rare for three members of a practice to have gained SFLA accreditation. It means that we can not only provide specialist services, but demonstrates that we are also committed to encouraging a non-confrontational approach to resolving family disputes.

"Our approach is designed to minimise both the emotional and financial costs of divorce or family breakdown for those involved." He added: "The family law team deal with all aspects of relationship breakdown.

"The areas of specialist SFLA accreditation include domestic violence, child abduction, pensions issues and complex financial arrangements."

Updated: 11:09 Friday, February 27, 2004