Law firm McHale and Co has expanded its foreign language team.

Russian and Greek speaker Angeliki Kotsidou has joined the Altrincham-headquarted solicitors as a trainee solicitor.

Angeliki, 35, who was born in Russia and has MA in interpreting and translating from the University of Bradford, completed her legal practice course in Manchester.

Her previous experience incudes working as an interpreter with courts, police and immigration services.

McHale and Co’s Russian commercial team was formed in 2013 under the supervision of practice partner Maria Udalova-Surkova.

Maria said: “As the UK continues to become a widely diverse culture, the demand for multilingual solicitors is also on the increase.

“Our firm has responded to this in a positive way ensuring we have the quality of solicitors able to manage international clients’ requirements.

“We have recognised that these are flourishing communities in the UK that create and develop successful businesses, acquire assets, employ people and generate capital.

‘As the UK continues to become a widely diverse culture, the demand for multilingual solicitors is also on the increase’

“All these activities require commercial legal support which is accessible in the client’s native language.”

McHale & Co has offices across the north west, including its headquarters in Altrincham and Manchester offices in Stretford, Heywood and Middleton, and in London.

As well as a Russian department it also has a Polish team.

McHale & Co’s owner, Andrew McHale, added: “In total, McHale & Co’s solicitors, trainees and paralegals speak over 10 languages including Polish, Russian, Cantonese, Portuguese and Greek.

“Our aim is to offer our clients the best possible service no matter what language they speak.”