We are deeply saddened to announce the recent passing of our colleague and friend Jane Munden.

Jane was a Senior Solicitor employed within MKB’s family law team and had shown immense skill and passion for her work in her time with the firm. But that only tells a very small part of her story.

Qualifying as a Solicitor on 1st November 1994, Jane has spent the last 30 years as a leader in the field of family law in the South Yorkshire region. Jane joined Barnsley firm Newman and Bond upon qualification and over the next four decades has subsequently represented clients who found themselves in family disputes with great skill and determination, proving herself to be a respected and accomplished solicitor with a fantastic reputation spreading far and wide.

Jane soon progressed through the ranks of Newman and Bond to become an Equity Partner in 2001 and, alongside her fellow Partners, led the firm over the coming years to great success. Jane remained at the forefront of the legal community in all that time.

Jane was instrumental in bringing about Newman and Bond’s merger with Ridley and Hall Solicitors in 2021 which coincided with the retirement of her long-standing partners. Then seeking a fresh challenge, Jane joined MKB in October 2023 and she instantly became an extremely valued member of the team.

Right up to her sudden passing, Jane continued to play a crucial role in MKB’s family team, providing her great wealth of knowledge not only to her clients but also to junior members of the team who knew she was approachable and helpful, which greatly assisted their development.

Her presence and influence within our offices will be sadly missed.

The region’s legal community will be united in its shock and sadness at Jane’s sudden and untimely passing.

Everyone who knew Jane regarded her as a genuine, thoughtful and highly intelligent person. The love she had for her work and for the local area was palpable.

Her legacy will be one of integrity, achievement and fairness.

MKB joins with the local community in mourning Jane’s loss and extends its deepest sympathies to her sister Christine and her close friends, who she loved dearly.

Jane’s family and friends have asked us to announce details of her funeral which will take place on 6th December 2024 at Barnsley Crematorium at 2.50pm. A collection will take place for the benefit of Cats Protection and any donations in that respect would be welcomed.

All who knew or worked with or alongside Jane are welcomed to celebrate the life of a brilliant lawyer and a truly lovely person.