Hutchinson Thomas Solicitors expands team in Swansea and Neath

The appointments reflect continued growth at the firm and an ongoing focus on developing talent to meet client demand across both individual and business services.

In the Dispute Resolution team, Adam Mahoney has recently qualified as a Solicitor, while Aimee Richards joins the department as a new Solicitor, further increasing capacity in this busy area of practice.

Chantelle Ware has qualified into the firm’s Childcare team, supporting clients on a range of sensitive and complex matters.

Stan Burgess-Brown joins as a Solicitor working across Employment and Corporate Commercial, enhancing the firm’s offering to businesses and employers.

Meanwhile, Amber Jenkins is due to qualify as a Solicitor on 1 July, moving from her role as a Trainee Solicitor into the Property team, marking an important step in her career progression within the firm.

Hutchinson Thomas Solicitors was the first in Wales to achieve the Law Society’s mark of excellence, and both the firm and many of its lawyers are recognised year after year in the Legal 500 as leaders in their field.

Peter Morgan, Partner at Hutchinson Thomas Solicitors, said:

“These appointments reflect the steady growth we are seeing across the firm and our commitment to investing in people. It’s important to us that we continue to develop talent internally while also bringing in new expertise to support our clients.”

With a reputation for excellence and a deep understanding of the local business landscape in South Wales, Hutchinson Thomas offers a wide range of legal services to individuals and businesses, with a strong emphasis on practical “clear thinking” advice and client care.

While substance remains at the heart of its approach, the firm’s state-of-the-art offices in Swansea and Neath provide a first-class environment for delivering legal services and ensuring clients receive the standard of care and professionalism they expect.

Irish Independent : Independent | Solicitors warned by legal watchdog not to charge fees for release of wills

AI generated summary, Read the full article for complete information.

The Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) has warned solicitors that they must not make the release of a will contingent on payment of a “storage fee” or any other charge, condemning the practice of demanding hundreds of euros to hand over wills kept on their premises. Citing a specific case in which a lawyer asked for €246 before providing a will to the executor of a late mother’s estate, the LSRA stressed that such fees are unacceptable under any circumstances.

Read more: https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/solicitors-warned-by-legal-watchdog-not-to-charge-fees-for-release-of-wills/a1518074859.html

#LSRA #Solicitors #Willrelease #Consumerprotection

#Solicitors' fees... We received and accepted a conveyancing quote 11 months ago. Other party's solicitor has been crap, so we are only just about to complete. Our solicitor has increased our costs by an inflationary amount and added some fees that weren't in the original quote. (Note, although the quote says "quotation", the T&Cs say "you have received an estimate", which doesn't seem right?)

Anyway, is this reasonable behaviour from our solicitor?

The Justice Ministry is proposing to take 75% Client Account Interest into its own hands, so a tax.

This is essentially Clients own money as Solicitors have to account for it.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/interest-on-lawyers-client-accounts-scheme/interest-on-lawyers-client-accounts-scheme

#UKLaw #Solicitors

Peter Lynn and Partners open new Gorseinon office and welcome leading legal expert

Peter Lynn and Partners Solicitors have officially opened a new office in the heart of Gorseinon, marking the latest step in the firm’s regional expansion.

Expansion continues after Llanelli launch

The refurbished premises on Pontardulais Road follow the opening of a new Llanelli office last month. Senior partner Peter Lynn said the move was about more than just relocating next door to their previous base.

“This isn’t just a move next door, it’s a big leap forward,” he said. “We’ve redesigned the space from the ground up, creating a client‑first environment that reflects the standard of service we provide.”

Modern facilities for clients and staff

The new office includes modernised meeting rooms, improved accessibility features and a large on‑site car park. The firm says the investment will make it easier for clients to access services such as residential conveyancing, wills and probate, lasting powers of attorney, divorce and family law.

“We’ve built a strong reputation in Gorseinon over many years,” Lynn added. “This new office is a reflection of the demand for our services and our long‑term investment in this community.”

Appointment of Edward Harris

The opening also coincides with the arrival of Edward Harris, a highly respected solicitor with more than six decades of experience. Harris was previously a partner in the family firm Edward Harris & Son, founded in 1890 by his grandfather.

He is recognised nationally for his expertise in Common Land and Village Green law, as well as the management of agricultural estates and land.

“Having Edward on board is a huge honour for us,” said Lynn. “He brings with him a wealth of knowledge, particularly in specialist areas of law that few firms can offer.”

Harris will be joined by his long‑time secretary Pam, ensuring continuity of service for clients who have worked with him for generations.

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#CommonLandAndVillageGreenLaw #EdwardHarris #EdwardHarrisSon #Gorseinon #GorseinonOffice #law #lawFirmExpansion #PeterLynnAndPartners #PontardulaisRoad #solicitors #SwanseaSolicitors

Just married? You might have accidentally cancelled your Will – and 54% of people in Wales don’t know it

That’s the shocking finding from new research by Will Aid, which revealed 54% of people in Wales had no idea that tying the knot wipes the legal slate clean when it comes to Wills.

It means thousands of families could be left facing heartbreak and confusion, with estates divided under strict intestacy rules rather than according to personal wishes.

The law that catches people out

The rule isn’t new – it dates back to the Wills Act 1837 – but it’s still tripping people up nearly 200 years later.

Unless you make a new Will after marriage (or one that specifically states it’s “in contemplation of marriage”), your old Will is automatically revoked.

The Law Commission is currently reviewing the law, with draft reforms aimed at preventing so‑called “predatory marriages” – where someone marries with the intention of inheriting. But until any changes are passed, the rule still stands.

Why it matters

Legal experts say the consequences can be devastating.

Chris Adiole, Director at Penerley Solicitors, said:

“I often come across people who assume their existing Will continues to stand after they get married, and they’re genuinely surprised to learn that the law cancels it automatically. That can cause real problems for families, leaving everything up in the air at the worst possible time.”

Peter de Vena Franks, Campaign Director for Will Aid, added:

“It is shocking that so many people are unaware. This could mean children from a previous relationship are unintentionally disinherited, or that estates are distributed in a way the deceased never intended.”

What you should do

Will Aid is urging anyone who marries or remarries to make a new Will immediately if they want their estate to be passed on according to their wishes.

The charity’s annual campaign runs every November, when participating solicitors across the UK waive their usual fees to write basic Wills in exchange for a donation. Suggested donations are £120 for a single Will and £200 for a pair of mirror Wills, with all proceeds supporting charities including Age UK, British Red Cross, NSPCC, Shelter and Crisis.

Appointments are available now, either in person or remotely.

The takeaway:

If you’ve just said “I do” – your Will just said “I don’t.” Unless you write a new one, the law decides who gets what.

#law #LawCommission #legalAdvice #Marriage #solicitors #Will #WillAid #WillsAct

JCP Solicitors to merge with Port Talbot law firm Howe & Spender this August

Port Talbot-based law firm Howe & Spender will merge with JCP Solicitors on 11 August 2025, marking a new chapter for both firms and for legal services in the region.

The merger will see Howe & Spender’s team continue operating from their Station Road offices, with expanded access to JCP’s wider legal expertise across South Wales. The move is part of JCP’s ongoing growth strategy, which has seen the firm establish offices in Swansea, Carmarthen, Cardiff, Caerphilly, Cowbridge, and Haverfordwest.

“Joining forces with JCP Solicitors is a fantastic strategic development for both businesses,” said Ian Spender, Managing Partner at Howe & Spender. “We’ve provided legal services to Port Talbot and the surrounding areas for over 130 years, and we’re proud to continue that legacy under the JCP brand.”

A firm rooted in Port Talbot

Howe & Spender was formed in 1995 through a merger between John Spender & Co and Howe Walsh and Ambrose, the latter originally founded by Edward Evans, great-uncle of former Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Howe. John Spender & Co was founded by Ian Spender’s father in 1975.

“We’ve always been proud of our history in the area,” said Spender. “We’ve supported families across generations, and we’re delighted to bring those clients with us into this new chapter.”

Spender, who joined the firm in 1991 after working summer holidays there as a student, will become a Director in JCP’s Lifetime Planning team, continuing his work in Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney, and Trusts. The Port Talbot office will also retain its Residential and Commercial Property services.

Supporting regeneration and careers

JCP Solicitors says the merger will bring £11 million in business to Port Talbot and support the town’s regeneration by offering legal services to both private clients and SMEs. The firm also plans to create new roles for apprentices, trainees, and qualified solicitors, helping retain legal talent in the region.

“There are so many opportunities in Port Talbot despite the steelwork closures,” said Spender. “We want to be part of the town’s continued regeneration and business success.”

Spender also hopes the merger will show aspiring legal professionals that they don’t need to leave their hometown to build a successful career.

“The opportunities available with JCP mean graduates and apprentices can find roles and training locally. I’ll be proud to be a Director at JCP Solicitors and know we’re in for a bright future.”

Clients can continue to contact the Port Talbot team on 01639 881571 before and after the merger.

For more information, visit jcpsolicitors.co.uk

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#Business #GeoffreyHowe #HoweSpenderSolicitors #JCPSolicitors #law #merger #PortTalbot #solicitors