Member News
Sunderland based Richard Reed Solicitors has announced a major expansion of its conveyancing department in response to sustained demand across a stabilising UK property market, where steady price growth and consistent transaction levels are continuing to fuel activity.
The move comes at a time when the property sector is experiencing notable change. Despite wider economic pressures, transaction levels have remained resilient, resulting in the demand for legal support at the firm remaining consistently high in recent months.
Against this backdrop, Richard Reed has significantly strengthened its conveyancing team, led by Nicola Bennell, Director and Solicitor. The department has expanded at multiple levels to meet rising client demand while maintaining service quality during a period of heightened market activity.
Nicola Bennell commented: “We’re operating in a market that continues to evolve, but demand for property services has remained strong throughout. We’ve seen a consistent flow of instructions over the past year, and it became clear that strategic growth was essential—not just to manage volume, but to maintain the high standards the firm and our clients expect.”
The expansion includes the promotion of Steven Douglas to Associate Solicitor, reflecting both his expertise and the firm’s commitment to developing talent from within.
Steven Douglas added: “The pace of the property market has created both challenges and opportunities. With the right team structure in place, we’re now better equipped to manage that demand while continuing to deliver a high-quality service.”
To further strengthen capacity, the firm also welcomed Kathryn Musgrove as Solicitor and Savannah Beckett, both joined in December 2025, followed by Hannah Cullen in March 2026, with their appointments reflecting a dual focus on immediate delivery and long-term growth.
Kathryn Musgrove said: “There’s a real sense of momentum within the team. The volume of work speaks to the strength of the market, but also to the trust clients place in the firm. It’s an exciting time to be part of that growth.”
Additional support has been provided through the recruitment of paralegals Lynn Liddle and Lucy Cardy, helping to streamline processes and enhance the overall client journey.
The department’s expansion builds on a strong period of performance, with turnover increasing by 48% over the past year. This growth reflects both favourable market conditions and sustained investment in people, including the earlier addition of Hannah Parton in June 2024.
“At times, demand has outpaced capacity,” Nicola Bennell added. “We’ve had to make difficult decisions to ensure service levels don’t drop. This expansion puts us in a much stronger position to take on new work while remaining responsive and consistent.”
While property remains the central driver of current staff recruitment, the firm has also made strategic appointments across the firm in recent months.
Matthew Lockey has been promoted to Head of Private Family Law, since joining the firm in May 2023, he has progressed rapidly, becoming an Associate Solicitor in February 2025. His work in divorce, financial settlements and children matters often intersects with property transactions, particularly where assets and home ownership are involved.
In addition, Helena Dar has joined as Solicitor in the Wills, Trusts & Probate team, a First-Class Law graduate from Northumbria University who qualified in 2025.
These developments reflect increasing demand across family law, residential property, and private client services, with the firm continuing to build a strong, multidisciplinary team to meet client needs.
Sarah Reid, Managing Director, Richard Reed said: “We are delighted to welcome a number of new colleagues to the firm and to recognise the achievements of our newly promoted team members, Matthew and Steven. This period of growth is a testament to the hard work of our people and the trust our clients place in us. As we continue to expand, our focus remains on delivering a personal, high-quality service across all areas of the business.”
The growth trajectory is set to continue in the coming months with two additional staff members set to join the firm, with recruitment efforts also ongoing as part of a wider expansion strategy.
Sarah added: “We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to investing in our people at every stage of their careers. We remain dedicated to creating an environment where talent is nurtured, and success is shared.”
