Business Details
41 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Services in Bury, Lancashire
Derek Smith has provided expert legal advice in Bury, Lancashire for over 40 years. Our family-run practice combines traditional values with modern service delivery, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS). In 2014, we merged with Winder Taylor Fallows to form Winder Taylor Smith, enhancing our expertise while maintaining our commitment to personal service. Our experienced team specialises in residential and commercial conveyancing, wills, probate, and lasting powers of attorney. We prioritise client satisfaction through transparent communication, fixed-fee structures, and partnerships with leading estate agents.With offices in Ramsbottom, Bolton, and Horwich, we serve clients across the North West. Our approach balances 21st-century efficiency with time-tested professionalism, ensuring clients receive both technical excellence and compassionate support. We invest in free consultations, clear documentation, and comprehensive terms of business to eliminate hidden costs. Our reputation, built through decades of satisfied clients, remains our strongest endorsement.
Services
Residential Conveyancing
Commercial Conveyancing
Wills
Power of Attorney
Probate
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of combined legal expertise in Bury
- SRA and CQS regulated for quality assurance
- Transparent fixed-fee pricing structures
- Established partnerships with local estate agents
- Personalised service from experienced solicitors
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Conveyancing Quality Scheme
Services
Residential Conveyancing
We handle all aspects of residential property transactions, from first homes to investment properties. Our qualified team manages legal processes including contracts, searches, and completion. We prioritise clear communication and timely updates to ensure stress-free transactions while protecting client interests throughout the conveyancing process.
Commercial Conveyancing
Our commercial team provides expert advice on business property transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, and lease agreements. We support corporate clients with secured lending arrangements and property management. Our service combines legal expertise with business insight to facilitate smooth commercial property transfers and protect client investments.
Wills
We create legally binding wills to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Our service includes tax planning, executor appointments, and guardianship arrangements. We provide clear guidance on will creation, witnessing, and storage to ensure your estate plan remains valid and up-to-date.
Probate
Our probate specialists guide executors through estate administration, including grant applications and asset distribution. We handle straightforward and complex estates with transparent pricing. Our service covers inheritance tax considerations, beneficiary management, and legal compliance to ensure smooth estate settlement.
Power of Attorney
We draft lasting powers of attorney to manage financial and welfare decisions during incapacity. Our specialists explain options for single or joint attorneys, covering property, finances, and healthcare. We ensure documents meet legal requirements while reflecting clients' specific wishes and circumstances.
People
Iain Grundy
Client Care Partner
With over 20 years' experience in legal client management, Iain Grundy oversees our complaints procedure and ensures high service standards. He personally handles client concerns and maintains our commitment to continuous improvement.
Kate Nightingale
Senior Legal Partner
Senior partner Kate Nightingale specialises in commercial law and estate administration. With 15 years at the firm, she provides expert guidance on complex property transactions and business succession planning while maintaining our regulatory compliance.
Caroline Smith
Legal Partner
Partner Caroline Smith focuses on residential conveyancing and probate matters. Her 18-year career includes specialising in will drafting and estate planning, ensuring clients receive practical solutions tailored to their individual circumstances.
Questions
What areas do you cover?
We serve clients across Lancashire, including Bury, Bolton, and Horwich, with multiple office locations.
Are your prices transparent?
Yes, we provide clear fixed-fee structures for probate and conveyancing with no hidden costs.
How long does probate take?
Simple estates typically take 6-8 months, with grant issuance within 8-10 weeks.
Can you help with commercial property?
Our commercial team handles acquisitions, leases, and secured lending for business properties.
Do you offer will writing?
Yes, we create legally binding wills with tax planning and executor guidance included.
Are you regulated?
We're regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and hold Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation.
