Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Legal Services in Witney, Oxfordshire
Established in 1932, John Welch & Stammers has built a reputation as a trusted law firm serving clients in Witney and surrounding areas. Our practice specialises in dispute resolution, property law, and probate services, combining traditional values with modern legal expertise. We prioritise personal client relationships while maintaining efficiency through technological advancements. As the first Alternative Business Structure in our region, we introduced non-lawyer partners to enhance service delivery without compromising our core ethos.Our team of experienced solicitors and legal professionals provides tailored advice across commercial and private client matters. We remain committed to accessible, cost-effective legal solutions while upholding the highest standards of professional conduct. With over 85 years of local presence, we continue to adapt to evolving client needs while preserving our founding principles of integrity and client care.
Services
Probate Services
Dispute Resolution
Property Law
Wills & Trusts
Commercial Property
Estate Administration
Powers of Attorney
Inheritance Tax Planning
Landlord & Tenant Disputes
Equity Release Schemes
Details
- Year established: 1932
Highlights and features
- Established in 1932 with deep local legal expertise
- Personalised service from experienced solicitors and partners
- Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
- Pioneered Alternative Business Structure for enhanced service delivery
- Specialist knowledge in commercial and private client matters
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Compassion and support
Friendly, professional and efficient
Made complex process less stressful
Deep local legal expertise
Experienced negotiator
Services
Probate Services
Our probate specialists handle all aspects of estate administration, including wills, grants of probate, and inheritance tax planning. We provide clear guidance to executors and beneficiaries through complex legal processes. With compassionate support, we ensure efficient resolution of estate matters while maintaining strict compliance with legal requirements.
Dispute Resolution
We resolve commercial and personal legal disputes through negotiation, mediation, and litigation. Our team handles property conflicts, contract disputes, and inheritance challenges with strategic expertise. Focused on cost-effective solutions, we prioritise alternative dispute resolution methods while maintaining readiness for court proceedings when necessary.
Property Law
Comprehensive property transaction services covering residential and commercial sales, purchases, and leases. We manage mortgages, equity release schemes, and shared ownership agreements with meticulous attention to detail. Our conveyancing team ensures smooth transactions while addressing complex legal requirements for all property types.
Wills & Trusts
We create tailored wills and trust arrangements to protect clients' assets and intentions. Our services include lasting powers of attorney and inheritance tax mitigation strategies. With empathetic guidance, we help clients establish legally sound frameworks for asset distribution and long-term care planning.
Commercial Property
Specialist support for commercial property transactions including acquisitions, disposals, and lease agreements. We advise on licensing requirements and property development projects with commercial awareness. Our solicitors ensure legally compliant, strategically advantageous arrangements for business property needs.
People
Bernadette Summers
Managing Partner
Managing Partner with over 25 years' experience in legal administration and private client matters. Qualified in business and legal accounts, she specialises in wills, trusts, and estate planning while overseeing firm operations.
Mark Drasdo
Partner
Solicitor with 30 years' expertise in trust and estate practice. Specialises in complex probate matters and powers of attorney, combining legal knowledge with compassionate client support through sensitive legal processes.
Hayley Smith
Partner
Experienced probate solicitor focusing on elderly client care. Specialises in wills, trusts, and estate administration with particular empathy for vulnerable clients, simplifying complex legal procedures for improved client experience.
Kenneth Skinner
Salaried Partner
Residential property specialist with 20 years' conveyancing experience. Manages domestic property transactions with expertise in sales, purchases, and mortgage arrangements, ensuring smooth client processes.
Russell Jinks
Solicitor
Civil dispute resolution expert with 40 years' practice. Handles commercial disputes, property conflicts, and employment settlement agreements, utilising mediation and negotiation skills to achieve cost-effective client outcomes.
Questions
What areas of law does John Welch & Stammers specialise in?
We specialise in probate and estate administration, dispute resolution, property law, and commercial legal services while maintaining expertise across various private client matters.
How long has the firm been operating in Witney?
Established in 1932, we have served Witney and surrounding areas for over 90 years, combining long-standing local knowledge with modern legal practices.
Can I get assistance with wills and inheritance planning?
Yes, our specialist team provides comprehensive will drafting, lasting powers of attorney, trust creation, and inheritance tax planning services tailored to individual circumstances.
Are your conveyancing services available for first-time buyers?
Yes, we provide full support for residential property transactions including first-time purchases, shared ownership schemes, and new-build property acquisitions with clear guidance throughout the process.
What makes John Welch & Stammers different from other law firms?
Our unique combination of long-standing local expertise, personal client relationships, and innovative service delivery through Alternative Business Structure status creates distinctive value for clients.
