Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Alton, Hampshire
Established in 1905, we are a traditional law firm with a modern approach, dedicated to placing clients at the heart of our practice. Our team combines extensive legal expertise with a client-focused, solicitor-led service, offering tailored advice across residential and commercial property, dispute resolution, and private client matters. With offices in Alton and Petersfield, we serve clients locally across Hampshire and the South, as well as in London and beyond. Our solicitors and legal executives bring decades of experience, including backgrounds in national and Legal 500-ranked firms, ensuring high-quality representation while maintaining a personal touch.We specialise in complex property transactions, probate, trusts, and professional negligence claims, alongside notarial services for international document authentication. Our commitment to transparency, regular communication, and competitive pricing has earned us a loyal client base and industry recognition. We pride ourselves on delivering efficient, empathetic service, whether handling routine conveyancing or intricate legal disputes. Our heritage and forward-looking ethos position us as trusted advisors for individuals and businesses seeking reliable legal solutions.
Services
Residential Conveyancing
Property Development
Dispute Resolution
Wills & Probate
Notary Public
Details
- Year established: 1905
Highlights and features
- We offer over a century of legal expertise with a client-first approach.
- Our solicitors have experience in national and Legal 500-ranked firms.
- We provide tailored advice for complex property, probate, and dispute cases.
- Regular client updates ensure transparency and informed decision-making.
- We combine competitive pricing with the personal touch of a local practice.
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Kind and prompt assistance
Regular and informative updates
Uncomplicated process
No hidden fees
Expertise in probate
Services
Residential Conveyancing
We handle residential property transactions, including freehold and leasehold sales, purchases, remortgages, and transfers. Our team ensures smooth processes with clear communication from offer to completion. Clients benefit from competitive pricing and experienced legal support tailored to their needs.
Property Development
Our property development service supports clients in commercial and residential projects, covering acquisitions, planning, and regulatory compliance. We provide strategic legal advice to developers and investors, ensuring efficient project execution while mitigating risks through our sector expertise.
Dispute Resolution
We resolve commercial and civil disputes, including contract conflicts, professional negligence, and property litigation. Our approach prioritises negotiation but prepares rigorously for court when needed. Clients receive pragmatic guidance to achieve favourable outcomes with minimal disruption to their affairs.
Wills & Probate
We assist with drafting Wills, probate administration, and trust management, offering compassionate support during sensitive times. Our specialists ensure compliance with inheritance laws while safeguarding clients' wishes and minimising family disputes through clear, legally sound documentation.
Notary Public
Our Notary Public certifies and authenticates documents for international use, including powers of attorney and property transactions. We ensure compliance with foreign legal requirements, providing certified translations and witnessing services to facilitate cross-border legal matters efficiently.
People
Simon Acworth
Senior Partner
With 48 years' experience, Simon specialises in Wills, probate, and trusts. He is a Notary Public, offering expertise in international document authentication while leading our private client team with dedication and empathy.
Julian De Giovanni
Partner
Julian leads property development and commercial property work, leveraging over 20 years' experience in complex transactions. He advises developers and businesses on acquisitions, disposals, and landlord-tenant matters with strategic legal insight.
Tracey Longdon
Head of Residential Conveyancing
Tracey manages residential property transactions, including new builds and leasehold sales. With over 20 years' legal experience, she ensures efficient, client-focused service for homebuyers and sellers across Hampshire and beyond.
Hayley-Jo Lockley
Dispute Resolution Lawyer
Hayley-Jo specialises in commercial litigation and debt recovery, handling contractual disputes and professional negligence claims. Her pragmatic approach aims to resolve conflicts swiftly while protecting clients' interests through robust legal representation.
Alison Courtenay
Senior Private Client Lawyer
Alison advises on Wills, probate, and trusts, combining nearly 15 years' experience with a compassionate approach. She prioritises clear communication to guide clients through complex private client matters with sensitivity and professionalism.
Questions
What areas of law do Downie & Gadban Solicitors & Notaries Public Solicitors specialise in?
We specialise in residential and commercial property, dispute resolution, Wills/probate, trusts, and notarial services for international document authentication.
Do you offer services outside Hampshire?
Yes, while based in Alton and Petersfield, we serve clients across the South, London, and beyond for all our legal services.
How experienced is your legal team?
Our solicitors and legal executives have decades of combined experience, including roles in national and Legal 500-ranked firms.
Can you handle complex property transactions?
Yes, we manage complex residential and commercial property deals, including new builds, leaseholds, and development projects with expert legal guidance.
How do you keep clients updated during legal processes?
We provide regular, detailed updates via phone or email to ensure clients understand each step and potential outcomes of their case.
Do you offer notarial services for international documents?
Yes, our Notary Public authenticates documents for overseas use, including powers of attorney and property transactions requiring foreign legal compliance.
