Member Article

Wensleydale solicitor Geoff Mochrie retires after 42 years

ONE OF the Yorkshire Dales best-known solicitors has retired after more than 42 years practice.

Geoff Mochrie, of Newtons Solicitors Leyburn office, trained as a solicitor in Hull, qualified in 1978 and then practiced in partnership in Leyburn until 2009 when he started his own practice, Geoffrey Mochrie Solicitors.

A widely-experienced general practice solicitor, Geoff Mochrie, latterly specialised in residential and commercial property and was involved in hundreds of transactions throughout the Yorkshire Dales.

He built his practice up to five employees, including director, Frances Maxwell, a wills, private and family law specialist, who now leads the office, and three support staff, before approaching Newtons Solicitors to acquire the business last year (2013).

Geoff Mochrie, says: “I have many recollections of times of humour and others of great sadness when working in the Dales. Local people are very traditional and many still like the old-style family solicitor who is their friend and confidante. I have received many messages of good wishes from clients and professional colleagues which have been humbling. I shall miss them all as many have become firm friends.”

Chris Newton says: “The synergy between Geoff’s business and ours was apparent from our first meeting and the practice has been an excellent fit within our group while also giving Geoff an exit route for retirement.

“His client base has benefited from the wider services provided within our group and more local businesses have instructed the firm because of the stronger regional support now available to the Leyburn office.”

Newtons has recruited senior solicitor Sue Alexander, from Clark Willis, Darlington, to take over Geoff Mochrie’s property, wills and probate work. She says: “This is a great opportunity to be involved in a fast-growing business, working from such a beautiful location. Having worked with the Newtons team for several years in my previous role, I’m delighted to be part of the practice”

The Leyburn team is further strengthened by the appointment of litigation and criminal advocate, Estella Pengilley, who joins from Newtons Solicitors head office in Knaresborough.

Fran Maxwell says: “We have a very strong team in place to take the office forward, business is booming and it is a very exciting time.”

Geoff Mochrie’s younger son has followed him into the law and is a highly-regarded criminal solicitor in Teesside.

Newtons Solicitors, founded by Chris Newton and his wife, Sarah, who is also a director, has completed five years’ trading from a standing start and has seen turnover grow to £2.5M this year. The firm, which also has offices in Harrogate, Ripon, York, Ilkley, Richmond and Darlington, has 13 directors and LLP partners and 38 lawyers.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mike Clarke Communications .