How the Quadruple Conveyancing Hires at Switalskis Strengthen Expertise for Homebuyers

Law firm Switalskis has announced it is seriously beefing up its residential conveyancing team, bringing in four new legal eagles to help more people across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire get the keys to their new homes. This move shows the firm is growing, adding heaps of property expertise across its offices in Wakefield, Bradford, Sheffield, and even a brand-new spot in Grimsby.

A wealth of experience joins the team

When you're dealing with something as big as a house purchase, experience really counts. You want someone who has seen it all before. That’s why the appointment of two new directors at Switalskis is such big news.

First up is Ed Atkin, who joins as a director and one of the joint heads of the conveyancing department. With 20 years in property law, he knows his stuff. He’s spent most of his career working in and around Grimsby, so he understands the local market inside out. His arrival is so significant that he’s been a key part of opening a new Switalskis office in Grimsby, giving the firm a proper base in a town he knows like the back of his hand. This addition brings a ton of specialised knowledge to the firm's residential conveyancing services.

Then there’s Alistair McKinlay, another heavyweight in the property world, stepping in as director and deputy head of conveyancing. Alistair has nearly 30 years of experience, having started his journey back in 1997. He’s worked at major firms in Leeds and is now based in the Wakefield office. But he’s not just brilliant with the legal side of conveyancing; he’s also a seasoned leader, known for looking after his team and helping to grow the business.

Fresh talent strengthening the ranks

It’s not just about seasoned veterans, though. A great team needs a mix of experience and fresh energy. Switalskis has also brought on board two fantastic, newly qualified solicitors who are already making their mark.

Jessica Carnell is one of these rising stars, joining the Bradford office as a residential conveyancing solicitor. Though she officially qualified in November 2025, she already has more than four years of hands-on experience in the field, dealing with all sorts of property sales. What drew her to the firm? Jessica says it was Switalskis’ “reputation for client care and the collaborative culture within the team”.

Over in the Sheffield office, Lauren Metham joins as another new residential conveyancing solicitor. She brings eight years of legal experience with her, having worked her way up in the conveyancing world. Lauren had a unique perspective on the firm before she even applied for the job. She had worked on transactions where the Switalskis Sheffield team was on the other side and was so impressed by their professionalism that she knew she wanted to be part of it.

Going from strength to strength

This expansion comes after a brilliant year for the firm's conveyancing department, where they picked up four awards for their dedication to clients. These new appointments are a clear signal that they’re not resting on their laurels. The firm is actively building a team that can handle anything, from a first-time buyer’s flat to a multi-million-pound property deal. The leadership structure, with joint heads and a deputy head, ensures there's always guidance and support.

Sarah Cookson, who is a director and one of the joint heads of residential conveyancing at Switalskis alongside Ed Atkin, summed it up perfectly. She said,

“Ed and Alistair bring an exceptional breadth of knowledge of their local markets and decades of experience in advising clients. It’s exactly the kind of expertise that will drive the next phase of our growth. Jessica and Lauren add further depth to the team, and both have built impressive foundations in conveyancing that will serve our clients extremely well. These appointments are a clear statement of our ambition and our commitment to delivering the outstanding service our clients expect, across an ever-wider geography.”