03/02/2026
Russell & Russell are thrilled to share that our conveyancing services are returning to our Bury office for the first time in almost 20 years.
Members of our conveyancing team, Anthony, Blessing, and Emir, will be bringing their experience from our Atria office in Bolton, to establish a dedicated conveyancing team in Bury. From here, they will be supporting clients with a wide range of residential property matters, including sales, purchases, and remortgages.
We are looking forward to supporting more clients locally and continuing to serve the Bury community with the friendly, professional service Russell & Russell is known for.
To mark the return of conveyancing services to our Bury office (and to officially welcome the team!), we spoke to Anthony, Blessing, and Emir about their roles, their experience, and to get to know the team a little better. We also spoke with David Kitchen, Conveyancing Partner and Director at Russell & Russell Solicitors, about this exciting new move and what clients can expect.
David Kitchen, Conveyancing Partner and Director
- What conveyancing services will the Bury office be offering?
We are offering a full range of residential property services in Bury, from sales and purchases to remortgage work and rectifying title defects. We have carefully selected a team to move over to the Bury office that have the local knowledge and experience to offer a full range of services.
- What can clients expect when working with your team?
As a firm, it is important to us to be in a position to offer a high level of service to our clients. Although we undertake conveyancing services around the country, we still offer a traditional high street service. Having a conveyancing presence in our Bury office will afford any clients who reside in the Bury area the opportunity to drop in and see their conveyancer if they have any queries.
- What’s the most common question you get from clients at the start of a sale/purchase?
The most common question is one of timescales. In a world whereby one can order a product online and have it delivered to their home the same day / the next day, it is understandably frustrating for most homebuyers that the conveyancing process still takes several weeks. The solicitor chosen to undertake the conveyancing process is an important choice for any homebuyer.
Whilst there are still several barriers in place within the conveyancing industry that naturally delay all transactions, there are a lot of variables and (in my view) instructing a solicitor with local knowledge can improve timescales.
- What’s one thing people can do early on to help their transaction run smoothly?
In order to assist solicitors, a seller should ideally be looking to complete their onboarding process and initial forms at the earliest opportunity. There is unfortunately a lot of documentation to be completed when selling a property. The earlier a seller can commence work in completing their forms, the earlier a seller’s solicitor can look to issue contract documentation to the buyer’s solicitor.
From a buyer’s perspective, ensuring their “source of funds” documentation is available at the outset is critical to ensuring a smooth process. Solicitors are under quite strict regulations with regard to anti-money-laundering checks, so having bank statements and evidence of the source of the funds and wealth being utilised towards a purchase readily available will potentially save time and speed up the transaction.
- What are the biggest things that can delay conveyancing, and how do you help avoid them?
Chain conveyancing can often present frustrations, as the whole chain can only move as fast as the slowest link in the chain. Whilst there is no certain way of avoiding such delays, ensuring that you have instructed a solicitor who will progress your transaction as swiftly as possible (so you are not the party holding everyone up) is extremely important.
- What would you say to someone who’s never bought or sold a property before?
If you are selling a property and have not been through the sale process before, I would strongly recommend that you complete your initial forms as early as possible at the outset, and try to provide as much information and documentation as possible to your solicitor.
For example, a significant volume of houses in Bury are “long leasehold houses”. These properties are often held on a 999 year lease with a small ground rent payable to a freeholder. If you are selling a long leasehold house, try and dig out your most recent ground rent demand at the outset and evidence this has been paid, and provide any contact information you have for the ground rent collector to your solicitor.
- What’s one reason clients should choose a local trusted firm for conveyancing, and why should that be Russell & Russell?
Local knowledge can assist in a property transaction. A local solicitor is more likely to have knowledge and experience of any issues that are unique to that area, and can apply that knowledge and experience to avoid unnecessary legal enquiries, which reduces the amount of back and forth between solicitors on a transaction, which should ultimately lead to a smoother process.
- How can someone make an enquiry or find out more about the services?
There are a few ways you can enquire about our Bury Conveyancing services. You can call us on 0800 103 2600, complete an Enquiry Form via our website or use our live chat facility. A member of our Conveyancing New Business team will then be in touch to assist you. Alternatively, if you are looking to obtain an estimate of fees in the first instance, you can utilise our online quoting tool to obtain an indicative cost - https://russellrussell.co.uk/advice-for-you/conveyancing/quote.
Read more about David Kitchen.
Anthony Harrison
- You first joined Russell & Russell in 2016. What made you return, and what keeps you passionate about conveyancing?
Russell & Russell Solicitors has been a trusted, reputable legal practice for many families and individuals alike, with a history that extends beyond 125 years! That is a remarkable achievement within itself. However, when I first joined the firm back in 2016, it was clear from day one that a significant part of that achievement is the team and working environment we have here at Russell & Russell. There is a depth of experience throughout the firm, and many of today’s team have stayed a part of the firm for many years and progressed through their legal careers along the way. In that sense, it felt like a natural choice for me to return to Russell & Russell when the opportunity arose to continue my career, whilst hopefully playing a part in ensuring the firm excels for many more years to come.
For most people, buying or selling a property generally correlates with a new chapter in their life, whether that be a first-time buyer stepping onto the property ladder or a family upsizing or downsizing, it is an exciting time for the individuals and can be extremely rewarding as a Conveyancer to support people throughout the process, which at times can feel very confusing if the process is entirely new.
- What types of transactions do you handle most often?
I handle a varied caseload of residential property transactions such as purchases, sales, refinancing and transfer of equity cases, both for individuals and property investors
- What does “excellent conveyancing service” look like to you?
It is often said that buying or selling a home can be a stressful time for those individuals involved, our role as Conveyancers is to provide clear guidance and support throughout the process and to be on hand to simplify the process where possible ensuring it is as stress free as possible.
I believe a big part of achieving that relies on forming long-term trusted relations with clients, and having a local branch strengthens the firm’s ability to achieve this whilst servicing clients in Bury and the surrounding areas, as they can arrange face-to-face meetings and have direct contact with their conveyancer. In a climate whereby many services are moving to remote servicing, it is important not to forget that many still wish to be able to meet their legal advisor and have direct contact with them as and when required. That is perhaps the most crucial part of providing an excellent conveying service.
- What are you most looking forward to about establishing the new Bury conveyancing team?
The decision to expand our conveyancing services to the Bury branch shows a clear commitment to servicing local communities and signals another step forward for the firm.
As someone who grew up in Bury, I find it an exciting time to be involved in the project and to join the property team in Bury.
- What’s your top tip for anyone buying or selling a home in 2026?
Buying a home will likely be the biggest investment for the majority of people, and ensuring they instruct knowledgeable legal advisors will mean they can have full confidence in the home-buying process. Completing the initial forms may seem tedious at the outset for some, however ensuring they are completed in good time will assist with the process being as efficient as possible.
I would also always recommend that buyers commission surveys as they can often reveal matters which may not have been know nor considered otherwise. Surveyors are the “eyes and ears” in the conveyancing process and can really offer support to the conveyancer as to matters to be considered and resolved prior to advising a buyer to proceed.
- How does your ongoing qualification journey (CILEX/SQE route) support your work and benefit clients?
I have undertaken the CILEX qualification whilst working within the industry over the last few years and recently passed my final exams! Whilst it has been challenging to juggle studies alongside the role, without doubt, the biggest advantage for me of taking this route has been the fact that I have not had to step away from conveyancing practice and servicing clients. Often place, when undertaking studies, whether that be via university or otherwise, without having had the previous practice experience, there can be a huge adjustment period to go through and can feel overwhelming, particularly given the complexities that conveyancing can often involve.
- What’s one myth about conveyancing you’d love to clear up?
Conveyancing is a quick process after an offer is accepted and a mortgage offer has been issued. Conveyancers cannot give clear advice on set timescales, and no two transactions are the same. Each transaction comes with its own unique complexities, and whilst some transactions can run smoothly to completion within 6 weeks, others can take much longer due to issues that may be entirely out of your Conveyancer's hands. The conveyancing process must be thorough as that can help ensure no unexpected issues occur in the future if you were to sell your house, for example.
With that said, we shall communicate with you on a result basis throughout the process to ensure that everything is progressing smoothly.
- What is the favourite part of your job?
Completion calls! The part where we give the final news that the process has all gone through!
Read more about Anthony Harrison.
Blessing Alionye
- What made you want to work in conveyancing after graduating?
I enjoyed property law during my studies.
- What do you enjoy most about helping clients through their property matters?
When completion occurs, there is a sense of accomplishment and togetherness, especially in difficult transactions.
- How do you help clients feel reassured when they’re stressed or unsure about the process?
I explain the process to the client in a way that will help them understand the process and the different stages of the transaction. Therefore, when we have hit a milestone in the transaction, it is less stressful for them because they understand where we are in the transaction and what it means.
- What does great client service mean to you personally?
Understanding your client because every client is different. Supporting them through the process and being able explain in a way that does not sound too complex to comprehend.
- What’s your best tip for first-time buyers?
Trust your solicitors and review your report thoroughly
- What would you say to someone who feels nervous about starting the conveyancing process?
I can understand why it is nerve wracking to start a conveyancing process. Speaking to your solicitor would help you know what to expect and even others who have been
through the process multiple times.
- What are you most excited about when it comes to working with clients in Bury?
New opportunities, meeting new people and showing the expertise of Russell & Russell Conveyancing to them.
- Most rewarding part of your role?
The clients’ appreciation and excitement when they move into their new home.
- Best thing about working with your team?
We all get along, can talk to each other, support each other and ask questions when unsure.
- What job do you think you’d be surprisingly good at outside of law?
Midwifery or Fashion design
- Favourite way to unwind after work?
Netflix and a takeaway
Find out more about Blessing Alionye.
Emir
- What attracted you to Russell & Russell when you graduated?
What attracted me to Russell & Russell the most was the work environment. In addition to Russell & Russell maintaining high professional standards, everyone I have met has been welcoming and down-to-earth. This was important to me as the jump from University to a Law Firm can be an intimidating process, and Russell & Russell was the best place to begin my career in law. I would also point out that the opportunity to work for a local firm with Russell & Russell's reputation was very exciting.
- What does your role involve day-to-day as a Conveyancing Assistant?
My day-to-day role as a Conveyancing Assistant involves assisting Anthony in various ways. From sending out contract packs to helping clients with completion, I would say that no two days are the same. My role allows me to develop crucial skills for conveyancing, such as drafting contracts, helping with enquiries and developing strong communication skills. Another element to my role would be learning from Anthony and trying to adopt the skills and knowledge he has gained throughout his time in conveyancing.
- What have you learned so far working closely with Anthony?
Working with Anthony has taught me many things about conveyancing. Firstly, the amount of work and dedication that goes into every transaction. Anthony is always one of the first to be in the office and last to leave, ensuring no case is left behind. I would argue that it could be easy to underestimate how long the process can take, however working with Anthony has shown that any form of a property transaction is a delicate matter and deserves the time and effort to ensure that the matter is dealt with care.
The importance of prioritisation and organisation is another skill I have learnt from Anthony. He has demonstrated how to handle multiple cases whilst ensuring that all cases are dealt with swiftly and carefully. Knowing which documents to hold onto and return to the clients is important, as ultimately the clients would prefer to have possession of such important documents.
- What has surprised you most about conveyancing since joining the team?
The most surprising element of conveyancing I have realised is the fast-paced nature of day-to-day work. With so many elements to a transaction, there is always work to be done to ensure that a case is up to date. Balancing the work, whilst updating agents and meeting clients, can feel challenging but extremely rewarding. With Anthony’s help, tackling this element was a lot easier.
- What are you most excited about in joining the new Bury conveyancing team?
I am most excited about the opportunity to see how a new branch launches and establishes a reputation in that area. Russell & Russell carries a strong reputation in Bolton, and with Anthony leading the new Bury conveyancing team, I am confident that the reputation will carry over to Bury. The opportunity to experience a new team will build on many skills, such as resilience and challenging myself in new environments.
- What do you think clients value most from a conveyancing team?
I believe consistent communication is a value clients want most from a conveyancing team. Any property transaction is a monumental part of our client’s life, so keeping them updated when needed can ease any tension built up surrounding the process. Even a simple update can be a big help to clients.
- How does the team work together behind the scenes to keep transactions moving?
Behind the scenes, the team works together through having a strong structure in place. As Anthony’s assistant, I experience the freedom to work on my own tasks while being updated on anything urgent to work on. This allows the team to steadily move multiple cases whilst ensuring there are no surprises and nothing is missed.
- What advice would you give someone considering a career in law?
My advice to someone considering a career in law would be to reach out and converse with people already established in that field. I was fortunate enough to discover conveyancing through a friend I met at university. He was a conveyancing paralegal, so I learned exactly what steps I needed to take to begin my journey in law. Everyone starts at the same point, so knowing someone who can relate to your position helps tremendously with the nervousness of starting a career in law.
- Best part of the job so far?
My favourite part of the job so far is the opportunity to learn every day. Being in an environment surrounded by people with a wealth of experience allows me to always develop my knowledge of conveyancing and keeps me curious about where I can grow. In my position, it is crucial to be in an environment that promotes advancing yourself, and that is the culture here at Russell & Russell.
- What’s one skill you had at school that still helps you in your work today?
Prioritisation is a skill I have carried over from school to my work today. With many subjects to study and revise for, I would stick to a list of priorities I had made to ensure I kept up with all my classes. This skill translates into conveyancing, with many cases to work on and ensures that every matter receives equal treatment.
- Weekend reset activity?
My favourite activity to reset at the weekend would be meeting up with my friends in Manchester to go watch a film and catch up. Talking about our week over a game of football also helps me unwind after a busy week of work.
Please note that this article is meant as general guidance and not intended as legal or professional advice. Updates to the law may have changed since this article was published.