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Business Details
21 Years
experience
Expert Legal Services in Chelmsford & Leigh-on-Sea
Backhouse Solicitors is a traditional law firm with a modern twist, combining sharp legal expertise and exceptional service to make clients feel supported. Established in 2005 by Minal Backhouse, we have grown to become one of the largest employment law teams in Essex, expanding our services through strategic mergers and a commitment to continuous improvement. Our team of over 65 experts serves clients across Essex, London, and surrounding areas, offering tailored legal solutions in employment law, business law, property law, and more. We prioritise a personal approach, avoiding legal jargon to ensure clarity and accessibility for individuals and businesses alike.

With offices in Chelmsford and Leigh-on-Sea, we blend a 200-year heritage with innovative technology to deliver efficient, client-focused legal services. Our values of integrity, transparency, and client-centricity underpin every interaction, ensuring we provide value for money without compromising on quality. We are proud to support local charities and maintain a diverse, approachable team ready to fight our clients' corners in any legal matter.
Services
Employment Law Business Law Property Law Wills and Probate Dispute Resolution Conveyancing Commercial Property HR Training Probate Solicitors Lasting Power of Attorney
Details
  • Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
  • We offer a free 30-minute initial consultation for all legal matters
  • Our team consists of certified experts with over 20 years' experience in employment law
  • We provide transparent pricing with no hidden costs
  • Our commercial awareness ensures tailored legal solutions for businesses
  • We guarantee rapid response times for all client inquiries
Associations and certifications
  • Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Excellent service every time Highly recommended solicitors Professional and efficient Outstanding service quality Very prompt communication
Services
Employment Law
We provide comprehensive employment law services for employers and employees. Our expert team handles disputes, contracts, discrimination claims, and tribunal representation. With decades of combined experience, we ensure compliance with current legislation while protecting client interests. Our services include redundancy advice, settlement agreements, and workplace policy development.
Business Law
Our business law services cover commercial contracts, mergers, acquisitions, and corporate governance. We advise SMEs and large corporations on legal compliance, risk management, and transactional matters. Our team provides tailored solutions for business restructuring, intellectual property protection, and commercial dispute resolution.
Property Law
We offer specialist property law services including conveyancing, leasehold enfranchisement, and commercial property transactions. Our experienced solicitors handle residential and commercial property sales, purchases, and development projects. We provide clear guidance on property disputes, landlord-tenant relations, and property management issues.
Wills and Probate
Our wills and probate services include will drafting, inheritance tax planning, and estate administration. We help clients create legally sound wills, establish trusts, and manage complex probate matters. Our team provides compassionate support during bereavement while ensuring legal compliance and asset protection.
Dispute Resolution
We specialise in resolving commercial and personal disputes through litigation, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution. Our services cover contract disputes, debt recovery, property conflicts, and family law matters. We combine legal expertise with strategic thinking to achieve favourable outcomes for clients.
People
Minal Backhouse
Founder
Minal Backhouse established the firm in 2005 with expertise in employment law. She has over 25 years' experience representing clients in employment tribunals and developing the firm's commercial services. Her leadership has driven the firm's growth and merger with Duffield Stunt Solicitors.
Robert Pointer
Conveyancing Solicitor
Robert Pointer specialises in residential and commercial property transactions. With 15 years' experience, he handles complex conveyancing matters including new builds, leasehold properties, and property development schemes. Clients praise his attention to detail and transactional efficiency.
Catie Blair
Conveyancing Executive
Catie Blair provides expert conveyancing services with a focus on first-time buyers. She has handled over 500 property transactions, maintaining excellent client satisfaction ratings for her clear communication and proactive case management approach.
Natalie Smith
Employment Law Solicitor
Natalie Smith advises employees and employers on employment law matters. She specialises in unfair dismissal claims, redundancy processes, and workplace discrimination cases. Her practical approach helps clients achieve positive outcomes through negotiation or tribunal representation.
Tina Prajapati
Wills and Probate Solicitor
Tina Prajapati specialises in will writing, probate administration, and lasting powers of attorney. With 12 years' experience, she provides compassionate legal support during sensitive times, ensuring clients' wishes are legally protected and estates administered efficiently.
Questions
What areas of law do Backhouse Solicitors specialise in?
We specialise in employment law, business law, property law, wills and probate, and dispute resolution services across Essex and London.
Do you offer a free initial consultation?
Yes, we provide a free 30-minute initial consultation for all legal matters with no obligation to proceed.
How quickly can you handle property conveyancing?
Our average conveyancing completion time is 8-12 weeks, with urgent cases completed in as little as one month when required.
Are your legal fees transparent?
Yes, we guarantee all-inclusive quotes with no hidden costs or unexpected charges throughout your case.
Can you help with employment law disputes?
Our employment law team handles disputes for both employers and employees, including tribunal representation and settlement agreements.
Do you have offices in multiple locations?
We have two main offices in Chelmsford (head office) and Leigh-on-Sea, with virtual consultations available countywide.
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Reviews (6)
Daniel Petto
Apr 10, 2022 Report
Received excellent service from Nadine and the team at Backhouse Solicitors. Cannot fault the quality of service I've received. They managed my Help2Buy Redemption and mortgage transfer. The Help2Buy process is quite hard to navigate but Backhouse are experienced with dealing with this type of transaction. I would highly recommend using Backhouse, not your typical conveyancing type solicitors. 10 out of 10
Ivan Matellanes
Apr 08, 2022 Report
I've used the conveyancing services at Backhouse as a first time buyer and I couldn't be more pleased with the choice. Nadine was extremely diligent and responsive, usually replying to emails within 5 minutes. They made the process smooth and hassle-free. I'll definitely pick Backhouse again in the future!
Paul Carter
Apr 06, 2022 Report
Backhouse Solicitors provided an excellent and friendly conveyancing service when I purchased a flat recently. Their replies to my queries were both timely and accurate. I want to mention by name Liz Searl and Catie Edwards who were the individuals who I dealt with. Thank you both for making the process as smooth as possible, would definitely use Backhouse again and will recommend them to family and friends.
Dilip Addepalli
Mar 25, 2022 Report
Thanks to Nadine, Stephanie and the Backhouse team for being so diligent and helping us with our mortgage. It was such a seamless experience. The response was always prompt and never needed a chaser. Definitely a much better experience than what we've had in the past with other companies. I would highly recommend Backhouse.
Sophie Ibbs
Feb 23, 2022 Report
I had a very positive experience at Backhouse. My enquires and appointment booking were handled with speed and efficiency by Billie. I didn't feel like I was left hanging which had happen with other solicitors that I had contacted. My appointment was with Sarina Hayes. She was right on time and very personable. During the appointment, Sarina was very clear and explained documents which were full of jargon in a way that I could understand. I would highly recommend using Backhouse. I came away feeling confident that my needs had been met but importantly that the communication was outstanding.
Michelle Fleming
Feb 09, 2022 Report
Liz and her team have been simply brilliant! During, what has been a very difficult time for the family, Backhouse were always professional and consistently on the details of the Sale. This was in marked contrast to other conveyancers/solicitors involved in the transaction. Liz especially has been impressive. She was accurate and to the point in all her correspondence with other parties, at all times taking our instruction and understanding the detail to the letter. Michelle and I cannot thank her and her team enough for their help and support over the last few months.

Without them in our corner, I am doubtful the Sale would have ever gone through. Backhouse would always be a practice we would recommend to anyone thinking of a solicitor for the sale/purchase of a property. Thank you Backhouse and special thanks to Liz.