Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in East Sussex
Hart Reade is a long-established legal practice founded in 1910, serving clients across East Sussex and beyond. With offices in Eastbourne, Hailsham, and Polegate, we combine over a century of experience with modern legal expertise to deliver tailored solutions for individuals and businesses. Our team of qualified solicitors and legal executives specialises in family law, property conveyancing, probate, commercial law, and dispute resolution.Accredited by Lexcel and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, we prioritise client care, transparency, and professional excellence. We offer free initial consultations for family law matters and maintain a commitment to accessibility, including wheelchair access and home visits. Our local knowledge and dedication to ethical practice have earned us a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness in the communities we serve.
Services
Family Law
Property Conveyancing
Probate
Business Advice
Wills
Dispute Resolution
Details
- Year established: 1910
Highlights and features
- We have over 110 years of experience providing legal services in East Sussex.
- Our team includes specialists accredited by Lexcel and the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
- We offer free initial legal interviews for family law matters.
- Our local knowledge spans Eastbourne, Hailsham, and Polegate communities.
- We maintain transparent pricing and client-focused communication.
Associations and certifications
- Lexcel
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme
- Resolution
- STEP
What people say
Excellent service
Professional and efficient
Compassionate and knowledgeable
Stress-free process
Highly recommend
Services
Family Law
Our family law specialists handle divorce, civil partnerships, child arrangements, and financial settlements with empathy and precision. We prioritise amicable resolutions through mediation while preparing robust court representation when necessary. Clients benefit from collaborative law expertise and a focus on minimising emotional and financial strain during sensitive transitions.
Property Conveyancing
Recognised by the Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme, we manage residential and commercial property transactions with clarity and diligence. Our services include purchase/sale conveyancing, leasehold enfranchisement, and boundary disputes. Clients receive proactive updates and practical guidance to ensure smooth property transfers and compliance with current regulations.
Probate
We provide compassionate support for estate administration, will writing, and lasting powers of attorney. Our team navigates complex probate matters, including contested wills and tax planning, while maintaining sensitivity to personal circumstances. Clients receive clear explanations of legal processes and proactive management of inheritance matters.
Business Advice
Our commercial department advises on business transfers, employment law, and commercial litigation with practical commercial awareness. We offer lease negotiations, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance support tailored to local businesses. Clients benefit from cost-effective solutions delivered by solicitors with deep understanding of regional market dynamics.
Dispute Resolution
Specialising in alternative dispute resolution, we handle property, employment, and inheritance disputes through mediation and litigation. Our approach focuses on achieving pragmatic outcomes while maintaining professional standards. Clients receive strategic advice informed by extensive courtroom experience and a commitment to minimising adversarial conflict.
People
Guy Brown
Co-Head of Department, Partner
Specialising in family law, Guy offers expert guidance on divorce and financial settlements with over 20 years' experience in resolving complex matrimonial cases.
Alexandra Funnell
Co-Head of Department, Partner
Alexandra leads family law cases with collaborative expertise, focusing on child arrangements and pre-nuptial agreements while maintaining Resolution membership standards.
Andrew Pluck
Head of Department, Partner
Andrew oversees property and commercial law matters, combining conveyancing excellence with business transaction expertise to serve residential and corporate clients.
John Benson
Head of Department, Partner
John specialises in probate and private client work, providing trusted advice on estate planning and Court of Protection matters with over 30 years' legal experience.
Sebastian Hale-Smith
Solicitor, LLM
Sebastian handles employment law and litigation cases, offering clear explanations of complex legal issues while achieving practical resolutions for business clients.
Questions
What areas of law does Hart Reade specialise in?
We specialise in family law, property conveyancing, probate, commercial law, and dispute resolution, with accredited specialists in each practice area.
Do you offer free initial legal consultations?
Yes, our family law department provides a free 30-minute no-obligation appointment to discuss your case and explain available options.
Are your conveyancing fees transparent?
Yes, we provide clear cost information upfront with online fee guides and written estimates tailored to your property transaction.
How can I verify your legal accreditations?
We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (number 817652) and hold Lexcel accreditation, with verification details available on our website.
What accessibility options do you provide?
All offices have wheelchair access, with home visits available for those unable to travel, and documents provided in large print upon request.
How do you handle client identity verification?
We require photographic ID and recent utility bills for anti-money laundering compliance, with alternative arrangements available if needed.
Reviews (5)
He Emily Cooper
Mar 04, 2022
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Hart Reade Eastbourne is my forever Solicitor and I full heartedly and without hesitation can recommend! I was under the very best professional, understanding, protective and experienced wings of Mr Brown, Danielle and Philippa for 3 years (and still) and I am genuinely deeply grateful! Every visit was attentive, everything explained in understanding terms and I only ever felt genuinely cared for, fought for.
The law is a minefield and sadly to many degrees has wholes in it, but Mr Brown never did anything but the very best, safest, legal protection for me and both him, Danielle and Philippa are kind, courteous, understanding and just genuinely amazing! Mr Brown also appointed me the very best Barrister Mr Watson who's knowledge and professionalism was proven repeatedly. I must also express gratitude to Maddie at reception for always being the friendliest light of welcome.
My Father asked me to 'go and find the best of the best Solicitor in the area' (East Sussex) in 2018 and I truly did. HE Emily Cooper Represented by Solicitor Mr G Brown / Eastbourne Mr Duncan Watson Barrister/ London Danielle Archer / assistant to Mr Brown Philippa Barker / secretary to Mr Brown
The law is a minefield and sadly to many degrees has wholes in it, but Mr Brown never did anything but the very best, safest, legal protection for me and both him, Danielle and Philippa are kind, courteous, understanding and just genuinely amazing! Mr Brown also appointed me the very best Barrister Mr Watson who's knowledge and professionalism was proven repeatedly. I must also express gratitude to Maddie at reception for always being the friendliest light of welcome.
My Father asked me to 'go and find the best of the best Solicitor in the area' (East Sussex) in 2018 and I truly did. HE Emily Cooper Represented by Solicitor Mr G Brown / Eastbourne Mr Duncan Watson Barrister/ London Danielle Archer / assistant to Mr Brown Philippa Barker / secretary to Mr Brown
Bucklers Catering
Jan 05, 2022
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Hart Reade acted for me in the purchase of my businesses. They were knowledgeable and professional and I felt extremely well supported and in safe hands throughout the whole process. Communication and responsiveness was excellent and I would have no hesitation in recommending them.
Jordan West
Dec 23, 2021
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I can't thank Alexandra Funnell enough, from start to finish she was so professional, reassuring and so understanding which made me feel at instant ease. I couldn't believe how quick all the paperwork was completed in a timely and efficient manner. I would recommend Alexandra to any family member or friends that found themselves needing representation.
Abi Craven
Dec 23, 2021
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Greg Saunders dealt with my matrimonial matters professionally. A divorce is never easy for anybody but Greg made the process much easier with his excellent communication and understanding.
Liam Dyson
Dec 19, 2021
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I used Alexandra back in 2020 to help me deal with a child contact arrangement. From the very start I was welcomed with a friendly smile, and a honest outlook on my situation. I was given clear legal options I could choose to take and advice on what she thought would be the best and least disruptive route to take. I am a natural worrier, my own mind blows everything out of proportion, but Alexandra was there each time to reassure my worries when I needed. I simply couldn't recommend Alexandra enough! My issues were resolved quickly, efficiently and in a very cost effective manner. 10/10