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Expert Legal Services in Essex
Established in the early 1900s, Harvey Copping & Harrison has built a century-long reputation for delivering expert legal services across Essex. With offices in Wickford, South Woodham Ferrers, and Canvey Island, we specialise in family law, residential and commercial property, lasting powers of attorney, and employment agreements. Our merger with Sternberg Reed LLP in October 2025 expands our capabilities to include criminal defence, legal aid-funded family law, employment law, and civil litigation.

Accredited by the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme and Resolution, our team of specialists prioritises clear communication, tailored advice, and client-centric service. Over 120 years of combined experience in our conveyancing department ensures seamless property transactions, while our family law team includes advanced Law Society panel members. Client testimonials consistently highlight our approachability, efficiency, and commitment to resolving complex legal matters with professionalism and empathy.
Services
Family Law Residential Property Commercial Property Wills & Probate Lasting Powers of Attorney Employment Agreements
Details
  • Year established: 1900
Highlights and features
  • Over 100 years of combined legal expertise in Essex
  • Accredited by the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme
  • Resolution-certified family law specialists
  • 24/7 client accessibility with prompt communication
  • Merged with nationally recognised firm Sternberg Reed LLP
Associations and certifications
  • Solicitors Regulation Authority
  • Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme
  • Resolution
What people say
Efficient and professional service Guided me brilliantly Excellent service Kept fully informed Worth the drive
Services
Family Law
Our Resolution-certified specialists handle divorce, separation, and child custody cases with empathy and expertise. We prioritise client welfare while managing expectations through complex emotional situations. Our solicitors, including advanced Law Society panel members, provide tailored solutions for families with diverse asset profiles.
Residential Property
With 120+ years combined experience, our Law Society-accredited team ensures smooth property transactions. We offer transparent fee structures, same-day responses, and coordination with lenders and agents. Services include sales, purchases, re-mortgages, and equity release schemes.
Wills & Probate
We create bespoke wills with tax planning advice and manage probate administration with sensitivity. Our services include grant applications, estate distribution, and deed variations. Free will storage and fixed-fee options ensure accessible estate planning solutions.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
We assist in establishing property and health & welfare LPAs, ensuring future decision-making capacity. Our fixed-fee service covers document preparation, registration, and deputyship applications for those lacking capacity.
Employment Agreements
Specialists advise on settlement agreements, ensuring employees understand contractual terms. We provide legally compliant reviews and execution support, meeting the mandatory requirement for independent legal advice before signing.
People
Sue Shepard
Partner
Head of family law with advanced Law Society accreditation, specialising in complex divorce and child custody cases. Over 25 years' experience in resolving high-conflict family disputes.
Andrew Vanner
Partner
Residential property expert overseeing conveyancing transactions with 30+ years' experience in managing sales, purchases, and equity release schemes across Essex.
Natalie Fletcher
Solicitor
Wills and probate specialist handling estate administration and lasting powers of attorney. Advises on tax-efficient wills and complex probate matters with 15 years' practice.
Michelle Smith
Solicitor
Family and employment law specialist with dual expertise in divorce proceedings and settlement agreement reviews. Member of Resolution with 20 years' experience in client-focused legal solutions.
Sharon Harvey
Licensed Conveyancer
Residential property specialist managing transactions across South Woodham Ferrers and Canvey Island. 18 years' experience in first-time buyer schemes and re-mortgage processes.
Questions
What areas do you cover?
We operate from Wickford, South Woodham Ferrers, and Canvey Island, serving clients across Essex and surrounding regions.
Are your conveyancing fees fixed?
We provide transparent estimates with no hidden fees, though full conveyancing costs depend on transaction complexity.
Can I get legal aid for family law?
Post-merger with Sternberg Reed, we now offer legal aid-funded family law services.
Do you offer home visits for wills?
Yes, we provide home visits for will preparation at a small additional fee.
How quickly can you handle probate?
Basic probate applications typically complete within 6-8 weeks, depending on HMRC workload.
Are you regulated by the SRA?
Yes, we're regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under number 828250.
Reviews (4)
Michelle Wright
May 13, 2020 Report
A pleasure to do business with. Extremely efficient, knowledgeable and pleasant staff. Alison Coles has dealt with the sale of a couple of properties for me and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her. A+++++
Paul Baker
Jan 28, 2020 Report
I have used Alison Coles on a few occasions now over the years buying and selling my properties, and would highly recommend her, very professional very prompt with telephone calls and emails nothing is ever a problem Thank you Alison Star service Paul baker
Andrew Fry
Jul 31, 2019 Report
I have used Alison Coles and her team for all my properties and settlement my late fathers estate. A friendly and effective service that I will use again!
M. Wilson
Oct 18, 2016 Report
They are apparently "Quality solicitors" but this could not be further from the truth, there is nothing quality about them at all. In order to tell you what they have done wrong would take hours, it will be much quicker to tell you what they have done right... Nothing! They can't even do simple maths, according to them 76 - 4 = 74 and when you question them about their mistakes, they simply shrug it off and refuse to accept anything is wrong.

If we had a choice we would have been rid of them years ago, but unfortunately for us we were forced into using them due to their rude refusal to renounce as executors of our Mum's Will. Mum would be furious if she could see how they have treated her children, I bet she is turning in her grave. Also I know for a fact that we are not the only ones who are having or have had trouble and problems with these solicitors.

I advise you to avoid them like the plague. Even if you have used them/are using them, and you thing you received a good service, think again, I suggest you check all your documentation carefully, I recon you will find mistakes. I also suggest you check your bill.