Business Details
48 Years
experience
Expert Legal Services on the South Coast
We are a firm of bright, approachable lawyers based on the south coast, offering clear, well-rounded advice in plain English. Established in 1978, we have grown into a medium-sized law firm with over 100 staff, serving clients across the UK. Our team combines expertise with a modern, flexible approach, embracing technology to enhance efficiency for both clients and staff. Accredited by the Conveyancing Quality Scheme and recommended by The Legal 500, we pride ourselves on accessibility, transparency, and client-centric service.With offices in Christchurch, Ringwood, and a new location opening in Wimborne, we provide legal support for businesses and individuals through face-to-face, phone, or video consultations. Our commitment to continuous improvement and staff development ensures we deliver expert, timely advice while maintaining a strong reputation for trustworthiness and professionalism.
Services
Commercial Property
Family Law
Dispute Resolution
Wills and Tax
Employment Law
Corporate Services
Probate
Leasehold Property
Social Housing
Commercial Litigation
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer direct communication with experienced, approachable lawyers
- Our team provides regular progress updates and rapid response times
- Over 98% of clients rate our service as excellent or very good
- We use plain English to explain complex legal matters
- Our proactive approach has saved clients significant costs
Associations and certifications
- Conveyancing Quality Scheme
- The Legal 500
What people say
Quick responses
Outstanding ethics
Friendly professionals
Transparent communication
Efficient service
Services
Commercial Property
Our commercial property team handles transactions, leases, and development projects with expertise. We advise businesses on acquisitions, disposals, and portfolio management, ensuring clear communication throughout the process. Clients appreciate our proactive approach and ability to simplify complex legal matters.
Family Law
We provide sensitive legal support for family matters including divorce, child arrangements, and financial settlements. Our approach focuses on achieving practical solutions while minimising stress. Clients value our compassionate guidance and clear explanations of legal procedures.
Dispute Resolution
Our dispute resolution specialists handle commercial and civil conflicts through negotiation, mediation, or court representation. We prioritise cost-effective solutions while protecting client interests. Clients highlight our strategic thinking and successful outcomes in complex cases.
Wills and Tax
We create tailored wills and inheritance tax plans to protect clients' assets and intentions. Our services include trust creation, probate, and lasting powers of attorney. Clients appreciate our ability to explain complex matters in straightforward terms.
Employment Law
We advise businesses on employment contracts, workplace disputes, and HR policies. Our proactive approach helps prevent issues while ensuring compliance with current legislation. Clients value our practical guidance and training support for staff management.
People
Matthew Fretten
Managing Partner
Leading the firm with over 20 years' experience, Matthew champions flexible working and continuous improvement. He focuses on client satisfaction and staff development, maintaining the firm's reputation for accessible, expert legal services.
Oonagh McKinney
Commercial Property Partner
Oonagh combines property expertise with a commitment to work-life balance initiatives. She actively promotes flexible working arrangements and client-focused service delivery within the firm's commercial property department.
Catharine Snow
Operations Manager
Catharine oversees daily operations, ensuring efficient service delivery across all departments. She highlights the firm's collaborative culture and approachable leadership team as key strengths in client interactions.
Julia Gaunt
Conveyancing Executive
Julia exemplifies the firm's teamwork ethos, providing hands-on support for property transactions. She emphasizes the supportive environment where senior partners actively assist with client matters.
Anna Curtis
Dispute Resolution Associate
Anna brings practical legal solutions to conflict resolution, leveraging flexible working arrangements to better serve clients. Her approach balances professional expertise with personal accessibility for clients.
Questions
What areas of law does Frettens specialise in?
We offer comprehensive services including commercial property, family law, dispute resolution, wills and tax, employment law, and corporate services for businesses and individuals.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, all new clients receive a free initial chat with an expert lawyer via phone or video call to discuss their legal needs.
Are your lawyers accessible outside office hours?
While our offices operate during standard business hours, we offer flexible communication through email and phone, with urgent matters prioritised.
How do you handle property transactions?
Our CQS-accredited conveyancing team manages residential and commercial property transactions with clear communication and digital tools for progress tracking.
What makes Frettens different from other law firms?
We combine over 40 years' experience with modern practices, including flexible working, technology integration, and a client-focused approach with direct lawyer access.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Laura Ritchie
May 18, 2022
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Superb conveyancing experience. Jennifer, our solicitor, was proactive, calm, friendly and communicated really well with us throughout. Our buyers solicitor was more challenging. but Jennifer led the chain, liaised really well with the whole chain and got us there! Really grateful for her help and definitely recommend her and the firm.
Alex Wyatt
May 04, 2022
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Hidden costs and absolutely no interest in my case is what I experienced with frettens. I used a solicitor from frettens in a case regarding my child. Laid out the costs to me. Paid no interest in the case at court. When it was over. Ridiculous amounts of money was added on for doing nothing.
Tracy Rose
Apr 22, 2022
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I recently had an issue regarding some solicitors I had used for a cavity wall claim which led to me receiving a high court writ. I rang Frettens as the original solicitors had gone into administration and they couldn't have been more helpful. Jason Hayter took on my case and the help he gave me was nothing short of miraculous and in a very short space of time he helped me enormously. He went above and beyond and I am extremely grateful for what he did for me and would have no hesitation in using him again should the need arise.
Sam Le Feaux
Mar 12, 2022
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Chris has helped me through a difficult time with an employment matter, he has given me excellent and clear information throughout and I am pleased with the outcome, I highly recommend using Frettens.
Mike Hayman
Jan 22, 2022
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I very rarely post a Review but, another excellent experience in late 2021, in difficult circumstances, has prompted me to do so. Over the whole of the last 10 years, Clare Hallett & her Conveyancing Team have, without fail, provided exceptional Customer Service every time we have Purchased or Sold our Properties. Great knowledge & expertise, effective communication at all times, nothing too much trouble &, excellent professionalism. I can very highly recommend Clare & the Team. I can also recommend Lee Young &, his Team who have also provided excellent Service & expertise for our Wills, Power of Attorney & Tax discussions.
Gary Tylee
Nov 03, 2021
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Used Frettens when purchasing a property and managed to get the whole process completed in just under 2 months. We had Natalie and Kym who looked after us, but Sophie took over at the end due to annual leave. Overall we were satisfied but did have issues with wrong email addresses / surnames / deposit amounts and more on legal documentation which was apologised for by the solicitors when raised. The most positive thing about Frettens is the size of the team, when one is away another can take over which you can't always get in a small firm. I'm sure we'll use them again in the future.
Andrew Goldsmith
Oct 18, 2021
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If you would like a professional and responsive service then don't even think about using this SHOCKING company! We were made to feel undervalued and like a hinderence to the conveyancing team and eveny time we wanted to get though to our solicitor we were told that she was unavailable or out of the office on leave ( more holiday than I have in 4 years of my work holiday). Until our seller threatened to pull out of the sale from the time it was taking, we did not see any proactivity. I would like say that i would NEVER use this company and would advise anyone who is reading this I hope NOT to use this shocking service!
