Challenor Gardiner

Business Details

Your Trusted Oxford Law Firm Since 1851

Challenor Gardiner has been providing legal services and advice to businesses, universities, and private clients in Oxford since 1851. Our firm combines deep-rooted local expertise with a commitment to delivering practical, client-focused solutions across a broad range of legal areas. Our lawyers are specialists in their fields, offering support in residential conveyancing, wills and lasting powers of attorney, estate administration, divorce and family law, commercial property, and dispute resolution.

We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality professional and friendly service, providing advice in plain English to ensure successful outcomes for our clients. Our offices in central Oxford are conveniently located near transport networks and feature disabled access. With over 170 years of experience, we remain authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of legal practice.

Services

Residential Conveyancing Commercial Property Business Law Wills & Probate Family Law Dispute Resolution Landlord & Tenant Civil Litigation Trusts Court of Protection

Highlights and features

We have over 170 years of legal experience serving Oxford clients
Our solicitors are specialists in residential conveyancing, family law, and commercial property
Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for professional standards
Offer fixed fees for wills, LPAs, and conveyancing services
Recognised for exceptional client service in testimonials

Associations and certifications

Solicitors Regulation Authority
Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme
Law Society Lexcel v.6 Practice Quality Standard

What people say

Excellent service Professional and friendly Sound advice Efficient and friendly All-round excellent solicitor

Website

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Services

Residential Conveyancing

Our residential conveyancing solicitors handle domestic property transactions with expertise and care. We guide first-time buyers, investors, and homeowners through purchases, sales, and remortgages while minimising risks. Our Law Society-accredited team ensures smooth transactions with transparent pricing and personal service, acting for clients across Oxford and beyond.

Wills & Probate

We provide comprehensive will-writing and probate services to secure your family's future. Our solicitors create tailored wills, lasting powers of attorney, and trusts while managing estate administration with sensitivity. Fixed fees available for straightforward cases, with expert guidance on inheritance tax mitigation and court of protection matters.

Family Law

Our Resolution-accredited family law team handles divorce, financial settlements, and child arrangements with compassion. We prioritise negotiated solutions while protecting client interests in court proceedings when necessary. Services include pre-nuptial agreements, cohabitation disputes, and domestic abuse cases, delivered by experienced Oxford-based solicitors.

Commercial Property

We advise businesses and landlords on commercial property transactions including purchases, sales, and lease negotiations. Our services cover lease renewals, assignments, and dispute resolution while ensuring compliance with current legislation. Clients benefit from practical advice on obligations and protections in commercial property agreements.

Civil Litigation

Our litigation team handles contractual disputes, property conflicts, and debt recovery through negotiation, mediation, or court action. We provide cost-effective solutions while explaining risks and options clearly. Services include pre-action protocols, court representation, and enforcement of judgments, supported by Lexcel-accredited processes.

People

Nick Bingham

Principal

Qualified solicitor since 1985, Nick Bingham oversees the private client department and acts as executor for numerous estates. With over 35 years at Challenor Gardiner, he combines legal expertise with a commitment to client care, earning personal recognition in client testimonials for restoring faith in legal professionals.

Curtis Rogers

Head of Conveyancing

Leading the conveyancing department since 2014, Curtis Rogers brings extensive property law experience to residential transactions. Clients praise his personable approach and efficiency, particularly in handling complex cases while maintaining the firm's reputation for excellence in Oxford property law.

Gloria Asaaga

Solicitor

A qualified solicitor since 2019, Gloria Asaaga specialises in conveyancing and wills after completing her legal education at Oxford Brookes University. Her background includes paralegal work at regional firms, bringing fresh expertise to the team while maintaining the firm's tradition of high-quality client service.

Questions

What areas of law does Challenor Gardiner specialise in?

We specialise in residential conveyancing, commercial property, family law, wills and probate, business law, and civil litigation. Our Oxford-based solicitors provide expert legal advice across these core areas with a client-focused approach.

Are your legal fees fixed or hourly?

We offer fixed fees for many services including wills, LPAs, and conveyancing. Complex matters are charged hourly with transparent estimates provided upfront. Our fee structure ensures clarity while maintaining the highest service standards.

Are you regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority?

Yes, Challenor Gardiner is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 44865), ensuring adherence to strict professional standards and client protection protocols.

Do you offer free initial legal consultations?

We provide free initial enquiries without obligation, allowing you to discuss your legal requirements and receive a bespoke fixed-price quotation before proceeding with our services.

How do you handle property transactions during lockdowns?

We maintain efficient service through secure digital communication and remote document handling, ensuring property transactions proceed smoothly even during restrictions while maintaining personal client support.

Reviews (7)

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Alice Lofthouse

Jun 10, 2021 Report

Worst experience I've ever had just for a simple transfer of the deeds with no equity transfer involved. Had to constantly email and ring them just to find out what stage they were at. They didn't reply to emails for weeks and came up with excuses on the phone. The two solicitors that were dealing with my case initially were awful, never replied, and then suddenly went on leave. I had to send an extra 700 just to make sure I could complete the next day to then be told it wasn't actually required. then took them over 2 weeks to send the money back after continuous chasing! It was so stressful and I really wish I'd read these reviews first.

Tom Delaney

Oct 31, 2020 Report

Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness I was not their client but our vendors were. 10 months to complete a simple sale. Very poor performance, adding an unnecessary 7 months of stress to what should have been a quick transaction. Unable to recommend.

A. K.

Aug 21, 2020 Report

Professional, competent and efficient. Having read the other reviews I can confirm my experience has been very positive.

Hannah Milner

Apr 14, 2020 Report

Challenor Gardiner completed conveyancy for a property purchase for me in 2016. It took me a year to get a receipt of transactions which was frustrating- and now, nearly 3 years later I've just found out through a 3rd party that they did not complete the deed transfer and my property is still not legally in my name. I have emailed them 4 times in the last week and called their office 3 times - and not a single person has responded to an email, nor has a solicitor called me to talk about it. Nothing.

I have others chasing me as this is holding their legal proceedings up and Challenor Gardiner simply will not respond. Its beyond frustrating and totally negligent. I'm taking the internet in escalation to invoke a response from them. If I don't get a response here, I will be contacting the SRA CLC in the next few days to complain and escalate.

Matthew Line

Jan 01, 2020 Report

We've twice used this firm and found them the best yet. Once for a complex trade dispute, the other on a contractual matter. Both times they were highly efficient, skilful and good communicators and we reached a successful resolution much faster than I thought possible. They were also excellent value for money.

Patrycja Moroszczuk

Nov 05, 2018 Report

I would like to say Challenor Gardiner was recommended by a friend of mine. I have been delighted by the courteous, friendly and helpful service I have received. Curtis knows how to listen to clients and work with them. His friendly approach, clear explanations, and his efficient, professional, accessible manner helped us through the process of buying our first house. I really appreciate his speed in responding to my emails. We highly recommend him! Pati and Jacob, Oxford

Nick Stimson

Nov 05, 2018 Report

Personal experience is poor. A simple Title Deed change and its 2 days away form 4 months and still not completed. Hard to get anyone to reply to you or give you any updates. I would never use again personal. Maybe my case is a one off.