Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Burnley
At Donald Race & Newton, we are committed to delivering expert legal advice and exceptional client care. Established in 1924, our firm has built a reputation for combining traditional values with modern legal expertise, serving individuals and businesses across East Lancashire. Our team of highly qualified solicitors specialises in a wide range of legal disciplines, including family law, conveyancing, criminal defence, and commercial litigation. We prioritise clear communication, ensuring clients receive straightforward, jargon-free guidance tailored to their unique circumstances.With offices in Burnley, Colne, and Whalley, we maintain a strong focus on local community needs while upholding national standards of excellence. Our proactive approach ensures clients remain informed at every stage, fostering trust and transparency. We offer fixed-fee services and no-win, no-fee arrangements to provide accessible legal solutions. Recognised for our dedication to client satisfaction, we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes through a combination of legal acumen and compassionate support.
Services
Family Law
Conveyancing
Wills, Probate and Inheritance
Criminal Defence
Commercial Litigation
Employment Law
Clinical Negligence
Road Traffic Offences
Private Disputes
Wealth Management
Details
- Year established: 1924
Highlights and features
- We offer fixed-fee services and no-win, no-fee arrangements for accessibility.
- Our team includes specialists with decades of experience in niche legal areas.
- Proactive client communication ensures full transparency throughout your case.
- Recognised for exceptional client care in both private and commercial matters.
- Local expertise serving East Lancashire communities since 1924.
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Exceptional support
Seamless process
Highly recommend
Proactive approach
Outstanding service
Services
Family Law
Our dedicated family law team helps clients navigate relationship breakdowns with sensitivity and expertise. We specialise in divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, and financial settlements, prioritising the welfare of children involved. With over 20 years' experience, Karen Frankland leads our department, ensuring compassionate yet decisive representation to achieve fair outcomes for all parties.
Conveyancing
We provide efficient conveyancing services for residential property purchases and sales. Our fixed-price service includes contract preparation, title checks, and completion of legal formalities. Jean, a specialist conveyancer, ensures smooth transactions even for complex international property deals, as evidenced by client testimonials praising her responsiveness and problem-solving skills.
Criminal Defence
Our criminal defence team offers 24/7 representation for serious offences including drug conspiracies and road traffic violations. David Lawson leads pre-charge investigations to prevent prosecution, while our court advocacy ensures robust defence strategies. We provide immediate police station attendance and tailored support for clients facing false accusations or wrongful arrests.
Commercial Litigation
We resolve commercial conflicts through negotiation, mediation, or court action, specialising in contract disputes and debt recovery. Our approach combines legal expertise with business acumen to protect commercial interests. Matthew Finley, with 25+ years' experience, advises on dispute prevention through enforceable contracts and risk mitigation strategies.
Clinical Negligence
We help clients claim compensation for injuries caused by medical negligence, including surgical errors and misdiagnoses. Our solicitors work with medical experts to establish liability while providing emotional support throughout the process. We ensure clients receive clear explanations of their legal rights and realistic case assessments.
People
David Lawson
Criminal Law Solicitor
Admitted in 1995, David specialises in serious criminal defence cases including drug conspiracies and road traffic offences. He leads pre-charge investigations to prevent prosecution and provides 24/7 emergency legal representation.
Karen Frankland
Family Law Solicitor
With over 20 years' experience, Karen handles complex family matters including child custody disputes and divorce settlements. She prioritises amicable resolutions while ensuring robust court representation when necessary.
Matthew Finley
Commercial Litigation Solicitor
Admitted in 1998, Matthew specialises in commercial disputes and debt recovery. He advises businesses on contract disputes and provides strategic litigation support while focusing on dispute prevention strategies.
Gillian Taylor
Family Law Solicitor
Qualified in 2006, Gillian handles child custody cases and family mediation. She provides compassionate legal guidance while maintaining professional boundaries to achieve fair outcomes for vulnerable clients.
Sara Jane Chorkley
Private Client Solicitor
Head of the Private Client department, Sara Jane specialises in wills, probate, and inheritance tax planning. She provides approachable, jargon-free advice to ensure clients' estates are managed according to their wishes.
Questions
What areas of law does Donald Race & Newton specialise in?
We specialise in family law, conveyancing, criminal defence, commercial litigation, clinical negligence, and wealth management. Our solicitors have expertise in both private client matters and business legal services.
Do you offer fixed-fee legal services?
Yes, we provide fixed-fee arrangements for conveyancing, wills, and many other services. This ensures transparency and helps clients budget for legal costs without unexpected charges.
Can I get emergency legal assistance outside office hours?
Our 24/7 emergency helpline (07990585494) provides immediate access to criminal defence solicitors for police station attendance and urgent legal matters at any time.
How do you handle family law disputes involving children?
Our family department prioritises children's welfare in custody disputes. We use correspondence to resolve conflicts where possible, but will pursue court action when necessary to protect parental rights.
What commercial services do you offer businesses?
We provide business start-up advice, commercial property transactions, debt recovery, and employment law services. Our solicitors understand sector-specific challenges across retail, manufacturing, and hospitality industries.
How can I make a clinical negligence claim?
Contact our specialist team with medical evidence of negligence. We'll assess your case during a free consultation and may proceed on a no-win, no-fee basis to claim compensation for medical errors.
