Last month, Priory Law and Claire Nash Solicitors completed the first of our planned staff exchange days – an initiative designed to deepen understanding across practice areas and strengthen collaboration between our two firms. The idea for this exchange was first suggested by Amy Blick of ExhilHRate as part of our ongoing commitment to team development and cross-firm learning. With her encouragement, both firms were excited to bring the concept to life and explore the benefits of shared professional insight.
We were delighted to welcome Emily Haynes of the Claire Nash Solicitors team to Priory Law for a one-day placement, while our own Summer Ballard spent a day with their team. The aim was simple: to give both participants a broader perspective of the client journey and a clearer understanding of how different legal disciplines shape a client’s experience during significant life moments.
Why We Created the Exchange
Although Priory Law specialises in residential conveyancing and Claire Nash Solicitors focuses on private client matters, our work often touches the same families at different stages of their lives. A sensitive probate matter may lead to the sale of a family home; a purchase or sale may prompt clients to consider wills, trusts, or lasting powers of attorney. Understanding these transitions enhances the guidance we can provide. Our shared belief is that excellent client service comes not only from legal expertise, but from appreciating the wider context clients are navigating. The exchange was designed to build exactly that insight.
What the Day Involved
At Priory Law, we introduced our visitor to the full lifecycle of a conveyancing transaction, offering a behind-the-scenes look at:
- how we structure communication
- how we manage caseloads within our boutique model
- the systems we use to maintain momentum.
- our approach to client reassurance and expectation-setting
Meanwhile, Summer spent her day at Claire Nash Solicitors observing the Private Client process, gaining insight into:
- how sensitive conversations are approached.
- key drafting principles
- the progression of wills, LPAs, and estate matters
- the practice’s commitment to clarity and care in emotionally significant situations
Both placements were structured to be practical, informative, and rooted in real-world interactions rather than theoretical learning.
Insight, Perspective and Shared Purpose
One of the most encouraging outcomes of the exchange was seeing how closely aligned both firms are in our values.
Despite working in different legal disciplines, we share a commitment to:
- clear, honest communication
- thoughtful and attentive client care
- reducing stress during major life events
- providing guidance that feels personal, not transactional.
These shared principles made the exchange natural, collaborative and genuinely beneficial.
Feedback from the Day
Summer returned with a greater appreciation for the emotional and administrative complexities clients face in private client matters – insight that will undoubtedly strengthen the support she offers in conveyancing transactions, particularly in sales arising from probate or separation.
Similarly, our visitor Emily from Claire Nash Solicitors gained an understanding of how proactive communication, consistent updates and structured workflows help keep conveyancing matters calm and moving forward.
Both teams agreed that the exchange created space for growth and professional empathy – qualities that ultimately benefit the clients we serve.
Looking Ahead
This was the first of what we hope will become a continuing collaboration between Priory Law and Claire Nash Solicitors. We are grateful to Claire Nash and her team for welcoming Summer so warmly, and to Amy Blick at ExhilHRate for sparking the idea and encouraging us to take this step in shared development. As we continue to grow, learn, and refine our approach, initiatives like this help us stay values-led, client-focused and connected to the broader landscape of legal services our clients rely on. We look forward to future exchanges, ongoing collaboration, and more opportunities to share knowledge across our two firms.
About Priory Law
Priory Law is a boutique residential conveyancing firm providing expert legal support to home movers across England and Wales. Led by Managing Director Anne-Marie Fowler, the firm is recognised for clear communication, transparent fixed quotes and a highly personal, client-focused service. With deliberately low caseloads and a values-driven approach, Priory Law delivers a calm and efficient conveyancing experience for all their clients. The team specialises in all areas of residential property law, including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, remortgages and transfers of equity, offering trusted guidance and consistent communication at every stage of the legal process.