Rachel Foulkes will head the residential conveyancing department at the firm’s Hull office having made the move from a different firm.

Rachel, who comes from North Wales, studied at Sheffield University and Chester Law College and worked in Chester and Llandudno before moving to Hull and joining SJP in 1997.

In 1999 she moved to Andrew Jackson Solicitors as Head of Residential Conveyancing and led the development of the department, raising its profile and generating new business until the financial crisis of 2007 and again afterwards.

Rachel is recognised for her expertise in all aspects of freehold and leasehold properties, Help to Buy Matters and all legal considerations for mortgage lenders and estate agents.

She decided to join Bridge McFarland after being offered the opportunity to set up a residential conveyancing department at the firm’s office in Hull. She has been joined by an assistant, Tracy Baron, who was previously her secretary at Andrew Jackson.

Rachel said: “There is a lot of scope for the department. I have very good connections with a lot of estate agents and I know we will be getting regular work. The firm has a very good reputation and there is scope for expansion and cross-selling, with conveyancing a good gateway to the rest of our services.

“We’re looking at all aspects of the residential market, people buying and selling and people building. There has been a lot of investment in Hull property development because the values are very attractive and people see the city as a good opportunity to build their portfolios.”

Chris Hubbard, a member of the Commercial team at Bridge McFarland and head of the firm’s Residential Conveyancing Department, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be able to welcome Rachel to the firm. Once an expansion of our conveyancing services to Hull was agreed, the partners identified an experienced and respected practitioner as a key appointment, which requirement is undoubtedly fulfilled by Rachel.

“The drive and commitment Rachel has shown to be part of this expansion has been so impressive. We’re really looking forward to putting that energy and knowledge of the local area to the benefit of clients.”