Business Details
Your Trusted Solicitors in Leighton Buzzard & Ampthill
Austin & Carnley Solicitors have been providing expert legal services since 1864, combining over 130 years of heritage with a forward-thinking approach to client care. Our team of experienced solicitors specialises in conveyancing, family law, private client matters, criminal defence, and commercial property, serving clients across Leighton Buzzard, Ampthill, and Milton Keynes. We prioritise clear communication, practical guidance, and a personal service tailored to individual needs, underpinned by a commitment to community engagement and sustainability.Our expansion into Ampthill reflects our dedication to accessibility and local connection, while our accreditation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority ensures adherence to the highest professional standards. With a focus on legacy and innovation, we strive to deliver trustworthy legal solutions for life's key moments.
Services
Conveyancing
Private Client
Criminal Defence
Family Law
Probate
Employment Law
Commercial Property
Wills
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Dispute Resolution
Highlights and features
- We have over 130 years of legal expertise in Leighton Buzzard and surrounding areas.
- Our team provides clear communication and practical guidance tailored to client needs.
- We are committed to sustainability, planting a tree for every completed client instruction.
- Our community involvement includes sponsoring local sports teams and charity partnerships.
- Accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for professional excellence and compliance.
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Calm head
Professional service
Services
Conveyancing
Our conveyancing team handles residential and commercial property transactions with efficiency and expertise. We guide clients through buying, selling, remortgaging, and lease extensions, ensuring clear communication and timely completions. With a focus on transparency and client education, we simplify complex processes for a stress-free experience.
Wills and Probate
We provide tailored will-writing, lasting powers of attorney, and probate administration services. Our specialists ensure your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes, with compassionate support for executors and beneficiaries. Clear advice helps clients plan for the future with confidence.
Family Law
Our family law solicitors handle divorce, financial settlements, child custody, and cohabitation disputes with sensitivity and legal precision. We prioritise amicable resolutions while advocating fiercely for clients' interests, ensuring outcomes that protect families and future wellbeing.
Criminal Defence
We defend clients facing criminal charges including motoring offences, road traffic violations, and private criminal matters. With experienced advocates, we provide robust representation and strategic defence planning to achieve the best possible outcomes in court.
Commercial Property
Our commercial property team advises on acquisitions, sales, leases, and tenancy agreements for businesses. We deliver practical solutions for landlords, tenants, and investors, ensuring compliance and protecting commercial interests in transactions and disputes.
People
David Backhouse
Managing Director - Head of Litigation
David leads our litigation department with over 30 years' experience in dispute resolution and compliance. He focuses on civil disputes, employment law, and commercial litigation, ensuring clients receive strategic legal representation aligned with their business and personal goals.
Deborah Neiteler
Managing Director - Compliance Officer
Deborah oversees finance, administration, and training with a commitment to operational excellence. Her expertise in regulatory compliance ensures the firm maintains the highest professional standards while supporting team development and client service.
Jeanie McCaw
Head of Private Client
Jeanie specialises in wills, trusts, and probate, guiding clients through estate planning and administration. With a focus on clarity and fairness, she helps families protect assets and navigate complex legal processes during sensitive times.
Alison Ayers
Practice Manager
Alison ensures efficient firm operations, managing financial, HR, and compliance functions. Her background in conveyancing and legal practice management supports seamless service delivery and client satisfaction across all departments.
Debbie Carvey
Property Solicitor
Debbie specialises in residential conveyancing, offering expert advice on property transactions. With over 15 years' experience, she provides efficient solutions for homebuyers, sellers, and landlords, ensuring smooth and transparent processes.
Questions
What areas do Austin & Carnley Solicitors cover?
We serve clients in Leighton Buzzard, Ampthill, Milton Keynes, and surrounding areas across Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Do you offer online legal consultations?
Yes, we provide virtual meetings for client convenience. Discuss your preferred consultation method when booking your appointment.
What sustainability initiatives does the firm support?
We plant a tree for every client instruction and partner with Marston Vale Forest to promote environmental responsibility through reforestation projects.
How does the firm handle probate and estate administration?
Our private client team offers comprehensive probate services, guiding executors through asset distribution, tax considerations, and legal requirements with compassionate expertise.
Are there opportunities for trainee solicitors at Austin & Carnley?
Yes, we actively support legal education and offer training contracts. Check our careers page or contact our HR team for current opportunities.
Reviews (4)
Noel Howley
Dec 16, 2021
Report
I have been really pleased with the standard of service that I have received from their solicitor Simon Peacock. He has guided me through quite a complex legal matter and resolved it ahead of schedule in a transparent and professional manner.I am extremely happy with the outcome and it has totally exceeded any expectations I had at the outset of this matter. Whenever I have contacted Austin @ Carnley I have found all of the staff, without exception, both courteous and helpful. I really cannot recommend Simon and this firm highly enough.
Daniel Atkinson
Dec 14, 2021
Report
Used Austin & Carnley for the conveyancing on my recent property sale. Solicitor Debbie Carvey provided an excellent and efficient service throughout. It can certainly be a stressful time selling a property, but Debbie kept me informed throughout the process, and the costs were very reasonable. Would highly recommend their conveyancing services.
Mark Wesley
Nov 30, 2021
Report
Dealt with Austin and Carnley for the conveyancing on our house sale and purchase. Jeanie was professional and very efficient even in the strange times brought about by the covid lock down.
Daniel Fennell
Aug 14, 2021
Report
I cannot speak highly enough of the team at Austin & Carnley, particularly the ever professional Jeanie McCaw and Samantha Bartram.
Jeanie handled our house sale and purchase and was reassuringly professional, honest and friendly and gave us every confidence that we had appointed the right firm to handle our house move. Due to the incompetence of our buyer's Solicitor, our completion was delayed by 48 hours. During this stressful and worrying time Jeanie and Sam worked over and above for us to ensure we finally got our keys. I will be forever grateful to Jeanie and Sam for all they have done
Jeanie handled our house sale and purchase and was reassuringly professional, honest and friendly and gave us every confidence that we had appointed the right firm to handle our house move. Due to the incompetence of our buyer's Solicitor, our completion was delayed by 48 hours. During this stressful and worrying time Jeanie and Sam worked over and above for us to ensure we finally got our keys. I will be forever grateful to Jeanie and Sam for all they have done
