Underwoods

Business Details

34 Years

experience

Trusted Legal Services in Hemel Hempstead

We are an independent law firm established over 30 years ago in Hemel Hempstead, dedicated to providing tailored legal solutions. Our expertise spans football law, wills, powers of attorney, and complex litigation, delivered with a commitment to quality and client-centric service. Our team of experienced solicitors and consultants combines deep legal knowledge with practical problem-solving to address diverse client needs. We offer flexible consultation options, including virtual meetings and outdoor appointments, ensuring accessibility for all clients. Recognised for our integrity and professionalism, we maintain accreditations through the Solicitors Regulation Authority and prioritise transparency in all client interactions.

Our practice extends beyond traditional legal services, incorporating community engagement and innovative digital solutions like secure online payments. With a focus on long-term client relationships, we provide expert guidance in estate planning, regulatory compliance, and high-profile legal matters. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures clients receive comprehensive support across both personal and commercial legal domains. Through offices in the UK and South Africa, we serve a diverse clientele while maintaining our founding principles of excellence and accountability.

Services

Football Law Powers of Attorney Wills Legal Consultations Estate Planning

Details

Year established: 1992

Highlights and features

We have over 30 years of experience in specialist legal fields
Our team includes acknowledged experts in football law and estate planning
We offer free initial consultations for wills and powers of attorney
We provide flexible consultation options including virtual meetings
We maintain SRA accreditation for professional standards

Associations and certifications

Solicitors Regulation Authority

What people say

Professional and thorough Excellent communication Accessible consultation options Expertise in niche areas Prompt service

Website

Update Listing

Services

Football Law

We specialise in football-related legal matters including disciplinary proceedings, contract negotiations, and regulatory compliance. Our team handles FA interactions, sponsorship agreements, and media rights issues. With decades of experience in sports law, we represent players, clubs, and agents in complex football industry disputes. Our expertise extends to high-profile cases and international transfers.

Powers of Attorney

We draft Lasting Powers of Attorney for property, financial, health, and welfare decisions. Our solicitors assess mental capacity and create legally binding documents that activate when needed. We explain the differences between power types and ensure proper registration with court fees included in our transparent pricing.

Wills

Our will-writing service ensures your assets pass to chosen beneficiaries while minimising tax liabilities. We help appoint guardians for children and handle complex estate arrangements. We include document storage and free minor amendments in our pricing, with options for single or joint wills.

Legal Consultations

We offer free initial consultations for wills and powers of attorney via telephone or virtual meetings. Our lawyers explain legal processes, provide tailored advice, and issue written summaries within five days. This service helps clients understand their options before committing to formal legal work.

Estate Planning

Our comprehensive estate planning covers inheritance tax mitigation, trust creation, and succession strategies. We ensure your wishes are legally protected while considering family needs and tax efficiency. Services include will drafting, trust establishment, and ongoing estate management advice.

People

Kerry Underwood

Senior Partner and Solicitor

Recognised expert in legal funding and regulatory matters, former Judge and author with extensive litigation experience. Specialises in high-profile cases and serves as Hemel Hempstead Business Ambassador.

Leah Waller

Consultant Solicitor

Specialist in wills and powers of attorney with experience supporting vulnerable adults. Provides later life planning solutions and volunteers extensively in dementia care and youth support charities.

Claire Long

Director of Marketing

Marketing leader with 17+ years in professional services, responsible for firm-wide marketing strategy including digital campaigns, events, and business development initiatives.

Anville Van Wyk

Consultant

Specialises in property law, tax planning, and estate administration with 40+ years' experience. Former president of Paarl Golf Club and active community contributor in South Africa.

Nazlee Abrahams

Director

Qualified attorney with expertise in family law, wills, and notarial work. Serves as school governing body chairperson and provides pro-bono legal services to local communities.

Questions

What areas of law do you specialise in?

We specialise in football law, wills, powers of attorney, and complex litigation matters.

Do you offer free initial consultations?

Yes, we provide free introductory meetings for wills and power of attorney matters.

How can I make an appointment?

Appointments are available Monday-Friday by prior arrangement through our website or phone.

What are your office locations?

We operate from Hemel Hempstead, UK and have offices in South Africa.

Can you help with international legal matters?

Yes, our cross-border experience supports clients in multiple jurisdictions through our global network.

How are your legal fees structured?

We provide transparent pricing with fixed fees for standard services like wills and powers of attorney.

Reviews (4)

Write a Review

Emily Lumley

Feb 07, 2021 Report

Very efficient and easy to deal with. Great social distancing measures and a lovely feel to the office. Only used them briefly to witness a document signature though.

Andrew Wakeford

Dec 31, 2020 Report

We were owed 2,182 which we had paid before Christmas for flights cancelled in April. Five emails and 12 phone calls to the Flight Centre over three months had got us nowhere. One email from Tarryn van Graan at Underwoods Solicitors and nine days later we got our money back!

Moheeb Khan

Jul 15, 2020 Report

Critical:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Just poor. Won't waste my time but being told our partner is high up in the business and don't have time for helping out a customer. No care, just looking for the best and big cases

Pete Mcclelland

Dec 29, 2019 Report

We were told by friends to use Underwoods as our solicitors in the conveyance of our house and they were absolutely brilliant.Caitlin Burger and all her team couldn't have done any more in making the transition period a stress free one.They are a small firm who handled everything most professionally and at a very reasonable price.We moved on the agreed date and from the moment we started till the day we moved in every call email was answered by them within twenty four hours. We have no hesitation in recommending them at all.We moved in February and apologise for no answering sooner but our internet