Business Details
Trusted Legal Services in Somerset
BGW Solicitors is an independent, client-focused law firm with over 25 years of experience serving clients across the South West and beyond. Established through the merger of three respected local practicesBartlett & Co (founded in 1968), Austin & Bath (19th century origins), and Robin Weelen & Co (1978)we combine deep-rooted local knowledge with modern legal expertise. Our three offices in Cheddar, Shepton Mallet, and Castle Cary enable us to deliver accessible, personalised legal services tailored to both individuals and businesses. We prioritise transparency, offering clear cost discussions at every stage while maintaining a commitment to fair pricing and high-quality outcomes. Our team of dedicated solicitors and support staff are approachable professionals who value long-term client relationships over transactional interactions.As a firm, we hold the prestigious Lexcel accreditation, a testament to our adherence to rigorous professional standards. We are members of the Law Societys Conveyancing Quality Scheme and have specialists on panels such as the Family Law Panel, Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), and the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS). While embracing technology to enhance efficiency, we ensure it never replaces the human connection that underpins our service. Our focus remains on understanding client needs, providing practical legal solutions, and maintaining the trust that has defined our practice for decades.
Services
Agricultural Business Law
Commercial Property Litigation
Divorce and Family Law
Residential Property Conveyancing
Will Writing and Review
Highlights and features
- We have been established for over 40 years through merged local practices.
- Our team are members of specialist legal panels including STEP and ACTAPS.
- We hold the prestigious Lexcel accreditation for professional standards.
- We prioritise personal relationships over technology-driven processes.
- Our three local offices ensure accessible legal support across Somerset.
Associations and certifications
- Lexcel
- Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme
- STEP
- ACTAPS
Services
Agricultural Business Law
We provide tailored legal support for agricultural businesses, covering land transactions, tenancy agreements, and regulatory compliance. Our team understands the unique challenges of the farming sector and offers practical solutions to protect your interests. With decades of experience in rural law, we help clients navigate complex legal frameworks while maintaining a focus on long-term business sustainability.
Commercial Property Litigation
Our specialists handle property-related legal conflicts for commercial clients, including lease disputes, boundary issues, and contract breaches. We aim to resolve matters efficiently through negotiation or litigation when necessary. With a deep understanding of property law and business needs, we work to protect your investments while minimising operational disruption.
Divorce and Family Law
We offer compassionate yet pragmatic guidance on divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, and financial settlements. Our solicitors are trained in collaborative law to reduce conflict where possible. Recognising the emotional complexity of family disputes, we prioritise clear communication and solutions that protect clients' rights and family well-being.
Residential Property Conveyancing
We manage all aspects of residential property transactions, from contract preparation to completion. Our conveyancing team ensures smooth processes for first-time buyers, sellers, and remortgagers. With local knowledge of Somerset property markets and membership in the Law Societys Conveyancing Quality Scheme, we deliver efficient, reliable service for your home-moving needs.
Will Writing and Review
We help clients create legally sound wills and update existing documents to reflect life changes. Our specialists provide advice on inheritance tax planning and lasting powers of attorney. Recognising the importance of protecting your legacy, we ensure your wishes are clearly documented and legally enforceable, providing peace of mind for you and your family.
Questions
What areas do you cover?
We operate from offices in Cheddar, Shepton Mallet, and Castle Cary, serving clients across Somerset and the wider South West region.
Are your legal fees transparent?
Yes, we discuss likely costs upfront and maintain clear communication about pricing throughout your case.
Do you offer virtual meetings?
Yes, we provide online meetings for client convenience, alongside in-person appointments at our three office locations.
What accreditations do you hold?
We hold the Lexcel accreditation, are members of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, and have specialists in STEP and ACTAPS.
How experienced are your solicitors?
Our team includes solicitors with decades of combined experience, including specialists in family law, estate planning, and agricultural law.
Reviews (7)
Naomi Hallett
Nov 30, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
BGWs Libby and Alyson were amazing. We cannot recommend them enough. Although we are four hours away from their office, it made no difference to the high quality and responsive service we received. We will be using them for any and all future legal needs.
BGWs Libby and Alyson were amazing. We cannot recommend them enough. Although we are four hours away from their office, it made no difference to the high quality and responsive service we received. We will be using them for any and all future legal needs.
Georgette Birch
Mar 23, 2021
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I found our BGW solicitor was friendly, communicative and reliable. She made the sale of our house easy and understandable. We were reassured we were in good hands and she was able to help us through the in inevitable holds ups and hick ups. I would highly recommend.
Cheryl Matthews
Sep 29, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Very responsive to my emailed enquiry. Andrew Cutland dealt with my case in a very timely and professional manner. I
would highly recommend. Would definitely use again.
Very responsive to my emailed enquiry. Andrew Cutland dealt with my case in a very timely and professional manner. I
would highly recommend. Would definitely use again.
John Perks
Nov 21, 2019
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We recently used BGW for both our buying and selling conveyancing and received excellent service throughout. Would definitely recommend. Very prompt with their actions and helped get us through a complex transaction as it involved HelptoBuy, a Lifetime ISA, management companies, indemnities, renegotiations, and a tailored contract exchange process. Thank you Andrew and team!
Elliott Jones
Nov 16, 2019
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Andrew Cutland...... You hero. Made the whole process a dream. We had some difficulties with the vendor, I was advice accordingly and was all dealt with efficiently to allow the process to continue. Every and any question was welcome and we were made to feel safe as the process of buying a house for the first time can be unsettling. It was a pleasure to use these solicitors for our first purchase and will be certainly returning. What a lovely experience thank you!!!!!
Dave Martin
Aug 08, 2019
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Communication absolutely appalling would not recommend them at all .After putting a offer on a property that a local estate agent has on her books we was messed about for approx 17 days before the solicitor gave us a answer that our offer would not be excepted .Even the estate agent told us it was disgusting and frustrating because she was doing her best to sell the property but was not getting anywhere with the solicitor involved with the sale .the estate agent even told us that the solicitor told her off and to stop ringing her and would give them a answer when she is ready to . We was told a
Nick Stopard
Jun 11, 2019
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We just completed on our purchase with Andrew Cutland acting for us. Andrew was brilliant in getting everything done quickly. We were set a very short deadline which we met (but others didn't) thanks mainly to Andrew's quick work.
Andrew and Cindy's communication was very frequent, friendly and concise - their assistance really helped the whole process for us and we can't thank them enough!
Andrew and Cindy's communication was very frequent, friendly and concise - their assistance really helped the whole process for us and we can't thank them enough!