Watkins & Gunn Solicitors is delighted to announce the return of Helen Barry as a Director and Head of Property, marking a homecoming more than 14 years after she left the firm where she began her legal career.
Helen currently holds the position of Director and Head of the Property Team.
Helen first joined Watkins & Gunn in 2005, spending seven formative years with the firm before pursuing new opportunities and building an impressive career over the following 14 years. Her decision to return reflects both the strength of the firm's culture and its ambition for the future.
Bringing extensive experience in both residential and commercial property law, Helen advises clients on a broad range of matters, from house sales and purchases, remortgages and transfers of equity to complex commercial property transactions. She is widely recognised for her focus on client service, practical advice and delivering successful outcomes for clients.
Alongside her legal expertise, Helen has developed a strong interest in technology and artificial intelligence within the legal profession. She has spoken publicly on the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies and is passionate about helping law firms embrace innovation while maintaining the highest professional standards.
Clive Thomas, Managing Director of Watkins & Gunn, said:
“There are few appointments that give as much satisfaction as welcoming back a former colleague who has gone on to build an impressive career and then chooses to return. Helen is an exceptional lawyer, a respected leader and someone who brings together deep technical expertise, commercial awareness and a genuine passion for developing people.
Her appointment strengthens our residential and commercial property offering, but it is about much more than that. Helen's return forms part of our long-term succession planning and our commitment to developing the next generation of leadership at Watkins & Gunn. Helen combines exceptional legal expertise with a forward-thinking approach to technology and innovation, making her ideally placed to help shape the future of the firm.
We are building for the future. We have a number of exciting developments and appointments planned over the coming months as we continue to grow and evolve as a business. Helen's return is an important step in that journey and demonstrates our confidence in the future of the firm.”
Helen Barry said:
“Returning to Watkins & Gunn feels a little like coming home. This is the firm where I began my legal career and where I learned many of the values that continue to shape my approach to practice today.
While much has changed over the years, the things that matter most have remained the same: great people, strong values, outstanding client service and a culture that embraces innovation while never compromising on quality.
I am excited to bring the experience I have gained over the last 14 years back to a firm that has always held a special place for me and to help shape the next chapter of its success.”
Helen's appointment comes at an exciting time for Watkins & Gunn as the firm continues to invest in its people, strengthen its leadership team and embrace new technologies. Her return reinforces the firm's commitment to succession planning, innovation and sustainable growth while ensuring clients continue to benefit from expert legal advice delivered with the personal service for which Watkins & Gunn is known.
