About the firm
A North East firm, built around clarity.
Harton & Vale advises individuals, families and owner-managed businesses across the region, from Newcastle to the Durham coast and Teesside.
Why we work this way
Most people only need a lawyer a handful of times in their lives. When they do, they deserve to understand exactly what is happening.
The firm was set up around a simple idea: that legal advice is only useful if the client can act on it. That means explaining the law plainly, being honest about uncertainty, and giving a clear view on the options rather than a list of caveats.
It also means understanding context. A business owner going through a separation has commercial questions as well as personal ones. A family selling a company has succession to think about. Because our personal and commercial lawyers work side by side, those conversations happen naturally.
Principles
What you can rely on.
Clear communication
Plain English from the first call. You will know what we are doing, why, and what it is likely to cost before any work begins.
Practical advice
Advice shaped around what you are trying to achieve, not just what the law allows. We set out the options and the trade-offs in each.
Senior attention
The person who takes on your matter stays involved in it. Experienced lawyers review the advice that matters most.
Long-term relationships
We aim to be the firm you return to as your family or business changes, so we keep careful records and remember the context.
People
A small team, by design.
Make an enquiry
Start with a conversation.
Tell us briefly what has happened and what you would like to achieve. There is no obligation, and we will be straightforward about whether we are the right people to help.
We read your enquiry
A member of the relevant team reviews it, usually within one working day.
A short, no-obligation call
We ask a few questions, explain how we could help and outline the likely next steps.
Clear terms before any work
If you would like to go ahead, we confirm the scope, who will handle it and the costs in writing.