ONE of the Yorkshire Dales’ best-known solicitors has retired after more than 42 years in practice.

Geoff Mochrie, of Newtons Solicitors’ Leyburn office, trained as a solicitor in Hull, qualified in 1978 and then practiced in partnership in Leyburn until 2009 when he started his own practice, Geoffrey Mochrie Solicitors.

A widely-experienced general practice solicitor, he latterly specialised in residential and commercial property and was involved in hundreds of transactions throughout the Yorkshire Dales.

He built his practice up to five employees – including Director Frances Maxwell, a wills, private and family law specialist, who now leads the office, and three support staff – before approaching Newtons Solicitors to acquire the business last year.

Mr Mochrie said: “I have many recollections of times of humour and others of great sadness when working in the Dales. Local people are very traditional and many still like the old-style family solicitor who is their friend and confidante.

“I have received many messages of good will from clients and professional colleagues which have been humbling. I shall miss them all as many have become firm friends.”

Chris Newton said: “The synergy between Geoff’s business and ours was apparent from our first meeting and the practice has been an excellent fit within our group while also giving Geoff an exit route.

“His client base has benefited from the wider services provided within our group and more local businesses have instructed the firm due to the stronger regional support now available to the Leyburn office.”

Newtons has recruited senior solicitor Sue Alexander, from Clark Willis, Darlington, to take over Mr Mochrie’s property, wills and probate work.

She says: “This is a great opportunity to be involved in a fast-growing business, working from such a beautiful location.

“Having worked with the Newtons team for several years in my previous role, I’m delighted to be part of the practice.”

The Leyburn office has also been strengthened by litigation and criminal advocate Estella Pengilley who has joined from Newtons head office in Knaresborough.

Mr Mochrie’s younger son has followed him into law and is a criminal solicitor on Teesside.