Popular Legal Property Professional, Una Coulson, Hands Over to Next Generation

Highly regarded and well respected residential property lawyer, Una Coulson, has announced plans to step down as Head of Residential Conveyancing in March, after 40 years at Mincoffs Solicitors and will be handing the reins to Associate, Emma Liddle.

Una joined Mincoffs in 1980 working for then Senior Partner, Austen Science, following a move from another local firm.  Shortly thereafter, she moved in to the Criminal law department, during which time she studied part time and in 1987 passed the Institute of Legal Executives Examinations in Law and Legal Practice. She then studied at Northumbria University and achieved a BA (Hons) degree in Criminal Justice Studies. When the firm made a decision not to practice Criminal law in 1989, Una made her final move within the firm to Mincoffs fledgling Property department, then a team of just two, and spent the next 30 years growing the team to the 27 strong, conveyancing powerhouse it is today.

With a career spanning four decades, Una has enjoyed a number of professional highlights including acting for high profile clients and A-list celebrities. Many of her repeat clients are the third generation in their families to instruct Una for conveyancing. She was also one of the founding members of the North East Women in Property branch in an Advisory Capacity alongside Sonja MacGregor founder and Director of Conveywithme which is now one of the most popular women’s professional property groups in the region. Una has been referred to by clients and contacts as one of the ‘most trusted legal brains’ and ‘sought after’ authorities in conveyancing and has built up a strong network of property professionals with whom she and her team work very closely.

Following in Una’s footsteps and taking over the role of Head of Residential Conveyancing at Mincoffs is Emma Liddle, a qualified Chartered Legal Executive with over 15 years’ conveyancing experience. Emma joined Mincoffs in 2013 and was promoted to Assistant Manager of the Residential Conveyancing team in 2016. Throughout her seven years at Mincoffs, Emma has been consistently praised by clients for her professionalism, attention to detail and reassuring manner. Emma is delighted to be assisted by trusted solicitor Adrienne Lawson.

Una and Emma have worked closely together since the latter joined the firm and in 2019 they led the team to victory at the Northern Law Awards being awarded the title of “Residential Property Team of the Year “.  This was a proud moment for Mincoffs and particularly for Una to obtain this prestigious award in the year leading up to her retirement.

Una is, understandably, proud of her achievements and those of her team, and said of her upcoming retirement: “It is with great sadness that I leave Mincoffs after 40 wonderful years at the firm. Throughout my career I have seen great changes both in the property sector and the legal sector as a whole and I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of some of those changes. I am proud to hand over the leadership of the Residential Conveyancing department to Emma and I am more than confident that she will continue to take the team from strength to strength. I would like to thank Mincoffs Solicitors and the North East property community for supporting me throughout my career and giving me some wonderful memories to retire with.”

Emma commented: “Una has been a fantastic mentor and I appreciate all the support she has offered in the lead up to my promotion – I have gained knowledge and experience working alongside her for the past seven years. Hers will be tough boots to fill but with the support of Mincoffs and the residential conveyancing department, I am ready to take on the challenge. Una will be a huge miss to both the team, the firm and the North East property community but I wish her a very happy and restful retirement. She deserves it!”

Paul Hughes, Senior Partner at Mincoffs Solicitors commented: “We are all sad to see Una retire.  She has been an institution at the firm and has had a significant impact on our development and growth in her 40 years. I would personally like to thank her for all of her hard work, commitment and passion for the firm and wish her a long and happy retirement.”