Leo Johnston

Leo is our Senior Partner,who has been with the firm for over 30 years. He deals with a wide range of areas primarily associated with property and business law. This includes domestic and commercial conveyancing - including commercial leases, company law, partnerships and other commercial matters.

Educated in Sunderland, at St Aidans Grammar School, Leo studied law at University College London and then completed his training at Bischoffs Law firm in the City of London before returning from London to work for Hedleys.

Leo has also served on the board of Governors for St Anthony's Girls School for the last 25 years.

Leo is married and the proud father of two young sons and when not playing tennis with them in the garden can be found playing at Ashbrooke Tennis Club. He is also a life long follower of Sunderland Football Club.

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Direct Line: 0191 5666909

Richard Walls

Richard joined the firm in February 2009 and quickly proved to be a highly valued and popular member of our residential conveyancing team.

Richard is a specialist in "new build" property transactions and is a leader in this field in the North East of England.

Richard is a "local boy" and was educated at Southmoor School, Bede College and finally North Tyneside College where he qualified to become a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.

Richard is married with a young son and another child on the way.

Another ardent Sunderland fan, Richard also enjoys playing football in his free time.
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Direct Line: 0191 5666908

Malcolm Truscott

Malcolm has been with Hedleys since 1990 and is a diligent member of our residential conveyancing team.

Educated locally, Malcolm is a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.

Married with one daughter, Malcolm is an enthusiastic member of Rotary International and also enjoys "armchair" sports and walks in the countryside.

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Direct Line: 0191 5666903

Gloria Spedding

Gloria has been with Hedleys for 14 years and is a hard working member of our residential conveyancing team.

Educated in the Durham area, Gloria is a Conveyancing Executive.

Gloria is married with one daughter and two grand children with whom she enjoys spending her free time. She also has several hobbies including reading,walking,swimming,gardening and cooking.

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Direct Line: 0191 5666906

Claire Truscott

Claire completed her training contract with Hedleys and has subsequently worked with the firm as an assistant solicitor and then a partner. She has responsibility for our matrimonial department including issues relating to divorce, financial implications and children's matters. Claire also deals with a wide range of areas associated with civil litigation,accident and personal injury claims and consumer problems.

Educated in Sunderland, Claire attended Southmoor School and Bede College before studying law at Northumbria University in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Claire enjoys reading, socialising with friends and nights out at the cinema. She regularly attends The Wearside Health and Racquet Club in attempt to keep fit!

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Direct Line: 0191 5666907

Clare Jaber

Clare is our most recent appointment at Hedleys having just taken up a training contract with us. However, she actually joined us in 2000 for work experience and has been with Hedleys ever since!

A local girl, Clare was educated in the Sunderland area and subsequently studied law at Northumbria University where she qualified in 2007 with an LLB but is still working hard to achieve her masters.

Clare will be involved in all areas of the firm as she is training before finally choosing her specialism towards the end of her training contract. We are delighted that Clare is staying with us and wish her a long and happy career at Hedleys.

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Ayesha Brown

Ayesha is married and qualified as a Legal Executive in 2003 and as a Solicitor in 2007.

Ayesha specialises in Private Client work which includes Wills, Probate, Trusts, Powers of Attorney and affairs concerning the Court of Protection.

Ayesha is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and Association of Women Solicitors.

Ayesha is supported in her role by her Border Terrier, Harry who is always happy to come into work regardless of the weather. When Ayesha is not in the office she can be found climbing and can't wait to complete her sailing qualifications and be set free on the waves.

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Direct Line: 0191 5666910