In a continuing good news story, our favourite, friendly, local solicitors Scott Bailey whose practice continues to grow, is delighted to announce the promotion of Daniel Ratcliff and Victoria Smalley to Associate Partner, effective from 1 November 2025.
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Recognising and Rewarding
In a continuing good news story, our favourite, friendly, local solicitors Scott Bailey whose practice continues to grow, is delighted to announce the promotion of Daniel Ratcliff and Victoria Smalley to Associate Partner, effective from 1 November 2025.
These latest appointments reflect Scott Bailey’s ongoing commitment to recognising and rewarding talent from within, as well as its continued growth across the New Forest and Hampshire region.
Daniel and Victoria are both highly valued members of Scott Bailey’s Conveyancing team, which is led by Partner and Head of Property, James Burford. Commenting on their promotions, James said: “These well-deserved promotions recognise Daniel and Victoria’s exceptional contribution to the firm. Their professionalism, commitment, and drive have been key to the continued growth and success of our Property team in particular. It’s a privilege to work alongside them, both as colleagues and as friends.”
Victoria Smalley
Victoria first joined Scott Bailey in 2007 as an Administrative Assistant in the Property team, before qualifying as a Licensed Conveyancer in 2016. Her reputation for exceptional client care and attention to detail has grown alongside her career.
“I’m very proud to be promoted to this role and take it as a great honour that the firm has had faith in me and supported me throughout my time here. Scott Bailey has always allowed me to balance my career with family life and has given me every opportunity to progress. I’m grateful to the partners for their support and look forward to contributing to the firm’s continued growth.”
Having joined when the property department was a close-knit team of four, Victoria has since watched it evolve into a dynamic group of seventeen and has been dedicated to supporting both the property team and wider firm as it has grown.
Daniel Ratcliff
After studying law at Southampton Solent University, Daniel built a solid career foundation in compliance and legal practice, joining Scott Bailey in 2021 as a Chartered Legal Executive, bringing with him a wealth of experience.
Daniel has been pivotal in improving internal processes and nurturing the next generation of talent within the Property Department. His effective leadership and contribution to the team’s growth have been fittingly acknowledged through his recent promotion.
“Scott Bailey has grown significantly over the past four years, but one thing that’s always remained constant is its core values and commitment to its people. The firm’s dedication to training and progression, from the solicitor apprenticeship scheme to the internal career pathways, really highlights how invested it is in staff development and the future of the business. I’m delighted to be promoted to Associate Partner and look forward to helping the firm continue its success.”
Nurturing talent and promoting from within
Daniel and Victoria’s promotions reinforce Scott Bailey’s excellent reputation for nurturing talent and promoting from within. The firm’s commitment to professional growth was recognised in 2023 when it received the New Forest Business Partnership Training and Development Award.
In a year of continued achievement, Scott Bailey has also been named a finalist in three categories at the upcoming Hampshire Business Awards: SME Business of the Year, Professional Services Company of the Year, and Best Place to Work.
For over 90 years, Scott Bailey LLP has combined traditional values with a modern approach to deliver trusted legal advice to individuals and businesses.
With offices in Lymington and Lyndhurst, the firm serves across the New Forest and beyond in family, conveyancing, private client, litigation, and corporate and commercial law.
For more information on Scott Bailey, including the full breadth of services:
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Call- 01590 676933
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Website- scottbailey.co.uk
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About Scott Bailey LLP
Founded in 1930, Scott Bailey has grown to become a leading firm in the New Forest, providing a full range of legal services to private individuals and businesses. Services for individuals include Residential Conveyancing, Divorce, Family, Wills Trusts & Probate, Litigation & Disputes.
SME business legal services include Corporate, Commercial, Intellectual Property, Dispute Resolution, Landlord & Tenant, Insolvency and Employment Law. Scott Bailey LLP is one of only a very few firms based in the New Forest providing these specialist services.
The first firm in the region to receive the Law Society's prestigious LEXCEL award for high standards of practice management and customer care, Scott Bailey LLP promises top-quality, professional help from a team of expert solicitors who will put your best interests at the heart of their work.
Scott Bailey was delighted and proud to win "Business of the Year" at the 2023 New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards.
