“Being part of such an important milestone — often one people have dreamed about for years — is genuinely rewarding.”

Natalie Hodges

Associate

Bristol

Expertise

Natalie has over 10 years’ experience in the legal sector and has spent the last six years working within her current conveyancing team, including the past three years as a fee-earning conveyancer. She works across all aspects of residential conveyancing and supports a broad mix of clients, from first-time buyers and home movers to investors and those remortgaging their properties. Her experience includes the sale and purchase of freehold and leasehold homes, new build properties, transfers of equity and company purchases. Natalie understands that moving home can feel exciting, stressful and everything in between, so she focuses on making the process feel as straightforward and supported as possible. One of the parts of the role she enjoys most is calling a first-time buyer to let them know they can collect the keys to their first home – a moment that never loses its magic.

Tell us a bit more about your career to date / in law:

I started my career as a legal secretary, where I spent eight years building a strong grounding in legal processes, client care and the importance of getting the detail right. During that time, I developed the organisational skills and practical understanding that still shape the way I work today. I later took a break from the legal sector to focus on family life and run my own small business, which gave me a different perspective and helped strengthen my confidence, communication skills and ability to juggle competing priorities. When I returned to law, I found my place in conveyancing. It felt like the right fit because it combines technical knowledge with real client relationships and the opportunity to support people through one of the biggest decisions they will make. I have now been part of my current team for six years and, over the last three years, have managed my own caseload while continuing to build trusted relationships with clients and colleagues alike.

And your clients?

I work with a wide variety of clients, from first‑time buyers taking their first step onto the property ladder to seasoned investors expanding their portfolios. I always tailor my communication to each client’s level of experience so they feel supported and informed throughout the entire process.

Do you have a particular area of speciality?

My main focus is residential conveyancing, particularly freehold matters, although my experience also includes leasehold transactions, remortgages, transfers of equity and working with property investors and first‑time buyers in particular.

What do you enjoy about being a lawyer?

There’s nothing quite like phoning a first‑time buyer to tell them they can collect the keys to their new home. Being part of such an important milestone — often one people have dreamed about for years — is genuinely rewarding. Buying, selling or remortgaging a property is a big event, and it feels good to know I can help make that experience smoother and less daunting.

What do your clients like about you and the way you work?

Clients often tell me they find me friendly, approachable, and easy to talk to. I take care to explain things clearly and in plain English, even when the details involve legal jargon, so clients feel informed, confident, and in control throughout their transaction.

And when you are not working?

Away from work, I enjoy spending time with my family, often getting outdoors together for nature walks or simply unwinding in the fresh air. I also love creative and hands‑on hobbies such as gardening, knitting, crochet, reading, and gaming. Gardening in particular gives me a welcome contrast to the detailed, focused nature of conveyancing.