Switalskis has expanded its award-winning new build conveyancing team with the appointment of Catherine Smith as conveyancing executive.

Catherine brings 12 years of industry experience to the position, gained through roles both in-house at regional housebuilders and in law firms. This dual perspective allows her to support Switalskis’ clients through the unique process of buying a brand new home.

As conveyancing executive, Catherine will support the new home buying process from reservations through to completion, providing client service of the highest standard. She will nurture relationships with housebuilders and developers whilst providing technical support to the head of department in the more complex areas of this niche field. Catherine’s appointment increases the team’s headcount to nine, reflecting the continued growth in demand for Switalskis’ expertise in this busy sector.

Catherine began her career in 2013 as a legal secretary at a Wetherby law firm before progressing to a paralegal role. She acted for landowners and developers for land purchases and for developers and registered providers in affordable housing transactions. Following a secondment to a housebuilder, she later took a permanent role at a well-known Yorkshire housebuilder. There she gained in-depth knowledge of developers’ internal processes, site management, and the buyer journey.

Switalskis’ new build team was established by department head Richard Wisnia in 2014, to provide dedicated legal guidance for the buyers of brand new homes. The team supports buyers on unique legal challenges associated with new build transactions including strict housebuilder deadlines and examining complex contracts (including part-exchanges). The team also ensures that related sale transactions are synchronised and advise on the various aspects of the new build development at which the client is buying.

Says Catherine: “I’m very excited to be part of this outstanding team and to return to acting on behalf of buyers. Having worked in-house for housebuilders, I’ve seen the process from the other side which has given me a valuable perspective on what buyers need from their legal advisers. I am looking forward to using that knowledge to guide clients in this fast-paced environment.”

Richard Wisnia says: “Catherine brings a wealth of experience from both sides of the new build conveyancing fence, which is incredibly rare.  Catherine is a perfect fit for Switalskis’ quality of service delivery and leading expertise in the field. This rare combination of experience means Catherine brings a 360-degree understanding of new build transactions. With a detailed understanding of the new build property market, Catherine can anticipate potential issues and deliver proactive support for clients.

“In a highly competitive recruitment market, we are robust in appointing professionals of the highest calibre and who meet our high standards of client service and technical knowledge, and Catherine is a perfect example of that.”

Switalskis’ conveyancing department has enjoyed a strong start to 2025, having been named New Build Conveyancing Team of the Year and Residential Property Team - Large Team of the Year at the British Conveyancing Awards. The firm has also been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work.