A Birmingham law firm has bolstered its residential property division with a senior appointment as the West Midlands housing market shows signs of significant growth in 2026.
Sydney Mitchell has recruited Oliver Begley, a conveyancing specialist with more than 16 years of experience, to join its expanding team amid rising property values and increasing transaction volumes across the region.
The move comes as house prices in the West Midlands outpace national averages, with industry observers predicting sustained momentum as mortgage rates decline and first-time buyers re-enter the market in greater numbers.
Begley, a Chartered Legal Executive (CILEx), spent almost 17 years at Ward & Rider Solicitors’ Coventry office, where he most recently served as Legal Executive and Conveyancer. His arrival brings the firm’s conveyancing division to seven practitioners, working under Partner Adam Oleskow who heads the department.
The expanded team now includes Senior Conveyancer Danny McCorry, Conveyancer Jessica Malone, Legal Assistants Rebecca Carson and Shelly Shorthouse, alongside recently recruited conveyancer Laura Haden and Begley.
Oleskow pointed to robust market conditions despite broader economic headwinds. “In spite of the economic and cost of living challenges last year, property values and transactions proved to be pretty robust, and our team had one of its busiest periods for property sales and purchases, especially in the final quarter of 2025,” says Adam Oleskow.
He continued: “2026 has started with house prices in the West Midlands rising faster than the national average, something predicted by many to continue as mortgage interest rates continue to fall and more first-time buyers get their foot on the property ladder, fuelling activity and completions.”
The strategic recruitment reflects the firm’s anticipation of increased demand for conveyancing services throughout the year. Oleskow emphasised the importance of strengthening capacity to meet client needs.
“With instructions for our team already on the up, it is important to add to our expert conveyancing resource, and Oliver is an excellent fit for the team and the firm. He brings extensive hands-on experience and a can-do attitude and proof of the skills and dedication to ensuring client’s transactions run smoothly,” he said.
Begley expressed enthusiasm about joining the firm and supporting clients through property transactions. “The most enjoyable part of being a conveyancer is guiding clients through the conveyancing process and being proactive so that transactions run smoothly and clients feel the legalities are completed as quickly and pain free as possible. I am looking forward to working with Sydney Mitchell’s highly focused, driven and competent team, and seeing the region’s residential property market continue to grow.”
The firm’s residential conveyancing practice handles a comprehensive range of services including sales and purchases, remortgaging, equity release, freehold acquisitions and lease extensions.
Sydney Mitchell, which traces its origins back over 260 years, operates from offices in Birmingham and Solihull. The practice offers specialist legal services spanning employment law, commercial property, corporate services, shareholder disputes, contract law, litigation, personal injury, insolvency, dispute resolution, immigration, wills and probate, tax and trusts, and family and child law.
Recognised as a Top Tier practice by Legal 500 and holding Lexcel accreditation, the firm has won Birmingham Law Society’s Regional Law Firm award seven times in the five to fifteen partner category. It also received the Excellence in Professional Services award at the Natural Signature Awards Birmingham 2025.
The recruitment signals confidence in the West Midlands residential property sector as economic conditions improve and buyer activity increases following a challenging period for the housing market nationally.
