Stephen Rimmer Expands in Bexhill-on-Sea with Acquisition of Donaldson Dunstall
Stephen Rimmer LLP is delighted to announce that it has strengthened its presence in Bexhill-on-Sea with the acquisition of established local solicitors Donaldson Dunstall.
The move brings together two well-regarded firms with long-standing ties to the community and strengthens their legal services available across Bexhill and the wider East Sussex region. The acquisition will bring Stephen Rimmer’s team to more than 130 people across four offices along the South Coast. It also reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to investing in people, providing career development opportunities for those joining from Donaldson Dunstall while continuing to recruit talented professionals across the region. For both firms, the transition represents a natural step that builds on shared values: practical legal advice, strong local relationships and a commitment to supporting individuals, families and businesses across East Sussex.
A trusted local firm serving generations of clients
Donaldson Dunstall has been a familiar and trusted presence in Bexhill-on-Sea since 1998, supporting generations of local clients with reliable legal advice and a personal approach.
Over the years, the firm has developed a particularly strong reputation in key areas including residential conveyancing, wills and probate, and wider private client services.
For many clients, the firm has been a long-term adviser through life’s most important milestones, from buying or selling property to planning for the future or supporting families during difficult times.
A natural strategic fit with Stephen Rimmer
Founded in 1981, Stephen Rimmer LLP celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. Over more than four decades, the firm has grown to become one of East Sussex’s leading law firms, offering a comprehensive range of services to individuals, families and businesses.
Today, the firm provides legal advice across areas including residential and commercial property, family law, private client services, employment law, litigation and dispute resolution, and company and commercial matters.
While the firm has expanded over the years, its ethos has remained consistent: combining strong technical expertise with a friendly, approachable style and a genuine commitment to supporting the communities it serves.
Grant Sanders, Partner at Stephen Rimmer LLP, said:
“We have a genuine affection for Bexhill and the people and businesses who make it such a special community. Donaldson Dunstall has built an excellent reputation over many years, and we are delighted that many of the staff will be continuing with us.
For clients, we hope it’s very much business as usual, the same trusted faces, supported by the wider expertise and resources of Stephen Rimmer.”
Continuity for clients with expanded legal support
For Donaldson Dunstall clients, the acquisition is designed to provide reassurance as well as opportunity. Existing matters will move to Stephen Rimmer LLP but continue to be handled by the same lawyers and staff they have been dealing with, ensuring continuity of service and preserving trusted relationships.
At the same time, clients will benefit from the broader expertise available across the wider Stephen Rimmer team.
This means that where additional specialist knowledge is required, clients can access support across a full range of legal disciplines without needing to look elsewhere.
Patrick Donaldson, Partner at Donaldson Dunstall, commented:
“Our priority has always been our clients and our team. With this acquisition it allows us to preserve the personal service our clients value, while giving them access to a broader range of specialist expertise. We believe this is a positive and secure step forward for the future.”
Supporting people, careers and the future of the firm
An important part of the acquisition is the opportunity it creates for the people working within both firms.
Donaldson Dunstall’s team will join Stephen Rimmer while continuing to serve their clients locally, with the added benefit of being part of a larger organisation that offers broader professional development opportunities.
This includes access to additional specialist practice areas, expanded training resources and greater opportunities for career progression within the firm.
For Stephen Rimmer, welcoming the Donaldson Dunstall team strengthens not only its technical capability but also its culture.
The firm has long placed emphasis on collaboration, professional development and creating an environment where legal professionals can build long-term careers while continuing to deliver high-quality client service.
By bringing together the experience and expertise of both teams, the firm aims to ensure that knowledge is shared and the next generation of legal professionals is supported.
A positive step for the future
As Stephen Rimmer marks 45 years in practice, the acquisition of Donaldson Dunstall represents both a celebration of the firm’s heritage and a clear statement of its ambitions for the future.
The firm remains focused on sustainable growth, strong community relationships and continuing to provide clear, practical legal advice to individuals, families and businesses.
For Donaldson Dunstall clients, the same trusted service will continue, delivered by the same familiar faces.
What changes is the additional support available behind the scenes, with the wider resources and expertise of Stephen Rimmer helping to strengthen the service available to the local community.
Contact Stephen Rimmer
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please contact one of our offices by email enquiries@stephenrimmer.com or by telephone on:
- Bexhill-on-Sea: 01424 216329
- Hastings: 01424 619916
- Eastbourne: 01323 644222