Carey Smith Consultant Solicitor

Carey qualified in 2016 and specialises in commercial property and private client matters.

She began her career at a high street firm in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, where she gained experience in commercial property and agricultural law. She later moved to another high street firm where she handled residential property and private client matters, before spending some time working within a Local Authority Legal Property Team.

Carey first worked with her colleague Rebecca Grainger in 2015 and has maintained a strong professional and personal relationship since. She is now excited to be working alongside her within their Scarborough-based Setfords practice.

Areas of expertise

Commercial property:

• Commercial sales and purchases
• Leases
• Assignments
• Deeds of variation
• Transfers of equity
• Business sale agreements
• Adverse possession claims
• Licence agreements
• Option agreements
• Deeds of covenant
• Deeds of surrender
• Easements and wayleaves
• General consents
• Land registration and amendments
• Agricultural law

Private client:

• Wills
• Probate
• Powers of attorney
• Administration of estates

Approach to work and clients 

Carey is practical, detail-oriented and commercially aware. She offers clear, jargon-free advice tailored to real-world situations. Friendly and approachable, she builds strong client relationships and makes legal matters feel as straightforward and stress-free as possible. She is proactive in spotting potential issues early and finding realistic solutions, and prides herself on being reliable, responsive and easy to work with.  She particularly enjoys drafting work, especially wills and commercial leases, taking care to ensure each document is clear, accurate and tailored to the client's individual needs.

Carey works closely with Rebecca Grainger, sharing the same values and ensuring a consistent, high-quality service.

Career highlights

Carey's experience includes acting on the acquisition of more than ten homes for a Local Authority housing team ahead of year-end to support a resettlement programme. She has also drafted policy documentation used publicly by the Local Authority. In private client work, she has supported clients through sensitive matters such as intestate estates, providing a highly personalised service to guide individuals through what can be an uncertain and worrying process.

Outside of work 

Outside of her legal practice, Carey is an active member of Scarborough Law Society, where she has served as President, Vice President and Secretary. In this role, she has organised events such as the annual Scarborough Law Society Quiz, raising funds for local charities, as well as a range of social and networking events.

In her spare time, she enjoys trying new activities with Rebecca, including rock climbing, wild saunas and creative events. They are keen runners, having completed two marathons, and regularly attend a group gym.

As a parent, she is actively involved in school activities and the PTA, supporting her children’s interests and clubs. During the summer months, she enjoys paddleboarding in the North Sea and spending time at her chalet on the South Bay.

For any legal queries relating to Residential Property and Conveyancing, please contact my colleague, Rebecca Grainger.

https://www.setfords.co.uk/our-people/profile/rebecca_grainger/