Duncan Macpherson Consultant Solicitor

Duncan began his legal career in private practice in Dorset, qualifying as a solicitor in 2011. 

Areas of expertise

• Commercial property transactions
• Joint ventures and financing arrangements
• Ownership structuring
• Property acquisitions and disposals
• Commercial leases
• Land reorganisation
• Plot sales
• Residential property sales and purchases
• Transfers of equity and ownership structuring
• Auction acquisitions
• Complex property project management

Approach to work and clients

Duncan puts client care at the heart of his work, deliberately managing a lower volume of clients to ensure each transaction receives the attention it deserves. His background in project management and property development allows him to look beyond the legal aspects of a matter, understanding the wider commercial and practical pressures his clients face. He takes a considered, solution-focused approach to complex transactions, helping clients navigate challenges and achieve their objectives.

Career highlights

Prior to Setfords, Duncan progressed to Associate Solicitor and Head of Private Client Services at Ellis Jones Solicitors before joining Moore Blatch Solicitors as a Property Solicitor, specialising in high-value residential and commercial transactions.

In 2015, Duncan moved in-house to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), where he progressed from Senior Commercial Counsel to Senior Property Counsel and then Head of Estates, a role he held until 2024. He led the delivery of a £180 million portfolio of national marine and infrastructure projects, reporting directly to the Board and Trustees on strategy, risk and investment.

Alongside his legal career, Duncan qualified as an APM project manager in 2022 and has developed further experience as a property developer, investor and business consultant. This combination of legal, project management and commercial experience gives him a well-rounded understanding of property transactions and the practical realities behind them.

During his time at the RNLI, Duncan led numerous significant property and capital projects across the country. One of his proudest achievements was personally brokering the acquisition and restoration of Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare: a complex, high-profile transaction that has helped enable the pier's ongoing restoration.

Outside his legal practice, Duncan remains active as a property developer and investor. He also runs a business consultancy, advising clients on complex business and systems challenges, and sits on the board of trustees of a school. These varied roles further strengthen his understanding of property, business operations and governance.