Helen Barry returned to Watkins & Gunn in 2026 as Director and Head of Property, bringing her career full circle after first joining the firm in 2005. Having begun her legal journey at Watkins & Gunn over two decades ago, she is proud to return to lead the Property team and help shape the firm’s future.

With more than 25 years’ experience in property law, Helen is recognised as one of South Wales’s leading property solicitors holding the Advanced Residential Conveyancing Accreditation. She advises individuals, families, investors, developers and lenders on every aspect of residential property, combining technical expertise with a practical, personable approach that puts clients at ease.

Helen acts in relation to buying and selling, remortgages, refinancing, bridging loans, transfers of equity, leasehold property, new build developments, auctions, equity release, property portfolios and high-value transactions throughout Wales and England.

Returning to Watkins & Gunn represents more than a career move, it is a genuine homecoming. The firm gave Helen her first opportunity in the legal profession, and she is delighted to return with the experience, leadership and vision gained over the past two decades to lead the Property team into its next chapter.

Helen believes that great legal advice is about more than completing a transaction. It is about listening, understanding what matters to each client and providing clear, straightforward advice every step of the way. Whether acting for a first-time buyer, a growing family or an experienced property investor, her focus is always on delivering an exceptional client experience.

Since qualifying as a Solicitor, Helen has held a number of senior leadership positions, leading large residential property teams and driving innovation within the legal profession.

Alongside her legal practice, Helen has extensive experience in strategic leadership, business development and operational excellence. She has successfully led projects involving legal technology, compliance, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and service improvement, helping firms modernise while maintaining the highest standards of client care.

Helen is a recognised speaker within the legal profession and regularly shares her expertise on the future of conveyancing, legal technology and artificial intelligence. She is passionate about developing the next generation of lawyers, mentoring colleagues and creating high-performing teams built around collaboration, learning and exceptional service.

Her approach reflects Watkins & Gunn’s commitment to delivering legal advice with care, clarity and integrity, ensuring every client feels informed, supported and confident throughout their journey.

Why Helen?

Clients choose Helen because she combines extensive legal expertise with genuine empathy and a commitment to making the legal process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

  • Over 25 years’ experience in property law.
  • Accredited in Advanced Level of Residential Conveyancing
  • Director and Head of Property with extensive leadership and strategic management experience.
  • Recognised as one of South Wales’ leading property specialists.
  • Trusted adviser to homeowners, developers, investors and lenders.
  • Experienced in managing complex, high-value and time-critical property transactions.
  • Recognised speaker on conveyancing, legal technology and artificial intelligence.
  • Passionate about mentoring lawyers and developing high-performing teams.
  • Known for clear communication, practical advice and exceptional client care.
  • Proud to have returned to Watkins & Gunn, where her legal career first began in 2005.

 Areas of Expertise

  • Residential Conveyancing
  • Buying and Selling Property
  • First-Time Buyers
  • Leasehold Property
  • Refinancing
  • Bridging Loans
  • Auctions
  • New Build Conveyancing
  • Remortgages
  • Transfers of Equity
  • Equity Release
  • Property Portfolios
  • High Value Residential Property
  • Property Development
  • Property Leadership & Strategy

“Property law is ultimately about people. Whether I’m helping someone buy their first home, supporting a family through a move or mentoring the next generation of lawyers, my goal is always the same – to make a positive difference and help people move forward with confidence.”