East Sussex full-service firm Stephen Rimmer LLP has expanded through the acquisition of Bexhill-on-Sea solicitors Donaldson Dunstall. The deal expands Stephen Rimmer’s team to 15 partners, 40 fee-earners and nearly 130 staff across four offices on the south coast.

Donaldson Dunstall, present in Bexhill-on-Sea since 1998, was particularly well known for conveyancing, wills and probate, and private client work. All Donaldson Dunstall partners and staff remain in their roles and there have been no redundancies.

Colin Dunstall, Partner at Donaldson Dunstall; Grant Sanders, Partner at Stephen Rimmer; and Patrick Donaldson, Partner at Donaldson Dunstall

Colin Dunstall, Grant Sanders and Patrick Donaldson

Stephen Rimmer partner Grant Sanders 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 their partners and staff will be continuing with us. For clients, it’s very much business as usual.’

Patrick Donaldson, partner at Donaldson Dunstall, commented: ‘Joining Stephen Rimmer 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.’

Founded in 1981, Stephen Rimmer LLP also has offices in Eastbourne and Hastings. In 2026-27 the firm expects turnover to exceed £10m.