At DRN, we aim to provide exceptional advice and outstanding care to all of our clients.
Taking great care to recruit only top quality, experienced, specialist solicitors, we have every confidence in our legal advisers’ ability to provide expert advice.
But that’s only the starting point, we believe that expert advice is the very least of what you should expect from a law firm – we work hard to ensure that you receive superb personal service throughout your case, from start to finish
Our advisers are a friendly bunch and will put you at your ease immediately. We provide advice which is straightforward, easy to understand and jargon-free – our job is to explain the law, not just repeat it!
At Donald Race & Newton, we are dedicated to providing expert and straightforward advice which our clients can have complete confidence in. But providing great advice is just a starting point for us – what really sets us apart from other firms is our commitment to providing outstanding levels of care and attention to each and every client.
We are attentive listeners and take the time to find out about your individual circumstances, needs and wishes. We then provide practical legal advice which takes account of these and gives you the results you need.
We understand that legal costs are a big concern for most clients, which is why we try hard to provide services for a fixed fee wherever we can, so you have the security of knowing exactly how much you will be charged. We are also able to provide legal aid to some family and criminal clients depending on their individual circumstances, and conduct most personal injury and some employment cases on a ‘no win, no fee’ arrangement.
We also offer flexible payment options to help clients manage our costs. We always explain our charges to you fully at the outset of your case, and promise that you won’t ever receive any unexpected bills.
Donald Race & Newton has a long and proud history. After being admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court at just 21 years of age, Mr Donald Race founded the firm on April 7 1924.
Finding the two roomed office a little cramped by now, Mr Race took over a further room in the same building. As the business grew, two more employees were taken on.
The outbreak of the Second World War temporarily interrupted the operation of the business.
Both young men became articled to Mr Race and soon qualified. Mr Race made Wilfred and George partners in the practice and the firm name was changed to Donald Race & Newton.
By now, the firm’s Hargreaves Street offices were becoming too small for the number of staff members occupying them. The practice moved to larger premises, first at 7 Manchester Road and then later to 3 Hargreaves Street.
In 1954, 16-year-old Mr Derek Lambert joined the firm as an articled clerk, and was articled to Mr Newton. Derek was admitted as a Solicitor with Second Class Honours at 21-years-old.
The firm continued to thrive and expand, and over the following few years Peter Lawson, Roger Pickup and Wilfred’s son, Simon Newton, all joined as articled clerks. Peter, Roger and Simon became partners in the practice not long after. In the early 1960s the firm took over the practice of Birtwells and moved into Birtwell’s large offices on Nicholas Street.
A further office was opened in Nelson in 1958, and the firm went on to purchase the practice of Bracewell and Dyson on Albert Road in Colne (where we still have an office).
In 1989, Donald Race & Newton incorporated the long established Burnley firm, Holmes Butterfield and Hartley, (which had been trading since the 1880s) increasing the firm’s presence in the town.
In 2007, the practice purchased the large former Lloyds Bank building on Hargreaves Street in order to accommodate the firm’s growing staff numbers and in order to have everyone in Burnley working under one roof.
In 2013, the firm opened their newest branch, a dedicated commercial office, DRN Commercial, in order to satisfy the increasing demand for its commercial services.
Throughout the firm’s ninety year history, Donald Race & Newton has remained true to its founding principles of providing expert advice and representation delivered through outstanding service.
We have taken great care to recruit only the very best lawyers in the area who share our commitment to client care and have a genuine passion for helping people.
From the moment you walk through the door, your problem will no longer be your own. We’ll help to take the burden off your shoulders and will work with you to find a solution.
We represent clients from all walks of life, but we treat all our clients the same – with respect and sensitivity. We never lose sight of the fact that, as lawyers, we are in the privileged position of being your ‘official spokesperson’.
"I was fortunate to have Charlotte Farrell deal with my 3 road traffic claims over the past 9 years and it’s great to have someone there that remembers you. Charlotte dealt with my claims quickly and professionally and I was delighted with the outcome of my claims. I would definitely recommend Charlotte and DRN to my friends and family, Charlotte always provides an excellent service."
"Charlotte provided an excellent and professional service from start to finish."
"For a number of years we have used Matthew Finley of Donald Race & Newton Solicitors for advice on personnel and employment law issues relating to our business. At all times, we have found Matthew to be extremely knowledgeable and have valued immensely the practical and forthright advice that he has given to us on a wide range of legal issues. We would have no hesitation in recommending Matthew’s services to other employers."
Brad Mansell
