In a flash, Dawn’s notary practice has been around for 25 years.  Licenced to practice 2 November 1999 (at 25 years old). Coupled with consultant Iain MacLeod recognised 35 years practice in 2024, Company Notary and Family Office Notary celebrates 60 years of collective experience.

When Dawn first started, documents always had to be sewn (!) and notarial practice was considered archaic.  Whilst numbers of notaries remain less than 770 in England and Wales, there remains a steady flow of new entrants to the profession and with that new approaches to delivering notarial practice.  

Dawn remembers a time in 1999 when a client remarked on opening their door ‘But you can’t be the notary, you are a young woman’.  

Since 1999, countries have split, political diplomacy has changed, borders have changed, countries have gone in and out of transaction favour (we have been around long enough to see trends), UK is out of EU, and being ‘international’ is commonplace for UK business.  All of this has impacted the work Dawn and her team do.  We are seeing technology compliment practice management, and electronic notarisation and e-Apostille beginning to make its mark. As with all progress, there are teething problems and unforeseen challenges, but there are also welcome efficiencies and improvements in rigour, best practice and client experience.  

Dawn remarks “Whilst I doubt I will be a practising notary 25 more years from now, I am committed to continuing to ensure Company Notary and Family Office Notary play their part in document integrity and responds to both the client need and evolving notarial practice and legalisation, and supports the next generation of new notaries as well as those retiring from mainstream law firm practice.  Through our notary and legalisation work, we meet the most fascinating people and dynamic businesses.  Rarely is a conversation ”void” – every interaction counts and we are grateful for all our experiences these past quarter century.”