SAS Daniels strengthens property teams with duo of appointments

Stockport and Cheshire law firm, SAS Daniels, has announced the appointment of two experienced solicitors to its growing commercial and residential property teams.

Safia Azra-Smith joins the firm as a partner in the commercial property department, and Jo Lawson has taken up a solicitor role within the residential property team.

Safia Azra-Smith, who qualified in 2014, is joining the SAS Daniels Stockport office, bringing with her a wealth of experience gained over many years in both regional and City legal practice. She has developed broad expertise across all aspects of commercial property, with a particular focus on investment work and landlord and tenant matters.

Safia has acted for a wide range of clients, including individuals, developers, property companies, institutional landlords, tenant businesses, banks and a variety of funds. Over the past year, she has expanded her practice into agricultural property work, an area she will further develop at SAS Daniels.

Commenting on her appointment, Safia said:

“I’m thrilled to join the SAS Daniels team. With upcoming changes to inheritance tax law affecting agricultural property relief, many farming clients will need clear, timely guidance on restructuring their holdings or selling assets for greater tax efficiencies. I’m also seeing growing investor interest in nature-positive funds, set up to prioritise carbon credits, biodiversity credits and wider ecological improvements. Having advised on these types of funds, I’m looking forward to bringing this experience to SAS Daniels’ clients.”

Jo Lawson, who has been qualified as a solicitor for 21 years – all within her hometown of Macclesfield, where she is based with SAS Daniels – begins her new role within the residential property team. Jo brings with her extensive expertise from working at other firms locally, where she held the positions of partner and head of conveyancing. While her career to date has spanned residential conveyancing and private client work, she is now solely focusing on residential property. Significantly, Jo is also in the final year of training to become a Notary Public, with qualification expected in April 2026. Jo added:

“I’m delighted to join SAS Daniels and to continue supporting the community in Macclesfield and surrounding areas across the North West region. The proposed renters reform bill is set to have a significant impact on future leasehold transactions, and I look forward to advising clients throughout the changes in the year ahead.”

Jeremy Orrell, chief executive officer at SAS Daniels, commented:

“We are thrilled to welcome Safia and Jo to the firm. Both bring exceptional expertise and sector knowledge that will further strengthen our offering across commercial and residential property. Their appointments reflect our continued commitment to investing in high-quality legal talent to benefit our clients and protect their interests.”

SAS Daniels LLP is a Cheshire-based law firm with offices in Stockport, Chester, Macclesfield and Congleton, servicing both businesses and individuals throughout the local area and nationwide.