Clive Smale

Clive began his career in law in 1973 when as a 17 year old he began work as a trainee legal executive for Peter Peter & Wright’s predecessor, Peter Peter & Sons in Holsworthy.

Clive carried on his studies whilst working, initially passing the examinations set by the Institute of Legal Executives and then those set by the Law Society to qualify as a solicitor in 1983.

Clive became a Partner shortly afterwards in January 1986 and continues as one albeit he is now officially only working one day each week as he moves towards full retirement.

Clive has a wide range of experience as a private client solicitor with a particular emphasis on Wills, tax planning, the administration of estates and trusts, property transactions and farming partnerships and other non-contentious matters including work for charities. He is also head of the firm's Probate and Trust Department.

Having spent over 35 years at our Holsworthy office in Devon, Clive moved to our Bideford office in August 2010 where his wide ranging experience was gratefully received by clients and staff alike. Clive became our senior partner in January 2013.

Clive came from a farming background on the outskirts of Okehampton and loves living and working in rural Cornwall and Devon. When not at his desk, Clive may be found either in the garden, or enjoying a gentle walk or ride on his bicycle. However any spare time is at premium as Clive is an active member of the Methodist Church and can be regularly found conducting services as a Lay Preacher mostly in the Bude and Holsworthy Methodist Circuit.

Clive says: “I never tire of meeting clients, understanding their concerns and providing what help they need. I regard it as a great privilege to now be assisting the third generation of many families in the area.”