Kerry Dovey becomes member and Head of Rural & Residential
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Kerry Dovey becomes member and Head of Rural & Residential

17 April 2026

We’re delighted to announce the promotion of Kerry Dovey to Member and Head of the Rural & Residential Property Team, effective 1 April 2026.

Kerry joined Godwins in 2024, bringing over 22 years’ experience in agricultural, rural and residential property from leading regional law firms. Her promotion follows the retirement of long‑standing Member, Rupert Morton‑Curtis, whose 44‑year career in the legal profession and 15 years of service at Godwins have played an instrumental role in the firm’s success.

Kerry’s appointment reflects both her professional expertise and her deep connection to the local countryside. A passionate supporter of the New Forest, Kerry is a third‑generation commoner who continues her family tradition of turning out New Forest ponies to graze the Open Forest. She serves as an appointed colt inspector, honorary solicitor to the New Forest Pony Breeders, and is Joint Master of the New Forest Bloodhounds, a clean‑boot hunt.

Splitting her time between Godwins’ Winchester office and her home in Beaulieu, Kerry advises clients on the sale and purchase of residential, agricultural and equestrian property, acting for individuals, estates and rural businesses across Hampshire and beyond.

Kerry’s promotion forms part of a wider strategic evolution here at Godwins. In recent years, the firm has transitioned away from litigation and family law to focus exclusively on its core strengths:

  • Private Client – wills, probate, tax planning and succession for individuals and families
  • Commercial Property – transactions, leasing and development for businesses
  • Rural & Residential Property – a growing specialism in agricultural and rural matters

The firm has launched a new Agricultural, Farms and Estates Sector Group, combining expertise from all three departments to offer a comprehensive, specialist service to rural and agricultural clients across Hampshire, Dorset, the Isle of Wight and further afield.

“Kerry’s leadership marks an exciting new chapter for Godwins,” said Member, Andrew Neal. “Her deep understanding of rural life, combined with her extensive legal expertise, will further strengthen our offering to the agricultural community. We are delighted to welcome her as a Member of the firm.”

This leadership transition is part of Godwins’ long‑term succession planning, ensuring that the firm continues to deliver exceptional, personal and highly specialised legal services for generations to come.