SRA Regulated — Established in Devon

Commercial Law,
Delivered Differently

Partner-led corporate and property legal expertise, without the overheads of a traditional firm. Rooted in the Westcountry, serving businesses nationally.

Discuss Your Matter → Explore Our Services
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About Carman Partners

A Smarter Approach to Commercial Law

Carman Partners is a virtual commercial law firm that combines the rigour and expertise of a traditional practice with the agility and value of a modern, lean structure. By operating without the burden of expensive premises, we pass genuine savings on to our clients — without ever compromising on quality.

Founded by husband-and-wife partners Steven Carman and Lynne Follett-Carman, we bring decades of experience gained at leading regional firms to every instruction. Our clients range from ambitious start-ups to established enterprises, high-net-worth individuals to public sector organisations.

Whether you need counsel on a company or business acquisition, a complex lease negotiation, or governance matters involving shareholders and directors, you work directly with a partner from day one. No junior handoffs, no impersonal service — just focused, commercially-minded legal advice tailored to your objectives.

Devon countryside — the Westcountry landscape that inspires our approach
20+
Years of Experience
2
Dedicated Partners
100%
Partner-led Service
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Pragmatic Counsel
Commercially-focused advice that prioritises your business objectives, not legal complexity for its own sake.
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Genuine Value
A virtual model means lower overheads and competitive pricing — real savings, without sacrificing quality.
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Direct Access
Work with an experienced partner from first instruction to completion. No delegation, no surprises.
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National Reach
Based in Exeter, Devon, but advising businesses and individuals across England and Wales.
Our Expertise

Focused Legal Services for Business

We concentrate on two complementary areas of commercial law, allowing us to deliver deep specialist knowledge across corporate transactions and property matters.

Business professionals reviewing corporate documents and strategy

■ Corporate Commercial

From start-up to exit and everything in between — strategic legal support for businesses at every stage of their lifecycle. We guide founders, directors, and shareholders through complex transactions with clarity and commercial pragmatism.

  • Company sales and acquisitions
  • Business and asset sales and purchases
  • Private equity and refinancing
  • Management buy-outs and buy-ins
  • Shareholder agreements and joint ventures
  • Company restructures and reorganisations
  • Partnership and LLP agreements
  • Shareholder and director disputes
  • Company law and corporate governance
  • Commercial agreements and contracts
  • Terms of trading and supply agreements
Commercial property buildings and modern business premises

■ Commercial Property

Whether you are acquiring, disposing of, or managing commercial premises, we provide thorough, responsive property advice. Our expertise covers the full spectrum of commercial real estate transactions and ongoing estate matters.

  • Sales and purchases of commercial property
  • Estate management
  • Licences to occupy and guarantees
  • Lease assignments, underleases, renewals, and surrenders
  • Conditional contracts and options
  • Pre-emption agreements
  • Financing and refinancing
  • Mortgages and other security
Our Team

Experienced. Dedicated. Accessible.

With Carman Partners, you deal directly with the experienced people handling your matter — partners and specialists who understand your goals.

Partner — Corporate Commercial

Steven Carman

Steven built his career at large regional commercial law firms, rising to partner at a multi-office practice before founding Carman Partners. He brings over 20 years of client relationships and deep expertise across corporate transactions, governance, and commercial agreements.

Company Sales & Acquisitions Corporate Governance Shareholder Agreements MBOs & Buy-ins Group Reorganisations

Sector experience: Engineering, manufacturing, healthcare (medical, dental, veterinary, pharmaceutical), and business start-ups.

☎ 01392 982 994 ✉ steven@carmanpartners.com
Partner — Commercial Property

Lynne Follett-Carman

Lynne trained and qualified at a large regional firm specialising in commercial property, where she led the property team within the education department. She brings meticulous attention to detail and an in-depth understanding of commercial real estate to every transaction.

Property Sales & Purchases Landlord & Tenant Refinancing Secured Lending Estate Management

Client base: High-net-worth individuals, property investment businesses, and public sector organisations.

☎ 01392 982 993 ✉ lynne@carmanpartners.com
Corporate Governance & Company Secretarial

Caroline Bamford

Caroline is a corporate governance and company secretarial specialist advising on company law compliance, governance procedures, and statutory administration. A qualified CILEx Lawyer (Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) and CG Affiliated Member of The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland, she helps a broad range of organisations maintain effective governance and meet their UK regulatory obligations.

Corporate Governance Company Secretarial Companies House Compliance UK Company Formation Directors’ Duties

Experience: UK and international businesses, start-ups, property management, educational and not-for-profit organisations, and membership bodies — from establishing a UK presence through to ongoing compliance and corporate transactions such as restructurings, acquisitions and group reorganisations.

☎ 07337 141504 ✉ caroline@carmanpartners.com
Get in Touch

Let’s Discuss Your Matter

Whether you have a specific instruction or simply need an initial conversation about your options, we’re here to help. Contact us directly or complete the form and we’ll respond promptly.

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Telephone
01392 982 994
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Registered Office
Melrose House, Pynes Hill,
Rydon Lane, Exeter,
Devon EX2 5AZ
This is not a postal address. Please email us for correspondence details.
Authorised & regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority — No. 805158

Send an Enquiry

We aim to respond to all enquiries within one working day.