Selina Kong, Kelly McDonnell, and Beth Williams bring a wealth of expertise to the firm’s expanding property team, with over 50 years’ experience between them. 

Sian Brown joins the commercial team, with specific expertise in the health and social care sector. 

Having built her legal career in-house in the charities and not-for-profit sector, Selina Kong specialises in property matters for charities which has included strategic restructuring of property portfolios.

Prior to joining Anthony Collins, she led the restructuring of a major property portfolio for a leading, registered social care charity which involved the sensitive rehousing of multiple vulnerable residents. 

Selina Kong, legal director at Anthony Collins, said: “After 20 years in-house, this move is an exciting opportunity for me to work with a leading firm in the charity and social care sector; applying my knowledge and insights to a range of projects. 

These sectors are facing immense challenges at the moment, and I hope that my unique set of skills and experience will support the property team in helping the sector in an impactful and compassionate way.”  

Kelly McDonnell joins the team as legal director and head of conveyancing. She is responsible for leading plot sales, home ownership and right-to-buy teams. 

With over 20 years’ conveyancing experience, she will be supporting Registered Providers, Local Authorities and private clients with all types of property transfer, whilst focusing on managing risks, ensuring efficiency and securing the desired outcome.  

Throughout her career she has handled many complex and high-volume property deals, including some comprising multiple property types in a variety of locations. 

Kelly has been recognised as a leading legal adviser to the property industry, and she was formerly Chair of the West Midlands Branch of Women in Property. 

Kelly McDonnell, legal director at Anthony Collins, said: “I’ve always enjoyed leading and supporting my teams, so this new role as head of conveyancing is a great opportunity to take everything I’ve learned and put it to good use for a diverse client base, as part of one the country’s most dynamic property law teams.  

Anthony Collins has also hired two new senior associates. Beth Williams joins the firm’s social housing team in the Manchester office, and Sian Brown joins the governance team in Birmingham. 

Building on the strong recruitment into the social housing team last year, Beth’s appointment supports the firm’s ongoing investment into its property services. 

With over ten years’ experience advising registered providers and local authorities, her appointment will further enhance the firm’s affordable housing and regeneration counsel offering in the Northwest. 

She also sits on the board of Crosby Housing Association, Liverpool, and has been accredited by Legal 500 and Chambers 2026. 

Sian Brown brings additional depth to the firm’s commercial team, providing strategic advice to third-sector, public, and private organisations. 

Having worked in-house for 20 years, Sian has an extensive understanding of the legal issues and operational challenges affecting the social care sector, and brings a practical, solutions-based approach to her role.

Matthew Wort, senior partner at Anthony Collins, said: “What better way to welcome in the new year than appointing more new faces as we aim to build on the successes of 2025.

Our teams are at the centre of everything we do, and it’s our priority to ensure that they are supported with all means necessary to succeed, both individually, and collectively. 

Importantly for us, each one of our new hires shares a commitment to our social purpose goals and I am looking forward to seeing the contribution they make.”