The Managing Partner of one of the region’s longest standing solicitors Bell Lamb & Joynson is celebrating his 25th year at the firm.
Mike Leeman, a specialist criminal defence solicitor, joined the award-winning team back in 1996 as a trainee solicitor, before becoming a partner in 2001. He started his current role in 2018 and now manages more than 50 employees across three offices, located in Walton, Runcorn and Warrington.
It’s a time of celebration not just for Mike but also for the company in general as Bell Lamb & Joynson recently marked its 200th year in business.
Mike said: “It has been the most incredible journey for me, and for everyone who works here, as there has been so much change in those 25 years.”
The father-of-two from the Wirral, but now living in Lydiate, has a passion for customer service and building relationships, with a noticeable love for IT, and has helped the firm to become an early adopter of new technologies.
“We were one of the first high street firms to use instant online quotes for our conveyancing services,” he added, “and we have introduced online case tracking as well as a dedicated mobile phone application for clients, estate agents and mortgage brokers. This has led to significant growth in the department and us winning the Client Care Award at the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards two years running.”
Mike first got a taste of working at Bell Lamb & Joynson and its criminal department while studying for his degree in the summer of 1994, working under the guidance of George Sale; one of the area’s most prominent and respected criminal defence solicitors. He quickly excelled and climbed the ladder to become a partner at the firm seven years later, and subsequently the head of the criminal department.
He said: “We have a criminal team of exceptionally talented and dedicated lawyers, with 236 years post qualification experience between them. I was particularly delighted when the team won the Liverpool Law Society Criminal Law Award.”
Mike considers the firm’s dedication to investing in the potential of staff as one of the keys to its success. As Managing Partner, he not only drives the strategy of the firm, but he is also keen on continuing to find new talent, and to implement services and support to help provide genuine progression and opportunities for colleagues in their careers in law.
By offering competitive salaries and a belief in sustainable work, Bell Lamb & Joynson is enjoying a period of sustained growth and are one of the fastest growing traditional high street firms in the region.
Mike added: “The last year has probably been one of the most rewarding and enjoyable of all my time here at Bell Lamb & Joynson. We marked our 200th year, won two awards, and welcomed 17 new members to our team. I honestly cannot wait to see what’s next.”
