Lawyers come home as part of expansion plans

Lawyers at a Shropshire firm have returned ‘home’ as part of the firm’s personal injury team expansion into a new base in Telford.

The firm already has a strong client base in the Telford area, but it’s the first time Lanyon Bowdler has had a personal injury team based in the town for nearly 20 years, and head of the new Telford team Debbie Humphries said it was a landmark moment.

“We are all very excited about the move. We haven’t had a Telford presence since 2003 and in some ways it feels like we are returning home. I started as a trainee in the personal injury team in the Telford office back in September 1998 and have since progressed to becoming a partner in the firm in January 2020.

“Karen Clarke, an associate legal executive, started her journey with Lanyon Bowdler at the Telford office in 1996 as a support secretary and has worked her way up, having recently qualified as a legal executive and being recognised by the firm in becoming an associate earlier this year, which happens to be her 25th year with the firm.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to work with clients in the Telford area, and this feels like a big moment for the team and the firm as a whole.”

Debbie and Karen are joined in the Telford office by Jemma Jones, who has moved into a role as legal support assistant following time providing secretarial support. Jemma is looking to build on her law degree and masters in legal practice where she attained a distinction.

Helen Jones and Lesley Teleki have also made the switch to the Telford office as key secretarial support, although Helen will continue to provide some support for the team in Shrewsbury.

Head of the personal injury department at Lanyon Bowdler, Dawn Humphries, said demand for specialist legal advice regarding personal injury claims had grown across the firm.

“Having recently been appointed as head of the department, it’s been really exciting to oversee the move of this team to Telford and I know they will be a huge success.

“We have also moved to newly-refurbished offices in Telford, in Kendal Court, which have excellent meeting facilities and plenty of parking, so we are easily accessible. We are able to offer face to face meetings where necessary, but continue to offer video appointments and appointments via the phone.”