Year of special events planned, as Jacksons marks its 150-year anniversary.
When Jacksons was founded in 1876, correspondence travelled by post and legal documents were drafted by hand.
Since then, the firm has navigated the arrival of the telephone, the photocopier, the fax machine, computers, email and now digital and cloudbased working and the advent of AI.
Each innovation has changed the pace and scale of legal services, allowing Jacksons to support clients more quickly, collaboratively and effectively than ever before.
That’s why Erica Turner, Jacksons’ head of legal, and Amie Callan, head of operations, are keen to honour the firm’s proud history and heritage through a series of exciting 150-year anniversary events planned in 2026, following a landmark year that saw revenue increase by 20%.
However, not content with pausing to reflect on the past, Erica and Amie also have their sights firmly set on laying the foundations for the next 150 years of independent legal practice.
Jacksons, which has offices on Teesside and in Newcastle, was first established in 1876 at 42 Albert Road, Middlesbrough by Mr Gilbert B Jackson – later joined by his brother Francis H Jackson.
Further names for the firm when joined by additional solicitors, included Jacksons and Monk and Jacksons, Monk and Rowe.
“It’s amazing to think our firm started 150 years ago with one man, and now we are a team of 109 providing a range of legal services to businesses and individuals across the whole North East region and beyond,” said Erica.
“After last year’s rebrand, we are now reflective of who we have always been – an independent law firm that cares deeply about our clients, our people and the communities we serve – and we’re excited about the year of celebrations we have planned in 2026.”
Over the past 150 years, the legal profession in the UK has been transformed almost beyond recognition – and Jacksons has evolved alongside it.
From an era when legal advice was handwritten, local and largely transactional, the firm has seen the introduction of regulated professional standards, the expansion of specialist practice areas, increased access to justice, and a growing emphasis on client service, transparency and accountability.
Jacksons has continually adapted its services to meet the changing needs of individuals and organisations across the North East.
Today, investment in people and technology continues to underpin the firm’s approach to “define the next era”.
The growth of inhouse compliance and IT teams, alongside the appointment of new developers and specialists, reflects a modern law firm that recognises innovation as essential to delivering excellent client service in a fastmoving world.
The corporate and commercial team at Jacksons in 2025, with newly appointed partner Dan Flounders at the helm, was a massive step forward for the firm.
As part of its “desire to grow our base of people and build on our specialisms,” Jacksons has a focus on training and development, upskilling staff and creating a fulfilled workforce that is fit for a promising future for the firm.
Erica and Amie are also looking forward to welcoming more trainees and apprentices in legal and non-legal positions, working closely with local training providers.
Inspiring the next generation of female professionals is also important to Erica and Amie.
It wasn’t until the 1980s that the firm welcomed its first female solicitor, who became the firm’s first female partner later that decade.
Despite 150 years of social, legal and technological change, one thing has remained constant: Jacksons’ loyalty to clients and its people, rooted in the communities it serves.
From its earliest days supporting local enterprise and education, to its ongoing partnerships with regional institutions and training providers, the firm has consistently combined professional excellence with a deep sense of responsibility and care.
It is this steadfast commitment that has carried Jacksons through generations – and will continue to guide it into the next 150 years.
Erica says: “We are honoured to be celebrating 150 years – and we want our successors to be celebrating 300 years in 150 years’ time!”
Details about events to mark the firm’s 150th year will be revealed throughout 2026.
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Taking Care for 150 years