Emmersons Solicitors are celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year. Founder Jacqueline Emmerson spoke to Northern Insight about the journey so far and what the future holds.
What led you to forming the business 25 years ago?
I felt as if I had reached a glass ceiling and that I couldn’t progress any further with the firm I was at. When I looked around for another job I couldn’t find anything better.
What are your earliest memories?
Right from the off I knew that it was sink or swim, I knew that I had to promote the firm. Two of my friends volunteered to deliver leaflets with me, we had a great afternoon in the snow doing just that. I also contacted the local press on a regular basis. One week I made headline news nearly every day in the Sunderland Echo. A relative rang to say, I constantly read “Jacqueline Emmerson solicitor of John Street says…” I was very pleased with myself. Job done, my PR campaign had been successful.
What aspect of your job has changed the most?
As the firm has grown it has required a huge step change in how it is managed. I am now Managing Director with team leaders running departments. We have Residential and Commercial Property, Criminal Defence and Motoring and Private Client which is made up of Family, Wills and Probate. Having undertaken a Leadership Management Course I approach everything from the point of view of the business.
What has been your proudest achievement?
There have been quite a few. Becoming one of the first and youngest members of the Law Society Family Law Panel when it was first created. Winning the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Wearside Women in Business Awards. Winning Private Client Team of The Year at the British Wills and Probate Awards. This is a Blue Riband accolade and represents all of the hard work and skill set of our Wills and Probate Team. I am also very proud of the fact that I have kept going in my profession for over thirty years, not many female lawyers make it this far. For my family I am proud of the fact that I am currently the acting President of Sunderland Law Society. My grandparents would have been thrilled.
What has been your biggest challenge?
The last recession. It was relentless. But me being me I decided to open another branch office right in the middle of it!
What are you concentrating on at the moment?
Two things, steering the firm through this current recession and continuing with our community based work. We are the only solicitors firm in the country to offer Slow Shopping. Every Tuesday we offer a free drop in session for those who have any physical or mental impairment. This is part of our work with Gosforth Dementia Friendly Group.
How have you managed to achieve a work/life balance?
It was very tough when the children were younger. I had a huge family law caseload and many of those were care cases. By their very nature they are chaotic and take up a lot of unplanned time. When I opened our Newcastle office I decided not to offer legal aid family work and so my life became much easier. I had less family cases which also meant that I had time for Wills and Probate again.
Our children’s schools and nursery were nearby which meant that I was able to spend more time with them. Being in business with my husband Michael Robinson has meant that we have always been able to plan our working life around the children. This was essential during school holidays.
What are your remaining career aspirations?
To continue to build upon our current offering and to bring on the next generation of directors.
From a standing start of nothing to our 25th anniversary we have built up an ethically sound, community based law firm which I will be proud to hand on when it is our time to step down.