Liverpool law firm Bell Lamb & Joynson Solicitors, which can trace its roots back more than 200 years, is reporting the best financial year in its history. Tony McDonough reports
Bell Lamb & Joynson Solicitors (BLJ) is reporting annual revenues of £4.5m, 22% higher than the previous year the the first time in its history it has broken the £4m barrier.
With offices in Liverpool, Maghull, Runcorn and Warrington, BJL also saw profits rise by almost 60% in the 12 months to June 30, 2024. Although it declined to reveal a specific profit figure.
BJL dates back more than 200 years to 1821 and in its latest fiscal year it enjoyed a 16% increase in instructions across all departments. Crime instructions were up 9.2% with a 39% increase in revenue.
Notably, the firm represented high-profile cases, including that of Scarlet Jenkinson in the murder of Brianna Ghey. Jenkinson and her accomplice, Eddie Ratcliffe, were sentenced minimum terms of 22 and 20 years respectively for Brianna’s murder.
Private client instructions surged 35% with turnover up 131%, conveyancing saw a 20.42% rise in instruction and a 13.2% rise in turnover and, while instructions in family law were broadly flat, turnover was up 5.7%.
In response to increased demand, Bell Lamb & Joynson grew its workforce by 18% over the last year, welcoming senior associate, Richard Zacharias and new solicitors, Mia Jackman and Lucie into the family team.
Jacqueline Ball and Chris Courtney have further strengthened the conveyancing team whilst the private client team welcomed solicitors Laura Williams and Melissa Hughes.
Duty solicitor Clare Roche and Lauren Whitaker joined BLJ’s criminal team while the firm also appointed a number of paralegals and business support staff.
They included Paul O’Toole as head of people and culture and Martha Clayton as the firms first in-house marketing executive to further support its people and continued growth. Two new equity partners – Jessica Flaherty and Rachael McClean – also joined.
READ MORE: Hill Dickinson sees annual revenues hit £145.5m
READ MORE: Falling audiences hit revenues at Everyman & Playhouse
BLJ said: “In a challenging legal landscape, Bell Lamb & Joynson’s crime team has emerged as a standout performer, achieving a 39% turnover increase and managing over 2,500 criminal cases this year.
“The team, ranked in the top five nationally for client reviews, expanded the team’s headcount by five and now boasts the largest number of duty-qualified solicitors (11) in Liverpool city region.”