Established in 1898, Jefferies has approached an impressive milestone this year.
2023 marks 125 years of Jefferies Solicitors in Essex!
Below we take you through how Jefferies was formed and how we have become one of the leading and most trusted law firms in Essex.
Who are Jefferies Solicitors?
Jefferies Solicitors are an Essex-based law firm. Our well-established and broad skillset means that we are well-equipped to offer a range of legal services, including family law, property law, medical negligence, and wills, probate, and LPAs; we also offer advice for businesses on employment matters and disputes.
Our personal approach to legal representation and building relationships ensures we always serve our client’s best interests.
The team at Jefferies Solicitors are innovators, achieving results through agile and creative thinking to go that extra mile for our clients in a cost-effective way.
We strongly believe in making the legal system as accessible as possible, and work to make processes and procedures easy to understand. This is overseen by our industry body, Lexel, and is one of the reasons we have been named as one of the top law firms in the UK’s Legal 500!
“I have had the pleasure of working with Conveyancers at Jefferies for over 45 years whilst at Rudds and then in October 2022 I was given the opportunity to join Jefferies and I’m enjoying being part of a friendly, efficient and successful firm.” – Bob Adams, Licenced Conveyancer
The History of Jefferies
Established in 1898
Jefferies Solicitors was originally founded by H J Jefferies in 1898. The first office was based in Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, Essex.
Elman Arnold & Co
In 1953, David Elman set up Elman Arnold & Co practice in London Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex.
Merging with Lee Flint & Co
The two firms were practising separately in 1965. Elman Arnold decided to merge with Lee Flint & Co, forming Elman Flint & Co.
Move to Victoria Avenue
In 1967, Elman Flint & Co moved from their former premises to Metropolitan House, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex.
Joining forces
By 1969, Elman Flint & Co and H J Jefferies merge, moving both practices into Metropolitan House and re-branding as Elman Flint Jefferies & Co.
Time to streamline
Quickly becoming well-known amongst the local Southend community, in 1975, Elman Flint Jefferies & Co decided to streamline the firm’s name to Jefferies.
“I started work for Jefferies in 1980 before the advent of being fully computerised – Alan Gershlick was senior partner at that time and when we got the first computers he said “just plug it in and away you go it will be great”. We always have a good laugh about that.” – Marilyn Cooper
Move to Hamlet Court Road
In 1988, the firm moved to Courtway House offices on Hamlet Court Road, Southend, Essex.
“It is incredible to think that I have been at Jefferies for 27 years!! When I joined in 1996 the Firm had a reputation for high levels of client service and a real commitment to the local community. Whilst the Firm has grown and developed, I believe our core values remain unchanged. We are grateful to our incredibly loyal client base and remain committed to working with, and supporting, some of the most vulnerable clients in our area. We do this with an incredible Team of talented fee earners and support staff.“ – Sarah Mitchell, Partner
Limited Liability Partnership
The firm became a Limited Liability Partnership under Jefferies Essex LLP in 2006, however, continued to trade as Jefferies.
Disaster Strikes
On the 8th May 2011, Jefferies’ office building was completely destroyed by a fire. Jefferies swiftly relocated to new premises in Dencora Court, Tylers Avenue, Southend, Essex. Defying all odds, Jefferies was able to rebuild and continue serving the local community.
Onwards and upwards
In 2012, the firm had grown from strength to strength and expanded both legal service offerings and the number of staff to support the increasing client base.
Expanding to Chelmsford
Looking to branch out their service offerings to the wider Essex community, in 2017, Jefferies opened their Chelmsford office in Elizabeth House.
Conway & Conway
Following the retirement of Jeffrey and Andrew Conway in 2018, Philip Conway joined the Jefferies team, and Jefferies incorporates Chalkwell-based solicitors practice, Conway & Conway.
“I joined Jefferies mid Pandemic which was a stressful time for all! All my colleagues were welcoming, friendly and supportive. I enjoy working for a big, well established firm.” – Rebecca Driver, Licensed Conveyancer
Present Day
Jefferies aim to continue pushing client service levels and our overall reach across the South East. As described by the Legal 500, “Jefferies and its staff are pragmatic, personable, and responsive”.
We understand that we are working in a difficult economic climate and our clients need straightforward, practical advice within agreed and met timeframes.
Our staff are exceptional and this is demonstrated in the results and outcomes that they achieve.
Jefferies are here to help!
If you’re in need of legal representation or advice from a well-established and well-equipped team, speak with Jefferies Solicitors Essex.
Find out more about our team and their expertise by visiting our Meet the Team page.
With thriving offices in Southend-on-Sea and Chelmsford, we are perfectly located to assist clients across Essex and surrounding areas. If you have a legal matter you would like to discuss in more detail, please reach out to us by calling 01702 332 311 or by filling in a contact form.