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Foundation
In 1936, a young Leslie England started out as a solicitor, working from his mother's living room. By 1938, however, England & Co found its present main office at 7 South Quay, Great Yarmouth. Throughout the Second World War, it was business almost as usual, with Leslie's father, John England; an old style solicitor's managing Clerk, running the business on behalf of his son, who was away at war.
After the war, Leslie returned to the practice, where, in 1947, he was joined by Arthur Stubbs. Over the next couple of years, they recruited further employees and opened a branch in Lowestoft. In the 1960s, 8 South Quay was acquired and two more partners were recruited. The Lowestoft branch was amalgamated with Bailey Freeman & Co but eventually separated from England & Co.
70's onwards
In the 1970s, Arthur's son Michael, joined and became a junior partner in the practice. Leslie retired in 1975. The firm specialised in residential conveyancing, probates, wills and trusts, and some Family and general litigation work.
Peter Mason, joined the firm in 1983, soon after Arthur's retirement, and within a year was a partner. Family and general Litigation within the firm grew rapidly. In 1996 Michael Stubbs retired and Peter became the firm's sole Principal. It was mainly in the 90's that the firm grew in size and ambitions. This culminated in 1999 with the acquisition of the firm of Derrick Garwood & Co with offices in Gorleston and Martham.
Present Position
The principal is still Peter Mason. There are three solicitors, including Peter, in the family section and three solicitors and a trainee legal executive in the conveyancing department. We have a legal clerk dealing with wills and probate and a personal injury and general litigation solicitor. In recent years we have usually had at least one trainee solicitor training with the firm at any one time.
Outside Recognition
The firm achieved the "Investors in People" standard in 1997 showing a commitment to management, marketing and investment in all our employees. To date no other firm of solicitors in Great yarmouth has been awarded this standard. The firm meets the Legal Services Commission's Quality Assurance Standard.
Peter Mason is on the Law Society Children Panel and Christopher Porter is an accredited member of Resolution. Christopher is also a trained family mediator. The firm intends having a Family Mediation Service run by Christopher in the near future.
