Modern Law Magazine Issue 67

AWARDS
AWARDS
MANAGING PARTNER OF THE YEAR INTERVIEW
Mike Leeman
Managing Director,
Bell Lamb & Joynson
What does this win mean to you and
your firm?
“The accolades are a reflection of the team, and
not me personally. I am really passionate about the
team succeeding both collectively and individually.
Everyone in the team each plays their part in our
success as a firm, and I can’t do what I do without
all the brilliant and talented individuals around me
from the cleaner to the other managing partners.
We are constantly striving to be better and winning
Managing Partner of the Year shows me that
everyone at Bell Lamb & Joynson, from the top down,
are doing something right. This award is for all of us,
it’s not about me.”
What is your ethos as managing partner?
“It’s all about the team. We don’t have a hierarchy
as such, we believe we are all equally important, and
no role is less valued than another. We support each
other at all times. All I do is surround myself with
people who are better than me. We work hard to
create that culture so we can collaborate, have fun,
and thrive. Ultimately, it’s about doing the right thing,
whether that be for colleagues, clients, or suppliers,
always treat people with respect and do what you
can for them. So, that’s my ethos really. I’m a people
person, I love supporting and helping people. At the
very least, lead with empathy.”
What advice would you give to other
managing partners?
“A general piece of advice would be to lead with
compassion. Have a vision and get everyone to
buy into it. Make sure it is crystal clear what your
objectives are, what you are trying to achieve and
how you are trying to achieve it. As a consequence,
if you get everyone onboard with that transparency
people will all pull in the same direction. It’s all about
compassionate leadership and getting people to buy
into what you are doing and why.”
This award was sponsored by the
wonderful Groundsure, what does their
support, and other companies support,
mean to the industry?
“The industry is full of really good people. It is full
of great suppliers, great firms, and great businesses
all driving innovations and finding ways to support
the industry. Groundsure are the epitome of that.
We have a great relationship with Groundsure, they
support us, and nothing is too much trouble for
them. They go out of their way to help, and I feel they
are in line with my ethos with their helping attitude
and can-do attitude. Groundsure collaborate so well
across the industry and are really great at building
relationships in what is a competitive industry.”
What was your favourite moment from
the evening?
“I wish I could remember it! There is not one bit I
could pinpoint as my favourite. The moment you
walk through the doors at the LEAP Modern Law
Conveyancing Awards it is just fun. From the first
second right through to, normally for me, three,
four, five o’clock in the morning. It’s a night full of
fun, good people, good times, and good things. I
would like to remember what it was like to win the
Managing Partner of the Year award because I haven’t
got a clue as I was in shock. It was nice to be told that
there was lots of people in the room who had a nice
reaction to the win. It was brilliant from the get-go.”
“We have been involved with the MLCA
for a number of years as the event is one
of the highlights of the year. The Awards
recognise the hard work and dedication of
Conveyancers across the country. Sponsoring
the outstanding commitment to training
award is particularly important to us as
it means we can support firms that align
with our own company values of creating
innovative training and development
programmes, together with commitment to
support and develop their departments and
individuals within the firms.”
“The awards this year were bigger and better
than ever; specifically, they were very vibrant
and entertaining. It was great to see so many
industry colleagues together in one room and
to have that opportunity to network with
everyone; especially since the atmosphere was
so jovial due to the theme of the evening.”
Kelly McDonnell, National Sales Manager, CLS
“We have worked with Modern Law for many
years and see the MLCA event as one of the
best in the conveyancing calendar, so we were
thrilled to sponsor the Client Care category
at this year's event because we recognise
the pivotal role that exceptional customer
service plays in the conveyancing industry. By
supporting this category, we aim to celebrate
and promote excellence in customer care and
celebrate those who go above and beyond to
ensure a positive and seamless experience for
their clients during what can be a stressful
time for some. Our commitment to this
sponsorship reflects our dedication to fostering
a culture of client-centricity and promoting
best practices within the legal community.”
“The event this year was the most
extravagant we have seen yet. With full size
animals and The Greatest Showman theme,
it really was a spectacle to watch. Great
night had by all!”
Michael Connelly, Commercial Director, Legal Bricks
(An Access Group Company)
“The Modern Law Conveyancing Awards is
a great time for the industry to get together
and celebrate the great achievements of
companies and individuals alike. We at
SearchFlow love being part of this night and
sponsoring Rising Star of the Year, it’s really
important for us to support and empower
those in the conveyancing industry and this
is a great event for us to be a part of.”
“The theme of the evening was amazing, we
were incredibly proud to have won search
provider of the year, testament to the team’s
hard work over the last year and we did love
the live prosecco wall!”
Sammi King, Senior Marketing Executive, Searchflow
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