Forty and not out

Celebrating 40 years with Gullands Solicitors

Most people move firms during their career but for Partner Leroy Bradley, celebrating 40 years at Gullands shows you can achieve great things with the right firm. And that’s a message he’s keen to share with those embarking on their legal careers now.

Back in 1985, a young Leroy left Maidstone Grammar School on a Friday and on the Monday, started at Gullands (known as Gulland and Gulland then). On the Tuesday, he started an Institute of Legal Executives course and has never looked back.

By 1993, Leroy was admitted as a solicitor and in 2000 he was made a Partner. Leroy is currently the firm’s Training Principal helping to guide the next generation through the firm. Also, a huge cricket fan, Leroy played for Bearsted Cricket Club for a number of years and helped set up their annual fund-raising charity match which is still going strong 20 years on.

So, in 40 years of legal practise, what are some of Leroy’s thoughts and memories ?

“Gullands is a great firm to work for and a very friendly and sociable firm, so I’ve got many highlights. I spent my early days assisting members of the Litigation team and my supervisor was partner David Caddick later left to become a Judge. I’ve worked closely with the firm’s current Chairman, Philip Grylls since the late 1980s and we have a successful and experienced litigation team acting for businesses and individuals. I’ve attended many court hearings across a wide spectrum of contentious as well as Licensing matters and represented clients in both open court and chambers.”

“Being admitted as solicitor in 1993 following support from my parents and the firm and then becoming a partner in 2000 were proud moments for sure.”

“Back in the late 1980s and 1990s I attended court regularly and there was a friendly and sometimes competitive atmosphere amongst other firm’s legal representatives attending Maidstone County Court with long-term friendships made. This may not be something many civil litigation lawyers have had an opportunity to do in recent times because a lot of hearings are dealt with remotely.”

“The legal expenses insurance market has also grown significantly in recent years, and around 15 years ago I was able to secure the firm a place on the panel of one of the country’s largest.

“Gullands has also more than doubled in size since I started in 1985 and as well as our office in Mill Street, Maidstone, we opened our Gravesend office 12 years ago.”

Some of Leroy’s work highlights include:

-High Court Injunction secured for clients whose property rights were being interfered with.

-High Court Litigation, client v national supermarket which settled at mediation.

-High court litigation securing Judgment against a defendant out of the jurisdiction in America.

-Dealing with significant property litigation in the Chancery Division.

-Dealing with a matter throughout and up to the Court of Appeal.

-Acting for landlords with large property portfolios regarding possession claims.

Leroy concludes: “Gullands has a formidable and experienced litigation team supporting clients through what can be a challenging time and helping them to achieve the results they want. Whilst much has changed in my 40 years with the firm, what hasn’t changed is the need to have the right team on your side.”

If you need help and advice to deal with a dispute, get in touch with our litigation team today.