An employee from Andrew & Co Solicitors, which has offices in Lincoln and Newark, has retired after clocking up nearly half a century with the firm.

Conveyancing Executive Steve Derby (64) swapped house buying for bowling when he retired after working for the firm for 47 years.

He started his career at Andrew & Co in December 1967 in an office administration role answering the phone, delivering the mail to other staff and manning the reception desk.

From there he joined the conveyancing team, which looks after the legal process of buying and selling a property.

“Helping people during what is often a very stressful time is really rewarding,” explained Steve. “Over the years the job has changed with the advent of new technology and HM Land Registry and it is now possible to obtain a considerable amount of information online.

“The fundamentals of the job, however, are the same. It’s about building relationships with people whether they be clients or estate agents and trying to achieve a successful outcome.

“Each case is unique and has different challenges to overcome but when you manage to complete the transaction to everyone’s satisfaction it makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

After becoming an Associate in 1981 Steve went back to college to undertake more specialist exams in land law and conveyancing practice.

Explaining why he decided to spend his entire working life at Andrew & Co, Steve, who lives in Waddington, said he never felt the need to leave.

“It’s a great company to work for and I enjoyed my work and progressed up the ranks so I’ve never had a reason to look for another job.

“Andrew & Co is a well respected firm and the partners have always been very good to me. I’m sad to leave my colleagues, many of whom have become good friends, but I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and pursuing my hobby – bowls.”

Steve, who is a qualified bowls coach, is a member of the Lincoln and District Indoor Bowling Club and has played for the county.

As well as teaching bowling in his spare team he’s also going to be returning to Andrew & Co one day a week to help train new staff.

Chairman Julie Bailey said Steve will be sorely missed after being a part of team for so long.

“Steve has been at the firm for nearly 50 years which is very rare these days and we would like to thank him for his hard work, loyalty and dedication,” said Julie.

“He’s not escaping altogether just yet, however, and we’re delighted he’s agreed come into the office on a part-time basis for the next six months to help train younger members of staff and share his knowledge and expertise, which are invaluable.

“We are very sorry to see Steve leave but wish him and his wife Pam every happiness in the future.”

Ends

Notes to Editors

• Andrew & Co LLP is one of the longest established independent law firms in the East Midlands, having been set up in 1832.

• It offers a comprehensive range of legal services to private individuals and businesses across a wide range of sectors including renewable energy, agriculture, personal injury, conveyancing, charity and non-for-profit, family and employment law.

• Andrew & Co has 60 staff based at its offices in on Nettleham Road in Lincoln and Kirkgate in Newark.