Partner Article

Duo celebrate 25 years of service at Appleyard Lees

Karen Leung and Lisa Bridges are both celebrating a quarter of a century’s service at leading IP firm, Appleyard Lees.

Karen, renewals manager at the firm’s Halifax office, and Lisa, a secretary at the Leeds site, began their employment with Appleyard Lees when Telex and word processors were commonplace, and have seen the firm grow from a handful of staff to a team of over 80 across the UK.

Having worked her way up from an office assistant role to managing a highly experienced team overseeing the firm’s records and renewals, Karen has celebrated both her 21st and 40th birthday as well as the birth of two children while working at Appleyard Lees.

Lisa, who works for a partner in the Leeds office, joined the firm when there was only a single office in Halifax and was attracted initially by the company’s welcoming ambience – which has remained to this day despite its strategic growth and multinational client base.

When asked why they have remained with the firm for 25 years in a climate where career changes are increasingly frequent, both Karen and Lisa are keen to reiterate the firm’s qualities as a rewarding, friendly, professional and flexible employer – which are all critical factors in a particularly competitive market.

Karen commented: “People ask me if I am bored with working for the same firm for such a long time but the truth is that I find it really stimulating and challenging and law is always changing, so there is always something new to learn.”

Lisa added: “I genuinely enjoy what I do and the people I work with are great. I’ve learnt a lot about the patent system over the years. Here’s too many more years of service!”

Both Karen and Lisa will be recognised for their 25 years of service with a special lunch.

Commenting on their long service, managing director of Appleyard Lees, Joanne King, said: “We are thrilled to recognise this important milestone for Karen and Lisa. Their loyalty to the firm speaks volumes about what we aim to achieve as an employer. Our commitment to service excellence can only be achieved with a well-supported and committed team.

“While we are firmly focused on growth, this goes hand in hand with retaining a strong employer brand and continually investing in our people.”

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