Janet Babington, our Practice Manager, is celebrating 25 years at Levi Solicitors. As one of the longest serving members of Team Levi, Janet joined the firm (then known as Levi and Co) back in January 2000, just after the Millennium Bug threat!!
We asked Janet to look back over the last 25 years.
Do you remember your first day at Levi?
Not specifically my first day. I do remember though that after two weeks I wanted to leave. I went home to my Dad and cried telling him I was going to quit. He told me I had to give it a bit more time – well I did, and here I am 25 years later!
How has Levi changed over the time you’ve been here?
Well, it’s changed a lot!
When I first started, we had an old computer system. It was on the old-style green screen computers and when you saved anything you had to give it a really long title.
In the last few years, we have made a lot of changes to the management structure. We’ve worked hard to improve the culture in the team, and I’m really proud of the work we’ve done. Levi has become an even better place to work.
What has kept you at Levi? What do you like most about your job?
I love the variety of my job.
I love speaking to people and effectively looking after them. I like the facilities side, arranging things and pretty much everything I do!
I am proud of the work we did refurbishing and opening our Moortown office. It was a more complicated job than we initially expected. But the end result was the bright and airy office that we now have!
Can you tell us more about your role and background?
I started my career as an office junior at a Leeds law firm. I soon moved to being a junior secretary and was requested by one of the litigators to be his permanent secretary.
I applied to Levi to become a secretary, and did that for a number of years. Since then I have moved into my current role, dealing with everything from HR issues and recruitment to facilities and general practice management.
What is your favourite part about your job? What excites you most?
Making people smile, being there when needed and knowing I’ve made a difference. This part is mainly about the HR side which I find rewarding. I love organising refurbs and contractors though the annoyance of waiting on people is frustrating.
What’s one thing you wish you knew before you started working here?
That I’d be still here 25 years later and still love it!
Not only is Janet a hugely important member of our senior management team, but she also plays a very active role in the firm’s CSR work and social activities. She is a talented baker, and we have been lucky enough to benefit from this as she bakes for and arranges our annual cake sale!
25 years with the same business is an incredible achievement. Everyone at Levi Solicitors would like to say a huge congratulations and thank you to Janet for her service. And for all the cake!
