This August, Andrew Holroyd marked an extraordinary milestone, 50 years of service with the Jackson Lees Group and its predecessor firms. It’s a rare achievement in any profession, but especially in law, where the landscape is constantly evolving and the challenges are never few.
But this isn’t just a story about longevity. It’s about leadership, legacy, and a lifelong commitment to justice.
Since joining Jackson & Canter in 1975, Andrew has helped shape the firm’s identity through decades of change, challenge, and growth. From standing shoulder to shoulder with communities in Toxteth, to guiding the firm through mergers, modernisation, and national recognition, Andrew’s influence can be seen in every corner of what is now the Jackson Lees Group.
Join us in celebrating Andrew’s five-decade journey and the story of a firm that has grown with him, always guided by the same principle: to make a positive difference.
1975–1980: Joining Jackson & Canter and Embedding in Toxteth
Andrew joined Jackson & Canter in 1975, just a year after qualifying. He knew early on that commercial law wasn’t where he could make the most impact. What drew him to the firm was its mission, to stand alongside people who were too often overlooked.
Founded in 1961 by Howard Jackson and Philip Canter, the firm had already expanded from Dale Street into Kirkby and Toxteth, placing itself at the heart of Liverpool’s inner-city communities.
Andrew’s arrival coincided with a period of social unrest and racial tension in Toxteth.
Working out of the Rialto Buildings, he quickly became a trusted figure in the local community, offering legal support to those facing police harassment, housing insecurity, and family breakdowns.
He worked closely with the Granby Housing Advice Centre, giving free legal advice to residents living in poor conditions. His presence wasn’t just professional, it was personal.
This was the beginning of a career defined by service, fairness, and a belief that the law should work for everyone, not just those who could afford it.
1981–1992: Resilience Through the Toxteth Uprising and Early Expansion
The Toxteth Uprising in 1981 was a defining moment, for Liverpool and for Jackson & Canter.
When the firm’s office in the Rialto Buildings was destroyed, Andrew and his colleagues didn’t walk away. Instead, they set up a Portakabin across the road and kept providing vital services to the residents of Liverpool 8.
Within weeks, they reopened in new premises at 32 Princes Road, reaffirming their commitment to serve the Toxteth community.
During this period, Andrew became a partner and helped lead the firm through expansion.
New offices opened in Park Road, Scotland Road, and Aigburth Road, each serving distinct communities. The firm also merged with Chadwick & Haggis in Garston in 1992, strengthening its expertise in public law and family cases.
In 1993, Andrew was elected President of Liverpool Law Society. It was a significant moment, not just for him, but for the firm.
His appointment reflected the growing recognition of Jackson & Canter’s values, fairness, service, and standing up for those who need it most and marked the beginning of Andrew’s wider leadership within the Merseyside legal profession.
1994–2005: Innovation, Accreditation and Strategic Growth
The 1990s and early 2000s were a time of transformation for Jackson & Canter and Andrew was at the heart of it.
Under his guidance, the firm embraced innovation, adopting early computer systems and securing key accreditations including the Legal Aid Quality Mark, Lexcel, and Investors in People. These weren’t just badges of honour, they reflected a culture of excellence, accountability, and care that Andrew championed.
The firm’s legal offering expanded to include crime, immigration, housing, litigation, and probate. As the team grew, offices were consolidated to focus on specialist teams, and in 2005 the firm relocated to Church Street following the compulsory purchase of its South John Street premises.
Andrew’s leadership during this period didn’t go unnoticed. In 2003, he was awarded an OBE for services to publicly funded legal work in Liverpool, and in 2008, a CBE for services to the administration of justice. These honours recognised not just his contribution to the firm, but his impact on the legal profession and the wider community.
Andrew’s strategic thinking was matched by his commitment to fairness. He believed that every client deserved the best possible service, regardless of their means, a principle that continues to guide the Jackson Lees Group today.
2009–2012: Mergers and the Birth of Broudie Jackson Canter
As the legal landscape shifted in the late 2000s, Andrew once again demonstrated his ability to think ahead. In 2009, Jackson & Canter merged with AS Law, bringing respected solicitor Elkan Abrahamson into the partnership.
Just three years later, the firm merged with RM Broudie, a respected criminal law practice with deep roots in Liverpool.
To preserve the Broudie name and reputation, Andrew led the creation of a dual trading structure: Jackson Canter Ltd for private work and Broudie Jackson Canter for legal aid. This hybrid model was a direct response to growing pressure on legal aid funding, a strategic move that allowed the firm to remain sustainable without compromising its values.
The newly merged firm relocated its Toxteth team to an expanded Dale Street office, consolidating operations while continuing to serve the communities it had always stood beside. Andrew’s leadership during this period ensured the firm could adapt to change while staying true to its mission.
2014–2017: The Formation of the Jackson Lees Group
By 2014, Andrew’s long-term vision for the firm was taking shape. Jackson Canter moved into Walker House in Liverpool city centre, a bold step that embraced open-plan working, modern facilities, and a more visible presence in the heart of the city.
It marked a shift toward commercial and business law, while staying true to the firm’s social justice roots.
Andrew had long believed that the future of legal services lay in combining specialist expertise with a broader, more inclusive offering.
That belief guided the firm’s next major step: the acquisition of Lees Solicitors LLP in 2016. With a 127-year history and a strong reputation in clinical negligence and Court of Protection work, Lees brought new strengths to the table and aligned with the values Andrew had championed for decades.
By 2017, the Jackson Lees Group was officially formed, uniting Jackson Canter, Broudie Jackson Canter, and Lees Solicitors under one umbrella. It was more than a rebrand, it was the culmination of years of strategic growth, careful planning, and a deep commitment to serving both private and publicly funded clients.
Andrew had helped guide the firm through every stage of that journey. His leadership, foresight, and unwavering belief in “making a positive difference” were instrumental in shaping the group as it stands today.
2015–2020: Social Impact and the MAPD Group
Andrew’s commitment to making a positive difference has always extended beyond the courtroom.
In 2015, he helped launch the Jackson Canter Foundation, dedicating 2% of the firm’s profits to charitable initiatives focused on justice, education, social inclusion, and medical care. It was a natural extension of the firm’s founding ethos, using the law as a force for good in the communities it serves.
During this time, the firm also played a leading role in two of the most significant human rights inquests in recent British legal history. From 2014 to 2016, Broudie Jackson Canter represented 22 families in the Hillsborough Inquests, helping to secure a landmark unlawful killing verdict.
In 2019, the firm again stood at the forefront of justice, representing families in the Birmingham Pub Bombing Inquests. Andrew’s leadership helped ensure the firm remained a trusted voice in these complex, emotionally charged cases.
In 2020, the Jackson Lees Group entered a new chapter, joining the MAPD Group a management buyout led by Brian Cullen and Joanna Kingston-Davies.
For Andrew, it was a fitting evolution. MAPD, which stands for Making A Positive Difference, reflected the very values he had championed for decades. The move ensured the firm’s legacy would continue to grow, with its mission firmly intact.
2020–Present: Head of Risk & Compliance and Mentor to the Next Generation
Today, Andrew serves as Head of Risk & Compliance at the Jackson Lees Group. His role is to ensure the firm maintains the highest standards of service and ethics, a responsibility he carries with humility and wisdom.
His experience as President of the Law Society of England & Wales (2007–2008), recipient of an OBE and CBE, and holder of honorary titles from Liverpool John Moores and Nottingham University, speaks volumes.
Yet Andrew remains grounded, focused on mentoring the next generation and solving problems with pragmatism and care.
Celebrating a Legacy That Continues to Inspire
Fifty years with one firm is a rare and remarkable achievement. But what makes Andrew Holroyd’s journey truly extraordinary is not just the length of his service, it’s the depth of his impact.
From his earliest days in Toxteth to his leadership through decades of change, Andrew has helped shape not only the Jackson Lees Group, but the lives and careers of countless colleagues, clients, and communities. His vision, values, and unwavering belief in fairness have left a lasting mark on the firm and the wider legal profession.
As we celebrate this milestone, we also look forward because Andrew’s legacy isn’t just something we reflect on. It’s something we continue to build on every day.
On behalf of everyone at the Jackson Lees Group and the MAPD family, congratulations, Andrew and thank you for 50 years of making a positive difference.
Voices from 5 Decades of Service: Tributes to Andrew and His Career of Dedication
To mark this milestone, colleagues past and present have shared their reflections on Andrew’s impact:
Esther Leach, Managing Director of the Jackson Lees Group, captures what many feel:
Andrew is an absolute force to be reckoned with!
His energy, motivation and drive for change and improvement never ceases to amaze me. His forward-thinking and innovative approach to everything is an inspiration to all who work with him.
He genuinely brings massive pragmatism to all the issues he encounters. We are so incredibly lucky to have him. Here’s to the next 50 years!"
Chris Topping, Consultant Solicitor in the Actions Against the Police team, has worked alongside Andrew for decades, he said:
To be involved in any organisation for 50 years is a huge achievement and a cause for celebration.
It is true to say that this business would not be the same without Andrew. I have had the privilege of working alongside him for the whole of my career and have seen firsthand his dedication to the firm.
He made sure that every client was treated equally and created a culture where we provided an excellent service regardless of means. I would not be the lawyer I am today without his wisdom, guidance and support and many others like me owe him a huge debt of gratitude for all he has done.”
Elkan Abrahamson, Legal Director in the Major Inquests & Inquiries team, reflects on their shared values, even before they worked under the same roof:
For many years Andrew and I were in different firms and technically competitors.
But it was always clear that we shared the same values. So much so that my firm twice tried to merge with Jackson Canter - we were rebuffed the first time!
Andrew always said that Broudie Jackson Canter would be the last man standing as a legal aid provider and it’s a testament to him that we are probably the leading legal aid firm in Liverpool."
Breda Gaffney, Head of Secretaries in the Civil Liberties Department at Broudie Jackson Canter, recalls the early impression Andrew made:
It’s been a memorable journey working for and with Andrew over the years and he has made his 50 years of tenure look easy, although I wouldn’t imagine it’s been all plain sailing.
Andrew was a very forward thinker, and I hadn’t met many people like that (I was 17 by the way) and so this fascinated me and definitely a strength when growing a business.
The loyalty he demonstrated to intercity communities is something that has stayed with me and encouraged me to branch out in this field. Thank you, Andrew, and as the saying goes ‘you have definitely made a positive difference’.”
Karen Clay, Head of the Cash Office at Jackson Lees, has worked with Andrew for nearly the full 50 years:
I have had the pleasure of working with Andrew over the past 46 years.
Andrew was always the driving force behind the firm which has contributed massively to where we are today. His knowledge and forward thinking on how legal firms were evolving always kept us ahead of the game.
From running the practice from a small portacabin on Princes Road to becoming the President of the Law Society (what more can I say).
It has been quite a journey Andrew, for which I am truly grateful to have been part of. I hope it continues for many years to come.
CONGRATULATIONS on your big 50!”
Brian Cullen, Co-Founder of The MAPD Group, reflects on Andrew’s openness and influence:
I began working with Andrew over ten years ago!
He took a punt on someone from outside the industry which was definitely risky, but that’s been Andrew throughout his career.
He’s definitely one of the most entrepreneurial Lawyers and leaders that I’ve come across - whilst also maintaining that fairness and the rule of law are core to what we must always do!
He’s made me a better person and for that I will always be grateful!”
Joanna Kingston-Davies, Co-Founder of The MAPD Group, shared a characteristically warm and witty reflection on Andrew’s forward-thinking nature:
Andrew is the most forward-thinking septuagenarian I’ve ever met.
Over a decade ago and when AI was only a mere concept for the future, he was already reflecting upon how we could get Alexa to advertise JLG when consumers asked questions of a legal nature.
He even ditched the suit way before most of his peers…and his purple and turquoise rucksack was legendary!
His pragmatism and wisdom has helped many over the years, me included, and his tremendous service to the legal industry, to access to justice and to fair representation is absolutely exceptional. Thank you Andrew for your devotion and service.”