Celebrating 40 years of dedication: Maria Hope’s journey with JNP Legal

Lee Davies, director alongside Maria and Rebecca Rees, director, presenting a celebratory gift to honour her 40 years of service.

 

 

At JNP Legal, we are proud to celebrate the remarkable milestone of Maria Hope, who has dedicated 40 years of her career to our firm. In an interview, Maria shared her journey, and Tony Williams, our managing partner, also reflected on her invaluable contributions.

Maria's journey: from office junior to integral team member

Maria's career with JNP Legal began unexpectedly. She was due to attend secretarial college but received an offer for an office junior role. Her dedication and hard work saw her transition to reception and then to the secretarial support team.

Maria was initially drawn to JNP Legal because she wanted to gain experience and enjoyed working. She appreciated the family-focused environment, which provided incredible support, allowing her to balance her career and family life seamlessly. From attending her children's sports days and performances to managing their illnesses, the firm's flexibility was a significant factor in her continued commitment.

Maria worked closely with one of our partners, who has since retired, Penny Newman. When Maria had her two children, Penny asked if she would consider returning part-time due to her valuable skills. Maria's request to work from 5 to 8 PM a few nights a week was met with enthusiasm, and as her children grew older, she transitioned to part-time work.

Maria fondly recalls the firm's caring culture, stating,

"Somebody always asks about the family or the grandchildren, and they genuinely care about you."

Embracing change and technological advances

Reflecting on her 40 years with the firm, Maria has witnessed tremendous growth. From starting in Merthyr Tydfil and Treharris to moving to larger premises, she has seen many colleagues trained and advance their careers. The shift from manual typewriters to electronic ones and now to advanced computer systems is a testament to her adaptability. Maria has always embraced change, appreciating the firm's support in adopting new technologies to enhance productivity.

"What I enjoy about the firm's culture is the friendliness and the fact that you can speak to anybody. It’s a very local firm, and it’s almost like a family. I actually call it my JNP family," Maria shared.

Words of wisdom for new employees

Maria's advice to new employees is straightforward:

"Work hard, and you will be appreciated. If you show willingness, the firm will always give back to you. There is always career progression, and the firm is keen to help in whatever way they can."

She emphasises the importance of hard work and timekeeping in our line of work. Maria exemplifies the supportive culture at JNP Legal, always ready to help a colleague in need, even on her days off.

Honouring Maria's 40 years of service

Maria is incredibly proud of her 40 years at JNP Legal. She cherishes the friendships she has made and continues to enjoy her work. While she looks forward to spending more time with her five grandchildren, Maria is honoured by the recognition she received for her service. At our recent social event at Chepstow Racecourse, she was presented with a lovely gift, which she deeply appreciated.

"I can’t thank everybody at JNP Legal enough for being so kind, friendly, and supportive," Maria expressed.

Tony Williams' reflections

Tony Williams, managing partner, who has been with JNP Legal for 28 years, shared his experiences of working with Maria.

"When I started here, Maria was already a vital part of the team. She has had a massive impact on the firm, treating everyone with the same respect, whether a junior or the managing partner."

Tony highlighted Maria's role beyond her secretarial duties, particularly her pivotal position within the care team. Her ability to navigate numerous changes, from the firm's expansion to IT challenges and management transitions, has been invaluable.

"Having long-term employees like Maria ensures stability and peace of mind, providing expertise within the business. I wish Maria all the best as she continues to work with us," Tony concluded.

Join our team

We are currently recruiting for several positions. If you would like to be a part of our supportive and dynamic team, please visit our careers page. We look forward to welcoming new members who will contribute to our firm's continued success and enjoy the camaraderie that makes JNP Legal a great place to work.