Meet The Team – 10 questions in 10 minutes with Jessica Flaherty, Partner and Head of Private Client.
Get to Know Jess
Meet Jessica Flaherty, Partner and Head of Private Client at Bell Lamb & Joynson. In just a few minutes, you can learn more about her impressive legal career and what she enjoys outside of the office!
Jessica will soon celebrate her second anniversary at BLJ, having joined in October 2022 to lead the Private Client department. With over a decade of experience in Private Client law and Conveyancing, she brings a wealth of expertise to the firm. Jessica qualified as a solicitor in 2015 and further enhanced her credentials by becoming a Trust and Estate Practitioner in 2021. In recognition of her dedication and leadership, she was promoted to Partner in July 2024.
Jessica is passionate about building strong relationships with her clients, ensuring they receive tailored advice and services that meet their unique needs. Committed to continuous learning, she is preparing to expand her expertise with additional training in contested probate.
- What was your first job?
My first job was as a Sales Assistant in Home Bargains – my uncle worked there and managed to get me an interview. I wasn’t there very long – I remember my manager telling me I had to work an overnight shift for a stocktake, so I quit. I was only 16 to be fair…
Blessing in disguise as that led me to New Look in Liverpool One when that opened which I loved! I actually worked my way up to Supervisor while I was there during university.
- What led you to this career?
My mum ultimately. I just remember her saying to me one day ‘you would be a good lawyer, you always have to get the last word in’. I was a very argumentative child! That stuck with me through school and here I am today. I’ve not actually done much contentious work but watch this space!
- What’s your greatest career achievement so far?
Being promoted to partner here at BLJ.
- What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Don’t let anyone hold you back and always be you. Oh, and life is not a race!
- What’s something you find challenging about your work?
Managing can be challenging at times, especially when you have lots of different personalities to work with, and when your staff work across multiple offices, but I am very lucky at the moment that I have a great team.
- What is something you’re proud of?
Obtaining my STEP qualification.
- What 3 items would you take with you to a deserted island?
I’m thinking practically here - a pot/pan to cook/boil water, matches to make a fire and a knife – got to be able to survive!
- Are you a coffee or a tea person?
Both, just depends on the day – if I’m having a biscuit, I’ll have a cup of tea
- Are you a dog or a cat person?
Both - I have a cat called Nala, although she is more my husband’s cat than mine. I would love to have a dog, but we are not home enough to really look after a dog. Cats can fend for themselves so that works well for us with work.
- Are you an early bird or a night owl?
I like to think I am an early bird but I'm definitely more of a night owl. I always have good intentions to get up early and get a good start on the day but it very rarely materialises. I find that I have more energy mid-afternoon. Any big tasks that I have I tend to save until after my afternoon cuppa as I am more productive then!