Maggie Bennett 50 years at Fraser Dawbarns LLP

Local law firm Fraser Dawbarns LLP have the pleasure of celebrating Maggie Bennett’s 50 years of service at the firm.

Maggie joined the firm in 1972 as a secretary at the Wisbech office located on York Row, where she still works in the Private Client department. At the time, the firm was called Dawbarns Barr & Knowles before there were any mergers and acquisitions to Fraser Dawbarns LLP as it is known today. Being just 17 when Maggie joined the firm, she has experienced all the significant changes.

Some may say that the past 50 years have been extremely influential for the development of new technology, Maggie explains:

“When I started at the firm, I was using a manual typewriter to carry out my daily tasks, we did not know any different. Technology then developed and I adapted to using an electric typewriter. Eventually computers were introduced, I found these very baffling, and I slowly had to get to grips with this new way of working.”

In the early stages of her career, Maggie mastered the skill of shorthand which she habitually still uses today. The use of shorthand in modern business has declined with the introduction of computers; Maggie humorously recalls giving one of her younger colleagues a note in shorthand and due to them being unfamiliar with the practise, they described it as looking like “another language”.

For many years as a Secretary, Maggie gained knowledge of all departments, as solicitors at this time would undertake work in all areas of law. This has meant that Maggie has always felt content in her role as the work has always been different and varied.

Previously working on personal injury has been one of Maggie’s favourite areas as the aim of the work is to help the claimant after an often-traumatic time, and Maggie found this fulfilling.

Maggie also had experience working within the crime department and doing secretarial work for her boss who was also the coroner, which she found interesting but also tragic. Maggie’s duties consisted of typing up inquest notes and talking to police sometimes which could be quite a tough job. She was often given the responsibility to sit in the Crown Court hearings in Wisbech behind the barrister and take notes in shorthand at criminal proceedings.

Some of Maggie’s best and fun memories have been at the 47 annual Christmas parties that she has attended. It would be 49 however, the pandemic meant that the previous 2 parties have not been able to go ahead due to the safety of the staff being a priority for the firm.

Maggie comments on her 50 years at Fraser Dawbarns:

“I have seen a lot of changes throughout the years; however, the firm has always allowed me to feel like I have a voice. Having a good sense of humour and being able to keep things light-hearted has kept me going. The firm has naturally been a huge part of my life, as I have spent all my special birthdays here from 18-65. In this time, I have made many good friends, too many to name.”

Fraser Dawbarns pride themselves in the commitment and loyalty shown throughout their staff and length of service. This is important as they see this translated through the passion and quality of work being delivered.

Sarah Lamb, Partner at Fraser Dawbarns congratulates Maggie on her 50 years:

“This is such a momentous achievement.  I hope that Maggie continues to bring her sense of fun into the office, along with her caring and supportive nature. I hope that she will remain working for Fraser Dawbarns for many years to come.”