Dedicated Staff Member Retires After 42 Years of Service at Rogers & Norton
After 42 years of dedicated service at Rogers & Norton Solicitors, Sue Yardy, one of our longest-serving team members, is retiring this month.
Sue joined Rogers & Norton Solicitors in 1982, the same year Michael Jackson’s legendary album Thriller and the iconic movie E.T. were released. Over the past 42 years, Sue has contributed significantly to the firm’s development and her remarkable journey mirrors the growth and progression of Rogers & Norton Solicitors, making her an integral part of our story.
Sue has provided secretarial support to our litigation team for many years at Rogers & Norton Solicitors, initially to one of the founding partners Philip Rogers and upon his departure, working closely with Peter Hastings, our Litigation Director. Her extensive experience and unwavering dedication have played a crucial role in the success of countless cases, and her ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of litigation and her commitment to excellence have made her an invaluable asset to both the team and our clients.
Peter Hastings acknowledges her outstanding impact, stating ‘‘Sue has been the absolute model of a hard worker, consistently embracing advancements in IT and adapting to the ever-evolving changes in the Courts, as well as the challenges we face in litigation and compliance. The team and I are immensely grateful for her dedication, and both we and our clients will miss her greatly.”
Sue reflected on her time at the firm, sharing, “I am retiring on Friday 26th July after nearly 42 years with Rogers & Norton. I started shortly after the firm began in 1982 set up by Philip Rogers and Nick Norton. I had already worked for Philip Rogers for 5 years prior to this and knew it was the right decision to join him and continue our working relationship together with him and Nick in their new venture together.
When the firm began back in 1982 there were just 7 of us. We started in a lovely old building just off Elm Hill. The firm has grown over the years (now staffing levels of about 65) moving from offices in London Street and St Benedicts Street to where we are currently located to a beautiful Old Chapel in Willow Lane.
When we relocated to The Old Chapel, it was a bit of a culture shock for many of us as we moved from being in different rooms to being completely open plan. It took a while for people to settle into this alien environment… but of course we did.
The working environment has changed significantly from 1982 to 2024, primarily due to technological advancements. We transitioned from manual typewriters to electric typewriters, and now working on a computer is the norm. Secretarial support has also evolved over the years, with some lawyers becoming self-sufficient rather than relying entirely on their PA or secretary.
Throughout my career, I have trained numerous secretaries, many of whom have advanced to new and diverse roles. Some have remained with the firm, achieving long service milestones.
I have worked for various partners and directors of the company throughout the years and will be sorry to leave my current director, Peter Hastings, having worked with him for the last 14 years.
It will be quite strange to be retired having worked full-time all my life but I am now looking forward to beginning a new adventure. I wish the firm continued success and will miss all of my work colleagues.’’
We wish Sue all the best in her retirement and look forward to hearing about her future adventures. She will always be remembered fondly as a cherished member of the Rogers & Norton family.
Thank you, Sue, for your incredible service and dedication. You will be greatly missed.
For more information on the legal services we offer or to arrange an appointment with a member of our legal team, contact us on 01603 666001 or email enquiries@rogers-norton.co.uk.
*This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or any other professional advice.