Gorvins Solicitors prides itself on the top-quality legal services we offer to our clients. We’re only able to achieve that by having the very best staff on hand to support you through your legal matter.
In this blog, we wanted to pull back the curtain on some of the fantastic people we have on staff here at Gorvins. Every so often, we’re going to put one of our staff front and centre so you can understand a bit about what they do, what their skills are and what they can help with.
To kick us off, we’re starting with Karen Davenport, a legal executive in our commercial property team who’s been working at Gorvins for nearly 30 years!
Tell us about your role at Gorvins
I’m a legal executive and senior associate in the commercial property team. In my day-to-day, I handle a wide variety of commercial and some residential property matters, working closely with clients to meet their needs and achieve their goals. There’s a healthy mix of work and it’s a fast-paced role that requires precision and attention to detail, especially when juggling lots of deadlines.
At a basic level, it’s all about ensuring transactions run smoothly and efficiently.
What are the qualities needed to be a good legal executive in commercial property?
Organisation and efficiency are key.
In our team, things move quickly, so being able to meet tight deadlines and manage competing priorities is essential. You need to be thorough, proactive, and always ready to adapt. Clients expect us to be agile and responsive, so staying calm under pressure and delivering high-quality work on time is a big part of the job.
It’s challenging, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.
Tell us about your history with Gorvins
I started at Gorvins nearly 30 years ago, fresh out of A-levels.
I’d initially planned to go to university to study modern history and sociology but decided to defer for a year. My dad encouraged me to get a “proper job” during that time, so I applied for a role in the post room at Gorvins. From there, I moved to a secretary role in the personal injury department, then worked in litigation, before eventually joining the commercial property team in 2003.
It was Lorraine Lockie, the head of the commercial property team at the time, who encouraged me to pursue my CILEx qualification. That was a turning point for me. It took several years of studying and completing exams whilst working part-time and raising young children, but I eventually qualified as a legal executive. The journey wasn’t easy, but it’s been incredibly fulfilling.
What is it that’s kept you at Gorvins for nearly 30 years?
There’s something unique about Gorvins. Over the years, I’ve seen leadership changes and shifts in the business, but one constant has been the way the firm values its staff. The Equity Partners genuinely invest in their employees, and there’s a sense of loyalty that goes both ways. The culture and commitment to staff here are hard to find anywhere else.
It’s the kind of place where your hard work and loyalty are recognised and appreciated and that is one of the strongest motivators you’ll find. Ultimately, this philosophy lays a strong foundation for our work with clients. We have the support network needed to be able to offer the best possible service to our customers.
The people in my team also make Gorvins a fantastic place to work. I’ve got great relationships with colleagues all across the firm and there’s a vibrant social culture with frequent socials and charity events.
What are your passions and hobbies outside of work?
I love travelling—it’s a bit of a cliché, I know, but it’s true! My family and I enjoy exploring new places, and we’ve been fortunate to have some incredible adventures. This summer, we did a massive road trip through California and Arizona, visiting places like Las Vegas, Nevada, LA, San Francisco, and the Grand Canyon. It was an unforgettable experience.
I also enjoy shorter trips, like a recent day trip to Malaga to see the Christmas lights. Travel is my way of unwinding and spending quality time with loved ones. It’s always exciting to immerse yourself in new cultures and experiences.
When I’m not jet-setting, I enjoy singing in my local community choir. It’s brilliant fun and through it, I’ve had the opportunity to sing at some amazing events and places. It’s a great way to relax and remove the stresses of the day.
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If you’re looking for support with your legal matter, a talented legal professional just like Karen is available for you at Gorvins Solicitors. To get started, call us on 0161 930 5151, email us at Enquiries@gorvins.com or fill in the online form.