AN employee at a Reading law firm is celebrating her 50th year working with the company this month.

Linda Taylor, a full-time employee at Reading-based Boyes Turner, this month celebrates her 50th year with the law firm, making her its longest-serving staff member.

Linda began her career with the firm in 1970, when she had just turned 15, and has since achieved her ambition to become a legal secretary.

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Linda received flowers from the Boyes Turner Partners as well as gift vouchers to thank her for her decades of dedication.

She said: “While at school, I already knew five people who were enjoying their work at Boyes Turner, so when a vacancy arose it seemed natural to apply."

At the time Boyes Turner was working with local educational establishments to interest pupils in a career in law, and Linda was selected for interview.

She joined as an office junior, and Boyes Turner sent her to evening classes in speedwriting and typing. She then worked for a conveyancer at the firm, who became a lifelong friend, with Linda even visiting her frequently in Cornwall when she relocated there.

Linda progressed to becoming a secretary for a Senior Partner.

After taking maternity leave to have her two children, she subsequently achieved her goal of becoming a legal secretary at the firm.

When asked why she stayed so long, she said: “It’s been like home from home, my second family.

"It’s the people around you who make the job, and I’ve got so many good friends here.

"If you like what you do and have got where you wanted to, there’s no reason to go elsewhere.”

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Linda says she has seen many changes at the firm, particularly in the use of technology and in staff numbers.

When she started there were approximately 25 employees, and this has now grown to 170.

While Linda is Boyes Turner’s longest-serving staff member, employee longevity is nothing new to the firm, with several others remaining for more than 25 years.

Phil Smith, Partner at Boyes Turner, said: “We’re delighted to celebrate Linda reaching this milestone.

"She embodies the attributes that make Boyes Turner such a rewarding place to be, including setting an example of hard work, commitment and being a great colleague.

"We thank her very much for her five decades of service and loyalty.”

Now 65, Linda is considering retiring next year.

With five grandchildren, she is likely to be very busy.

In addition, she is looking forward to having more time for her favourite hobby, cake-making.

Her Polish parents liked to entertain in style, and Linda learned cake-making from her mother.

She is frequently asked to bake cakes for Boyes Turner events and they are very popular with its employees as well as with her family.

She also plans to do more walking, as well as visiting friends in various parts of the country.

Linda said: “I’ll be sad to leave.

“But I think 50 years is a good length of time, and I’m looking forward to a busy and fun retirement.

"I might even become one of the ‘ladies who lunch'!"