Our People

Jeremy Downham

BSC

Jeremy started working as a legal cashier in London in 1987 and set up his own company in 1990. The Law Factory now encompasses a wide range of law firms across the country. Jeremy has always been keen to offer staff opportunities for growth which has resulted in a number of our apprentices staying with us and helping to make The Law Factory what it is today. Jeremy has extensive experience in the legal market and has used this to benefit our firms by sharing ideas. The diverse nature of our client base ensures that Jeremy is well equipped to assist our clients with any changes affecting the profession. His overriding philosophy since the business began is personal involvement, a culture which he has instilled in all who work for him.

Deborah Downham

BA Hons Law

Deborah qualified as a Solicitor in 1988 and worked in private practice in London and the West Midlands until retiring from practice in 2006 to join Jeremy at The Law Factory. With an original background in banking, she is well placed to deal with the firm’s administration including accounts, billing, contracts and human resources. She became Jeremy’s partner in the business in 2009.

Alex Simons

MAAT

Alex joined us in June 2000 as an apprentice and celebrated his Silver Anniversary last year. He is fully AAT qualified and currently studying for a Diploma with ILFM in Legal Finance, Compliance and Accounts Rules. During his long career with us, he has dealt with a diverse range of clients from all areas of the legal market, including criminal and civil legal aid, commercial firms and charities. He has an extensive knowledge of legal aid and is an expert in accounts reconstruction. Alex is also our New Business Manager.

Sam Keetch

MAAT and ACCA

Sam joined us in October 2012 as an apprentice and is now fully AAT and ACCA qualified. Sam has expanded his role to include leading one of our large charities through a very successful SORP audit as well as presenting reports and budgets at board and AGM meetings. Sam deals with a number of our more complex and challenging clients.

Charlotte Smith

MAAT

Charlotte joined us in January 2017 having just completed her AAT apprenticeship. She is our Office and Legal Accounts Manager and is fully AAT qualified. She deals with some of the more complex legal accounts issues, assisting colleagues and liaising with Accountants, as well as having a small group of firms she works with directly. She is also responsible for division of work amongst our fee earners and has day to day responsibility for staff management and welfare.

Ashling Phillips

Bsc and PGL

Ashling joined us in June 2017, having decided on a career change from teaching science. and is now fully AAT qualified. She deals with several of our large conveyancing and legal aid practices as well as working with Jeremy on specific projects.

Angelina Peggs

Angelina joined us in January 2020 and is fully AAT qualified. She works on a wide variety of legal clients including conveyancing and general high street practices.

Scott Matthews

Scott returned to work for us in June 2021 after leaving to work for an accountancy firm. He is fully AAT qualified and works closely with Sam on one of our large charities as well as running a wide variety of other clients, including conveyancing and legal aid practices.

Rebecca Willis

ACCA

Rebecca joined us in February 2022, having worked in an accountancy practice as well as a variety of companies outside the legal sector. She is ACCA qualified and works closely with Sam on several of our larger, more complex clients.

Josh Downham

Josh joined us in December 2021 and has completed his AAT Levels 3 and 4 achieving Apprentice of the Year at each level. He is partway through his first year of ACCA which he is enjoying. Josh works for a wide range of clients, both private and legally aided.

Grace Horton

Grace joined us in November 2023. Having a Law Degree and accounts experience she has fitted in very well to our team. She has completed her Level 3 AAT course and is part way through her Level 4. Grace works on a wide variety of software packages and practices, including private client and legally aided firms.

Katie Gaster

Katie joined us in August 2024 after working as an accounts assistant in accountancy firms since 2021. She has completed her AAT Level 3 qualification and will be starting her Level 4 in September . Katie works on a diverse mix of clients, including legally aided, niche and private firms.

Bubbles

Head of Staff Wellbeing

Jeremy & Debbie got Bubbles from The Dogs Trust in April 2017 as a four-month-old pup who had never been outside before being handed into Dogs Trust. She had lived in a flat with her two siblings and only had the TV for stimulation!  This is why she is now obsessed with any programmes/adverts with dogs on and even rushes in to watch them if she hears the music from her bed in the other room.

She is now 9 and loves nothing better than a long walk followed by a curl up on the sofa at home. She enjoys her trips to Ledbury to the office as she gets lots of love from the staff and a great view of the world from her bed in the window plus an opportunity to chase squirrels at lunchtime!