THE Dickensian world imposed by seemingly interminable leases of old buildings has been metamorphosed into the 21st century with a leading law firm s move to Huntingdon s George Street. Leeds Day, which also has offices in St Neots and St Ives, and is a l

THE Dickensian world imposed by seemingly interminable leases of old buildings has been metamorphosed into the 21st century with a leading law firm's move to Huntingdon's George Street.

Leeds Day, which also has offices in St Neots and St Ives, and is a long-term sponsor of The Hunts Post Huntingdonshire Business Awards, has moved out of a listed building in Market Hill and first floor offices in the High Street to concentrate its Huntingdon operations in one place.

It has moved into Godwin House, the ground floor of which will shortly be vacated by Huntingdon County Court, when the new Combined Justice Centre across the ring road opens in the summer.

"At long last, we can move to more modern premises and be 21st century rather than Dickensian," said senior partner Bruce Elam, who specialises in property work and also heads private client activity.

Leeds Day is the only solicitor in Cambridgeshire to be accredited under the Law Society's quality accreditation scheme, Lexcel.

By ensuring that work is completed comprehensively, using rigorous procedures, clients get a better, more efficient and consistent service and are more likely to come back, and there are other business benefits to the firm.

It is the equivalent of the ISO 9000 series of quality accreditation, but designed specifically for solicitors.

Leeds Day is now one of the pilot firms for a new national standard being launched by the Law Society, the solicitors' representative body.

Now in its seventh year sponsoring the Business Person of the Year Award, the firm says its involvement raises its profile among clients, who include many local companies. "So we're delighted to be involved," Mr Elam said. "It always creates interest with staff and clients."

The firm hopes the rapid growth of Huntingdonshire's business base, its move of Huntingdon premises - and its continued sponsorship of the awards - will attract more clients to its multi-faceted business that includes conveyancing and commercial property, including "blue riband" conveyancing, personal injury work, employment law, wills, probate, family law and Court of Protection work.