Ten years at Leigh Duncan: Lisa Cochrane

When Janine and Ingmar established Leigh Duncan Solicitors in 2016, they had a clear vision for the kind of firm they wanted to build. Before the office doors had even opened, one person had already chosen to put her faith in that vision.

Lisa Cochrane joined Leigh Duncan as the firm’s first employee, working alongside Janine and Ingmar around the dining room table before the business moved into its first office. Ten years later, that early faith has evolved into a trusted working relationship, with Lisa’s role growing alongside the business itself.

Joining as a Conveyancing Paralegal, Lisa became part of a small team with a shared ambition to build a practice centred on clear advice, strong relationships and excellent client service. Like many growing businesses, everyone was prepared to roll up their sleeves and help wherever they were needed. That willingness to pitch in has remained a constant throughout Lisa’s time at the firm.

Over the past decade, her role has changed considerably. What began as a position focused on conveyancing has expanded into one that supports many of the day-to-day business operations. Alongside her conveyancing knowledge and experience, Lisa now oversees a wide range of responsibilities, including office management, HR administration, supplier coordination, and the many practical tasks that help keep the practice running smoothly.

That adaptability was particularly important during COVID. Like many businesses, Leigh Duncan had to find new ways of working almost overnight. While working remotely, Lisa continued to support key operational processes, helping ensure transactions continued to progress and clients continued to receive the service they expected during an uncertain time.

Alongside her operational responsibilities, Lisa also organises team celebrations, client events and social occasions, helping maintain the friendly, family-oriented culture that has always been an important part of Leigh Duncan.

When asked what has stood out most over the past ten years, Lisa doesn’t point to milestones or job titles. Instead, she talks about the clients.

Seeing families return to Leigh Duncan over many years, often seeking advice at different stages of life or recommending the firm to the next generation, is what gives her a sense of satisfaction.

“It’s really important because it’s people like that that actually make you realise that what you’re doing is good, that we’re offering a great service and our values are right.”

Today, Lisa remains one of the first people many clients meet when they visit Leigh Duncan. For clients, she’s a familiar face. For colleagues, she’s a trusted part of the team. And for Janine and Ingmar, she’s been part of the journey from the very beginning.

Looking back over the last ten years, Lisa’s story reflects the growth of Leigh Duncan itself. As the firm has evolved, so too has her role, always with the same willingness to adapt, support those around her and do whatever was needed. It’s those qualities that have made her such an important part of the Leigh Duncan team.