Since 1876, we’ve stood alongside generations of people through the highs and the lows, the milestones and the challenges of business and life.
This year, we proudly celebrate 150 years of shared journeys, shaped not only by the services we provide but by the enduring relationships and communities we’ve been part of.
For a century and a half, trust, care, and reliability have been at the heart of everything we do. Our story has been one of dedication, resilience and unwavering support.
We’ve grown together with our clients, celebrating successes and offering steadfast support in difficult times. These bonds have made us more than a firm – they’ve made us a partner in the lives of families, businesses and communities across generations.
Marking this 150th anniversary is a joyful milestone, and a promise. With gratitude for the past and excitement for the future, we look ahead to the next 150 years with the same commitment: to guide, support and care for the people and communities we serve – just as we have since the very beginning.
To honour this occasion, we’ve created a timeline of milestones, of our and our people’s achievements and of historic moments across the region we serve – an invitation to reflect on the journey we’ve shared together.
1876
Gilbert Benjamin Jackson moved from London and founded the firm in Middlesbrough, trading from 42 Albert Road.
Also notable about 1876 was:
- The patent of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell
- Dorman Long was formed
- And finally, the formation of the mighty Boro – Middlesbrough Football Club!
1882
Fenwicks was founded in Newcastle
1901
The firm moved into its own offices at Queen’s Square, Middlesbrough, having purchased the premises for £1,200.
1911
The Tees Transporter bridge opened.
1922
Carrie Morrison, 34, was the first woman admitted to the roll of solicitors by the Law Society of England and Wales.
1928
The Tyne Bridge opened.
1930
Constantine College (now Teesside University) opened in Middlesbrough
The college was formally opened on 2 July 1930 by the future King Edward VIII, the Prince of Wales. Read more about how our founder, Mr Gilbert Benjamin Jackson, was intimately involved in the birth of the college.
1938
The firm continued to grow and, with more solicitors and partners joining, the burgeoning firm became Jacksons, Monk & Rowe.
1939
Greggs was established.
1982
Adrienne E D’Arcy became the first female to train and qualify as a solicitor at Jacksons, and was also made the firm’s first female partner.
When Adrienne D’Arcy joined law firm Jacksons, Monk & Rowe in 1982, she was the only female solicitor. Read more about her journey as a lawyer here.
1989
Jacksons, Monk & Rowe merge with Cohen, Jackson with firm name of Jacksons.
1992
Teesside University was established (formerly Teesside Polytechnic)
1993
Elvis Costello and The Brodsky Quartet released a single called Jacksons, Monk & Rowe – a reference to the firm via a childhood nickname of the cellist, Jacqueline Thomas, who had grown up in Middlesbrough.
1998
Angel of the North erected
2009
Newcastle office opened on Forth Street.
2024
We reached 100 colleagues in the firm and won both the Law Firm of the Year and Law Practice Management Awards at the Northern Law awards!
