It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Lily Lammond. Lily was not only an incredibly valued member of the Maxwell Hodge team but also a truly exceptional person whose presence enriched the lives of everyone around her.
Her loss is deeply felt by all of us who had the privilege to work alongside her, and by the many clients she so passionately supported. Lily joined Maxwell Hodge in December 2021 as a Paralegal in our Disputes and Litigation Team.
At the time, she was continuing her studies at the University of Liverpool, balancing her academic pursuits with her growing responsibilities at work. From the outset, it was clear that Lily had a rare combination of intelligence, diligence, and compassion.
She quickly demonstrated her capability and dedication, and soon transitioned into a dual role, supporting both the Personal Injury and Medical Negligence Teams.
In these roles, Lily provided clear, thorough, and empathetic advice to clients navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Her ability to listen deeply, respond thoughtfully, and offer genuine care set her apart. Clients trusted her, and colleagues admired her.
Lily’s achievements were remarkable, but even more so when considering the personal challenges she faced. In July 2024, she graduated from the University of Liverpool with a first-class degree in Law with Criminology—a result that reflected not only her academic excellence but also her determination and work ethic.
Her accomplishments were made even more poignant by her cancer diagnosis, which she approached with characteristic strength, grace, and unrelenting optimism. Throughout her illness, Lily remained focused on her goals, passionate about her work, and deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of others.
Even in the face of adversity, Lily’s selflessness never wavered. One of her final acts of kindness was raising thousands of pounds for the Little Princess Trust, a charity that creates real-hair wigs for children and young people who have lost their hair through cancer treatment and other conditions.
This effort, undertaken while battling her own illness, is just one example of her incredible spirit and generosity. Lily was due to begin her solicitor apprenticeship this year, a new chapter in what promised to be an outstanding legal career.
Those of us who worked with her had no doubt that she would have excelled in every way. Her keen legal mind, unwavering sense of justice, and natural empathy made her a perfect fit for the profession.
Tragically, she did not get the opportunity to take this next step, but her potential was undeniable. The legal community has lost an extraordinary young talent. But even more than a brilliant colleague and budding legal professional, Lily was a cherished friend.
Her warmth, kindness, and quiet strength touched everyone who knew her. She brought light into the office each day, with her infectious smile and thoughtful nature. Her courage, determination, and unwavering positivity continue to inspire us, and her memory will remain an enduring part of our team.
At this difficult time, our thoughts are with Lily’s family and loved ones. We offer them our deepest sympathies and hold them close in our hearts as they face the unimaginable pain of this loss.
We share in their grief and honour the incredible young woman that Lily was. She will always be remembered not just for what she achieved, but for who she was—a truly beautiful soul.
