President

Steve Cornforth is elected President of Liverpool Law Society 2011-12

I was born in Mill Road Hospital, Everton, on the 25th July 1955. My father was an electrician and my mother was a legal secretary for over 40 years; most of which was spent at Silverbeck and Co (now Silverbeck Rymer). I am married to Jackie who is a freelance Counsellor and have two sons; Martin who is a Solicitor and Andy who is a Web Designer.

I was brought up in Anfield; less than two minutes from Liverpool’s Football Ground but have been a lifelong Everton fan – which shows my rebellious nature and probably explains why I have tended to support the weak and downtrodden.

I was educated at Anfield Road Primary School and then moved to the Liverpool Bluecoat School just weeks after England won the World Cup in 1966 – yes it is that long since England won anything!

I then did a Law Degree at Liverpool University where I obtained a 2.1 in Law and after this went to the College of Law in Chester.

I did my articles at Silverbecks between 1978 and 1980. When I qualified I went to the Vauxhall Law Centre. This was a joint project between Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Law Society to provide advice and representation in, what was then, one of the most deprived areas in the United Kingdom. Most of my time was spent dealing with the claims for Housing Disrepair and also representing the parents in Childcare proceedings at a time when no legal aid was available to them. So I claim the unique fame of being the first former employee to become President of the Society!

In 1983, I left the Law Centre to establish Ashby Cornforth and Co with John Ashby. In 1991 we were taken over by E A D and I have been a partner here ever since. I became Senior Partner in May 2011.

During my time at EAD I established the Firm’s Clinical Negligence department before moving across to the Trade Union Department to deal with Occupational Disease Claims. I now spend most of my time on handling Professional Negligence Claims and will be the Firm’s COLP which will be a full-time job in its own right.

I have never lived, studied or worked anywhere but Liverpool. Indeed at the furthest I have ever moved is from Old Swan to Crosby!

Away from the office I enjoy music. I am a failed singer-songwriter hence my career in the law! I also enjoyed listening to music and attending live concerts. I am also an avid reader and traveller. My most exciting trips have been to Costa Rica and New York. I also quite enjoy a good bottle of red wine. I have been a Church of England reader for nearly 15 years. Oh and I also support Everton FC!