3-052-433 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Family Solicitor, 1880. 'In a large bare room on the first floor of a shabby old house in New-square, Lincoln's-inn, is passed most of the daylight which falls to the share of Mr. Harry Makepeace Vellumson, who is a prince among conveyancers...Business pours in upon him like a perpetual stream of milk and honey; but he only takes the cream of it, leaving the churning, potting, and all the petty bother to his clerks, and to his partners, who are also convenient helps...Mr. Vellumson knows all about sharp practice in decorous ways. He will not resort to it himself...On ordinary occasions Mr. Vellumson's firm adhere strictly to the nicest forms of professional etiquette. Their cases very seldom go into the law courts. They end by compromises and amicable settlements when they do end, but these eminent lawyers are never in a hurry. A few words from Mr. Vellumson personally to any other solicitor of his own standing will always stop active proceedings on both sides, save such as are taken by common consent...He is solicitor for the representatives of persons who have died intestate, and immense sums of money are confided to his care, by reason of his high character'. From "Illustrated London News", 1880.