Colleagues pay tribute to lawyer who died on Spanish holiday

by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post
Aug 20 2008

TRIBUTES have been paid to a leading Liverpool lawyer who died suddenly while on holiday in Spain.

Linda O’Connor, 42, who suffered from diabetes for 20 years, was on a week-long break with her partner, Colin Hand, 40, when she died.

The lawyer, who worked as director of litigation at James Murray Solicitors, Bootle, slipped into a diabetic coma overnight while the couple were holidaying in Murcia and failed to wake up.

Her funeral is due to be held on Friday.

Last night, Paul Fletcher, managing partner at James Murray, said everyone at the firm was shocked and deeply saddened by Ms O’Connor's sudden death.

He said: “Linda was an extraordinary woman who was passionate about everything she did.

“The firm and her clients owe her a huge amount and her achievements will not be forgotten. She was more than a work colleague and was a good friend and the firm will not be the same without her. Our thoughts are with her family, partner and friends.

“All our staff have been devastated by the death.”

Ms O’Connor, who had no children, first joined James Murray Solicitors in 1997. After leaving for a short period in 1999, she returned seven years ago and had worked for the company for around 11 years in total.

Born and bred in Huyton, where she lived, she was an expert in housing law and civil litigation, and managed 16 members of staff.

Prior to joining James Murray, Ms O'Connor, who began her career as a legal secretary before moving into management, had worked at several other solicitor offices in Liverpool, including Mace & Jones, Berkson Globe and Silverbeck Rymer.

She was made a fellow of the Institute of Legal Executive (F.ILEx) in June, 2001.

Mr Fletcher added: “Linda dedicated her career to the legal profession.

“Over more than 20 years, she acted for thousands of local people, and was committed to justice and fairness.

“As a manager, she took great personal interest in her staff and spent a huge amount of time supporting them. Her death is a huge loss, not only to her family and friends, but to the legal community as a whole.”