The story begins in 1898, when George Raymond became a partner at Luff Raymond Williams in Bournemouth. Three generations of Raymonds helped shape the firm across the twentieth century. In 1987, that legacy continued when John Raymond, having built his career at McKenna & Co in London, returned to the South Coast with a clear vision: to offer London-quality commercial legal advice from a regional base. Steele Raymond was born of that ambition – to meet growing demand for sharper, business-led legal support without clients needing to head to the capital. 

That principle – demand-led growth, grounded in long-term relationships and regional strength – continues to define the firm today. 

From a bold beginning in 1979 to a firm recognised for its specialist expertise and client focus, Steele Raymond’s story is one of ambition, evolution and continual progress. Each milestone reflects a conscious step forward driven by a shared vision, a commitment to excellence, and a belief in the power of collaboration. This timeline captures the key moments that have shaped who we are today, and sets the pace for where we’re going next.