Essex law firm recruits new IT director

Birkett Long is delighted to welcome new IT Director, David Bennett.

David will be responsible for the support and ongoing development of the firm’s information technology.

David graduated from Essex University with a BSc in Physics. He said: “After realising that the only useful things a physics graduate could do were to work in the nuclear industry or be an accountant, I fell into a career in IT. Sadly, I was too short to become an astronaut so I applied to Marconi Radar in Chelmsford as a computer programmer.”

David has a dual claim to fame: he was one of the first ever users of the internet whilst at Marconi Radar and later in his career he headed up the first ever cloud migration performed in the legal industry.

Throughout his career David has successfully defined and implemented IT strategies for firms in the UK, Europe and Africa, supporting operational and development activities across IT, Human Resources, Finance, Marketing and Business Support.

David has a diverse background gained with large, medium and small professional service firms nationally and globally. With 35 years of experience and a proven track record of defining and deploying transformational projects and programmes, David has been able to improve the infrastructure and operational procedures of some of the top international accounting and law firms.

One of David’s most memorable experiences came during the period he worked as an IT consultant for a company in Lusaka, when he took on the challenge of swimming at the top of Victoria falls – literally feet from the edge! Nowadays he indulges in less daring pastimes: he loves cooking and eating out and has an eclectic appreciation for music and London musicals.

On why he applied to Birkett Long David said: “I chose Birkett Long because I liked the balance of ambition, friendliness and sense of community that was evident from the moment I stepped through the door. Everyone I have met so far has been welcoming and friendly, and really made me feel at home.”

David is an avid supporter and sponsor of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) a charity that aims to prevent sudden cardiac deaths through awareness, screening and research, and supports affected families.