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New Faces
Birkett Long has welcomed many new people to the firm recently. Emma Waters, who is an experienced personal tax, trusts and probate solicitor, joined our Chelmsford office in August. She is a member of the STEP Committee and of Solicitors for the Elderly.

The firm also acquired Weight Wolny and Trusler in Chelmsford, welcoming Bob Wolny (partner), John Trusler (consultant), Maria Russo (solicitor) and Joann Kebbell (family law adviser) with Trish Pickett, Pat Smeets and Dorothy Townley (secretaries).

Congratulations go to Laura Bunting, Lisa Collins and Ben Parmenter for qualifying as solicitors with Birkett Long. We were joined by new trainees Sarah Campbell, Katy Humphreys, Calum Irvine and Kayleigh O’Donnell. Celebrations are also in order for Caroline Dowding, who has passed the academic stages of her solicitor exams and Lorraine Hardy who has been admitted to the Law Society’s Children Panel.

Passmores (Incorporating Ron Sands & Co)
Birkett Long recently took over files, wills and deeds (where clients agree) for the clients of Passmores (incorporating Ron Sands & Co). Passmores' Colchester-based office closed at the end of August.

Management Changes
Earlier this year Philip George stepped down as Managing Partner. Handing over to Adrian Livesley, Philip remains with Birkett Long as a consultant solicitor. During his eight years as Managing Partner, the firm achieved the quality standard ISO 9001 and Lexcel (the Law Society’s quality mark). We also appeared in the Sunday Times’ Best 100 Companies to Work For and the Managing Partners’ Forum 100 Best Companies to Work For. Philip said: “It has been a privilege and pleasure, even during the tough times of the recent recession, which I am glad to say we have weathered well. I know that Adrian will do a great job and I wish him all the best for the future.”

Adrian Livesley (above right) takes up the reins as Managing Partner after three years as the firm’s Chairman. He is a Deputy District Judge and specialist in litigation. The role of Chairman has been filled by David Wisbey (below right), who was Head of the Commercial Department.