Solicitors' joy at promotion

Three solicitors who trained with Essex law firm Birkett Long and remained with the organisation have had their years of hard work rewarded by receiving promotion to Associate.

Ben Parmenter, Emily Brown and Lisa Collins all joined the firm within a year of each other in 2007/08 and qualified around 2010 before being offered jobs with the firm.

Ben, who works in the Wills, Trust and Probate Team, said: “Birkett Long is really good at rewarding its staff who put in the extra mile for their clients and colleagues – it felt fantastic to be recognised for this.”

The trio have come a long way since their training days. Emily, who advises on employment law and heads the Education Team, said: “It was so nice to have others who were ‘in the same boat’ as you.

“The first time that you speak at court can be daunting, but it really makes a difference when you can get tips from the others or share your experiences with them afterwards.”

Lisa,  a team leader in Family, Divorce and Relationship law, said: “You quickly learn a lot more once you are qualified and experience the weight of responsibility.  But I remember feeling incredibly happy when they offered me a job after I qualified and I’m delighted to be made Associate. It’s been something we’ve all been working towards.”

Ben added: “Being promoted to Associate makes the hard work worthwhile.  It is a stamp of achievement from the partners that shows that they have been noticing that you have gone that extra mile.”