Birkett Long

Essex firm Birkett Long has announced two promotions, which have increased the partnership size to a 26-strong team.

Associate Ben Parmenter and head of human resources Joann Kebbell will both be moving to partner position. Ben, situated in the Colne Valley office, heads the firm’s wills, trusts and probate team in Colchester. He has worked at Birkett Long for almost a decade, and recently qualified as a notary public. Ben commented: ‘In my current role, I am lucky enough to deal with a great deal of complex legal work that is, of course, rewarding and stimulating. However, my favourite aspect of being a solicitor is still meeting clients and making them feel at ease with whatever issues they may have. To be offered partnership within Birkett Long is clearly the highlight of my career. I am very much looking forward to the new position.’

Joann was formerly a family law adviser with Weight, Wolny & Trusler before making the switch into human resources, and now manages the firm’s HR operations. She said: ‘I enjoy being in the position of knowing everyone within Birkett Long, being able to offer support and guidance where needed, to enable people to meet their full potential and contribute to the success of the firm. I am excited to have been asked to join the partnership, particularly as a non-lawyer. I feel it acknowledges the value and importance of a non-lawyer’s role to the success of the firm.  I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and am looking forward to my future with the firm.’

Birkett Long’s chairman David Wisbey added: ‘I congratulate them both on taking their careers at Birkett Long to the next level. I am proud that our partnership comprises people from a wide spectrum of our business. Ben and Joann’s talent will play an important part in driving forward our strategy over the coming years.’