Essex Law Firm Shortlisted for National Award

The ongoing success of one of Essex’s largest law firms was recognised this week after the practice made the shortlist for the legal profession’s top awards.

Birkett Long LLP, which employs 150 people at its offices in Colchester and Chelmsford, is a full service practice, advising corporate and individual clients both locally and nationally.

The Law Society, which represents all solicitors in England and Wales, has shortlisted the business for a top award at its prestigious Excellence Awards taking place in central London on 23 October.

Birkett Long is competing against six other organisations for the ‘Lexcel Award for Excellence in Practice Standards’ award, which recognises firms that have driven continuous improvement in client service and business management.

The award is only open to solicitors that have achieved the Law Society’s Lexcel practice management standard - a seal of quality that helps customers to identify the best-managed firms, which offer the very highest levels of service.

Birkett Long can trace its roots back to 1821 and the practice has expanded significantly over the last decade, with employee numbers rising from 50 to 150 and turnover growing from £3 million to £8 million.

A key element of the business’ success has been its focus on specialising in niche areas of law, including the healthcare and education sectors and it counts the University of Essex and University of London amongst its clients.

Most recently the firm has been appointed by the Home Office as an auditor for the Employer Sponsor scheme under new immigration laws.

The firm is approved to provide reports to the Home Office confirming that the client business has met the required standards to employ foreign nationals. Birkett Long is one of the first provincial practices to be awarded auditor status: until now, large international city law firms have dominated the market place.

This growth has been supported by the specialist solicitors division of Lloyds TSB Commercial, which has provided banking support since 1995.

Philip George, Managing Partner at Birkett Long LLP, said: “It’s a real honour and mark of our success to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award which will see us judged alongside some of the best organisations operating in the legal profession.

“We were one of the first private practice firms to become Lexcel accredited six years ago and we’ve continuously worked hard to adhere to the highest standards of client service.

“The banking support and referrals provided by Lloyds TSB Commercial have ensured we have a solid financial base from which to continue building the business.”

Steve Woolridge, Area Director for Lloyds TSB Commercial in Essex, said: “Like many industries, the uncertain economic climate is creating new challenges for solicitors but Philip and the team have consistently refined and improved the practice to ensure it is in a strong position to grow further over the coming years.

“Making the shortlist for this award is testament to Birkett Long’s commitment to client service and we will use our expertise and experience in the legal sector to support the business as it continues to develop and grow.”

Lloyds TSB Commercial has more than 70 Lexcel Consultants in England & Wales and is training more. Kirsten Woodgate is one of Lloyds TSB’s Lexcel Consultants in Essex and is qualified to advise firms on practice management policies, processes and procedures to enhance performance.

She said: “Lexcel accredited practices undergo rigorous independent assessment every year to ensure they meet required standards of excellence in areas such as client care, case management and risk management.

“This mark of quality has given Birkett Long a point of differentiation and a strong competitive edge, and I have no doubt this has contributed to its ongoing success.”

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