The man who has overseen the major expansion of leading Essex firm of solicitors Birkett Long is to step down as Managing Partner.

Philip George, who has held the post for the past eight years, will hand over on March 31 to the practice’s current Chairman Adrian Livesley.

A keen cricketer and umpire, Mr George will continue with Birkett Long in a consultancy role, and will also advise a major Essex-based healthcare company and take up board positions with other companies.

“I have had a great innings with Birkett Long, but it’s now time to make way for my successor,” said Mr George, 58, who has worked for the practice for 35 years.

“I am declaring with bat still in hand so that I can apply my skills and experience in different ways while still retaining my involvement with the firm.

“I would like to thank the members and staff for all their support over the last eight years – 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.”

Mr George has been at the helm during a period in which the practice achieved the quality standard ISO 9001 and Lexcel (the Law Society’s own quality mark).

During his time in office, the firm has achieved places in the Sunday Times’ list of the Best 100 Companies to Work For (2007) and the Managing Partners’ Forum’s table of the 100 Best Companies to Work For (2008).

A well-known figure in the community, Mr George is the Vice Chairman of the Mercury Theatre in Colchester, a Director of the Colchester Business Enterprise Agency, trustee of the Winsley Alms House and a serving elder of the Lion Walk United Reformed Church.

He is also the President of Colchester and East Essex Cricket Club and an active Premier League umpire.

Members and staff of the 145-strong Limited Liability Practice (LLP) were briefed last year about the planned succession. Members recently elected David Wisbey to succeed Adrian Livesely as Chairman; he will take up the post on June 1.