• Martin Hopkins has taken on the role of Managing Partner as of 1 June.
• He will replace Adrian Livesley who is stepping down after 9 years in the post and 40 years at the firm.
• The firm’s Chairman, David Wisbey, also steps down, making way for Kurt Goddard in his place. David will continue to be a Partner with the firm.
• Its clients, its community, and its people are key to the firm’s future.

Leading Essex Law firm, Birkett Long is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Hopkins to Managing Partner. Martin is a Partner and was Head of BLHR and Employment for over 6 years at Birkett Long. He has specialised in employment for over 20 years and has been a Partner for 16 of those.

Martin’s ambitions are to grow the business, building on the excellent foundations already in place. In the coming year, two of the main drivers of that growth will be opening an office in London and expanding Birkett Long’s Intellectual Property capability. Martin’s vision is to make the firm an even better place to work, and, an even better place for businesses and individuals to obtain sensible, practical advice and solutions.

Martin says on his new appointment: “I am excited by this opportunity and am looking forward to continuing to work with the great team here to further develop and improve the wide range of services we offer. I am proud of the firm and its values and I am committed to maintaining them whilst driving Birkett Long forward.”

At the same time, the firm’s Chairman, David Wisbey is relinquishing his role. David will continue as a Partner within the Firm’s Business team, specialising in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial law.  Kurt Goddard will take on the role of Chairman, supporting Martin in the management of Birkett Long. Kurt has been with Birkett Long for 20 years and his knowledge and experience of the evolution of the firm is invaluable.

Martin will be replaced in his previous role as Head of BLHR and Employment by Julie Temple. Julie trained with Birkett Long and qualified into the employment team. Martin says: “We both know how each other works and have similar close relationships with the clients that we support. Therefore the transition will be secure and I have every confidence that our clients will continue to receive a great level of service. I am excited about Julie’s ambition to drive the team forward and to develop the BLHR offering.”