• I can help you with
  • Office
  • 1 Amphora Place
  • Sheepen Road
  • Colchester
  • Essex
  • CO3 3WG
  • Tel: 01206 217300

Keith Songhurst

Partner, Head of Risk and Compliance

Qualifying as a solicitor in 2001 I have been a partner at Birkett Long since 2008.  After many years practising as a Dispute Resolution lawyer specialising in property litigation, my focus now is leading the firm’s Compliance and Centralised Services team.  My responsibilities include ensuring that we meet both professional and regulatory requirements and developing, implementing and coordinating the firm’s risk management strategy.

I am the firm’s Compliance Officer for Legal Practice and Money Laundering Reporting Officer.

I am a director of the Colchester Catalyst Charity, a grant-making trust that helps provide support to people with medical conditions or disabilities in North East Essex.

I enjoy sports, particularly golf and football, although my participation these days tends to lean towards running the line or refereeing my children’s football matches. I also enjoy playing the guitar, though not in public!

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS:

  • Qualified as a Solicitor in 2001 
  • LLB (Hons) Law Degree
  • Director of Colchester Catalyst Charity

The Legal 500 – The Clients Guide to Law Firms The Legal 500 – The Clients Guide to Law Firms

What our clients say

  • Good depth and breadth of knowledge, very approachable, and also responsive to clients. Legal 500, 2023
  • The practice has adapted well to covid-19 and there has not been a drop in the level of service in sometimes very trying situations. Legal 500 2023
  • Thank you again for your support over what has been a very traumatic period for us.
  • I have dealt with different people at Birkett Long and have received a prompt efficient and professional service from them all. I would recommend this company.
  • Keith, I would like to thank you and all the Birkett Long team for their patience and dedication to achieve an offer that I rightly deserve.
  • He is "client focused, methodical and keen to get things resolved".Chambers & Partners 2015
  • Keith Songhurst is a very commercially aware litigator with great business acumen. Legal 500, 2023
  • We instructed Keith Songhurst to support us with a property litigation matter. He is very approachable and responsive. Our matter was dealt with quickly, calmly and cost effectively, and he took all of the stress out of the situation. We have already recommended Keith and his team at Birkett Long, and will use him and the firm for future matters.