EIGHT solicitors have been made associates within Essex-based law firm Birkett Long, while one has joined the partnership.Justina Ridley, a specialist in residential property law, became a partner on June 1, while Stephen Avila, Barry Dunning, Liz Jones, Reggie Lloyd, Anya Radford, Ron Rosenthal, Keith Songhurst and Guy Thompson all became associates.

EIGHT solicitors have been made associates within Essex-based law firm Birkett Long, while one has joined the partnership.

Justina Ridley, a specialist in residential property law, became a partner on June 1, while Stephen Avila, Barry Dunning, Liz Jones, Reggie Lloyd, Anya Radford, Ron Rosenthal, Keith Songhurst and Guy Thompson all became associates.

The experienced solicitors specialise in areas of the law as diverse as e-commerce, commercial and residential property, family, employment and litigation.

Nominations for the grade of associate have to be made by a head of department and approved by the entire partnership before they can become effective.

Personal development plans are in place throughout the firm, based at Chelmsford and Colchester, and partners and associates are assessed on their performance and contribution to the firm and its clients in the same way as all staff.

Managing partner Philip George said: “This new grade will help bridge the gap between solicitor and partner and is a reflection of the growing scale and depth of our practice. We anticipate that associates will take on more responsibility and play an active role with the partners in the firm's future development.”