EAST Anglian law firm Birketts has appointed Andrew Rush as a partner and Alex Davey, Matthew Newnham, Sonya O'Reilly, Marco Toffanello and Simon Woodhead as associates.

EAST Anglian law firm Birketts has appointed Andrew Rush as a partner and Alex Davey, Matthew Newnham, Sonya O'Reilly, Marco Toffanello and Simon Woodhead as associates. All are internal promotions.

Mr Rush, whose promotion brings the number of partners in the firm to 36, joined the firm in September 2005 from Eversheds to lead the construction team and specialises in all aspects of construction law.

He has experience in both non-contentious drafting and the management of disputes.

Before joining the firm, Mr Davey specialised in international dispute resolution for six years at London firm Ince & Co. His experience covers all aspects of shipping work.

Mr Newnham and Ms O'Reilly both joined the firm's employment team in 2005. Since joining, Mr Newnham has enhanced his reputation as a lawyer with wide-ranging experience in employment law. Ms O'Reilly specialises in all aspects of employment law and one of her particular areas of expertise is the delivery of training to clients.

Mr Raven, Mr Toffanello and Mr Woodhead are all members of the firm's property team.

Mr Raven trained with the firm and qualified into the commercial property team in 2001. He now deals with a wide range of commercial transactions.

Mr Toffanello joined the firm in 2005 and advises property owners, developers and occupiers on all aspects of freehold and leasehold property.

Mr Woodhead is an employed barrister and was called to the Bar in 1990. he practised from chambers in London for a number of years before joining Eversheds' property litigation team, where he spent seven years. He has substantial experience in advising on property disputes.

The firm's chief executive officer Alistair Lang said of the promotions: “All are high calibre individuals and their elevation recognises the skill and commitment they have each invested in the firm.”