East Anglian law firm Birketts LLP has celebrated its 150th anniversary and said a fond farewell to departing chief executive Alistair Lang, who is leaving after 12 years in the role.

An evening reception to mark these two significant events in Birketts’ history was held at Trinity Park, Ipswich, and attended by more than 500 clients, friends and Birketts staff both past and present.

Among those joining the party were Hamil Clark, the recently elected Mayor of Ipswich, former Birketts senior partner Douglas Cotton, former managing partner Bob Wright and business leaders from across East Anglia.

During the evening, Mr Lang was presented with a multi-layered cake by Professor Dave Müller, principal, and students from Suffolk New College in recognition of his achievements at Birketts and his work with the college.

In his opening toast, Nigel Farthing who has been with the firm since 1977 and is the current senior partner, said: “Birketts has proudly served East Anglia for 150 years. During that time, the legal industry has changed considerably and many firms have come and gone, but Birketts has continued to grow and today is recognised as being a strong, regional firm dedicated to excellence and the highest professional standards of practice and conduct.

“I would like to once again thank Alistair for the energy and enthusiasm he has brought to Birketts. He has been a key driver in our successful development over the last decade.”

He added: “Birketts has always been a firm where clients could expect exceptional legal services. As we look to the next 150 years, we welcome our new chief executive, Jonathan Agar, and are confident that the characteristics that have defined the firm will be continued by the next generation of Birketts’ lawyers and staff.”