ESSEX law firm Birkett Long has announced a series of promotions, alongside the adoption of a new corporate identity to mark its conversion to Limited Liability Partnership status from June 1.

ESSEX law firm Birkett Long has announced a series of promotions, alongside the adoption of a new corporate identity to mark its conversion to Limited Liability Partnership status from June 1.

Keith Songhurst, a solicitor specialising in construction law and litigation, who is a member of the Property Litigation Association and focuses on property disputes, is to become a partner.

Four other solicitors will be promoted to associate status in recognition of their specialist skills and contribution to the firm's growth.

Emma Brunning works in family law, dealing with divorce, separation, matrimonial finances and contact with children, and is accredited by Resolution as a specialist family lawyer. Ben Twitchen is trained in Collaborative Law, a non-adversarial alternative to the divorce court, and he also advises in motoring prosecutions and health and safety cases. He is a member of the Family Law panel of experts.

Miranda Leate is an immigration law specialist: her work includes work permit and European Association Agreement applications; she is an experienced advocate in the immigration and civil courts and has conducted cases in the High Court and Court of Appeal.

Nadina Edmondson has 16 years' experience of personal injury cases and is a member of the Law Society's Personal Injury Panel and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.

Birkett Long has 18 partners and more than 150 staff across offices in Chelmsford and Colchester.

Managing prtner Philip George said: “The LLP status gives the firm a modern structure from which we can continue to attract quality staff and clients.

“any of the larger professional partnerships are choosing the corporate vehicle of LLP and we see it as integral to meeting our ambitious plans for growth. We are delighted to launch our new identity at the same time in order to support our plans and give us a robust platform from which to develop our brand values.”