Alistair Lang, the former chief executive of regional law firm Birketts, has been appointed to the new role of strategy director at Ipswich-based Gotelee Solicitors.

Mr Lang left Birketts at the end of May after nearly 12 years as chief executive, having joined the firm in 2001 following a career in banking with Bank of Scotland.

Martin Whitworth, managing partner at Gotelee, which has 15 partners and 70 staff, including a second office at Hadleigh, said: “The creation of this new senior position and the appointment of such an experienced and well respected figure in the legal sector are indications of Gotelee’s determination to build its presence in a fast moving market place.

“The world of the law is changing rapidly and traditional methods of providing legal advice are being challenged on a number of fronts.

“Our approach is to focus on providing effective and accessible advice to the individuals and businesses of Ipswich and its immediate area, as we believe the local market can offer more than enough business to allow Gotelee to grow and prosper. Alistair will help us achieve this objective.”

Mr Lang said: “The national spend on legal advice remains high but is becoming ever more concentrated in the larger providers. This places a question mark against the future of the smaller local solicitors firms as they seek to adapt their style and range of service. Gotelee Solicitors has a clear sense of its local identity and fit in the local market place.

“My role is to support the business in its aspirations to become the leading law firm focussing on Ipswich and the surrounding area. How we go about that will be the subject of much discussion in the weeks and months to come.”

Changes in the legal sector include how people access legal advice through the internet and the Legal Aid system, changes to the way disputes can be resolved through the courts and the challenge of increased competition from established High Street brand names offering legal services.

Mr Whitworth added: “We intend to remain a secure and growing business taking advantage of the opportunities change brings and rising above the threats. With his knowledge of the local market place and his experience in the legal world, I am confident Alistair will help us achieve that aim.”