Essex-based law firm Ellisons has celebrated a successful first year for its first office in Suffolk.

Ellisons, which already had offices in Colchester, Clacton, Frinton and Dovercourt, opened its fifth branch at Wherstead Park, near Ipswich, in June 2014, during a year in which the firm also celebrated its 250th anniversary.

The Ipswich branch is run by lead partner Robert Gair, head of personal injury, alongside Bernice Spurgeon (who works alongside him in personal injury), Julian Outen (partner and employment law specialist), Ian Reed, Katie Mayes, Jennie Kingham and Catherine Frost (wills, trusts and probate) and Emma Cracknell (from the commercial property team.

Ian Reed’s team also provides all services required for cases involving the Court of Protection work, the service which enables the firm to assist when a family member or close friend can no longer make decisions for themselves.

The lawyers based at Ipswich are supported by a four-strong secretarial team, and many of the partners and solicitors from other areas of the firm visit the branch on a regular basis to ensure all service areas are covered for the clients.

Robert Gair said: “We are extremely pleased at how successful the Ipswich branch has been in the last 12 months. We have already added another two members to our team since opening, and I’m sure this will continue as our client base grows.”

The branch celebrated with their colleagues and other firms at Wherstead Park (including the building’s owner, the East of England Co-op) with an afternoon tea event.