ESSEX law firm Birkett Long has appointed two new solicitors to join its team as well as keeping on four of the firm’s trainees, who will qualify as solicitors shortly having spent two years training with the firm.

Associate solicitor Ian Dawes has joined the commercial litigation team. He acts for clients in a wide range of commercial disputes including professional negligence and cross border disputes. He has particular expertise in intellectual property, working with both individuals and companies around the world.

Hayley Bruce is now a member of the real estate team specialising in residential property and leasehold reform such as lease extensions and collective enfranchisement claims. She also has experience of alcohol licensing and gambling applications and will continue to deal with these at Birkett Long.

Sarah Campbell will qualify into the family team at Birkett Long after passing her Legal Practice Course with a distinction. She also has a Masters in law from the University of Sheffield where she was awarded the DLA Piper Prize in recognition of her results. Prior to this Sarah studied for a BA in Sociology and obtained a First. She has previously worked as a family law paralegal as well as a software disputes associate in London.

Katy Humphreys has joined the commercial litigation team following five years working for Credit Suisse in the legal and compliance department. She also spent a secondment period with the company’s Dubai division in the United Arab Emirates. She undertook the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Bloomsbury and achieved a high commendation.

Calum Irvine is part of Birkett Long’s family team. He graduated from Durham University with upper second class honours in law before taking his LPC at the College of Law in Bloomsbury which he passed with a distinction. He previously worked as a student volunteer at the college’s legal advice centre. Calum has also just been appointed the captain of Colchester Rugby Club.

A member of the personal tax, trusts and probate team, Kayleigh O’Donnell obtained a First class law degree with Honours from the University of Essex. She achieved a distinction in her LPC from the College of Law in York and is currently studying for her masters. She previously worked for Barclays Bank as a customer adviser.

Adrian Livesley, managing partner at Birkett Long, said: “Ian and Hayley bring great skills to our commercial litigation and property teams and have already made a significant contribution for the benefits of our clients.

“We are also very pleased to be able to offer our trainees positions upon their qualification. They are making excellent progress and are an asset to our firm.”

He added: “It is an exciting time to join Birkett Long. In less than a year, we have opened a new office in Basildon and have joined forces with well established solicitors Brian Ruff, Angus and Jewers. The future is very bright for the firm, and Ian, Hayley and our trainees are sure to play a part in its success.”n

: : LAW firm Barker Gotelee has appointed Amanda Crowe, who trained with the firm, as a solicitor. Amanda has been a trainee solicitor with Barker Gotelee since August 2010. She graduated from the University of Essex with a 2:1 in law following a three-year degree. Amanda then moved on to the Legal Practice Course at Anglia Ruskin University, graduating with a commendation award.

While training at Barker Gotelee Amanda worked in several departments and was elected publicity officer for Suffolk and North Essex Junior Lawyers Division Committee 2010/11 and 2011/12. The SNEJLD represents the interests of junior lawyers, both locally and nationally, through a number of social, business and charitable events.

Senior partner James Skellorn said: “We are delighted Amanda Crowe is staying with us after qualification. She is determined, business-like and practical in her approach to legal work and provides good support to the senior lawyers in the firm. Amanda will continue to work in the private client department.”

: : RICHARD Hibbert from kitchen planners and furnishers KSL Sudbury is celebrating after he was shortlisted for a prestigious national award, which recognises outstanding design skills in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom sector.

Richard was one of only five designers shortlisted for the KBSA Bathroom Designer of the Year award sponsored by kbb NTG and awarded by the national trade association the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialist Association. Although he didn’t win the overall prize, he was delighted at the nomination.

“It was fantastic to have made the shortlist for these awards which showcase the very best talent in our industry,” said Richard.

“It’s just lovely to be up for it. It’s the first time we have ever entered the awards and it will just drive us for next year really.

“The top five in the country is pretty special anyway.”

KBSA chief executive Graham Ball said: “KBSA members offer outstanding professionalism and expertise and these awards provide us with an opportunity to recognise and reward the high standards of design that they achieve. It is part of our remit to drive up standards and promote best practice and these awards are an important part of this strategy.”

: : ANNA Moir is the branch manager of the new John Lewis at home shop in Ipswich, due to open on Crane Boulevard opposite the Euro Retail Park, in autumn this year.

In her new role, Anna will have responsibility for the 120 partners (staff) employed at the shop, including sales assistants and specialist advisers and will be accountable for its overall success.

Anna, 40, has been part of the John Lewis Partnership for the last three years as branch manager of Waitrose, Saxmundham. She has benefited from a lengthy career in retail, spanning a total of 19 years, working her way up from lingerie consultant to branch manager and gaining significant management experience as she progressed her career.

“I have become very familiar with Suffolk having worked in Waitrose branches in Saxmundham, Sudbury, Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket over the last three years,” she said.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be taking on this new role at John Lewis at home Ipswich. I’m particularly excited about introducing the John Lewis brand to Ipswich and Suffolk and building a new team that will deliver the exceptional customer service John Lewis is so renowned for.

“I believe I can use the skills and insight I have developed within the various roles I have held in my career to help create a new and innovative retail experience for the residents of Ipswich. I look forward to meeting more people from the local area in the coming weeks and months.”

Tim Harrison, head of format development, said: “Anna brings a wealth of knowledge to this role. Her many years of experience within management make her well placed to contribute to the ambitious plans we have for developing John Lewis in the future and delivering our differentiated service, inspiring products and great value to more customers across the UK.”

John Lewis at home Ipswich will open together with a new Waitrose store. The two shops will share an entrance and, between them, create approximately 300 new jobs. Waitrose is set to announce its branch manager in the coming weeks.

: : Ipswich-based business electricity supplier Haven Power has appointed two new direct account managers.

With its industrial and commercial (I&C) department growing rapidly, Haven knew that extra resource was needed for those larger companies that buy electricity direct from their supplier.

Michael Watts, who has an energy background, and Steven Lines, who has previously worked in the steel industry, have joined to proactively develop direct relationships with I&C businesses across the UK. Both Michael and Steven bring extensive commercial experience and a range of skills to the business, enhancing Haven’s offering.

I&C sales manager Ray Attridge said: “Having a direct communication channel for large businesses that don’t use consultants is a huge benefit for customers of this size. Many I&C companies have in-house energy departments and look to purchase directly with suppliers. The fact that we now have the facility to manage this route is key for Haven as a company.

“We are always looking at how we can improve and develop our service and having two very experienced professionals in this role will ensure large direct customers receive the customer support Haven is known for. Both recruits have fully embraced Haven’s ethos of keeping electricity buying simple, open and honest.”