Three members of staff at a Colchester law firm are celebrating promotions to associate level.

Jennie Skingsley, who joined Birkett Long to help with admin 11 years ago and is now the firm’s marketing manager, Joann Kebbell, human resources manager, and Mark Winch, who specialises in litigation, have all been promoted to associate with the firm.

The Legal Services Act of 2007 allows support staff to achieve the same promotion as solicitors, whereas before it was passed they were barred from rising through the ranks and reaching partner status.

Joann, who has been involved with HR for six years said: “Birkett Long is a huge supporter of staff progression including its support staff. It really is a great place to work.

“The firm looks at the development of staff at all levels in terms of their professional career not only with funding but training courses and time off for study leave.

“The firm believes that if people have the capability they should support them to reach their full potential.”

Birkett Long has offices in Chelmsford, Colchester and Basildon and 21 partners