Abigail Trencher > Birketts LLP > Cambridge, England > Lawyer Profile

Birketts LLP ‘provides excellent customer service and is confident in giving advice on complex legal issues, and one of its major strengths is the ability to view an issue from a local standpoint‘. The firm coordinates a strong multidisciplinary team including property, charities, corporate, employment and public law expertise to support public sector clients, among them The Broads Authority, Anglia Ruskin University and South Norfolk Council. Head of public sector and local government Ruth Neave works across all four of the firm’s offices, working closely with head of education Abigail Trencher in Cambridge and head of health Matthew Newnham in Norwich. Head of the academies practice Liz Brownsell  in Ipswich is also a key adviser to charities and education clients.

Birketts LLP ‘brings all the expertise and level of service I would expect from a London firm, but with local rates and a friendliness and approachability that makes them great to work with, whatever the requirement‘, says one client. The firm has five partners in a 26-lawyer team that covers every aspect of employment law from general HR matters to complex litigation. Jeanette Wheeler in Norwich leads the cross-office employment practice, assisted by Matthew Newnham and, in Cambridge, Abigail Trencher. Catherine Johnson and Sonya O’Reilly are the lead partners in Ipswich. Legal director Olivia Toulson in Cambridge joined from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP and senior associate Lucy Churchill in Norwich joined from Hansells, while Laura Brown is now a director at Howes Percival LLP.