I am a partner with Birketts LLP, one of the top 100 firms of solicitors in the UK and have been with the firm, man and boy, for over 20 years. In that time, the firm has grown from total staff of about 50 up to nearly 400, from one office to four (Ipswich, Norwich, Chelmsford and Cambridge). There have been lots of exciting changes both in the firm and the legal profession generally: there is no let-up in the pace of change, but I am enthusiastic and committed to the best interests of my clients, many of whom have become good friends. I relish meeting new people and helping them and clients of long standing with their legal problems. If there is an opportunity to advise upon pre-emptive actions so as to prevent or mitigate future problems, then I always go the extra mile to ensure that the best result possible is achieved. Thinking "outside the box" is something I like to do and I encourage clients and colleagues to do so too. Opportunities arise which may be beneficial to all - so I would like to have the chance to try and expand your horizons!I deal with both commercial and residential property matters of all descriptions and have been doing so since I qualified as a solicitor in 1985. I have a particular knowledge of collective enfranchisement and its associated areas of law. Not, on the face of it, the most dynamic or riveting of subjects but it can have a major impact upon the value and saleability of flats and hosues held on long leases.Enfranchisement allows many owners of flats and houses either to extend their length of their lease (which can be important for lenders) or even to get together with the other tenants in the building to enfrancise (buy out) their landlord's interest.I also have a particular interest in local charities and village and community facilites, providing advice to village organisations.I hope that we will be able to find areass of mutual interest and benefit and thank you for reading my summary.