Kurt Goddard (pictured), a specialist in high-value residential and commercial property work, has retired from his full-time position at Birkett Long. However, Goddard will continue to provide his expertise to the firm as a senior consultant.
Goddard’s journey with Birkett Long began in 1999, leading to a partnership in 2001. Over the following years, he served as head of department and team leader for 18 years, maintaining a consistent presence on the Board from 2001 to 2022. Furthermore, he held the chairman position from 2019 until 2022.
His legal career started with studies at Ipswich School, followed by a law degree at University College London. After a four-year stint at a Covent Garden firm post-qualification, he joined a firm in Regents Park as a partner for 13 years. In 1999, following a casual conversation with the late Susan Masters, a partner at Birkett Long, Goddard decided to return to East Anglia and join the firm.
Reflecting on his time at Birkett Long, Goddard noted the firm’s substantial growth. He observed: “When I joined, there were only two offices in Halstead and Colchester, whereas we are now spread across the county and in London. Despite this growth, the firm has retained that feeling of family, which makes it so unique.”
Goddard highlighted the people at Birkett Long as the key differentiator, saying: “We always pull together, and it has made working here more than just a job.”
When asked about his most memorable experience at Birkett Long, Goddard reminisced about writing and performing in a Christmas pantomime for the staff Christmas party with the Board.
Outside work, Goddard is a sports enthusiast, enjoying tennis and golf, as well as following Ipswich Town’s promotion. He has served as chairman of Woodbridge Tennis Club, a school governor at the Ramsey School in Halstead, and a trustee of Victim Support Essex.
In his retirement, Goddard plans to devote more time to tennis and golf and explore more with his newly purchased VW Campervan. He anticipates continued success for Birkett Long under the current managing partner and partnership and looks forward to witnessing the firm’s future growth.
Birkett Long, with offices in Basildon, Chelmsford, Colchester, London, and Europe, offers a wide range of legal and independent financial services for businesses and individuals.
