Steven Kay has joined Birketts’ commercial property team in Chelmsford as a legal director.

Kay (pictured) specialises in acting for the major national housebuilders and has over 15 years’ experience in commercial and residential property. His specialism includes portfolio sales and acquisitions, corporate acquisitions and disposals, strategic land issues, including land assemblies, option and overage agreements, promotion, co-operation and collaboration agreements.

He said: “Birketts is the only top 100 law firm in Essex and the property team has built an excellent reputation within the property market. I’m extremely pleased to be joining such a well-respected team, acting for a wide range of clients. I’m really looking forward to being part of the firm’s 60-strong property team and developing its national reputation further.”

Grace Kerr, partner and head of the commercial property team in Chelmsford, added: “I’m delighted that Steven has joined Birketts. We’ve seen major growth in our work with housebuilders and developers in the last year or so and this is set to continue. Steven is regularly involved in the detailed set-up of large residential developments. His arrival perfectly complements the existing expertise within the property team and secures Birketts’ position as a real estate market leader in East Anglia.”