Whitehead Monckton appoints new Managing Director

Whitehead Monckton, one of Kent’s largest law firms, has appointed a new Managing Director, Christopher Longden, with effect from 1 October. He replaces Stephen Beck, who has stepped down from the role of Managing Director after 9 years.

Prior to taking over as Managing Director, Chris was Head of the Dispute Resolution team at Whitehead Monckton, specialising in resolving disputes between businesses and individuals and in particular in: contractual disputes, property and landlord & tenant matters, construction disputes, insolvency law, professional negligence claims and resolving disputes through the process of mediation. Chris is also accredited by the London School of Mediation to act as a civil and commercial mediator.

Chris commented: “I am delighted to have become Whitehead Monckton’s Managing Director. Having been part of the Executive Board for 2 years, I have long had a focus on the strategic management and development of the firm. I am really excited about continuing to build on the success of Whitehead Monckton and expanding the legal services we offer to both our personal and commercial clients.”

As Stephen’s time as the firm’s MD now draws to a close, he has made a very positive contribution to the development and growth of the firm and is proud of all the things the firm have achieved together over that time.

Stephen has moved the firm forward substantially in terms of its look, feel, professionalism, office accommodation and overall presence in the Kent marketplace. Principal among all the changes the firm has made are:

• Established a strategic growth plan which they saw through to fruition;
• Opened a new office in Canterbury;
• Relocated their offices in Tenterden and then Maidstone;
• Built two new websites;
• Rebranded to the Kent Law Firm;
• Incorporated the partnership into the limited company;
• Obtained the quality management standard ISO9001;
• Expanded into the London market through the acquisition of Docklands Solicitors; and
• Appear to be successfully tackling the current economic crisis.

Stephen commented “I am delighted to be handing the role over to Chris with whom I have been working these past few months to ensure a smooth handover. I have complete confidence that we will continue to grow and develop under his leadership  and wish him every success in steering the firm towards further growth and prosperity as it enters its next chapter”.