AN intellectual property expert is among six lawyers to join North-East commercial law firm Muckle.

Jim Pearson, from Durham, who joins as assistant solicitor in the commercial team, has worked with a number of household-name brands in the past, dealing with contentious and noncontentious IP matters, including a test case in product labelling.

He will be responsible for advising clients on various intellectual property rights and providing support for organisations progressing through start-up phases in the technology sector.

Alongside him is fellow North-Easterner Steven Greenwood, who joins the corporate finance team as an assistant solicitor.

Mr Pearson said: “I always wanted to come back to the North-East and Muckle was the firm I wanted to work for, so it feels good to have achieved both these goals in one fell swoop.”

Mr Greenwood, also from Durham, has worked on several large-scale acquisitions in the oil, gas and manufacturing sectors.

He said: “To be able to learn from some of the leading professionals in the region’s legal industry is a fantastic opportunity.”

Muckle has also appointed four trainee solicitors, Gary Crawford, from South Shields, Worksop-born Nicola Barnett, Natalie Starkie, from Greece, and Stacey Morland, from Jarrow.

Managing partner Steve McNicol said: “We are delighted to welcome such enthusiastic new people.”