A COMMERCIAL law firm has brought an experienced solicitor into its growing team.

Rachel Swinburne, whose legal career spans more than 20 years, has been appointed by Clarke Mairs, based in Newcastle.

She previously spent 19 years as a senior solicitor at Swinburne and Jackson’s in their Gateshead and Hexham offices.

Ms Swinburne will add to Clarke Mairs' private client department, advising clients on all aspects of wills and estate planning, trusts, succession planning and inheritance tax.

The mother of three qualified as a solicitor in 1994 at the College of Law, in York, and worked at Grays Solicitors in the city for three years before moving to the North-East.

She said: “This is a thriving company with an impressive reputation and a helpful, friendly team.

“It’s a great environment to work in and I’m looking forward to building on the excellent services that the private client division provides.”

Tim Clarke, senior partner at Clarke Mairs, added: “We launched a private client division four years ago to reflect the need for expert advice for our commercial clients when they consider their personal matters.

"We are confident that it will continue to grow successfully with Rachel on board.”