A CORPORATE solicitor has been promoted to associate at her firm.

Fiona Gibbon, has stepped up to the role at Endeavour Partnership, which has offices in Thornaby, near Stockton.

Her promotion takes Endeavour's number of associates to four.

Ms Gibbon specialises in transactional corporate work and has advised a range of businesses from start-ups to multi-national corporations.

She also has an interest in the firm's agriculture and rural department, and is part of the company's secretarial and corporate governance team.

Endeavour previously announced three other associates.

Nazia Aftab, an experienced commercial litigation and employment solicitor, became an associate in 2013.

She advises clients on contentious and non-contentious issues, including resolving complex contractual disputes and acting for employers, senior directors and medical professionals in employment tribunals.

Catherine Devereux trained as a solicitor at Endeavour and was also made associate in 2013.

She specialises on the non-contentious side of employment law, including drafting contracts, advising on policies and unfair dismissal law.

Alex Smith qualified with the firm in February 2008 and became an associate in 2012.

He has extensive experience in handling a broad range of commercial disputes, with particular expertise in finance, construction and challenges under EU public procurement legislation.

Nik Tunley, partner at Endeavour Partnership, said: “The role of associate is an important step in any solicitor’s career.

“It is testament to their legal expertise and experience, as well as their relationship with clients and their contribution to the firm.”