A LAW firm practice has strengthened its corporate and commercial team.

Former apprentice jockey and interior designer Kim Teague has joined BHP Law, in Newcastle, as a paralegal.

Neil Large, a corporate, banking, private equity and restructuring lawyer, has also been welcomed as an associate.

Ms Teague, from Durham City, started her working life as an apprentice jockey at stables in North Yorkshire, and her career has also included stints as an interior designer in Belgium, estate agency and miniature cottage painting.

She said: “I worked with Neil and James at another practice and got a taste for company law.

“I’m really enjoying it at BHP and being part of a great team handling such a varied portfolio of work.”

Mr Large, from Washington, Wearside, previously qualified as an in-house lawyer with Northern Rock after completing his law degree at London University and finals at Northumbria University.

Bosses say he has joined as the firm strengthens its commercial presence after setting up a new corporate and commercial department at a Newcastle practice.

He added: “With offices around the region, we have a team with many years’ experience and the expertise to help the region’s businesses.”

He will work alongside Darlington-born James McEwen, of Chester-le-Street, County Durham, who joined the firm earlier this year as an associate in commercial property.