TILLY Bailey and Irvine Solicitors has expanded its employment law team with the appointment of Theresa Carling.

Since completing her legal training at the University of Teesside and University of Central Lancashire, Mrs Carling has specialised in employment law for the past 11 years.

She has worked with a range of businesses, from small family-owned companies to large commercial clients and public and third sector employers with Jacksons Law Firm, in Stockton, and Ward Hadaway, in Newcastle.

Previous clients include health club, spa and hotel firm Bannatyne, bread maker Hovis and wallpaper supplier Graham and Brown, as well as NHS trusts and councils.

Explaining the appeal of her chosen field of expertise, Mrs Carling said: “Employment law never stands still and, while an employer focuses on its own business, it is important to have access to excellent advice in this area of law.”

Mrs Carling, 36, lives in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, with her family. Away from work she is a trustee for the Great North Air Ambulance Service. She enjoys live music and travel, golf and running.

She said: “I’m North-East born and bred, and really pleased to be able to further my career here in the Tees Valley.

“I enjoy finding solutions to my client’s challenges, without bombarding them with legal jargon. My aim is always to make dealing with your solicitor as pleasant as possible.

“A meeting with your solicitor should not be an occasion you dread, it should be about finding a way forward as painlessly as possible.”