A NORTH-EAST law firm says it wants to create more jobs after making another appointment to continue its rapid growth.

Newtons Solicitors, which has offices in Darlington and Richmond, has welcomed James Towler, its 14th recruit this year.

Bosses say Mr Towler, who is a former partner at Langleys Solicitors, in York, will develop the firm's corporate team across the group's seven offices, which include branches in Leyburn, Ripon and Harrogate, in North Yorkshire.

The move comes after Newtons acquired law firm Hodgsons and Mortimer, based in Richmond and Darlington, and Geoffrey Mochrie Solicitors, in Leyburn, in the last 12 months.

Chris Newton, managing director, founded the business with wife Sarah in 2009, and said Mr Towler's knowledge would prove extremely beneficial, adding the company was expecting to increase staff numbers further.

He said: “James has more than 25 years’ experience advising management teams, small and medium-sized business owners and banks on buying and selling companies and drafting and reviewing complex commercial agreements.

“He also routinely provides strategic advice on commercial issues affecting businesses.

“Getting James on board is a significant achievement for us given his seniority and reputation, and is sending waves through to the legal community.

“We have recruited a strong business service team for North Yorkshire and the North-East, which makes us a very attractive choice for prospective clients

“His appointment follows that of Tiggy Clifford, a former partner at Denison Till, who has a brief to develop our employment law team and we have further high-profile appointments which will be announced early in 2014.”

Mr Towler, who was at Langleys for 13 years, said he was delighted to part of Newtons' team.

He said: “There is an exciting journey ahead of us and this is a fast growing and successful business, which is clearly down to the calibre of the team and management style.”