A CAMBRIDGE University graduate is returning to his native North-East to become an in-house barrister at a law firm – a first for the practice.

Darlington-based Clark Willis has appointed Carl Swift to bring additional strength and experience to its growing portfolio of courtroom work, and becomes one of only a handful of legal firms in the region to have a resident barrister.

The 28-year-old was born and educated in Hartlepool, before winning a place at Cambridge and then going on to work in London for several years.

He said: “I was very keen to return to the North-East so I’m delighted to have been offered the position here.

Clark Willis has an excellent reputation and some exciting plans for the future.

“The main advantage of working directly within a law firm is the variety of work I will be doing. There are a broad range of opportunities, from criminal trials and court martials, to mental health and employment tribunals.”

Clark Willis, which has two offices in Darlington and one in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, is breaking a long-held tradition of law firms appointing barristers on a case-by-case basis by recruiting Mr Swift directly.

Senior partner Jonathan Willis said: “It is still relatively rare for firms to have in-house barristers and I believe it’s unique in Darlington.

But there are a lot of advantages, not least in the courtroom experience Carl brings to the role.

“He is very bright and well educated and to have somebody of his calibre within our team is wonderful for us.

“Clark Willis is a law firm grounded in quality and expertise and having our own barrister gives us more depth and credibility in our key specialities.”

Mr Swift attended Dyke House School, in Hartlepool, and the town’s Sixth Form College, before gaining a first class honours degree in History at Cambridge University.

He previously worked for chemical firm Huntsman at Seal Sands, on Teesside, and for The Independent Schools’ Council, before completing his pupilage with QEB Hollis Whiteman chambers, in London.