A SOLICITOR “used to laying down the law” will be representing the North-East as she becomes a contestant for this year’s series of The Apprentice.

Sarah Ann Magson, head of civil litigation and action against police with Middlesbrough firm Watson Woodhouse, will be among 16 candidates fighting to become Lord Alan Sugar’s next business partner.

The 37-year-old, who lives in Teesside and also runs her own nursery furniture business, Little Arrivals Ltd, has been selected to compete to win a life-changing £250,000 investment in their business.

The winner of the long-running BBC One series will also secure Lord Sugar as their business partner.

Ahead of the first episode of the new series airing on Wednesday, Ms Magson has admitted that timekeeping and organisation are not her greatest strengths.

However, she believes her charm and ability to remain calm under pressure will see her able to outwit her competitors.

She said: “I’m all about being driven. I love a challenge and I love pushing myself until I get to the top.

“I would never stop until I’ve succeeded and I’ve never failed a task that I’ve ever done.

“In court, I’m used to laying down the law, and I’m not afraid to do that in the boardroom.”

The solicitor, “born and bred in Middlesbrough” also revealed in her audition tape that she once had 36 piercings and can drink a pint in one and half seconds.

She added: “My unique selling point is me and that’s why I want Lord Sugar to be my business partner.”

This year’s line-up of contestants includes eight women and eight men from a wide variety of business backgrounds, including IT, fashion design and tree surgery.

The first episode will see Lord Sugar sending the candidates to Malta immediately after the first boardroom, with Ms Magson being tasked with procuring and buying nine specific items at the lowest possible prices alongside her teammates.

Candidates will also be sent to Birmingham to clinch deals at a Body Building Expo and back to London to launch a budget airline.

Lord Sugar will be joined by aides Baroness Karren Brady and Claude Littner, who will be his eyes and ears on the tasks.

The Apprentice will air weekly on Wednesdays at 9pm on BBC One from October 3.

The show is followed by You’re Fired at 10pm on BBC Two.