NORTH-EAST legal firm BHP Law has appointed a new HR and training manager to support its 200 staff.

Emma Barugh has been recruited to look after seven offices in Darlington, Stockton, Durham, Newcastle, Newton Aycliffe, North Shields and Halifax.

The 35-year-old mum from Middlesbrough began her career in retail with House of Fraser, spending eight years with the company during which time she completed her professional qualifications and a masters degree at Teesside University.

She has also worked for the NHS and Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, where she was regional HR manager aligned to Premier Inns in the North and HR manager for the North-east, Scotland and Ireland.

And at Jacksons Law Firm Terry Saffin has been appointed as partner.

This is the second appointment to partnership Jacksons Law Firm has made of a legal executive rather than a solicitor following the relaxation of the law on non-solicitor appointments in 2009.

Terry was recruited in 2002 to head up Jacksons’ residential conveyancing team.

Experienced in all aspects of freehold and leasehold house sales, purchases and all property related matters, she has more than 25 years’ experience in residential conveyancing.

Nigel Kidwell, managing partner of Jacksons, said: “Her practical skills and sheer hard work make her a valuable addition to the partnership.”

Jacksons Law Firm now has 13 partners and 60 staff at offices in Stockton and Newcastle