NEWCASTLE law firm Watson Burton has secured three new senior appointments as it looks to strengthen its commercial and real estate offerings.

Roisin Laird will assist its employment law group advising employers on a wide range of contentious issues from unfair dismissal to discrimination and contractual disputes.

Helen Milburn has joined the firm’s corporate group, where she will specialise in acting for large international, national and regional public and private companies on acquisitions and disposals.

She will also work closely with the corporate group’s private equity team on investment and management of buy-outs. She has experience of working for high-profile clients, such as Northern Rock, Bannatyne Group and China Goldmines. Amanda Campbell specialises in planning and major infrastructure, has five years experience in advising on a wide range of planning and environmental matters and undertakes a variety of urban regeneration projects.

She said: “Watson Burton has a solid reputation for providing top quality legal advice on both a regional and national level, so I am pleased to be working within the firm’s real estate group, which works for some of the country’s most active developers.”

The announcement follows the recent arrival of partners George Parker-Fuller and Michael Ord.

Christopher Graham, head of employment at Watson Burton, said: “Roisin, Helen and Amanda bring both enthusiasm and a fresh new outlook which will help us offer our clients practical business solutions.”