GORDON Brown Law Firm has recruited a senior legal professional with extensive experience to its expanding family team as it grows the practice.

Caroline Goorney has joined the Newcastle firm after running her own family law practice in the region for over a decade.

An experienced family law practitioner, she began her career as a solicitor in the Midlands in the 1980s before moving to the North East where she joined Mason Brown Law Firm, run by current Gordon Brown partner Moya Mason.

She set-up Caroline Goorney Solicitors in 2000 and has developed a strong client base in the North East.

She will continue to provide legal advice to her existing clients as well as helping to build Gordon Brown’s private client work in the region.

Goorney is joined in making the move to Gordon Brown Law Firm by her longstanding legal secretary Christine Pearson.

Goorney saids: “I’m looking forward to starting work here. Gordon Brown Law Firm is a long established firm, with a growing presence in Newcastle and Tyneside. It’s exciting to be here with an opportunity to play a part in future success.

“I’ve enjoyed running Caroline Goorney Solicitors very successfully for 12 years but with all the red tape now affecting small firms it’s a good time to join Gordon Brown. It’s a big firm, but has a very personable and friendly approach and is a good fit for Christine and myself.”

Goorney will handle private client work across the region looking after clients in areas including Newcastle, Tyneside and Northumberland.

She is a member of the Family Law Panel and is also trained in family mediation and collaborative law. She will work alongside colleagues in the family team including Ian Lawson, head of family law, who is also a trained collaborative lawyer.

Gordon Brown, senior partner at the firm, said: “Caroline has a fantastic track record and is a hugely experienced family law expert across a wide range of areas. We’re delighted she is joining our team at Gordon Brown.

“She brings with her a wealth of experience and a strong client base that will help the company to grow and enhance the expertise available to family clients. With Caroline and Ian in place, we have a skilled team well equipped in collaborative law, which is a growing practice area.”