LAW firm Watson Burton has expanded its corporate group with the appointment of newly-qualified solicitor Catherine Umpleby.

She has a variety of experience in corporate finance, having spent time pre-qualification assisting with acquisitions and disposals of private companies and businesses, advising on joint ventures and drafting shareholder agreements.

Umpleby also has expertise in providing advice on private equity matters, including start-ups and second round investments.

She recently qualified as a solicitor after successfully completing her training contract with Leeds law firm Lee & Priestley.

In her new role at Watson Burton, Umpleby has re-located to the firm’s Newcastle headquarters, where she will work alongside colleagues within Watson Burton’s highly-regarded corporate group to further develop its portfolio of national clients.

Her appointment forms part of the firm’s expansion of its North East and Yorkshire operations, which has seen the firm recently recruit lawyers, including corporate partner Andrew Francey, professions and insurance associate Michelle Levin and litigation partner Andrew Johnson.

Umpleby said: “The corporate team is nationally recognised for the provision of commercially astute advice which adds real value to businesses in meeting their strategic objectives, so this role is very appealing to me in my professional development.

“The firm’s geographical reach and national profile make it a sizable firm in which to continue my career and I look forward to working alongside the team working in partnership with clients to develop their businesses.”

Duncan Reid, partner and head of corporate at Watson Burton, said: “As a firm, we value new talent and aim to recruit individuals who have great potential to develop within a highly competitive business environment.

“Catherine’s fresh perspective, specialist training within corporate finance and regional knowledge will make a great addition to our team, assisting us in ensuring that our service delivery is of the highest quality. We are pleased to welcome Catherine to the firm and wish her the utmost success.”

Umpleby is one of four lawyers to join Watson Burton’s corporate team over the past six months and the 10th recruited to the firm – which has offices in Newcastle, Leeds and London – this year.