THREE trainees have secured positions with Watson Burton after completing their training and qualifying as solicitors while with the law firm.

Natalie Keyes, Claire Travis and William McCullough have joined the nationally-recognised team of lawyers based in Newcastle.

Keyes has joined the firm’s construction and engineering group, Travis is part of the real estate group and McCullough is the most recent addition to the firm’s corporate group.

He said: “Natalie, Claire and I have really enjoyed our experience training at Watson Burton, so when the opportunity arose to apply for newly qualified positions, we seized it.

“The firm has always been supportive of our professional development and has provided us with an environment where we are both challenged and encouraged, so we are all happy and eager to work with colleagues in further developing the practice on a regional and national level.”

Gillian Hall, senior partner at Watson Burton, said: “We are delighted to retain talented individuals such as William, Natalie and Claire. Their hard work and enthusiasm are much appreciated and we wish them the best of luck in their new roles.”

The appointments mean that Watson Burton has retained 75% of its trainee solicitors this year and brings the total number of lawyers recruited by the firm over the past 10 months to 13.