A Darlington lawyer is enjoying a taste of the Big Apple as she takes part in a year's internship with a US law firm.

Natalie Walker, 23, flew to New York in January and is working as a "paralegal" - a person who advises attorneys - with leading solicitors Proskauer Rose.

After completing a business and law degree at Sunderland University in June 2000, the former Haughton Comprehensive School and Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College student joined the Latimer Hinks solicitors' practice in Darlington as a legal executive.

During her final year at university, she registered with London recruitment agency Mountbatten, which specialises in foreign placements. After an interview with two attorneys, she was offered the position in the US.

Despite a few jitters following the September 11 terrorist attacks, Natalie decided the opportunity was too good to turn down.

"Initially, I was nervous, because nobody knew what was going to happen, but as time went on and I got a placement with the firm, I just thought that the opportunity was too great to pass up," she said.

Because of differences in the law on the other side of the Atlantic, Natalie works with an American supervisor. She deals with a range of employment disputes and contractual issues.

At the beginning of the month, Natalie spent a long weekend at a log cabin in the Catskill mountains with friends, and enjoyed camp fires and fireworks as America celebrated its first Independence Day since the terrorist strikes.

"I would say it probably equates to our bonfire night, but the atmosphere is different because it is more of a celebration here," she said.

Although her work in America is based in Times Square, Natalie is living with five other intern students in a New Jersey apartment overlooking Manhattan.

She plans to return to Latimer Hinks in the new year, after her parents visit her at Christmas.

Anne Elliott, a partner at the Darlington firm, said: "As employers, we always try to work with our staff so they can get as much added-value training with us as possible.

"This doesn't usually involve people leaving us and spending a year in New York, but this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Natalie, which anyone would have jumped at.

"While we are looking forward to her returning to us at the end of her internship, I am delighted that she is learning so much and getting such a great legal education out of this wonderful opportunity.