LAW firm Jacksons Solicitors is increasing its staff by more than one third.

The 36 new recruits will mainly be based at Jacksons' Stockton headquarters, and will handle a considerable volume of new business generated by the firm's Newcastle and Leeds offices.

More jobs are expected to be created in the next few months, taking the workforce to about 160.

The firm specialises in insurance and commercial work, as well as employment law, agriculture and advising wealthy individuals.

Greater public interest in pursuing personal injury compensation claims, and a general increase in litigation are fuelling Jacksons' success.

Managing partner Richard Clarke said: "Both our Leeds office, which opened a year ago, and the relocated and expanded Tyneside operation at Team Valley, are playing an important role in bringing new business and therefore, new jobs, to the Tees Valley."

Jacksons has invested heavily in IT over several years, and is now reaping the benefits.

Many of the new positions are driven by Jacksons' success in developing innovative, highly efficient management systems demanded by the major national insurance companies.

The new recruits, who are taking up their positions in the next few weeks, comprise 20 fee-earners, including six solicitors, and 16 support staff.

Mr Clarke believes the expansion also shows that Jacksons is winning the battle to persuade North-East businesses that they don't need to look to London for high quality advice and service.

He said: "We have considerable expertise across a range of important sectors, and we can provide first-class support in a cost-effective way that reflects the lower overhead we incur compared with city-based competitors.

"The present recruitment campaign is a clear sign of a firm that is moving forward and we expect that success to continue," he said.

Personnel manager Catherine Gilburt said: " We have been impressed by both the quality and quantity of applications we have received.

"The message being clearly heard in the legal sector is that Jacksons is a progressive company offering excellent job opportunities and career development."