Trainee solicitor ZOE RAYMENT will complete her legal training with law firm Blackett Hart and Pratt.

A Northumbria University graduate, Ms Rayment, 25, has joined BHP's office in Newcastle, where she is working in the commercial litigation team.

Trainee solicitors must complete a training contract of up to two years before they qualify.

Ms Rayment, who also has a degree in sports science and business, joined BHP after working at Dickinson Dees for two years as a paralegal and will qualify as a solicitor next year.

She said: "I was attracted to BHP because of the range of work in which I'll be able to get experience.

"A lot of firms are either commercial or general practice. There are very few in the city that do both, so that and BHP's reputation in Newcastle were huge attractions."

The firm, which also has offices in Darlington and Durham, has recruited 26 staff during the past year, including five solicitors in commercial property, company and employment law. It has a total of 145 staff, including 16 partners.