TAX specialist PHIL WALSH has joined law firm Robert Muckle in the newly-created role of head of private client and director of tax services.

The 56-year-old was managing partner and head of tax at Ernst and Young in Newcastle until 2004.

His specialist area is tax planning for family businesses and wealthy individuals. He has worked in the North-East throughout his career.

Ian Gilthorpe, senior partner at Robert Muckle, said: "Phil is well-known in the North-East and is one of the leaders in his field.

"Many of our clients are owner-managed businesses and the individuals who run those firms need advice on tax planning.

Mr Walsh said: "I was looking for a new challenge and can see a great opportunity to lead the development of the new private client team.

"I have worked with Robert Muckle a great deal in the past when I was at Ernst and Young so I know their people well.

"It's an interesting move to work for a law firm, but in fact I am almost coming full circle.

"After training with the Inland Revenue at the start of may career, I then worked for several years with Dickinson Dees before joining Ernst and Young."