A HEXHAM solicitor is one of two new specialist advisers to join the employment team of law firm Burnetts.

Shona Morton has recently joined the Cumbria practice along with human resources consultant, Julie Davis, from Penrith.

Shona, who is originally from Alnwick, previously worked for Virgin Money in Newcastle in the role of governance and senior pay manager, before which she was an employment lawyer at Wilkin Chapman LLP in Lincoln.

She is now working with Burnetts’ commercial clients, advising on issues such as employment tribunal claims, disciplinary problems and day to day employment law queries.

She will be based at the firm’s Victoria Place office in Carlisle.

Shona, who qualified as an employment solicitor in 2011, said: “My time with Virgin was exciting, interesting and fast-paced, providing me with valuable commercial experience to bring to my role in the employment team.

“I like the ethos of Burnetts and felt very comfortable with the rest of the team from the outset: there’s a positive attitude to growing the firm and building relationships with clients.

“I’m enjoying the work and looking forward to getting to know our clients.”

Julie Davis will be working alongside education and employment partner Natalie Ruane, helping schools to manage difficult issues such as performance, discipline and organisational change as well as providing HR support to the team’s commercial and charity sector clients.

She joins Burnetts from One Education Ltd in Manchester where she was a senior HR manager, providing HR support services to schools and academies. Julie will be based in Burnetts’ Penrith office.

Natalie said: “Both Shona and Julie have in-depth HR and employment law experience with a strong understanding of the needs of their specialist markets.

“As well as providing the robust and expert support on which our clients depend, they will also be helping to deliver the team’s programme of seminars, webinars and e-updates.”