Watson Burton has been highlighted as a regional law firm going from "strength to strength" by Legal 500.
The award recognises the growing momentum and energy at the law firm, which last year saw a clutch of new clients and many well-respected partners.
New Watson Burton clients in 2002 include Simpsons Malt, Jennings Ford, Reeds Rains, Danka plc, Sir Robert McAlpine, Imtech DL, Guernsey Electricity Limited, Ballast Nedam, Tynemouth College, Zurich Professions, Ace Global Risks, Bibby Factors, The Alnwick Garden, National Co-operative Chemists Ltd and Lionweld Kennedy Limited. The firm lost no core clients during the year.
The recruitment of partners Richard Freeman-Wallace, formerly head of commercial property at Ward Hadaway, Chris Graham, employment specialist who moved from Leeds, David Hardman, corporate lawyer, associate Richard Pickersgill and marketing director John Duns significantly strengthened the team during 2002.
It is the only law firm in the region to be appointed by the National Federation of Builders to its National Law Panel as a recommended solicitor for the construction industry.
The Disability Rights Commission also chose Watson Burton as the only regional law firm to be appointed to its employment and education panels.
Watson Burton is now probably the fastest-growing commercial law firm in the country. The firm's turnover soared by 28pc in the last 12 months - the fourth year running that turnover has exceeded 20pc.
Andrew Hoyle, senior partner, said: "Our policy of offering top-class legal services at competitive regional rates underpins our success. We have a talented partnership who understand the importance of building strong relationships with clients."
