A JOURNALIST who decided on a career change has re-written her future as a solicitor.

Philippa Roberts gave up life in a newsroom to train as a lawyer and has now joined the employment law team at BHP Law.

An English literature graduate from Newcastle University, she started her career as a reporter with the Teesdale Mercury in Barnard Castle, followed by The Northern Echo in Darlington.

She switched to law in 2010 and has since worked for firms in Stockton and Newcastle, including one which specialised in Trades Union work.

After having her first baby in August last year, she has joined recent appointment Andrew Lightburn at BHP Law in Darlington.

Employment law services for private clients includes advice on bullying and harassment, dismissal, redundancy, grievance and disciplinary procedures, discrimination, holiday pay claims, wage disputes, equal pay, TUPE transfer and contracts of employment.

For businesses, BHP Law's fixed fee packages include employment tribunals, disciplinary proceedings, grievances and settlement, as sole advisers or as an extension to in-house human resource teams.