TBI Solicitors has promoted a trainee to its team of solicitors working at its Wynyard-based commercial law department.

Following completion of his training contract, Stephen Martin has joined TBI's commercial law team. He will be specialising in commercial disputes and corporate law, working with partners Alison Tate and John Walters.

Stephen, from Glasgow, completed his law degree at Durham University in 2005. Following a year out travelling and working in Australia and New Zealand, he completed the legal practice course in York before joining TBI Solicitors as a trainee in 2007.

He said: “TBI's commercial team are focused on providing pragmatic and commercial advice, and working here has given me truly valuable experience in a number of fields. Despite the recession, the department remains busy, and I am delighted to be able to continue my career here as a solicitor.”

TBI Solicitors is the Tees Valley's leading law firm, with offices in Wynyard Park, Hartlepool, Stockton on Tees and Barnard Castle. Its business law team, based at Wynyard Park, has built a strong reputation, advising on legal and commercial issues which confront modern businesses and their managers. It offers expertise in a number of fields including mergers acquisitions and disposals, commercial property, intellectual property, employment law and dispute resolution.