Leading law firm Muckle LLP is continuing to invest in the best legal talent in the region, and is now over 200-strong, with the appointment of two expert lawyers, Claire Cutmore and Roland Fairlamb.
Investing in the region’s best
Renowned for being one of the region’s leading employers, the multidisciplinary law firm was proud to welcome Claire and Roland back to the fold, strengthening their fast-growing construction and employment teams respectively. The two appointments mark a significant milestone for Muckle, bringing the number of people across its legal and non-legal teams to over 200 and signifying the firm’s continuous, sustainable growth.
The rapidly growing demand for specialist legal support in the North East is just one reason why the firm is continuing to expand and recruit legal advisors who understand the unique complexities of their sectors. But the firm has also maintained its reputation as an outstanding employer with a people-first culture that leaves its colleagues feeling empowered to ‘return home’ and make a significant impact for clients.
Returning talent, new beginnings
Experienced partner in contentious construction, Claire Cutmore rejoins the firm’s construction team, having previously worked at Muckle 11 years ago before moving on to national law firms. Claire returns with more than 25 years in contentious construction law behind her, building on the firm’s already diverse construction offering and the breadth of expertise in the team.
Claire said “I’m so happy to be back working in the region, especially at a time when demand for contentious construction work is significantly rising. I’m delighted to be rejoining a caring, experienced team that has exciting ambitions for growth.”
Claire’s focus will be helping businesses resolve issues involving delays, defects, payment disputes or contractual disagreements quickly and commercially.
Roland Fairlamb returns as an associate solicitor in Muckle’s expanding employment team. He first joined the employment team in 2018 as a solicitor, before practising at a specialist employment firm from 2024. With a decade of experience in employment law, Roland advises businesses and individuals on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, from tribunal claims to restructuring and workplace policies as well as transactional support work. And with employment legislation continuously evolving with the Employment Rights Act 2025 taking effect, the need for Roland’s specific expertise has never been greater.
Roland said “Muckle isn’t afraid to be bold and do things differently when it comes to prioritising its people, clients and communities, and that’s always stood out to me. I feel privileged to be able to rejoin the firm with a fresh set of eyes and help clients in the sector navigate changing employment legislation.”
Returning as an associate solicitor, Roland will not only be focused on the team’s ongoing expansion and success, but he’ll also be training the next generation of legal talent by supporting the team’s junior members with structured training.
People-first culture
With Muckle’s unwavering focus on making its people feel valued and supported, coupled with its deep commitment to its communities, it’s no surprise that former colleagues are drawn back to the firm. In fact, experienced associate solicitor in Muckle’s real estate team, Rhiannon Griffiths, returned to the firm in May 2026, wanting to be back at a firm where the values and culture aligned with her own.
As one of the first firms in the North East to achieve B Corp certification, Muckle has long understood the importance of giving back. Through supporting charities with grant funding from the Muckle Fund at the Community Foundation, carrying out pro bono work, and providing employees with two paid volunteering days per year, the firm has always demonstrated that business can and should be used as a force for good.
Muckle has also maintained its focus on driving social mobility and providing extensive learning and development opportunities through its North East Apprenticeship Scheme and work experience programme, which help talented young people access non-traditional routes into law.
In September 2025, the firm was reaccredited with Investors in People (IIP) Platinum status, reflecting the way it genuinely supports its people. And with only 7% of global organisations achieving Platinum status, it’s a testament to how much Muckle stands out as being an ethical, forward-thinking employer.
To learn more about roles available at Muckle, visit www.muckle-llp.com/vacancies