Member Article

Law man goes to parliament

A NORTH East solicitor has said his farewells to his law firm after starting a new career as a Member of Parliament.

James Wharton made his official departure from BHP Law with the blessing of senior managers at the regional firm after winning the seat of Stockton South in the General Election.

He had campaigned first for the Conservative candidacy in 2007, then fought to win the seat itself before and during the Election campaign, while working as a solicitor in BHP’s company law team, based in Darlington and Stockton.

Partner and head of the company law team, Gary Copeland, said he was delighted that James was able to fulfil his long held ambition to be an MP, though also sorry to see him go.

He said: “James worked incredibly hard for his clients at BHP while at the same time working to win the seat of Stockton South. He suited our client centred approach fantastically well and I’m sure will apply that same concern for people to his new role.

“He showed himself to be highly committed and capable and would have been able to secure a senior position in any law firm very quickly. He is an extremely dedicated and talented individual and I have no doubt he will be outstanding MP.”

James said: “The one thing that remained consistent throughout was BHP’s support and understanding, which allowed me to have an active involvement in politics while also gaining valuable experience across BHP’s many legal services.”

James, who comes from Stockton, studied law at Durham University before joining BHP Law in 2006.

He completed his training with the firm, which also has offices in Newcastle and Durham, and qualified in September 2008.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .