One of the most respected employment law specialists in the North East is returning to private practise at Knights.

Catherine Devereux joins legal and professional services business Knights this week as a Partner,

She brings 20 years of employment law and HR experience, having worked with business across the Tees Valley.

Catherine left legal practice in 2018 to set up her own consultancy – forging close relationships across Teesside.

She has since supported a local multi-academy trust and worked on the closure of the Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Company’s site in Darlington.

Her return to private practice with Knights’ team in Stockton-on-Tees follows another year of growth for the business.

Catherine is also the founder and Trustee of the Russ Devereux Headlight Project, a charity founded in memory of her husband Russ. The charity helps to raise awareness of mental health in the workplace and suicide prevention.

Catherine Devereux, Employment Partner at Knights, said:

“I spent 18 years in legal practice and I had no plans to return. But Knights offer something so different, I’m delighted to join at this exciting time for both the business and Teesside.  

“Over the last couple of years, it’s clear to many how isolating it can be to work alone. I’m looking forward to joining a company with such a great working culture and being back in an office environment.

“Now is a time of real opportunity for Teesside. There are so many great things happening that I know Knights will be able to support. I’m very happy to be part of the team.”

Catherine’s appointment coincides with the return of Associate Solicitor Laura Dale, who re-joins Knights’ Real Estate team this week.

Laura decided to leave Archers Law LLP before Knights acquired the business in 2021, joining a law firm in Leeds.

However, she’s returning to Teesside to work with high-profile clients locally and nationally as part of Knights' fast-growing team of Real Estate lawyers.

Knights’ Client Services Director in Teesside, Lisa Shacklock, said:

“It’s almost been a year since Knights arrived in Teesside and we’re so excited about and the positive impact we’ve made so far.

“That impact is attracting brilliant talent to join us. Both Catherine and Laura will be able to build on their existing relationships, and help us to build new ones, in the Tees Valley and beyond.

“We’re recruiting for more great local talent and can't wait to see what Catherine and Laura bring to Knights.”