Claire is a solicitor who, following a career in the north-east as a partner in the international law firm, Eversheds LLP, currently practices as a consultant with Sintons LLP.
As a commercial property lawyer, with particular experience in regeneration projects for the public sector, clients have included non-departmental government bodies such as the former regional development agency One North East and English Partnerships (now part of Homes and Communities Agency), as well as local authorities, health trusts and educational bodies including Newcastle University. Claire was the client relationship partner at Eversheds for the relationship with the University and was personally involved in negotiations leading to The Genetics Institute at the International Centre for Life, the joint ownership with one North East and the City Council to acquire the Science Central site at Gallowgate, the Business School lease and the formation of the joint venture known as INTO (Newcastle) LLP.
A law graduate of Nottingham University, Claire qualified in 1975. Married with three adult children and two grandchildren, Claire is a board member of three local charities, Minsteracres Retreat Centre (Chair), Northern Ladies Annuity Society (Chair) and Newcastle upon Tyne City Centre Chaplaincy.
