Talk about keeping it in the family - Toby Gibson and his wife, Jane Gibson, have joined Newcastle firm Gibson & Co as partners, making Toby the tenth generation of Gibsons to work in the family firm.

Research indicates that most family firms do not last beyond the third generation.

A six-partner practice (his father, Anthony, and uncle, Derwent, are existing partners), it was founded in the 1720s, making it one of the oldest firms in the country as well.

Both new Gibsons join from City firm Allen & Overy, where they qualified, met and became associates.

Between them, they have more than 20 years of commercial litigation experience.

Mr Gibson says that while carrying on the family firm had not been part of his career plan, they made the move for both commercial and personal reasons - the chance to run their own business and quality of life.

But he admits that 'the more time we spend here, the more we feel it's nice to be part of [the history]'.

And the odds on more generations of Gibsons entering the profession seem good, Obiter is pleased to report - Toby and Jane have a son and daughter, while there are six other children in the immediate family.

They should almost be able to claim CPD points for procreation.