Personal injury firm NewLaw Solicitors is creating 86 new jobs at its Cardiff base with the help of £156,690 in business finance from the Welsh government.

Economy minister Edwina Hart made the announcement on a visit to the firm’s office in the Welsh capital yesterday. The roles will range from newly qualified law graduates to experienced litigators. Half the new hires will be solicitors, the firm said.

The minister said: ‘This is a significant expansion that will create a range of well-paid professional jobs in one of our key sectors and I am delighted that funding support from the Welsh government helped secure the project for Wales.

‘The company’s decision to expand in Cardiff sends out a strong message to the legal sector that Wales can offer a perfect location for companies looking to expand with access to skilled staff and support to turn their growth plans into a reality.’

NewLaw, founded in 2004, employs over 320 people at its HQ in Cardiff and has offices in Bristol, Basingstoke and an associated office in Glasgow.  

Helen Molyneux (pictured), chief executive of NewLaw said: ‘Our recent recruitment drive has expanded our office in Cardiff rapidly. Our talented staff have really helped us drive the business to where we need it to be and we look forward to exploring future growth opportunities in 2014, particularly at our Cardiff office.

‘We have exceptional talent in Wales and as a Welsh-headquartered business, it is important that we give local people the best possible job opportunities.’

NewLaw said it is in discussions with officials within the Department for Education and Skills, exploring support for training and developing the workforce to further enhance its business performance.