Two new solicitors – one an accomplished amateur sportsman, the other a concert violinist – have joined the corporate team of a top firm of city solicitors.

Newly-qualified Clare Skidmore, a former violinist with the Birmingham Concert Orchestra has swapped her bow for a pinstripe, while university footballer Nicky Randle has hung up his boots to work for DLA Piper under partner Russell Orme.

Clare said: “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work for a leading law firm like DLA Piper and corporate law is where I want to be.

“I have played in a number of orchestras across the country and intend to rejoin the Birmingham Concert Orchestra now that I am back in town.

“I previously led the second violin section of the BCO and enjoyed giving charity performances all over Birmingham.”

Nicky Randle, a former pupil of Lawrence Sheriff School, started out with Rugby United FC before going up to the Universityof Sheffield where he played for its 1st XI as a midfield player.

Partner Russell Orme said: “Both Clare and Nicky have distinguished themselves in different fields and we believe that as people they are of the right calibre to excel at DLA Piper.”

Elsewhere in the legal sector licensing law expert Andrew Evans has joined St Philips Chambers in Birmingham. With specialist knowledge in alcohol, entertainment and gambling licensing, he brings a wealth of expertise which has recently been highlighted in the prestigious Legal 500.

Joining St Philips from Citadel Chambers, Andrew has spent his career to date in Birmingham. He said: “I am originally from London, but was always attracted to working in Birmingham. I have no doubt that professional and forward-looking Chambers such as St Philips offer the same calibre of work as London-based Chambers.”