Law firm Blythe Liggins appoints new principal associate

Warwickshire law firm Blythe Liggins has appointed experienced employment law specialist, Julia Woodhouse as its new principal associate.

Julia joins the Leamington-based law firm from Sydney Mitchell Solicitors, in Solihull, and replaces the retiring Richard Moon as the head of its employment department.

Julia qualified as a solicitor in 1995 and has specialised in employment law since 2000.

A French speaker, Julia graduated from the University of Leicester with a degree in Law with French and also has a diploma in French Legal Studies from the Robert Schumann University in Strasbourg.

Her position at Blythe Liggins will cover the complete spectrum of employment law, working closely with employers to guide them through disciplinary proceedings, grievances and redundancy issues, while finding pragmatic solutions to employment law and HR issues, as well as advising employees on the full range of employment matters.

Julia said: “My role is about being a trusted adviser to both employers and employees, helping them navigate issues which they encounter at work.

“Moving to Blythe Liggins feels like coming back towards my geographic home, having spent most of my career working in nearby Coventry and living in Warwickshire.

“I was attracted to the firm because I knew it well and had come across Richard, who is very well-respected, plus the fact that I was coming in to run my own department.

“At Blythe Liggins, I can represent clients on everything from contracts of employment to tribunal cases, advise employers and employees about tricky situations, plus help our commercial clients. It’s a good, broad range of work.”
In her spare time, Julia enjoys taking part in amateur dramatics, ‘treading the boards’ as well as providing backstage support.

Julia is replacing former England Rugby Union international Richard, who is retiring after 34 years in the profession.

Richard, who became a privileged member of the RFU in 2006, will continue to pass on his sporting expertise as a co-commentator on BBC CWR and BBC Five Live Sports Extra’s rugby coverage.

He said: “After 34 years in the law, of which 28 years have been with Blythe Liggins, I have decided to retire from the legal profession.

“I would like to thank my clients and my Blythe Liggins partners and the staff for their support, and I am content in the knowledge that my employment practice is in Julia’s safe hands.

“I have absolutely no doubt that under David Lester’s leadership, Blythe Liggins will go from strength to strength.”