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07 August 2025
Categories: Movers & Shakers , Profession
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Watershed—Rachel Richardson

Northern Ireland footprint grows with senior employment law hire in Belfast

Employment law firm Watershed has appointed Rachel Richardson as an employment lawyer, furthering its expansion across Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Based in Belfast, Rachel brings over 20 years’ post-qualification experience and joins from DWF, where she led the employment team in Northern Ireland.

Dual-qualified in Northern Ireland and Great Britain, Rachel has built a reputation for handling complex, multi-jurisdictional employment matters. ‘It’s refreshing to join a firm where senior lawyers are empowered to deliver high-quality work without the politics of partnership structures,’ she said. Her expertise spans TUPE, senior executive exits, and discrimination and whistleblowing claims.

Rachel has represented clients from family-run businesses to PLCs, and her advocacy includes multi-day hearings in both the Industrial and Fair Employment Tribunal in Northern Ireland and Employment Tribunals in England. Her appointment supports Watershed’s strategy to attract senior lawyers seeking high-impact work in a non-hierarchical environment.

Victoria Young, head of firm, commented: ‘Rachel’s reputation speaks for itself… she brings outstanding technical ability, real-world pragmatism, and a strong track record of leading teams and complex cases.’ Watershed, part of Collinson Grant, continues to advise major employers on legal matters tied to business transformation, including union negotiations and C-suite investigations.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Gateley Legal—Jack Kelly

Gateley Legal—Jack Kelly

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Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn adds employee benefits and executive compensation practice in London with partner Richard Surtees

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL appoints new partner and head of intellectual property disputes

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