Based in Belfast, Ms Richardson will play a key role in expanding the firm’s work in Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

With more than 20 years’ post-qualification experience, she brings deep expertise in both contentious and non-contentious employment law.

She joins Watershed from DWF, where she led the employment team in Northern Ireland. Before that, she was a director at Tughans. Her prior experience also includes her role as an associate at Wollastons (now Birketts).

Ms Richardson qualified as a solicitor in Northern Ireland and England and Wales and has nearly 20 years of experience advising on employment matters in both jurisdictions, and has built a reputation for navigating complex, multi-jurisdictional issues.

She has advised clients across the private and public sectors, from family-run businesses to PLCs, and is particularly experienced in TUPE, senior executive exits, and discrimination and whistleblowing claims.

Her advocacy experience spans both the Industrial and Fair Employment Tribunal in Northern Ireland and Employment Tribunals in Great Britain, including multi-day hearings for high-profile clients.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Richardson said: “Watershed stands out for the calibre of its legal work and the culture it has built — one that values autonomy, trust, and real client impact.

“It’s refreshing to join a firm where senior lawyers are empowered to deliver high-quality work without the politics of partnership structures.

“I’m looking forward to building on Watershed’s reputation across both jurisdictions.”

Victoria Young, head of firm at Watershed, said: “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.

“As we continue to grow, particularly advising on Northern Irish employment matters, she is exactly the kind of senior lawyer we want on board — collaborative, commercially-minded, and trusted by clients.”

Watershed is part of business consultancy Collinson Grant.