Private Prosecution Team Expansion to Meet Growing Demand
To meet the increasing demand for private prosecution, Watson Woodhouse are proud to announce the expansion of our dedicated team. Our Private Prosecution team specialises in initiating criminal proceedings on behalf of individuals against another party for an alleged offence, stepping in when law enforcement or public prosecutors decline to act or when additional legal action is needed.
We’re committed to privately prosecuting a range of cases, including fraud such as banking scams, investment scams, romance scams, and cryptocurrency-related offences. Additionally, we handle criminal offences, white-collar crimes, and historic rape cases.
This expansion aligns with our strategic growth plan, reflecting our ongoing commitment to enhancing our capabilities and delivering comprehensive legal support to clients seeking justice.
Empowering Internal Talent to Pursue their Ambitions
At Watson Woodhouse, we are committed to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of continuous growth and development. We recognise the importance of empowering our employees to pursue their ambitions and reach their full potential. As part of this commitment, Watson Woodhouse established a dedicated Talent Team in December 2022. By investing in our employees, we can achieve greater success as a firm and continue to deliver exceptional service to our clients.
Olivia Bell, Talent Acquisition Partner, “As part of the Talent Team at Watson Woodhouse, I take pride in the development of our team from Trainee Solicitor to Head of Department. We are not only investing in skills; we are driving the direction of the firm by empowering our employees to be the directors of their own success.”
The Expansion
Our Private Prosecution department began with our Chairman James Watson, due to an influx of work the department rapidly grew, welcoming two Apprentice Solicitors and an Administrator to support the team.
For over three decades, James Watson has successfully developed Watson Woodhouse from a small criminal defence practice to a leading multi-specialist firm.
Mirelojo Alva Amadi-Emina, a third year Solicitor Apprentice, previously worked in several different departments across the firm including Housing, Crown Court and now Private Prosecution.
Charles Rowell, a first year Solicitor Apprentice, started his first seat in the Private Prosecution department.
Due to the demanding workload, the team was reviewed again in September 2023 and a role was opened internally which introduced James Pritchard, a Senior Solicitor, to the team.
Before joining Watson Woodhouse, James Pritchard trained at another local firm and qualified as a Solicitor in 2007. In 2010, James joined Macks Solicitors, a sister firm of Watson Woodhouse; before moving across to join the Private Prosecution team in November 2023. James now works exclusively within this ever-growing team.
James commented, “Having spent my career to date working in the personal injury and civil field, I felt some initial trepidation when I was invited to move across to Private Prosecution. But I like a challenge! I am now supported in my role by some of the most senior criminal lawyers in the region, and I have found that many of my hard-honed civil litigation skills readily transfer to the Prosecution role. We are currently a small but extremely determined team working in a niche area of law. I see this as a department ripe for expansion, I view that I know is shared both within the team and within the firm’s leadership.”
To find out more about our services and support contact us to speak to the team.
