Abby Watson

Abby is a senior solicitor specialising in Harper James’ employee share schemes team, with a strong background in corporate law and transactions.

She qualified as a solicitor in 2007 after training with global law firm DLA Piper, where she went on to spend six years in the Leeds-based Corporate team. Before joining Harper James in 2015, she also worked at a leading regional law firm.

Abby’s broader corporate experience gives her a strong understanding of the wider business and shareholder issues that can sit alongside employee share arrangements.

Abby’s work has included EMI share schemes, mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, joint ventures, partnerships and group reorganisations. She also has experience advising on corporate finance for AIM and Main Market listed companies, corporate governance, shareholders’ agreements, share buybacks and other matters arising under the Companies Act 2006.

Her experience across both transactional and governance matters means she understands how ownership, investment and corporate structure can affect the way businesses put share arrangements in place.

Before joining Harper James, Abby built her career across both international and regional law firms, advising on a wide range of corporate matters for different types of businesses.

Outside work, Abby is a keen runner and has completed marathons and half marathons. More recently, she has added cycling and swimming to her training and is looking forward to taking part in future races and triathlons.