Sharon Langridge


Profile - Since graduating my working life has been spent in the legal profession – not an environment I ever envisaged working in – combined with part time study during the long qualification process.  In London I worked in a commercial litigation team dealing with High Court disputes, and developed an employment law practice immediately on moving to the North East.
 

My decision to become a solicitor was inspired by my HR qualification and a keen interest in workplace issues, particularly discrimination.  Since 1995 I have specialised purely in employment law and HR issues.  I am a member of the Employment Lawyers Association, the Discrimination Law Association, the Industrial Law Society and the CIPD.
 

Since 1999 I have been actively involved in a local legal charity called Justice for Children, and am a Trustee and Board member of the charity.  More recently I have been appointed to the Board of Women into the Network, to help promote women in enterprise in the North East.  For many years I have also supported the activities of the Newcastle Law Society and the Association of Women Solicitors.

I also believe in having a life outside of work and the law, and am no respecter of tradition in the legal profession.  Setting up my own firm has enabled me to introduce fresh and innovative ways of working without compromising high professional standards.

Interests - My spare time is spent enjoying a wide range of music, reading modern fiction, needlecrafts, hill walking and occasional camping. 

Secret ambition - If I could sing, I would love to have been a backing singer and dancer with a band.

Education
1984 BA (Hons) 2:1 in German & French, London University
1988 Diploma in Labour Studies & Industrial Relations, Polytechnic of Central London  (Distinction)
1991 Common Professional Examination (postgraduate law qualification), Wolsey Hall  College, Oxford
1992 Solicitors’ Final Examinations (1st class honours), College of Law, York
1994 Admitted as a Solicitor following training contract

Work history
2005-present:  Principal Solicitor, Sharon Langridge Employment Lawyers
1995-2005:      Solicitor / partner, Short Richardson & Forth, Newcastle
1990-1995:      Trainee / solicitor, Latimer Hinks, Darlington
1984-1989:      Paralegal, Baker & McKenzie, London

Professional:  Law Society, Newcastle Law Society (Standing Committee Member), Association of Women Solicitors (former Chair of North East Region, volunteer on maternity advice helpline).

Employment law/HR:  Employment Lawyers Association, Industrial Law Society, Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, Discrimination Law Association.

Other:  Women into the Network (Board member), Women in Lifelong Learning, Justice for Children (Former Chair & founding Trustee of this Newcastle-based charity operating in Kenya).