Meet the People Legal Team
Chris McAvoy-Newns
Founder
Chris graduated with an LLB (Hons) Degree in Law from the University of Durham in 2005. The following year he achieved a Distinction in the Legal Practice Course at BPP Law School before beginning his two-year training contract at Eversheds Sutherland in September 2006.
Chris has been a qualified Solicitor since 2008. He has practised in law firms such as Addleshaw Goddard and DWF as well as in-house for organisations such as BP, British Airways and The Co-operative Group.
Chris is a CEDR-accredited mediator and experienced trainer and was recommended by Legal 500 in 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2022. He enjoys conducting workplace mediations as well as designing and delivering bespoke training sessions.
Chris also sits as a part time Employment Judge in the North East of England Employment Tribunals.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his husband and their son. As well as caring for his many animals, Chris is a keen runner, scuba diver and snowboarder. Chris also volunteers for an Employment Law Advice Service run by BPP Law School.
Helen Littlewood
Senior Consultant Solicitor
Helen graduated from Newcastle University before obtaining an LLB (Hons) Degree in Law from The University of Law (formally the College of Law) in 2007. Helen achieved a Distinction in the Legal Practice Course before starting her two year training contract at Addleshaw Goddard in September 2008. Helen qualified as a Solicitor in September 2010.
As well as working as a qualified Employment Law Solicitor at Addleshaw Goddard for several years, Helen has worked at Myerson Solicitors and also, more recently, at Centrefield LLP where she acted for a range of professional footballers / managers and professional football clubs.
Helen is experienced in supporting individuals and companies on all Employment Law issues which includes advising on Employment Tribunal claims such as unfair dismissal, as well as more complicated contractual, discrimination and restructuring issues. Helen has a particular focus on contentious, contractual and disciplinary matters and is recommended in the Legal 500.
Outside of work, Helen enjoys spending time with her family and her two small children. Helen is a keen swimmer and horse rider.
Rizwana Ishaq
Senior Consultant Solicitor
Rizwana qualified as a Solicitor in September 2002 and has spent the last 19 years working in three leading law firms.
Rizwana provides advice on all aspects of employment law for clients in both the public sector and private sector. Since 2018, Rizwana has acted as an independent workplace investigator in complex and sensitive grievance and/or disciplinary matters.
In addition, Rizwana provides specialist immigration support to businesses wanting to recruit from outside of the UK. Rizwana provides training on the prevention of illegal working and the points based immigration system.
Outside of work Rizwana enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, going to the theatre and dining out.
Lauren Beaumont
Solicitor
Lauren successfully completed her training and qualified as a Solicitor in August 2023. Before joining People Legal as a Paralegal in February 2020, Lauren graduated from Brunel University London with a degree in Biomedical Science. Lauren went on to complete a Graduate Diploma in Law at Manchester Metropolitan University before undertaking the Solicitors Qualifying Examination.
Since joining People Legal, Lauren has supported the team with a diversified range of employment and immigration related matters. From an employment perspective, she has supported Solicitors with a wide range of Tribunal claims including claims for discrimination and whistleblowing. She has also been actively involved in supporting individuals with exit arrangements and settlement agreements. From an immigration perspective she has assisted in preparing sponsor licence and visa applications.
Outside the office, Lauren endeavours to have a positive impact on others and advocates for mental health awareness through her involvement in community-lead initiatives and with charities including Alzheimer’s Society and Mind.
Georgia Goulding
Paralegal
Georgia graduated from the University of Leicester with an LLB in Law before joining People Legal as a Paralegal in October 2023.
Georgia supports the team with a range of employment matters, from unfair dismissal claims, discrimination in the workplace, redundancy and settlement agreements. She aspires to be a solicitor and plans to qualify via the SQE route.
Outside of work, Georgia has been involved in various volunteering opportunities including helping out for her local Headway charity. She also enjoys painting and watching rugby.
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