Introducing Emily Yeardley - Couchman Hanson’s new Director

Employment Law specialist Emily Yeardley has joined the Couchman Hanson board. Let’s find out more about her.

Nothing stays the same for long at Couchman Hanson. Today, we’re excited to announce that Emily Yeardley has been appointed a Director in addition to her Head of Employment Law role. We sat down with Emily to find out more about her and her plans for the future.

Hello Emily. Congratulations on the new role. Tell us a little about your career so far.

I joined Couchman in May 2021. A year later, I went on maternity leave, returning in February this year. I’ve been qualified as a solicitor for ten years, working at general practices, and a firm that only practices employment law. 

I work with business owners, managers and HR professionals, as well as individual employees advising on employment law matters, including bringing and defending employment tribunal claims. My specialism within employment law is ill health and disability discrimination. This means I work with people with physical and/or mental disabilities, or employers managing ill- health and disability matters in the workplace. With physical disability, people can see what’s wrong and they know what to do, but dealing with people with poor mental health can be more nuanced. I also speak at conferences, mainly to HR and occupational health practitioners on disability discrimination.

How do you feel about being appointed Director?

I’m really pleased. Throughout my time at Couchman Hanson, my input has always been valued, taken on board and actioned, but I’m delighted to be appointed a director. I’m looking forward to helping and supporting the firm as it grows.

What do you hope to bring to the Director role?

I have a passion for excellence, and I’ve always promoted the need to treat clients in a way that ensures they stay with us for the long term and become advocates for us.

I’m also looking forward to investing time in people and providing leadership to strengthen the employment law team. Couchman Hanson is a great place to work, and I want to maintain that.

What makes working at Couchman Hanson different for legal professionals?

I’ve never worked in a firm like it. It’s just a really nice place to work, very people centric. 

We’ve totally embraced flexible working, understanding the need to balance your work and personal life. If you’re happy in your home life, you provide a better service to your clients when you’re at work.

What are you most looking forward to about the future of Couchman Hanson and your role going forward?

Maintaining a strong culture, contributing to the firm’s success and helping to take it from strength to strength. I also think my experience in regulatory compliance can play a significant role in Couchman Hanson’s future. 

Thanks Emily. All the best in your new role.

We also asked our Founder and Managing Director, Daniel Couchman, to talk about Emily’s new role:

‘I am truly delighted that Emily has committed her future to Couchman Hanson and she will be a brilliant addition to our board of directors. This is such an exciting time for our business and it’s vital to have key people like Emily leading the next stage of our company's growth. With our plans for new offices in Camberley and Crowthorne, Emily’s dynamic approach and understanding of our business values will ensure she makes a valuable contribution in her new role.’

Find out more from Couchman Hanson

At Couchman Hanson, our solicitors genuinely care about getting the best outcome for you. We’re highly professional, with ‘city’ level talent and experience, but also friendly and welcoming. Everything we do fits with our values of integrity, honesty and authenticity.

Call 01428 774756 or visit couchmanhanson.co.uk