Kate Watson
Partner and head of employment
I joined GA Solicitors in January 2026 as a partner specialising in Employment law and in April 2026 I also took over the role as Head of Employment.
Having studied Music at the University of Durham, I went on to complete a postgraduate qualification in broadcast television production. My early career was spent in live television, working across children’s programming and classical music broadcasts, from productions for Disney Channel UK and ITV to classical music programming, most notably the BBC Proms. I retrained as a lawyer while continuing to work full-time in television, attending law school at weekends at BPP Law School.
I trained as a solicitor with Collyer Bristow in London, qualifying into their employment team, before relocating to Cornwall. Since then, I have primarily advised employers large and small at both regional and international firms, including transatlantic firm Womble Bond Dickinson (Plymouth office), VWV (Bristol) and Harper James, where I worked remotely in a role affiliated with their Birmingham office. I advise employers across the full spectrum of employment law, with particular experience in managing complex and sensitive workplace issues.
This includes management, disciplinary and grievance processes, restructuring and redundancy programmes, and the employment aspects of business sales and wider transactional work. I work with organisations ranging from early-stage businesses to established institutions, and have advised clients across a broad range of sectors, including media and entertainment, hospitality, education (particularly independent schools), charities, banking and financial services, fintech and AI, professional services, and retail, from national chains to owner-managed family businesses.
I work with clients on a long-term basis, helping them to avoid employment tribunals through practical, preventative advice. However, when disputes do arise, I have extensive experience acting for (respondents) in employment tribunal litigation across a wide range of matters, including unfair dismissal, complex discrimination and whistleblowing claims. Where appropriate, I work closely with clients to negotiate favourable settlements.
Outside of work, I have sung in bands and played in orchestras, and I currently volunteer with Cornwall Youth Choirs. I enjoy spending time with my three children and my young German Shepherd, and would love to find more time to sing and play music myself again – perhaps one day!
