New Family Solicitor Brings a Wealth of Experience to Woodstock Legal Services

Carly Jermyn • December 7, 2023
Karen Layland | Family Solicitor | Woodstock Legal Services

Ambitious Dorset law firm Woodstock Legal Services has further strengthened its family team with the appointment of an experienced family solicitor at its head office in Canford, Cliffs in Poole.


Family lawyer, Karen Layland joins Woodstock Legal Services as a Consultant Family Solicitor, arriving with over 36 years of experience as a family law solicitor, having already built an enviable reputation as part of and leading successful family law teams across the Midlands and the South Coast. 


Birmingham-born Karen has wide-ranging experience in all family-related issues and offers particular expertise in handling complex financial settlements on divorce, including proceedings through the High Court. 


Karen’s work also covers complex children's cases, the law concerning unmarried families, and asset protection through prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. 


In addition to her legal work, Karen has also been an examiner for the Solicitors Regulation Authority, an assessor for the Law Society Family Law Panel, and a lecturer in family law at Birmingham City University and the University of Wolverhampton. 


Commenting on her appointment, Karen said:


“Woodstock Legal Services has a solid and growing reputation in law that spans across England and Wales. I’m delighted to be joining at a very ambitious time for the firm, which has seen remarkable growth over the last three years."


She continued:


“The vision and outstanding client service ethos at Woodstock Legal Services is exceptional, and I am really looking forward to playing a part in continuing that growth into the future. 


“I am very much client-focussed in my work and aim to achieve objectives through tailored advice that is always practical, commercial and realistic.”


The Woodstock Legal Services family team already have an excellent reputation across Dorset and the South Coast, with family solicitor Amy Langlois joining Woodstock in Bournemouth. 


The family team advises on a wide range of matters, including divorce, separation, cohabitation agreements, prenuptial agreements, arrangements for children and financial settlement arrangements. 


Carly Jermyn, CEO at Woodstock Legal Services, said: 


“We are delighted to have Karen join our team. Her extensive experience in family law will complement our service offerings to clients. Karen's appointment showcases our dedication to providing our clients with the highest quality legal services, making an already emotional time as manageable as possible."


If you would like to discuss your legal options with our family law specialists, please contact Karen Layland on 0330 088 5792 or email k.layland@woodstocklegalservices.co.uk.

Contact Us

News & Insights

By Coco Beverley • October 14, 2026
We are delighted to share that Woodstock Legal Services has been shortlisted for Conveyancing Firm of the Year - South of England at the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2026 . We are also proud to see Bethany Hudson , one of our Consultant Licensed Conveyancers, shortlisted for Rising Star of the Year. With our head office in Poole, Dorset, we are proud of our roots in the South West and the relationships we have built within the region’s property community. These shortlists recognise both the strength of our Residential Property team and the people behind the scenes who support our clients throughout their property journey. At Woodstock Legal Services, our focus has always been on building a conveyancing service that works for both our clients and our consultants. By bringing together experienced conveyancers with dedicated back-office support and the right infrastructure, we aim to make the process of buying and selling property as straightforward as possible, while giving our lawyers the flexibility and support to deliver excellent client care. Our connection to the South West remains an important part of who we are. Through relationships with local property professionals and organisations such as Poole Property Club , we continue to build connections within the property market while supporting clients across England and Wales. Over the past year, our Residential Property team has continued to grow, supported by investment in our people, processes and technology. Our dedicated back-office teams play an equally important role, helping keep transactions moving so our conveyancers can focus on their clients and the legal work that matters most. Being shortlisted for Conveyancing Firm of the Year in the South of England is a recognition of the collective effort behind our service, from the conveyancers working directly with clients to the teams supporting them behind the scenes. Car Jermyn Managing Director of Woodstock Legal Services, added: " I’m incredibly proud to see Woodstock Legal Services shortlisted for Conveyancing Firm of the Year and Bethany Hudson recognised as a Rising Star. Both awards reflect the quality of our lawyers and the commitment of the wider team supporting them. It’s great to see the work happening across our business recognised, particularly in the South of England, where our roots are firmly established. " A growing modern law firm As we continue to grow, we are always keen to speak with experienced lawyers who want to work differently, be properly supported, and be part of a collaborative community. Behind every successful consultant is the right firm. Click here to see why consultants choose Woodstock.
Rental agreement document with house keys, a purple keyring, and a pen ready to sign - Woodstock
By Zoe Turner • September 22, 2026
England's new landlord register launches 15 Dec 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act. Check your regional deadline and avoid fines up to £40,000
Historic London street with red-brick legal offices, UK
By Adnan Rafique • September 22, 2026
Untangling a historic trust, title restriction and finance issues on a £1.45m commercial property sale - a Woodstock case study
Wildfire burning across dry grassland toward oak trees, with smoke rising — a scene raising fire lia
By Zoe Turner • September 4, 2026
Grass and wildfires are spreading across the UK. Find out when an accidental fire becomes negligence, and who could be liable for the resulting damage.
Modern commercial building with blue glass windows, showcasing a sleek legal office exterior
By Pedro Camilos • August 27, 2026
Expert property solicitor Pedro answers questions on auction purchases, refinancing, title splits and multi-unit property investments. Get practical legal guidance.
Woodstock Legal Services law office sign on the building exterior
By Alastair Dobbie • August 18, 2026
Invested in a care home, hotel or student flat scheme that collapsed? Learn what an unauthorised Collective Investment Scheme means for you.
Row of terraced UK houses with red tiled bay windows and greenery, Woodstock Legal Services branding
By Zoe Turner • July 17, 2026
Section 114 Notices are already landing. Zoe Turner explains what local authorities can demand under the Renters' Rights Act, and how to prepare.
Traditional red brick UK terraced homes with bay windows, Woodstock Legal Services
By Bethany Hudson • July 1, 2026
Using a Lifetime ISA to buy your first home? Bethany Hudson explains how LISA withdrawals work in a property transaction, what to tell us early, and how to avoid costly delays.
The Welsh flag waving against a dark blue sky, showing a red dragon on white and green Woodstock
By Zoe Turner • May 28, 2026
What changes under the Renters’ Rights Act affect Welsh landlords? Learn about anti-discrimination rules, occupation contract updates, compliance deadlines and what does not apply in Wales.
DISCOVER MORE