PHILIPPA RUMARY – MANAGING DIRECTOR AND SOLICITOR
Philippa studied psychology at Oriel College, Oxford before transferring to law as a post-graduate. She then trained at a London law firm and qualified as a solicitor in 1999.
Since qualification, Philippa has worked as a solicitor in and around Oxford, including 7 years with a major local firm formerly based in Woodstock.
Philippa specialises in Wills, probate and inheritance tax planning.
In addition to being a solicitor, Philippa is also a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Philippa lives in Stonesfield and enjoys mountain biking and DIY.
DEREK PEEDELL – FINANCE DIRECTOR AND SOLICITOR
Derek qualified as a solicitor after a career in retail banking. He worked for local law firms in Kidlington and Witney before setting up Woodstock Solicitors with Philippa Rumary in 2014.
Derek is a graduate of both the University of Manchester and Oxford Brookes University and has a masters degree in private international law.
Derek specialises in powers of attorney, Court of Protection work and probate.
Derek lives in Witney and enjoys cooking and spending time with his young family.
SOFIA GALIC – SENIOR ASSOCIATE SOLICITOR
Sofia qualified as a solicitor in 2008 after studying law at university. She trained at a local Oxfordshire firm and has since worked at both local and regional sized firms in and around the county.
Sofia specialises in Wills, Probate and Lasting Powers of Attorney. Sofia is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Sofia is multi-lingual, speaking intermediate French and Italian and fluent Croatian.
In her spare time, Sofia enjoys travelling and experiencing new cultures and languages. However, when she is not flying around somewhere, you may see her riding around on her motorcycle!
ELLIE GRIER-JONES - SOLICITOR
Ellie studied law at the University of Warwick followed by her legal practice course at the College of Law in Guildford.
She qualified and worked in London before taking a career break and returning back into law in 2013.
Ellie specialises in Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
When Ellie isn’t working she enjoys spending family time with her daughter, playing the piano, shopping and playing board games.
MARIA GALIC – LEGAL ASSISTANT IN WILLS AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY DEPARTMENT
Maria Galic began her career in education after earning her CELTA qualification in 2016 and then teaching English as a foreign language in both the UK and Italy. She holds an LLB in Law from Oxford Brookes University (2016), reflecting her long-standing interest in the legal field. Her passion for learning led her to complete a PGCE at Oxford Brookes in 2019, after which she dedicated several years to primary education.
Seeking new ways to contribute to her community, Maria transitioned into public service, working as a Personal Assistant to her local Town Mayor—a role that offered a dynamic and rewarding experience. Today, she has returned to her legal roots, supporting the Wills and Powers of Attorney Department, where she draws on her legal education and interpersonal skills to support individuals on their future plans.
Based in Oxfordshire, Maria enjoys spending time with her son, learning new languages, travelling and exploring cultural experiences.
JENNI STEWART – LEGAL ASSISTANT IN THE PROBATE DEPARTMENT
Jenni started her career in hairdressing, which led on to other roles in customer service and then administration where she worked across multiple industries, most recently working between Higher Education and Publishing for Oxford University and Oxford University Press respectively.
Jenni joined Woodstock Solicitors as a Legal Assistant in the Probate Department in July 2025 and she assists the solicitors in all Probate matters from start to finish.
Jenni loves travelling, crafts and gardening, particularly growing flowers at her allotment.
HELEN ARLETT – OPERATIONS MANAGER
Helen spent 17 years in the publishing industry before moving into office management in 2018. Since then, she has worked with businesses across the hospitality and architectural sectors, developing a strong background in operations and team coordination.
She joined Woodstock Solicitors in 2025 as Operations Manager, where she oversees the smooth running of the firm and supports its continued growth and efficiency.
Outside of work, Helen enjoys watching her son and daughter play football every weekend, as well as reading, running, and spending time with friends and family.
AILEEN WATSON – SENIOR OFFICE MANAGER
Aileen has spent over 20 years working in administration, which include roles in interior design, a primary school and a German laundry system manufacturer. Thereafter, she moved into the legal sector where she commenced work as a legal assistant at an Oxfordshire firm.
Aileen joined Woodstock Solicitors in 2017 as the Office Manager.
Aileen enjoys a good night out at the movies, all things vintage including vintage car events. When Aileen is not knee deep in paperwork at the office she loves travelling both nationally and internationally.
CHARLOTTE CALVERT – OFFICE MANAGER
Charlotte Calvert spent 20 years working in the IT software industry. She qualified as a solicitor in 2007 and specialised in divorce and family matters for 13 years. She is also an accredited family mediator and enjoys running her business. Charlotte joined Woodstock Solicitors in 2020 as an Office Manager.
Charlotte lives in Oxfordshire with her son and in her spare time loves visiting museums, art exhibitions, travelling and cycling.
CHERYL WILLIAMS – OFFICE MANAGER
Cheryl first worked as a legal secretary over 40 years ago. She has also worked in secondary schools, retail and a factory, as well as temping in numerous other sectors. Her main legal jobs began as a legal secretary at BT Centre and she has since worked in sectors including Private Client, Conveyancing and Professional Liability.
Cheryl joined Woodstock Solicitors in 2022 as an Office Manager.
Cheryl enjoys doing things with her family, as well as holidays to Cornwall, Scotland and internationally. She also enjoys reading, sewing and swimming, as well as lazing about with her husband.