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.
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.
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.
JOANNA RANSOM - RECEPTIONIST
Joanna began her career in administration with Thames Valley Police, where she worked for 10 years, developing strong organisational, administrative and communication skills in a busy and demanding environment. During this time, she gained extensive experience in managing confidential information and supporting colleagues across a range of administrative functions.
Building on this solid foundation, Joanna moved into receptionist and administrative roles within the Probation Service and an Oxfordshire solicitors’ firm, where she further strengthened her organisational and multitasking abilities while working with both professionals and members of the public.
Joanna joined Woodstock Solicitors in February 2026 as Receptionist. As the first point of contact for clients, both on the telephone and in person, she plays an important role in ensuring everyone receives a professional, warm and welcoming experience. She also provides administrative support to the wider team.
Outside of work, Joanna enjoys reading, cross-stitch and spending time with her family.