Congratulations to Barrister Samantha Woodham, an alumna of The Abbey, for receiving a prestigious Innovate UK award for Innovation in Family Law. A purple plaque has been unveiled at The Abbey this week to recognise Sam’s achievements and to inspire future generations of female innovators.

There are thousands of blue plaques across the UK, celebrating the achievements of influential and pioneering figures, yet women feature on only 14% of them. The UK Government and Innovate UK therefore launched the purple plaque scheme, ensuring pioneering women are recognised and inspire the next generation.

Sam’s innovation came from her realisation that there was a better way to resolve family change than requiring each spouse to seek separate legal teams. The ‘One Couple, One Lawyer’ model enables separating couples to share an impartial lawyer who advises them both, together, as to what a Judge would consider a fair division of their finances or arrangements for their children.  

Sam spoked to UIII students in the lecture theatre at lunchtime and to a multi-school audience for the launch of ARCH during the evening event. She said: “I hope this may encourage you all to take the leap and follow those lightbulb moments when you get them! Thank you for giving a home to my plaque, I am extremely honoured and grateful.’