Fresh start for Louise Woodward

January 20, 2004

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LEGAL CAREER: Louise Woodward

LOUISE Woodward is putting her past behind her to begin a new life and a new career.

She has begun training as a solicitor, hoping to specialise in commercial law. Louise, 25, gained a law degree in London and later took a legal practice course at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Now she has a two-year contract with Oldham law firm North Ainley Halliwell.

Louise said her experiences in America - where she was convicted of killing a baby in her care seven years ago - had encouraged her to think about a legal career.

She said: "I do want to learn how to help other people. I'm very happy to be starting my career here. It's a very well-respected firm." Louise was convicted of the second degree murder of baby Matthew Eappen while working as an au pair.

Her conviction was later reduced to involuntary manslaughter on appeal and she was allowed to return home to Elton, Cheshire, after 279 days in jail.

John Ainley, senior partner at North Ainley Halliwell, said Louise was "a bright, motivated law student who is keen to be given the opportunity to qualify and practise as a commercial lawyer."

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Maureen, Stockport (20/01/2004 at 15:02)

May I wish Louise Woodward the very best of luck for the future. She's turned a negative situation into a positive outcome. I'm sure she'll be very successful in her chosen career.

Win Grimshaw Lewis, congleton cheshire (20/01/2004 at 20:32)

Well done to Louise Woodward. She should now be left to get on with her new job without the intrusive press reporting her at every opportunity.

JPB, UK (20/01/2004 at 22:58)

Congratulations to Louise Woodward. Through sheer hard work and dedication she has shown that great adversity can be overcome. She has put her wrongful conviction behind her and can now look forward to a bright future. She was, is and will remain totally innocent of any crime whatsoever in relation to that charade of a trial in Massachusetts I wish Louise every success and happiness for the future.

Richard, Manchester (21/01/2004 at 07:42)

I think that it is amazing that someone can go through a travesty of justice at a young age and still manage to complete a law degree and gain a job as a solicitor.

There are too many people complaining about how life has dealt them a rough hand and using that as an excuse. What a fantastic outcome! Good luck Louise.

Bill Smethwick, Beswick (21/01/2004 at 09:17)

What a fantastic way to begin a 'fresh start'. I'd completely forgotten who Louise Woodward was, then I saw her on the front page of the paper and remembered - she's the nanny convicted of killing a baby. Best of luck in the future Louise!

J, Swinton (21/01/2004 at 10:17)

In response to the comment from Maureen, Stockport: I'm sure most people would agree that the killing of a baby should be thought of as something rather more serious than "a negative situation".

Alan, Liverpool (22/01/2004 at 17:15)

In response to the comment about killing a baby, any intelligent observer can see from the evidence that she was innocent and in fact tried to save the life of the baby. It is this kind of knee jerk reaction that someone is obviously guilty that leads to travesties of justice... even the jurors said they felt sh hadn't killed the baby but 'someone' had to take responsibility. The judge would have overruled completely but then someone in an appeal court would have turned his decision based on personal feelings and/or politics.. The reduction was clearly the most intelligent way to get her out of jail and home without fear of some othe mindless idiots making another terrible mistake.

max, Cheshire (23/01/2004 at 10:42)

She was found guilty of killing a child. Do you think the parents of the baby will be able to put it behind them? She has a chance to restart her life but the child does not - is that fair?

Alan, Liverpool (23/01/2004 at 15:04)

For Max... It is a tragedy that a child died, the evidence states that something else happened other than what Louise was convicted for. The parents seem to have come to terms with it by appearing on chat shows and in newspapers. Louise has kept her head down and got on with her life even though the press seem to not want to let it go.

She may have been convicted but that does not mean she is guilty. Look at recent press for other examples of how mistakes can happen.

terry, dagenham (04/08/2005 at 00:41)

i remember the case well, and i will never believe that louise could've done the things she was accused of, and hopefully oneday I would like the chance to ask her about it for myself, so louise, if you read this please get in touch

jennie, wigan (09/09/2005 at 21:41)

great to hear your getting onwell i belived in you through the trail and stil do today i wish her well and all the best in the future take care jennie

chris, Sussex (31/10/2005 at 08:06)

Louise - you may never read this but it need saying. Good luck, I hope someday that the press will finally lay this to rest, and you can live your life as normally as you can.

Ally, Ipswich (02/05/2006 at 19:44)

Good luck-hope they all leave you alone to get on with your life. Hope your new career goes well!

Hannah, York (05/09/2006 at 20:25)

Good luck Louise! You deserve a wounderful life :-)

Colin W, Manchester (08/09/2006 at 09:42)

Be grateful, yes she was found guilty but if it had happened nowadays shed have got a TV chat show and a book deal out of it too

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