Excello Law > Leicester, England > Firm Profile

Excello Law
Gresham Works
36 Market St
LE1 6DP
England

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 3

Private client > Family Tier 3

Based in Leicester, Excello Law primarily advises on divorces, financial settlements and domestic abuse matters, and is praised by clients for its ‘first-class customer service and excellent legal knowledge delivered in a friendly and supportive manner’. Leading the team, Swati Somaiya‘s caseload encompasses financial proceedings, domestic abuse cases, property and asset-related issues, as well as pre-nuptial agreements. Somaiya is also a trained mediator and has been recognised as a ‘focused, professional, competent and skilled solicitor’.

Practice head(s):

Swati Somaiya

Testimonials

‘Swati Somaiya is a stand-out partner who has a considerable amount of very good experience. Swati is a good listener and very knowledgeable. Swati offers a degree of expertise which is unrivalled in the region. She is the go-to person who will consider all angles including the commercial and financial aspects of a case. A very effective communicator.’

‘First class customer service and excellent legal knowledge delivered in a friendly and supportive manner.’

‘Swati Somaiya is a focused, professional, competent and skilled solicitor. She dealt with my case in a friendly and caring manner never losing sight of the job in hand and the desired outcomes.’

‘In comparison to other firms, Excello Law’s Family Team combines the depth of expertise found in traditional practices with the accessibility and forward-thinking approach of a modern law firm. This balance makes them a standout choice for clients seeking compassionate, effective solutions to their family law matters.’

‘Swati Somaiya is a standout member of Excello Law’s Family Team, known for her exceptional expertise, professionalism, and personable approach to family law. With a wealth of experience as a family and collaborative lawyer, as well as an accredited mediator, Swati provides a holistic and compassionate service tailored to the unique needs of her clients.’

‘What sets Swati Somaiya apart is her deep understanding of the emotional challenges her clients face during separation. Her empathetic and supportive nature, alongside her legal acumen, provides invaluable reassurance and guidance throughout the legal process.’

‘Swati Somaiya exemplifies professionalism, skill, and dedication, making her an invaluable asset to Excello Law and a trusted advocate for her clients.’

‘Swati Somaiya – always found her to be very diligent, knowledgeable and able to discuss technical matters on a level that could easily understood.’

Real estate > Commercial property: elsewhere in the East Midlands Tier 3

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the North West Tier 3

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Liverpool Tier 3

Employment > Senior executives

Excello Law has extensive experience advising senior level individuals on exits and settlement agreements, as well as High Court injunctive litigation and tribunal claims. The group is well-placed to advise on cases with neurodiversity elements, and racial and sexual harassment. Experienced litigator David Greenhalgh focuses his practice on senior exits and race and disability discrimination cases. Hina Belitz regularly advises on director-level exits, redundancies and TUPE. Sarah King negotiates settlement agreements and exit packages, whilst Nelu Abeygunasekera advises on disciplinary issues, whistleblowing and complex bonus schemes.

Testimonials

‘Overall I think Excello Law feel like a long term legal support partner. I will always go to them first to see if they can help me with Legal issues.’

‘David Greenhalgh – I have worked with David and he is incredibly compassionate, supportive and professional. David is an expert in diversity and inclusion, but also an expert in giving honest advice. He knows when to be tough and when to calm the waters. I think David is a standout Lawyer.’

‘Sarah King really listened and was incredibly thoughtful in her approach and guiding me through a process. I felt completely safe in the knowledge that she would get the best outcome.’

‘Sarah was really helpful and understanding from start to finish. Everything was handled quickly and efficiently with regular updates and guidance. Sarah always listened, understood and offered guidance throughout with a good solid outcome which was resolved quickly.’

‘Nelu Abeygunasekera is an exceptional partner, who really cares about her clients’ wellbeing, beyond the case itself. She is pragmatic, commercial and tough when she needs to be. She achieved an outstanding result for me.’

Work highlights

  • Successfully represented the Head of Department at a private school who was threatened with dismissal following allegations of breaching safeguarding rules.
  • Secured preferential, high-value treatment of share options for a director-level client in the FinTech sector, which he would otherwise have lost due to his dismissal (which was due to his race).
  • Acting for director-level transgender client who was subjected to a lengthy campaign of discrimination, successfully securing her substantial value exit terms on her behalf.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in the North West Tier 4

Noted for its ‘great professional approach’, Excello Law‘s corporate team in Chester is recommended for handling a broad range of issues, including M&A, restructuring, and commercial contracts. The ‘tremendously knowledgeable’ Robin Gill remains a key port of call for owner-managed and family-owned businesses. Other key figures include: Tom Sutcliffe, who regularly handles corporate mergers, sales and acquisitions, MBOs/MBIs and corporate re-structuring; Julie Mogan, who is noted for her work with high growth companies and SMEs; and Ian Vicary, who is active across the full spectrum of company commercial matters.

Practice head(s):

Robin Gill; Tom Sutcliffe; Julie Mogan; Ian Vicary

Testimonials

‘It’s a very welcoming practice, which immediately puts you at ease regardless of how serious the legal issue. Also the way staff interact with each other is extremely professional but in an open and inclusive way which makes a lovely environment.’

‘Robin Gill has to be one of the most patient people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He isn’t happy unless he is sure you understand exactly the situation. He made all the legal jargon accessible and his open manner meant we (as clients) were able to ask questions without feeling awkward.’

‘An all round excellent company. Provides excellent advice and opinions especially in the commercial property world and company acquisitions and sales.’

‘A great professional approach no messing to the point and detail.’

‘Robin Gill provided a comprehensive & professional service.’

‘Robin Gill is tremendously knowledgeable and can easily explain complicated legal stuff in plain English. His skills surpassed those of the solicitor acting on behalf of the buyers of our company. Without his help, our sale would not have been completed.’

‘I have known Robin Gill  for over 15 years and he has always been a credit to his industry. He has helped numerous shared clients over this time in a polite, prompt and professional manner. He is a credit to Excello which only strengthens their position in the legal space.’

Work highlights

  • Acting for the majority shareholder of Datrys Consulting Engineers Limited in connection with the sale of Datrys to regional consulting engineers Waterco, which have a wider portfolio of water-sector consultancy services.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 4

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 4

Excello Law specialises in defending directors in insolvency-related claims, including misfeasance, statutory demands, and personal guarantees. Steve Thomas and Anna Shaw jointly lead the Leeds-based practice, with Thomas handling directors’ duties and disqualification proceedings, and Shaw dealing with contentious shareholder disputes.

Practice head(s):

Steve Thomas; Anna Shaw

Testimonials

‘Steve Thomas has deep knowledge of insolvency and connected issues, quick to react, commercial and economic.’

Key clients

Bebe Clothing Ltd

Work highlights

  • Acted for the Liquidators of Bebe Clothing Ltd, securing a settlement exceeding £1.4M

Employment > Employers Tier 6

The employment practice at Excello Law is home to an experienced team that excels in defending tribunal claims, drafting documentation and supporting on the employment aspects of corporate transactions. David Greenhalgh has key experience advising employers in complex investigations, disciplinaries, and grievances. Nelu Abeygunasekera has notable specialism in post-termination restrictions and High Court injunctive litigation, while Hina Belitz handles senior exits, redundancies, and TUPE transfers.

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘David Greenhalgh is an outstanding practitioner. Reassuring and engaging, he is nonetheless unafraid to ask the most direct penetrating questions to ensure that he gets to the nub of the issue. With a no-nonsense “sleeves rolled up” approach he provides advice that is jargon free and down to earth. Most importantly, he gives a clear opinion and does not sit on the fence in the way that so many others do. We would recommend him without hesitation. ’

‘I work almost exclusively with David Greenhalgh – a terrific, commercial, no-nonsense, service-oriented lawyer.’

‘A good understanding of small businesses and a commitment to diversity.’

‘Nelu Abeygunasekera is outstanding.’

‘Sarah’s advice is always measured and to the point, her ability to grasp the facts and judgment in assessing risk is second to none. ’

Nelu is an excellent all-rounder with detailed knowledge. She is a brilliant strategist and has the ability to make really complex issues easy to understand. She is great with people – very kind, calm and empathetic. I really enjoy working with her. ’

‘We dealt with Hina and her team on the other side of a matter. They were pragmatic, responsive and worked with us to find a resolution in a complex and emotional matter.’

‘Excellent knowledge and strategic awareness.’

Key clients

HVSS Limited

JEDI consultancy

Swoon Editions Limited

Fat Beehive Ltd

SofaSofa/Thomas Lloyd

Eqvilent

Big Fang Collective

Maddox Capital

Future Workshops

TPA Capital

Diagrama

Safe Workplace

Suzy Lamplugh Trust

Work highlights

  • Advising employer on dealing with complaints of sexual harassment against senior level director and disciplinary action to tackle the same.
  • JEDI Consulting – Investigation into complaints brought by members of Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIoF) into past failures by the CIoF in the handling of sexual harassment complaints and to ensure those involved with the CIoF are safeguarded through appropriate, transparent and accessible complaint handling processes.
  • SafeWorkPlace – work on design of app for use by employers to capture, manage and document employment law risk including anonymous reporting.

Real estate > Commercial property

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx

Private client > Charities and not-for-profit

Vanessa Williams spearheads the multi-disciplinary team at Excello Law, which fields corporate, governance, commercial and employment specialists. The group is adept at working with the full range of not-for-profit organisations spanning trusts, CICs, CIOs, and companies limited by guarantee. The team also frequently advises trade bodies, educational establishments and community benefit schemes. Sue Boyall is well regarded for her work on real estate matters.

Practice head(s):

Vanessa Williams

Other key lawyers:

Sue Boyall; Heather Summers

Testimonials

‘Consistent reliability, pro-active support and regular follow-up. Strong advice and subject specialist team members are involved when required. We have had a long term relationship and are fully confident in the support and knowledge provided.’

‘Fully satisfied that the group are acting in our best interests at all times. Sue Boyall has been exceptional in her approach and continuous support over long periods.’

‘High level of expertise and meticulous in their work. Excellent value for money. Focus is on doing an excellent job.’

‘Heather Summers has displayed patience and an expert knowledge across all the areas I had to contact her about. She has an ability to decipher contracts and provide clear, plain English, advice or amendments.’

‘I have worked with Sue Boyall for many years and have always found her hugely able, efficient and knowledgeable, particularly with tricky leases.’

‘The team was very responsive and pragmatic in their approach and worked extremely hard to see our transaction through to a successful conclusion.’

‘Vanessa worked exceedingly hard to make sure the matter closed on time and patiently endured difficult counterparties.’

‘Vanessa Williams clearly and simply explains the issues and law and is responsive and flexible in her approach, going above and beyond, to make sure that we get the support we need.’

Key clients

Little Theatre (Leicester)

Reaseheath College

Diagrama Foundation

Fairfield Hospital

MCKS Charitable Foundation UK

The Children’s Research Fund

Thames Reach Charity

Sunbury and Walton Sea Cadets

Ethical Property Foundation

Royal Court Liverpool Trust Limited

Bishops Waltham Youth Hall

Royal Court Liverpool Limited

Chance Heritage Trust

The Association for Science Education

Work highlights

  • Advising on the multi-million pound sale of the business and assets of a private hospital operated by a charity.
  • Advising a charity operating a school on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of a nursery business to expand its early years offering, including dealing with OFSTED registration.
  • Advising on the formation of a community benefit society for the purpose of operating a community based solar energy project to be funded by a combination of grants and third party investment.

Founded in 2009, Excello Law is a national law firm providing a more dynamic, forward-thinking and independent environment in which to practise for experienced, senior commercial lawyers.

We have a team of 200+ partner-level lawyers, with an average post-qualification experience of 19 years, supported by a central business services team of 50.  They work across all aspects of commercial, family and private client law advising national corporates, SMEs, owner-managed businesses and entrepreneurial start-ups across a wide range of industry sectors.

The firm has nine UK offices – London (Bishopsgate, Birmingham, Leicester, Stoke-on-Trent, Chester, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham and Leeds.

The firm has an office in Northern Ireland, Belfast.

The firm also has offices in the US and in Dubai.

Benefits to clients

  • A senior legal team ready to advise and support clients with their commercial legal needs
  • Relieved from the constraints and pressures of law firm politics and central targets, each lawyer is 100% focused on the needs of their own clients and personally owns and develops that relationship
  • Commitment to providing commercial value
  • The ability to engineer corporate business solutions from a totally client centric perspective – ‘you tell us what you want, we provide exactly that’
  • A totally transparent financial model that allows clients to manage legal spend from a cash flow perspective without surprise

Supporting our lawyers is Excello 360 – the firm’s in-house business services support team – which manages all aspects of administrative, compliance, marketing and IT support.

www.excellolaw.co.uk

Department Name Email Telephone
COO Joanne Losty [email protected] 0845 257 9449
Photo Name Position Profile
Victoria Dunstall photo Ms Victoria Dunstall Partner in insolvency and dispute resolution
Victoria Jones photo Ms Victoria Jones Real Estate Partner
Richard Osborn photo Mr Richard Osborn Regional Director and Real Estate Partner
Annabel Whittaker photo Ms Annabel Whittaker Partner in Insolvency and Corporate Recovery
Partner lawyers : 200+
Support staff : 50
English
French
Arabic
Cantonese
German
UK offices : London, Birmingham, Leicester, Stoke-on-Trent, Chester, Nottingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds
Northern Ireland office : Belfast
US office : Santa Barbara
UAE office : Dubai