Praised as a ‘diverse and dynamic team’, SA Law LLP is well-regarded in the education and financial services sectors. The practice is led by Tracy Lacey-Smith, a seasoned litigator and mediator, who specialises in restrictive covenants, shareholder, and boardroom disputes, as well as contractual matters, professional negligence issues, and insurance disputes. Robert Ryall draws on extensive courtroom and ADR experience to handle complex and high-value disputes, while Simon Walsh is a key port of call for helping clients avoid litigation through negotiation. Clare Mackay is noted for her expertise in highly contentious contractual disputes, while Helen Young is another key team member.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The department is unique in that they give the same level of support, expertise, and service for all our instructions irrespective of the disputes value. We have had no reason to seek advice on any disputes from another UK firm which is testament to their offerings. The team have many strengths – consistency of advice, adaptability to different types of disputes in different jurisdictions, speed of response, exceptional client focused service, value for money, commercial awareness, and complete transparency throughout the process.'
- ‘A diverse and dynamic team anchored by a mix of local legends and an inspirational younger generation. High quality lawyers with a human touch.’
- ‘Tracy Lacey-Smith is a force to be reckoned with. An inspiration to a younger generation. Tracy takes no prisoners.'
- ‘Very down to earth team, committed to their clients’
- ‘Helen Young is a partner in waiting. She is a super star. Incredible attention to detail but also very commercial. She is dedicated to achieving the right result for her clients.’
- ‘Clare Mackay is a fantastic lawyer. Totally on top of the law and the facts, super-organised, and delightful to deal with.’
Key clients
- Nationwide Tyre Recycling Limited
- Motor Fuel Group
- Techna International Ltd
- The Watford Association Football Club
- Harris & Woolf
- Aurora Group
- Gerald Edleman Chartered Accountants
- HW Fisher LLP
- Middlesex University
- Boston Limited
Work highlights
Advised One Search Ltd and its US subsidiary in a successful High Court claim for damages for breach of contract and an unlawful means conspiracy, as well as an injunction to restrain the misuse of One Search’s confidential information obtained through the conspiracy.
Acted for the joint liquidators in ongoing proceedings in the Chancery Division regarding a claim against a former company director for misfeasance, breaches of the Companies Act 2006, and to reverse other antecedent transactions.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Robert Ryall; Tracy Lacey-Smith
Other key lawyers
Simon Walsh; Clare Mackay; Helen Young