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
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.'
- 'They continually surprise me with their ability to think outside the box providing options that just work. They are genuinely passionate about us and our business and deliver on time and budget. We always feel that we are their most important client and get high level legal and commercial advice which provides comfort and reassurance.'
- 'Robert Ryall is exceptional. A complete litigator who continually exceeds our expectations. I cannot rate him highly enough. His advice is clear, on point, and delivered in a way that makes difficult decisions easy for us to make. We turn to him whenever we have contentious issues and he gives us the advice we need.'
- 'We have worked with Simon Walsh and his attention to detail is first rate. He unpicks issues quickly and gets to the root of the issue in an impressive way. We have also worked with various more junior solicitors in the team and it is clear they have been guided by Robert and Simon as they exhibit similar skills.’
‘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.'
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