Spotlight on Ellis Walby

Ready to go in to battle for her clients or cheer from the side-lines of the football pitch, this month we introduce you to Ellis Walby from our employment team.

Ellis has been with the firm for more than seven years and helps a wide variety of clients with their equally varied employment issues – she said: “I advise on most aspects of the people part of a business. I handle Employment Tribunal litigation, support the firm’s corporate team on the employment side of buying and selling businesses, and deal with day to day issues (from redundancies, dismissals, capability issues, TUPE and more). I’m particularly passionate about future business protection; say post-termination restrictions and I’m there.”

Her work covers all sizes of business from SMEs to FTSE 100 companies and household names, as well as individuals, and she aims to identify possible problems before they arise, while understanding the bigger picture.

One recent experience involved negotiating eight months’ pay for a client who had sadly experienced several turbulent years. Ellis said: “The client’s feedback -‘everyone needs you in their corner… you brought a real warmth whilst being an absolute bulldog!’ – has stayed with me.”

Her commitment to wellbeing not only informs her support for clients but also is a focus for her within the office. She routinely advises clients on the differing employer angles and is the firm’s Cheltenham Wellbeing Ambassador, so has the chance to consider and implement initiatives to facilitate a happy, healthy and satisfied workforce.

Having moved to Cheltenham just before the first lockdown, she’s just starting to experience all that the town has to offer but tends to spend her Saturday afternoons cheering for her son and his teammates on the footie pitch!

Ellis said: “Spending Saturdays usually resembling an icicle on the side-line is unexpectedly joyous. If I’m not there, I’m probably still outdoors (exploring the Cotswolds or out on muddy dog walks) or renovating the next part of our home.”

Her top tip for clients? “Tell me everything. I can offer you the best strategic advice and act in your interests most effectively when I know it all.”