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Ellis Jessica Walby

Senior Associate

Why choose me

Working life and employing staff isn’t always plain sailing, so quality advice is key. I help employers solve even the most niggly people problems with proactive, commercial advice. I aim to identify potential pitfalls before they arise, while keeping sight of the bigger picture.

I act as an extension of my clients’ people teams. I’m ‘one of them’, getting to know the workings of their business in detail and I’m often treated as if I’m in-house. In a world that’s increasingly complex for employers to navigate, this collaborative approach is valued by both my clients and me.

While I advise on day-to-day commercial employment issues – working with a wide range of clients, from SMEs to well-known international brands and senior directors – I specialise in defending employers and respondents in Employment Tribunal cases. Litigation is my forte and I have extensive experience in successfully defending or resolving Tribunal claims. From high-profile public sector cases that made headlines to referring serial litigation to the Attorney General for investigation, I work to steer litigation to a positive, pragmatic conclusion.

I also specialise in strategic business protection. I often ask clients whether they’re ready for the day a key employee walks out the door. In a competitive world, it’s a case of ‘when’, not ‘if’. As technology evolves and behaviour adapts, I help clients stay ahead, advising on how to protect valuable connections made on LinkedIn and other platforms. I strengthen future business protection through post-termination restrictions, confidentiality provisions, garden leave clauses and social media policies. These help enforce clients’ rights and safeguard their businesses.

Outside work, I’m usually green laning in my old-school Defender, renovating our family home with my husband, cooking with my son or wrist-deep in soil in my raised beds – often accompanied by the waggy tail of our perpetually helpful fox terrier, Bertie.

Ellis Walby

Contact details

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Teams I work with

Working life and employing staff isn’t always plain sailing, so quality advice is key. I help employers solve even the most niggly people problems with proactive, commercial advice. I aim to identify potential pitfalls before they arise, while keeping sight of the bigger picture.

I act as an extension of my clients’ people teams. I’m ‘one of them’, getting to know the workings of their business in detail and I’m often treated as if I’m in-house. In a world that’s increasingly complex for employers to navigate, this collaborative approach is valued by both my clients and me.

While I advise on day-to-day commercial employment issues – working with a wide range of clients, from SMEs to well-known international brands and senior directors – I specialise in defending employers and respondents in Employment Tribunal cases. Litigation is my forte and I have extensive experience in successfully defending or resolving Tribunal claims. From high-profile public sector cases that made headlines to referring serial litigation to the Attorney General for investigation, I work to steer litigation to a positive, pragmatic conclusion.

I also specialise in strategic business protection. I often ask clients whether they’re ready for the day a key employee walks out the door. In a competitive world, it’s a case of ‘when’, not ‘if’. As technology evolves and behaviour adapts, I help clients stay ahead, advising on how to protect valuable connections made on LinkedIn and other platforms. I strengthen future business protection through post-termination restrictions, confidentiality provisions, garden leave clauses and social media policies. These help enforce clients’ rights and safeguard their businesses.

Outside work, I’m usually green laning in my old-school Defender, renovating our family home with my husband, cooking with my son or wrist-deep in soil in my raised beds – often accompanied by the waggy tail of our perpetually helpful fox terrier, Bertie.

Related services and specialisms from HCR Law

Questions my clients ask me

Yes. If your employer has placed a settlement agreement before you, you will need to take independent legal advice on the terms and effect of the agreement and your ability to pursue any claims that you may have, in order for it to be a legally binding agreement. The good news is that, whilst they are under no obligation to do so, employers often think commercially and fund a large percentage of legal fees, if not the full cost, of you obtaining this legal advice. It’s vital that you understand what you’re signing – and why.

Possibly, but this is entirely dependent on the specific facts of your individual case. It is of paramount importance that you take specialist legal advice as soon as an issue begins to arise, as this is likely to save you time, stress and money.

This is often asked by various family members, friends and LinkedIn contacts. I enjoy helping anyone, but you will need to speak with a lawyer specialising in that particular area. That being said, I can certainly put you in touch with the right lawyer who can help you!

Read what my clients say about me

Rachel Roberts and Ellis Jessica Walby were exemplary; I would not hesitate to instruct them again, or recommend them to others.

Client testimonial Legal 500 2026

Further to the practice providing corporate support relating to insolvency and M&A in particular, the team has a vibrant standalone employment practice handling complex disputes, exit negotiations, and restrictive covenants.

Legal 500 2025 Employment – Gloucestershire

HCR Law excels across the entire spectrum of employment law, advising SMEs, globally active companies, and individuals.

Legal 500 2025 Employment – Gloucestershire

You are on fire! Thank you so much.

Client Employment Tribunal

Ellis Jessica Walby successfully negotiated eight months’ pay without any need to go to a tribunal for a client who had suffered alleged discrimination in the workplace. Combining a calm and reassuring manner and a robust approach, she both supported the client and secured an excellent outcome, with peace of mind that her client can now move on to pastures new.

The client said: “Everyone needs you in their corner when going through something like this. I (very wrongly) thought the process would be cold and indifferent and you brought a real warmth whilst being an absolute bulldog! Thank you so much for all of your hard work and support on this, it made a huge difference to this whole process and I really appreciate it.”

Expert held led to great outcome for client after discrimination at work

When a senior director found herself struggling with severe mental health issues, caused by a damaging workplace culture, she turned to Ellis Jessica Walby for professional advice. Ellis supported and strategically advised this director, successfully negotiating a favourable exit package which afforded the director a solid financial safety net to recuperate without needing to source a new role during her recovery.

The director said: “Ellis has been brilliant – very clear, and extremely kind, as well as superbly effective at getting an outcome for me that supports my wellbeing – after a horrible few months.”

Help and advice for director in need of new start

“Fabulous news, thank you again for all your support on this matter. It really is very much appreciated. You have been a breath of fresh air through this process, so thank you again.”

Peace of mind and an enhanced settlement after pandemic led to redundancy

When a mother was made redundant from a job role she truly enjoyed, which regrettably followed an already challenging year for her personally, she knew that she needed calm, responsive, employment law expertise to help guide her through the settlement process.

Ellis, Cheltenham solicitor successfully negotiated improved settlement terms for her and oversaw the finalisation of a binding agreement that gave her peace of mind – as well as the financial package she was entitled to.

Once settlement had been agreed, she said: “Thank you so much for your prompt and seamless assistance with my requirements. It has been great to work with you. Many thanks.”

Improved redundancy package follows expert employment advice

Awards and endorsements

Legal 500 2026 – Recommended Lawyer

Legal 500 2026 – Recommended Lawyer

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