South West-based boutique corporate law firm Elevate Legal, launched earlier this year in partnership with Excello Law, has strengthened its team with the appointment of two senior lawyers: corporate partner Dominic Hollingsworth and commercial partner Krista Searle.
Dominic (pictured) brings more than 25 years’ experience advising on complex domestic and international transactions, including M&A, management buyouts, and private equity and venture capital investments. Recognised in The Legal 500 UK 2025, he is particularly well known for his healthcare sector expertise and joins from Wollens, where he spent five years as a corporate partner.
Krista Searle arrives as a commercial partner with over eight years’ experience advising developers, investors, landlords, tenants and financial institutions. She specialises in acquisitions, leasing, development and financing of commercial properties, alongside broader commercial and corporate matters such as business acquisitions, contract negotiations and terms and conditions. Twice shortlisted at the Devon and Somerset Law Society Awards, Krista is recognised for her meticulous approach and success in closing complex transactions across retail, office, industrial and mixed-use sectors.
Matt Cook, founder of Elevate Legal, welcomed the hires, saying: ‘We’re thrilled to welcome Dominic and Krista to our team. Dominic’s reputation in healthcare and private equity-backed deals complements our existing strengths in corporate law, while Krista’s commercial property expertise significantly broadens our service offering.’ He added that the duo would ‘strengthen our ability to deliver outstanding, commercially minded advice to clients across the South West and beyond.’
Jo Losty, chief operating officer at Excello Law, also praised the expansion: ‘We’re delighted to see Elevate Legal continue its growth with the addition of Dominic and Krista. Both bring exceptional expertise and a client-centred approach that exemplifies the calibre of legal talent we support.’ Elevate Legal, based in Plymouth, is the 12th firm in Excello’s House of Brands group and supports clients across the UK with expertise in transactions, restructures, governance, commercial property and strategic legal matters.
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