Hina Belitz: The Decision to Merge My Law Firm with Excello Law

Hina Belitz, the founder of Partners Employment Lawyers, has forged a remarkable and highly successful career as a legal entrepreneur and has earned distinction as a Legal 500 Leading Individual. In 2006, she founded her own employment firm, Partners Employment Lawyers, following over two decades of experience in prestigious traditional City firms such as DLA Piper, Pinsent Masons, and Dentons. Throughout her career, Hina has been a formidable presence in Employment Tribunal, Employment Appeal Tribunal, and High Court cases, earning widespread recognition.

Beyond her role as a lawyer, she has established herself as a prolific author and commentator on employment law, with notable works including the ‘Penguin Guide to Employment Rights’ and her debut novel, ‘Set Me Free.’

However, in 2017, Belitz made a significant decision—to merge her highly successful employment firm with Excello Law. But what motivated her transition from running her own thriving law firm to merging with Excello Law?

Hina shares insights into her journey, shedding light on her motivations and the driving forces behind her decision, emphasising the significance of autonomy and control, which stem from her personal experiences and deeply-held values.

Setting Up My Own Law Firm

In my experience of working in law and within traditional firms, I witnessed a lot of politics and backstabbing. There’s this facade of having a ‘brilliant career,’ but in reality, promises often go undelivered, and one can feel beaten down. I realised that true happiness lies in setting aside one’s ego and pursuing what genuinely matters in life.

However, committing to this path can be daunting, especially without guarantees. Many people desire a balanced life that encompasses more than just their careers, which can be challenging to achieve in traditional legal roles. Entrepreneurship also held a strong allure for me. Every lawyer seems to have a side business, offering more control and flexibility.

Personally, a significant life event, struggling with infertility, made me reassess my priorities. After finally becoming pregnant, I couldn’t fathom returning to a career where I’d miss out on time with my child. Becoming my own boss seemed like the ideal solution to balance career and family life.

My Decision to Merge With Excello Law

Running my own firm was rewarding, but it came with a plethora of administrative tasks and regulatory burdens. Juggling these responsibilities, especially as a mother with young children, left me feeling constantly overwhelmed. Despite the success of my firm, I realised that what truly mattered were my clients and the work itself, not the bureaucracy. Although I received tempting offers from prominent firms, I couldn’t ignore the politics and lack of control that came with them. After a personal recommendation, I learned about Excello Law’s unique model, which emphasised client focus without the bureaucratic overheads.

The genuine warmth and sincerity of Jo and George, combined with the absence of hidden costs, sealed the deal. Moreover, personal tragedies, like my mother’s sudden illness and passing, underscored the importance of prioritising what truly matters in life. Excello’s model offered me the flexibility to pursue my passion for creative writing without sacrificing my career or family time.

Making the Move: The Practicalities

Transitioning to Excello Law involved numerous considerations, from reassuring existing clients to handling administrative tasks like closing files and managing professional indemnity insurance. Additionally, negotiating our traditional lease and ensuring staff reassurance were paramount.

Despite these challenges, Excello provided excellent support throughout the process. From assisting with utilities to facilitating the office move, their support was invaluable. Ensuring a smooth transition for both staff and clients was essential, especially as we later shifted to remote work due to COVID-19.

The Benefits for Me and My Clients

Merging with Excello Law has allowed me to dedicate more time and attention to my clients without the distractions of administrative burdens. Their support in handling tasks like professional indemnity insurance and regulatory changes has been a game-changer. It’s liberating to know that I can focus solely on serving my clients without worrying about bureaucratic hurdles. Moreover, the sincerity and warmth of the Excello team have made the transition seamless and enjoyable. Their genuine commitment to client service sets them apart from larger, more pretentious firms.

My Advice to Law Firm Owners

Overall, merging with Excello Law has not only enhanced my legal practice but also enriched my professional satisfaction. A lot does come to down to personality and one golden word is sincerity – you can’t fake it. If you’re considering a merger for your firm, my advice is to personally meet the senior leadership and the team you’ll be collaborating with to ensure your values align. When you encounter sincerity in individuals like George and Jo, the difference is palpable. Our business meeting felt incredibly natural and warm, devoid of any pretension, unlike many encounters with larger firms. That genuine connection is incomparable.

In my journey from founding Partners Employment Lawyers to merging with Excello Law, I’ve found that partnering with the right firm can profoundly impact both personal and professional fulfillment. Excello Law prioritises client service over administrative burdens, allowing lawyers like myself to focus on delivering exceptional work for clients.

If you’re a lawyer who values autonomy, client-centricity, and sincere collaboration, I encourage you to explore how Excello Law can support you in growing your practice in alignment with your values. Reach out to their team, engage in dialogue, and experience firsthand the difference that genuine partnership can make. Together, we can redefine the landscape of legal practice, where passion, purpose, and professional satisfaction thrive.