Robin Gill

My Journey to Becoming a Fee-Share Partner at Excello Law

I’ve always known what I’m good at: looking after clients, delivering high-quality legal work and building strong professional relationships. Over time, I realised that the traditional law firm model was making it harder to do those things well. Targets, politics and administrative pressures were pulling me away from the core of my practice.

That’s ultimately why I chose to move away from traditional law. I wanted the freedom to focus on the work that matters, without being stretched across tasks that had nothing to do with serving clients. I knew that if I found the right model, those pressures would fall away and I’d be able to regain both professional and personal time. Becoming a fee-share partner felt like the natural next step.

Finding the right fit

When I began exploring the fee-share route, I was very clear about what I needed: a firm with strong infrastructure, real administrative and compliance support, and a physical office presence to my base in Chester. Credibility matters, so being part of a firm recognised alongside top regional practices in the North-West was essential. I wanted the freedom of running my own practice but with the reassurance of a well-established, fully staffed environment behind me.

Excello Law offered exactly that. Before joining, I spoke to colleagues who had already made the move, and their experiences gave me confidence. Their feedback was consistent: “It works. You won’t be left on your own.” And they were right.

Despite the remote-working ethos, the support offered – including compliance, administration, invoicing and back-office systems – is immediate and tangible. Excello also has a strong reputation in the North-West, acting for leading large clients in the region, which was an important factor for me. With offices in Chester, Liverpool and Manchester, the firm gives me the professional presence and credibility I wanted for meeting clients and building my practice.

I had the usual nerves before joining, mainly, “where will the work come from?” However, I had a clear plan to focus on what I do best and stay closely connected to my existing network of clients and professionals. By putting that strategy into practice from day one, the work began to flow quickly. Issuing that first invoice felt like a milestone and a real moment of proof that the model truly works.

Running my own practice has also taught me the importance of focus. I’m selective about networking and deliberate with where I invest my time, choosing only the events that genuinely matter for my clients and my practice. That clarity has made my approach stronger and more efficient, ensuring that my energy goes into the relationships and matters that count.

What makes Excello different?

A key element that makes this all possible is the support Excello provides. With office staff handling file opening, ID checks, compliance and invoicing, I’m able to give clients my full attention and dedicate meaningful time to business development in a way that suits me. Having that back-office infrastructure takes away the noise and lets me concentrate fully on building and servicing my client base.

I also found that one of Excello’s biggest advantages is its network. With over 200 experienced lawyers, many in niche areas, referring work in and out becomes seamless. It’s collaborative, like the legal Harlem Globetrotters where everyone passes work around and everyone benefits!

The transparent incentive structure in a fee-share firm like Excello means your contribution is properly recognised, far more so than in traditional firms, which makes the whole model both professionally and personally rewarding.

Taking the leap of faith

Looking back, joining Excello was a leap of faith, but one I wish I’d taken much earlier. The freedom, the support and the ability to concentrate entirely on meaningful work have transformed the way I practise law.

The culture is also incredibly supportive. Even when it comes to the senior leadership, being able to ask questions, share ideas and learn from colleagues has been invaluable. I now work with autonomy, within a recognised brand, surrounded by highly experienced colleagues and with a structure that truly enables success.

My advice to anyone considering this path is to plan carefully, back your own expertise and make full use of the support network available. If you’re looking for the autonomy to build a practice that genuinely works for you, taking the leap may be the best decision you make.