New South West corporate law firm Elevate Legal expands with senior appointments

Elevate Legal, the South West-based corporate law, which was launched earlier this year in partnership with Excello Law, has expanded its team with the appointment of two senior lawyers: experienced corporate lawyer Dominic Hollingsworth and commercial partner Krista Searle. 

Dominic Hollingsworth brings over 25 years’ expertise in corporate law, advising on a broad range of complex domestic and international transactions including mergers and acquisitions, management buyouts, and private equity and venture capital investments. He joins Elevate Legal from Wollens, where he served as a corporate partner for the last five years.

Recognised as a Recommended Lawyer in The Legal 500 UK 2025, Dominic has earned a reputation for his ability to deliver successful outcomes on even the most demanding deals. He has worked across multiple sectors including leisure, hospitality and technology, but is particularly well known nationally for his deep expertise in the healthcare sector.

Krista Searle joins Elevate Legal as a commercial partner, bringing over eight years’ experience advising clients on a wide range of commercial and commercial property matters. Krista provides practical, strategic advice to developers, investors, landlords, tenants and financial institutions. She specialises in acquisitions, options, dispositions, leasing, development and financing of commercial properties, as well as advising on easements, restrictions and rights. Her expertise also spans commercial and corporate matters including business acquisitions and disposals, contract reviews and negotiations, and terms and conditions.

Recognised for her dedication to her career and clients, Krista has twice been shortlisted at the Devon and Somerset Law Society Awards for “Chartered Legal Executive of the Year” and “Rising Star”. Her meticulous approach and extensive knowledge have enabled her to successfully negotiate and close complex transactions across retail, office, industrial and mixed-use sectors.

Dominic and Krista join Matt Cook and Sasha Williams at Elevate Legal. Matt launched the firm earlier this year in partnership with Excello Law as part of its House of Brands, a rapidly growing group of entrepreneurial boutique law firms supported by Excello.

Matt Cook, Founder of Elevate Legal, which has offices in Plymouth, said: “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. Together, they 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, said: “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. These appointments underline our commitment to empowering entrepreneurial lawyers to build innovative, high-performing boutique firms through our House of Brands model.”

Elevate Legal is Excello Law’s 12th House of Brands firm and is based in Plymouth, with clients across the UK. The firm supports businesses at every stage of their journey from startup to exit, with specialist expertise in transactions, restructures, governance, commercial property and strategic legal matters.