Three new partners strengthen law firm’s senior team

Lincolnshire and Yorkshire law firm Wilkin Chapman Rollits has strengthened its senior team by hiring a new partner and promoting two of its lawyers to partnership.

Employment law specialist Sara Ellison is the latest partner to join the firm’s Lincoln office, while family lawyer Stacey Heeley and insolvency expert Louisa Shilleto have been promoted to partner roles in Grimsby and Hull respectively.

The appointments come as Wilkin Chapman Rollits continues to expand its senior team across its locations.

Sara Ellison (Employment, Lincoln)

Sara has joined Wilkin Chapman Rollits' employment team from Irwin Mitchell in Sheffield, bringing more than 20 years' experience gained across a number of Yorkshire firms.

Legal 500, the legal services benchmarking platform, named Sara as a "key lawyer" in the employment team at Irwin Mitchell, with one previous client describing her approach as the "Power of the Ellison".

She will support Wilkin Chapman Rollits' growing client base across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, advising on employment disputes and day-to-day workplace matters.

Alongside her advisory work, Sara delivers practical training sessions, including mock tribunals and mock disciplinary exercises.

She said she joined the firm because of its "strong reputation for delivering high-quality legal work and its clear commitment to providing exceptional service to clients".

She said: "The firm's client-focused approach and consistently high standards are qualities that really resonate with me and align with the way I believe legal services should be delivered.

"The firm combines the strengths of a leading regional practice with the professionalism and ambition of a national firm, and has an excellent reputation across the region and beyond.

"I was particularly impressed by the firm's culture and the emphasis it places on supporting and developing its people. It is clear Wilkin Chapman Rollits genuinely cares about its staff, creating an environment where people are encouraged to grow, collaborate and perform at their best."

Teresa Thomas, partner and head of employment at Wilkin Chapman Rollits, said: "Sara brings extensive experience in employment law and strengthens our ability to support clients across a wide range of workplace matters.

"She is a great addition to the team as we continue to grow our employment offering across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire."

Stacey Heeley (Family, Grimsby)

Wilkin Chapman Rollits has also promoted Grimsby-based family lawyer Stacey Heeley to partner.

Stacey joined the firm in 2020 and was promoted to senior associate in 2024. Bringing more than 20 years' legal experience, she supports the management and day-to-day running of the family department, advising clients on divorce, separation, financial settlements and arrangements for children, and representing clients in court proceedings.

Stacey has also been recognised by Legal 500, which describes her as a key lawyer for advising on financial issues arising from divorce.

Stacey said: "I’m incredibly proud and honoured to have been promoted to partner at Wilkin Chapman Rollits. This is a significant step for me both personally and professionally. 

“I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with experts across the firm, collaborating with them to provide the best service we can for our clients. I’m looking forward to this new opportunity and will continue to support and advise family clients across the region, new and existing, working with other members of the firm and like-minded professionals.”

Louisa Shilleto (Insolvency, Hull)

Meanwhile, Louisa Shilleto has been promoted to partner in the insolvency team in the firm’s Hull office.

Louisa joined Wilkin Chapman Rollits as a paralegal in 2015 and completed her training contract with the firm before qualifying as a solicitor in 2020.

She specialises in corporate and personal insolvency matters, advising insolvency practitioners, company directors, creditors and funders.

Louisa is recognised as a Leading Associate by Legal 500 and was shortlisted for Leading Associate of the Year at the Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards 2026. 

She is also a member of the R3 Association of Business Recovery Professionals and Women in Business Hull.

Louisa said: "Becoming a partner is a significant milestone for me, particularly having started my career at Wilkin Chapman Rollits as a paralegal more than a decade ago.

"The firm has given me fantastic opportunities to develop my career, and I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received along the way. I look forward to continuing to support our clients and helping to grow the insolvency team in the years ahead."

Further appointments

In addition to the new partners, the firm has appointed Holly Gibson as a senior associate in the agriculture and real estate teams, based in York. Holly, formerly of SJP Law, specialises in agricultural property, commercial property, development and renewables.

The appointments follow a number of other recent senior appointments at Wilkin Chapman Rollits, which has more than 520 staff and partners across its offices in Grimsby, Lincoln, Louth, Hull, York and Beverley.

Last month, Dean Hill joined as a partner in the disputes and regulatory team in York, while Katie Jacques (real estate, Lincoln) and Stephen Watson (residential property, Grimsby) were promoted to partner roles.

For more information, visit: www.wilkinchapmanrollits.co.uk