Lawyers

Ella Leonard

Ella Leonard

Fladgate LLP, London

Work Department

Investment Funds

Position

I am a specialist investment funds lawyer and head of the Funds, Finance and Regulatory team at Fladgate. I have particular expertise in alternative asset classes including debt, renewables, infrastructure, and venture capital. I am also an expert in Islamic Finance, advising on e.g. commodity Murabaha and Ijara lease transactions.

I joined Fladgate in 2003 bringing my investment funds and Islamic finance capability. I love working with first time fund managers who are absolute experts in their asset class. They need my help with structuring in the best way possible, to achieve a successful fundraise and an attractive IRR for investors. I always want to know about their ambitions first: when they look back in 5 to 7 years what will be an excellent result for them? When I understand that, I can point out, and help them step round, any pitfalls.

Accomplishing the art of the difficult together with my clients is my aim. Making sure that the next generation has all the benefits of a first class education is extremely important. I sit on the Council of Clifton College in Bristol, I am an active member of two grant giving educational charities and chaired the PACT Educational Trust board for over 10 years.

Career

Trained Mackenzie Persaud, qualified 1995; partner with Fairmays in Bahrain in 1999, made partner at Fladgate 2003.

Education

Clifton College, Bristol; Durham University (BA Hons 1991); Guildford College of Law (CPE 1992, Law Society Finals 1993).