Two colleagues have set sail on a new venture with the launch of a maritime firm. Jennie Harris and Lucy Goff, who previous worked together at full-service firm Lester Aldridge, have co-founded Ocean Legal under the umbrella of Excello Law’s ‘house of brands’.

As part of the house of brands arrangement, firms operate as a trading name of Excello Law, which retains a share of the fees while providing back-office support. Founders can then proceed with becoming fully independent if they choose.

Ocean Legal will operate on a fixed fee approach rather than billable hours. Clients will include marine insurers and lender, yacht owners, dealers and brokers, ports and harbour authorities and shipyards.

Harris said: ‘After working with Lucy for over eight years, we’ve seen first-hand the unique challenges and opportunities within the marine industry.

‘We founded Ocean Legal to deliver a more personalised and results-driven approach, moving away from the traditional hourly billing model. By offering fixed pricing upfront, our clients gain clarity and confidence, and we focus on providing tailored solutions that genuinely add value to their projects and businesses.’

Ocean Legal is now the 11th firm to have joined the house of brands group, following the likes of Lowry Legal 458 Law and Roberts Law. Excello provides support in the shape of capital investment, marketing, PR and human resources.

Goff added: ‘Through Excello Law, we have access to a network of experienced lawyers across commercial, tax, real estate, and employment law, enabling us to offer a full-service legal solution.’

Excello, which began in 2009 as a new-model consultancy firm, said the business wants to support entrepreneurial lawyers who need help setting up on their own.

Chief operating officer Jo Losty said: ‘It’s inspiring to see a growing number of ambitious lawyers like Lucy and Jennie redefining legal practice by building client-focused services their own way.’

 

Pictured above: Jennie Harris (left) and Lucy Goff (right), founders of new boutique marine law firm Ocean Legal