Estelle Oates is a highly regarded insolvency lawyer specialising in both contentious and non-contentious corporate and personal insolvency work across the UK. With over 18 years of experience gained at Clarion Solicitors Limited, Estelle is uniquely placed to support clients with all aspects of insolvency law. Estelle is known for her commercial and client-first approach to cases.

She is based in Leeds, and acts for an extensive range of national and regional insolvency practitioners to the extent that she is seen as an extended part of their team and trusted advisor. Estelle also acts for lenders, creditors, debtors, companies, directors, individuals, and guarantors.

Estelle advises on all aspects of insolvency law including administrations, solvent and insolvent liquidations, director disqualification, voluntary arrangements, antecedent transaction claims (bringing and defending claims) and bankruptcy.

She is a founding member of the Yorkshire and North East Sub-Committee of the IWIRC Midlands & North of England Network, and has been named as a “Rising Star” by Legal 500 in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

What clients say:

“Estelle Oates is diligent, attentive and a very good team player.” - Legal 500

“Estelle is superb in her approach to cases, and I would recommend her to anyone.”

“Just a quick note to say how impressed I have been with the service we have received from Estelle on our case. We have been appointed today, and throughout the long and somewhat drawn out process, Estelle has been knowledgeable, commercial and straight to the point, which has been a breath of fresh air for us.”

What opponents say:

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the manner in which you have dealt with this particular dispute. It makes a pleasant change to deal with someone who, whilst fighting their client’s corner, does so in a manner which throughout has been cordial, professional and with an eye on the bigger picture.”

What counsel say:

“Estelle is well known, well connected and well respected in the Leeds legal and insolvency community. I was particularly impressed with the commercial sense that Estelle brought to bear on the case, she called the strategy and the outcome exactly right. Which in my view is a skill which cannot be taught. Clients warm to Estelle and they trust her (rightly in my view). She is a joy to work with.”