Excello Law expands ‘House of Brands’ with property boutique launched in partnership with ex-Thursfields partners DBA Law

Excello Law is delighted to announce the formation of DBA Law, a new specialist practice in real estate and property litigation, led by a highly experienced team poached from Thursfields. DBA Law, a trading name under Excello Law, represents a strategic partnership between Excello and three accomplished lawyers: Helena Bannister, Terry Dickson, and Anna Albini, alongside Evita Svampane. Together, this dynamic team brings over 60 years of collective expertise in property law. This is Excello’s ninth law firm to be formed within Excello’s House of Brands and the fourth this year.

Having worked together for many years across three prominent law firms—Buckles, Wright Hassall, and most recently Thursfields—the team has now taken a decisive step towards independence under Excello’s House of Brands. DBA Law will focus on delivering expert legal services across all areas of property transactions, disputes, and management.

DBA Law provides a comprehensive range of property law services, from managing complex real estate transactions to resolving high-stakes disputes. The team’s proven track record includes advising corporate portfolios, developers, and individual property owners. DBA Law is committed to offering tailored, practical, and commercially sound legal solutions to meet its clients’ needs.

Commenting on the move, Helena Bannister, a co-founder of DBA Law, said:

“After more than 20 years in private practice, with all the distractions that can sometimes bring, I am looking forward to Excello’s support giving me and my co-directors the luxury to simply focus on providing an excellent tailored service to our clients.”

Jo Losty, COO of Excello Law, highlighted the firm’s ongoing expansion with entrepreneurial lawyers seeking freedom from traditional private practice:

“DBA Law is the ninth law firm to join our growing House of Brands, and the fourth to launch this year. Excello’s House of Brands offering is going from strength to strength. As the only law firm providing a full solution with ongoing support, we empower high calibre lawyers like DBA Law to launch their own firms with confidence, knowing they have access to exceptional resources at every step.”

Anna AlbiniAnna Albini, a leading property litigator recognised by The Legal 500 as a “next generation lawyer,” excels in handling lease renewals, dilapidations, service charge disputes, and professional negligence cases. She most recently served as Director of Property Litigation at Thursfields.

 

Helena BannisterHelena Bannister is a seasoned property and commercial litigator with over 21 years of experience, specialising in service charge disputes and complex residential block management issues. She previously led property litigation as a Director at Thursfields.

 

Terry DicksonTerry Dickson is a commercial real estate lawyer with 20 years of experience, specialising in site acquisition, landlord and tenant matters, and business acquisitions. He has held senior positions at both Wright Hassall and Buckles.

 

Evita Svampane, a talented property litigation solicitor, qualified in 2022 and has a strong background in resolving contentious landlord and tenant disputes, as well as housing management issues.

 

 

DBA Law is set to become a trusted name in real estate law, offering a client-focused, solutions-driven approach to property litigation and transactions. With the support of Excello Law, the DBA team is empowered to fully dedicate themselves to providing top-tier legal services.