Ruth Ball
Senior Associate
Practice areas
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What I do
Having joined Smith Partnership in 2013 as the Head of Business & Personal Insolvency, I have over 20 years of experience advising on and assisting clients with various insolvency issues.
On a day-to-day basis I deal with a wide range of both corporate and personal insolvency queries from assisting directors of potential claims following the insolvency of their business (such as antecedent transactions, preference claims, transactions at an undervalue, wrongful trading, disposition of property, etc), to advising joint owners of a matrimonial property where one spouse may have been declared bankrupt, to helping companies wishing to rely upon retention of title clauses when a customer has gone into administration or liquidation, to issuing winding up notices and winding up petitions against debtors. I also act for shareholders in unlawful dividend claims.
I deal with a range of company insolvency issues arising from administrations, creditors’ voluntary liquidations, compulsory liquidations, company voluntary arrangements.
I also deal with a range of personal insolvency issues arising from bankruptcy or individual voluntary arrangements including the sale of properties and assets following bankruptcy.
I also regularly act on behalf of office holders and insolvency practitioners in relation to issues arising out of corporate or personal insolvency cases.
What I bring to the team
A team player who arranges the best social events, mentors the younger members of the team and is happy to undertake the administration tasks for the department.
Key interests
I play netball for a local team, enjoy taking my dog (and husband) on long walks and spend any spare time gardening.
Testimonials
Smith Partnership offers an outstanding service with Ruth Ball demonstrating in-depth legal knowledge, together with displaying excellent commercial acumen, delivered in a structured and proactive manner.
Client, Business Insolvency
I find Smith Partnership, in particular Ruth Ball, to be a pro-active, responsive legal firm, providing a highly professional and cost-effective service.
Client, Business Insolvency
The reasoning behind our choice to switch our legal requirements to Smith Partnership was further endorsed by our introduction to Ruth Ball. Ruth has been a major asset at a time our rapidly growing company needs a reassuring and strong approach in challenging situations. This has provided a considerable level of confidence at a crucial time for our private investors.
Client, Business Insolvency
‘Stand out‘ and ‘unflappable‘ Ruth Ball leads the insolvency department at Smith Partnership, where she leverages over 20 years’ worth of experience in contentious matters and bankruptcy litigation, and has carved out a specialism in cases involving a high level of investigative work in relation to antecedent proceedings against directors; she also assists shareholders, lenders, creditors, insolvency practitioners and directors in non-contentious matters.
The team has excellent technical skills and are very pragmatic and results-focused. Superb client service as well.
Ruth Ball is a stand out lawyer. She has enormous experience and is unflappable. She works extremely hard and has a keen eye for the details and for achieving a pragmatic result.
Having worked with the Insolvency and Corporate Recovery Team for a number of years, I would always be happy to recommend their services. Even when we have referred tricky and time-consuming matters to them, they have always been happy to help and take a commercial view on WIP and billings, which in insolvency litigation is always welcomed.
The Legal 500, 2023
