Business recovery and insolvency specialist Begbies Traynor has appointed Kelly Esmiley as a director in its Bristol office.
A qualified solicitor with more than 10 years’ experience, Kelly, pictured, will be an integral part of the office’s contentious insolvency team. 
Dubbed as a ‘rising star’ and ‘an associate to watch’ in prestigious law sector directories Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, Kelly has led a raft of successful contentious insolvency cases.
She held a number of senior roles in 12 years at Bristol-headquartered law firm VWV before joining specialist insolvency consultancy Pythagoras Capital, where she worked as a senior associate for seven months.
According to Begbies Traynor, she has a wealth of experience supporting clients on insolvency and commercial issues across a wide range of sectors, as well as using her expertise to support colleagues internally.
Kelly has regularly advised administrators and liquidators across a broad range of sectors, leading numerous successful cases where claims often ran to hundreds of thousands – and sometimes millions – of pounds.
Begbies Traynor Bristol office partner Paul Wood said: “Kelly’s wide experience advising on contentious insolvency matters in high-value disputes make her an invaluable asset in what can often be a challenging environment.
“She has a professionalism and personality which assists in reaching commercial settlements despite the often highly charged environment and has a proven track record that brings with it reassurance and confidence.”
Kelly, who is also a member of insolvency and restructuring group R3’s Ladies South West and Wales committee, added: “I am delighted to be on board as part of a growing contentious team and look forward to assisting creditors to recover the most they can from insolvency situations and building relationships across our region.”
Begbies Traynor Group operates business recovery, financial advisory and property services across its 100-plus UK offices.
