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David Silvey
Senior Commercial Solicitor

David is a seasoned commercial solicitor with over 17 years of in-house legal experience at a major global hospitality company. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in high-profile transitions—supporting the company’s shift from private equity ownership to a public listing, and eventually navigating the spin-off of three separate, publicly traded entities. After qualifying as a solicitor in 2014, David advanced to Senior Counsel for Operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, where he provided strategic legal advice, spearheaded complex contract negotiations, and led initiatives in ESG, crisis management, and regulatory compliance.

As a Senior Commercial Solicitor at Lawyerlink, David uses his extensive cross-border expertise to empower SMEs with proactive, business-focused legal strategies. His background in standardising contracts, guiding organisational governance, and implementing efficient self-service tools enables entrepreneurial clients to focus on growth—knowing they have seasoned support for all their commercial and compliance needs.

Qualifications:

LLB (Hons); LPC (Distinction); Harvard 3.1 Leadership Development Program; Registered Solicitor in England & Wales (SRA 431528)

Patricia Stelmach
Commercial Solicitor

Patricia is a forward-thinking solicitor with post-qualification experience gained at DLA Piper—a top-tier global law firm—and through various in-house counsel roles. Her practice spans commercial contracts, contentious and non-contentious data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory investigations, with a special interest in intellectual property, technology, and supporting fast-growing startups. Patricia has advised FTSE100 corporations, public bodies, and high-profile individuals on complex matters, from multi-jurisdictional data protection issues to sophisticated defamation claims.

At Lawyerlink, Patricia draws on her international experience and passion for IP and emerging tech to guide SMEs in navigating today’s rapidly evolving legal landscape. Whether drafting airtight contracts, managing data privacy compliance, or offering strategic dispute resolution, she ensures innovative businesses have the robust legal foundations they need to thrive.

Qualifications:

LLB Hons; LPC MSc in Law, Business, and Management; Registered Solicitor in England & Wales (SRA 634623)

James Conning
Commercial Solicitor

James is a versatile commercial solicitor with extensive experience across global firms, Big Four practice, and in-house roles. He specialises in commercial contracts, technology, intellectual property, and disputes, with a proven track record in negotiating complex SaaS and software licensing agreements, supporting M&A due diligence, and advising on commercial litigation. His career spans positions at Pinsent Masons, EY Law, and Crown Football Talent, where he worked closely with international stakeholders on high-value technology and commercial matters.

At Lawyerlink, James draws on this diverse background to deliver practical, business-focused solutions for SMEs. His expertise in contract management, legal operations, and technology implementation helps entrepreneurial clients reduce risk, safeguard their interests, and grow with confidence.

Qualifications:

LLB (Hons), LPC (Commendation), Registered Solicitor in England & Wales (SRA 576972)

Ashrelle Parker-Belgrave
Commercial Solicitor

Ashrelle is a qualified Commercial Associate with experience at Browne Jacobson LLP, where she advised on a range of commercial, IP, and procurement matters for both private and public sector clients. Her background also includes hands-on exposure to clinical negligence, real estate, and government infrastructure work—showcasing her versatility and commitment to high-quality, client-centered service. While completing her LPC and LLM at the University of Law, she honed her advocacy, negotiation, and problem-solving skills through moots and pro bono projects.

At Lawyerlink, Ashrelle uses her strong commercial law acumen to support SMEs seeking clear, practical advice that drives growth and innovation. She is passionate about how commercial law shapes businesses and society, and her blend of large-firm rigor and pro bono ethos ensures that fast-scaling enterprises receive accessible, forward-thinking legal guidance.

Qualifications:

LLB (Hons); LPC LLM; Registered Solicitor in England & Wales (SRA 839517)

Dr Jackie Nagtegaal
Co-founder & Director

Jackie is a qualified lawyer with two decades of experience shaping the future of legal services. She has a proven track record of building businesses that challenge conventional boundaries, creating innovative subscription models and using seamless technology to deliver more accessible, client-friendly solutions. In her previous role heading up a large legal company, Jackie led significant transformations that earned the firm industry accolades for innovation, technology, and recognition as a best alternative legal service provider. Her work in these areas also garnered personal recognition in alternative dispute resolution and innovation—and saw her named one of the top five women in legal tech.

At Lawyerlink, Jackie uses her extensive business and legal expertise to provide fresh, forward-thinking solutions that empower SMEs. She ensures the legal team delivers a client-centric approach, offering businesses proactive and personalised legal service.

Qualifications:
LLB; MPhil (Cum Laude); PhD (Top Achiever Award); Key Regulatory Compliance Certifications

Willem van der Merwe
Co-founder & Chief of Strategy

Willem started his career with a background in law, which has been a strong base for his work in business and marketing. He spent several years in advertising, where he led two agencies through digital change and worked as a digital publisher. He moved into the international development sector, working on projects that aimed to make a positive impact across South East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Willem is the Chief of Strategy at Lawyerlink, where he helps drive business development. His focus is on combining his legal knowledge with practical experience in building and growing businesses.

Qualifications:
BA Law (US); AI Business Strategy (MIT); Nomadic Marketing (UCT)