Ruth Ball

What I do

Having joined Smith Partnership in 2013 as the Head of Business & Personal Insolvency, I have over 14 years of experience advising clients on insolvency matters where I demonstrated my proficiency for dealing with a variety of complex insolvency issues.

On a day-to-day basis I deal with a range of insolvency queries, helping clients, including employees, get to the bottom of both corporate and personal insolvency problems.

I also do a lot of work in an advisory capacity providing help and guidance to Directors and companies on issues including: administrations, members’ voluntary liquidations, creditors’ voluntary liquidations, compulsory liquidations and company voluntary arrangements.

Alongside this I act on behalf of Directors in providing advice on antecedent transactions, such as preference claims, transactions at an undervalue, wrongful trading, and dispositions of property.

I also advise individuals on bankruptcy matters, including dealing with the matrimonial home when the joint owner is made bankrupt.

I also regularly act on behalf of office holders and insolvency practitioners in relation to issues arising out of corporate or personal insolvency cases.

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.

I play netball for a local team, enjoy taking my dog (and husband) on long walks and spend any spare time gardening.

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