Russell-Cooke solicitors Southampton office.

About Hayleigh

I enjoy advising clients on all manner of corporate transactions. Having both taught and practised company law, I can combine technical expertise with a pragmatic approach. 

Hayleigh Southgate is an associate solicitor in the corporate and commercial team with a focus on company law and business acquisitions and disposals. 

Hayleigh advises business on all aspects of corporate and commercial law and transactions, including the preparation of key company documentation such as shareholders’ agreements and articles of association, business reorganisations, private company mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, and refinancing transactions. 

In addition to practising law, Hayleigh previously worked as lecturer before joining Russell-Cooke in 2025. 

Education

  • Read law at the University of Southampton, graduating with First Class Honours.
  • Completed the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in 2014, obtaining a distinction.
  • Trained at a Top 100 law firm and qualified as a solicitor in 2016. 
  • Obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education teaching in 2022. 

Memberships

  • Member of The Law Society of England and Wales.

Hayleigh's highlights

News

16.01.2026

Directors’ duties: what does the duty “to promote the success of the company” actually mean?

Associate Hayleigh Southgate explores the key responsibilities of company directors under the Companies Act 2006...
hayleigh-southgate-russell-cooke-solicitors
Hayleigh Southgate
3 min Read
News

08.01.2026

Looking ahead: key legal changes for business owners in 2026

Associate Hayleigh Southgate outlines the upcoming legal developments that business owners need to be aware of, from tax and...
hayleigh-southgate-russell-cooke-solicitors
Hayleigh Southgate
5 min Read
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