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We are Rubric Law – a testament to dreams nurtured and hard work. Founded in a bedroom in Bristol in 2012 by James Howell, a knowledgeable solicitor with almost 20 years of experience, Rubric has blossomed into a leading corporate law firm.
In the beginning, our expertise was seen predominantly in the healthcare industry. It’s been quite a journey, one that has led us to act on behalf of one of the globe’s largest veterinary practices.
We now work on behalf of businesses from all industries, with a focus on dentistry, technology, ecommerce and healthcare. Our dedicated team of corporate solicitors has been instrumental in this growth.
As an ambitious visionary, James’s dream was not just about creating another law firm; but about reimagining the very essence of what a law firm could be.
With Rubric, James aimed to transform the often-stiff perception of solicitors, creating a practice that is modern, personable, and approachable, one that values every individual’s unique journey. It’s a vision that we’re not just proud of, but one that has become our identity.
This ethos extends to our internal working culture, characterised by encouragement and growth. James has proudly mentored and trained five legal minds, guiding them to their qualifications as solicitors.
Today, we offer an array of advice for legal matters, from business acquisitions, mergers, and sales to all aspects of employment and commercial property law.
Rubric is more than just a law firm; we’re a team, a family, united by our mission to offer friendly, expert legal guidance to businesses with a modern, approachable touch.
If you have any questions regarding any of our services, please get in touch.
Our advice is sound and effective – easily accessible with a total package that rivals larger firms.
We do what we say – our guaranteed communication charter means you know what to expect from us and when.
We celebrate the individual – encouraging dynamic relationships between our team and you.
We relish a fresh challenge – every new journey is approached by drawing on our experience and skills.
I am a forward-thinking solicitor and the proud owner of Rubric. My commitment to embracing change and leveraging technology ensures that we provide top-notch client service.
Central to Rubric is the belief that effective communication is key in the legal profession.
Beyond my professional life, I’m a devoted father to my wonderful son and an avid enthusiast of historical architecture. I often unwind by exploring historical buildings and taking leisurely country walks.
I joined Rubric in 2015 to support the office, part-time. Following Rubric’s numerous attempts to convince me to move full-time, I did so in 2020. Now as head of business operations, I handle all things financial, HR, admin and IT.
I love walking and getting out at the weekend to see as much of the countryside as possible. My goal in life is to be happy, find the positive in everything and retire to the North Devon coast, maybe climbing a few mountains along the way.
I joined Rubric as head of real estate in March 2023 having previously been head of commercial property at a well-established firm in South Wales. With over 15 years of post-qualification experience, I have also worked at an international law firm and have been a partner at a previous firm.
With a keen eye for attention to detail, I act for SMEs, investors, developers, landlords, and tenants in a vast range of commercial property matters.
Outside of work, I am kept busy by my two very small children and enjoy watching cricket and rugby, as well as keeping up to date with current affairs.
I’m a Commercial Real Estate Solicitor at Rubric. I qualified in 2023 after training across commercial real estate, finance, construction, property litigation and corporate real estate, and previously worked as a residential paralegal and then a commercial property solicitor in Essex.
I act for SMEs, owner-managed businesses, landlords, investors, tenants and lenders on sales and purchases, leases, refinancing and day to day asset management, with clear, practical advice to keep transactions moving.
Outside work I keep fit, spend time with family and friends, enjoy cooking and travel, support charitable causes, and mentor aspiring lawyers.
I work across private company M&A, fundraising and governance, drafting and negotiating shareholder, subscription and purchase agreements, convertible instruments, loan notes and commercial contracts. I’ve trained in boutique practice and worked in-house at a high-growth technology company, leading legal workstreams across investor relations and restructurings.
I specialise in clear, pragmatic advice that aligns documents with commercial objectives and keeps transactions moving. I’m comfortable coordinating due diligence and data rooms, managing multi-jurisdictional approvals and supporting boards on company secretarial matters.
Outside of work, I enjoy technology, gaming and cooking — especially making pizza from scratch — and I care deeply about mental health, having served as a workplace Mental Health First Responder.
I’m a corporate and commercial solicitor at Rubric. I qualified in 2016 and have advised startups, scale-ups, multinationals and investors on M&A, joint ventures, complex commercial contracts and international structuring, with a focus on clear, practical advice.
I’ve worked in private practice and in-house in the technology and biotech sectors, handling cross-border matters, governance and regulatory advisory, and leading due diligence and data room workstreams.
Outside work I prioritise family time, follow cricket, football and rugby, enjoy BBQs and travel, and have a long-standing interest in history. I also care about access to justice and have undertaken pro bono representation.
I joined Rubric as a paralegal in October 2025, having graduated with a law degree earlier that year.
My role centres on supporting our solicitors across a wide range of legal matters, ensuring every matter is dealt with accurately, efficiently, and with the exceptional client care with which Rubric excels.
Outside of the office, I am an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction. I enjoy going to concerts, travelling with my girlfriend, and keeping up with politics/current affairs.
I joined Rubric in January 2025 to oversee and run all marketing activity and help to drive growth. I have worked in-house and in agencies for the past 12 years, across the entire marketing mix for global brands, small independents and household names in healthcare, tech, FMCG and more.
I specialise in digital strategy and brand management, and have a passion for building long-lasting and robust relationships with colleagues, peers and clients alike.
Outside of work, I enjoy watching the rugby, being outside in nature, and love to travel with my girlfriend; experiencing new cultures, food and beers from around the world.
Joining Rubric in April 2023, I brought a decade of marketing experience across a range of sectors like TV shopping, fitness, and real estate. At Rubric, I enjoy the challenge of reaching new audiences and love the modern take the team has with their approach to legal services.
Outside the office, I’m a fitness enthusiast, teaching Les Mills BODYCOMBAT and spending quality time in the gym. My personal life is filled with fun with family and friends, and travelling as often as I can.
We’re extremely proud of our 5 star rating
Posted on Neil Criddle15 July 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. James and Shea were fully supportive throughout the transaction and looked after me every step of the way - I couldn't have done this without them!Posted on swapna chamathakundil4 April 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have no words to describe how happy I am to have Asif Moghal help me finish a business transaction. He put a lot of effort into making the purchase process simple for me. Rubric Law team have my highest recommendation, and I'll be using the team for all of my next businesses.Posted on James Risk16 October 2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve found Rubric to be very a very honest and trustworthy company. I’ve worked with James Howell who I would highly recommend for advice.Posted on Sam Boome7 July 2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very helpful and Insightful.Posted on Kevin Haydon7 June 2022Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have used Rubric Law now on a few occasions and have always found them efficient and professional. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.Posted on alan fussell24 April 2022Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very helpfull and a amazing place for offices the with viewsPosted on David Winn-Morgan8 March 2021Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have had the pleasure of working with MS Rubric for over ten years and they have always delivered exceptional service. I am a business broker, and have used them for most of my business sales. I have always been amazed at the depth of their knowledge and their professionalism. They have been able to help with some extremely complicated sales. I cannot recommend them highly enough.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Rubric is more than just a law firm; we’re a team, a family, united by our mission to offer friendly, expert legal guidance to businesses with a modern, approachable touch.