Russell-Cooke LLP > Kingston upon Thames, England > Firm Profile

Russell-Cooke LLP
Riverview House 20 Old Bridge Street Hampton Wick
KINGSTON UPON THAMES
KT1 4BU
England

Private client > Family: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 2

Located in Kingston upon Thames, the ‘thorough, competent, empathetic and professional’ family department at Russell-Cooke LLP is ‘a force to be reckoned with’. With a reputation in handling financial matters, agreements, and intervenor applications for mid to high-net-worth clients such as entrepreneurs and professionals, the practice continues to grow its offering in international matters relating to nuptial agreements, TLATA and Schedule 1 matters as well as its surrogacy, adoption, modern families and abduction work. The team is co-headed by trained collaborative lawyer Hannah Field, who has ‘great client management skills’ and regularly handles financial matters and international relocations concerning children, and the ‘experienced’ Miranda Green, who is an accredited resolution specialist and mediator, who specialises in financial provision, international and European family law and is ‘simply the best’.

Practice head(s):

Hannah Field; Miranda Green

Other key lawyers:

Jade Quirke; Fiona Reed

Testimonials

‘The Russell-Cooke team are a force to be reckoned with. Their client care is assiduous, and they know when to fight and when to settle.’

‘Miranda Green is simply the best. Nothing phases her and she routinely outsmarts her opponents simply by being experienced, reasonable and better prepared.’

‘Russell-Cooke are a heavy weight and the equal to any firm in the country. Their lawyers are of exceptionally high quality and hard working. No stone is left unturned and no avenue to assist the client left unexplored. Their expertise allows them to provide clear advice and position their client in the best possible way. The best compliment I can give them is I refer all my friends and family to them for assistance.’

‘Hannah Field has great client management skills and cuts to the heart of cases quickly.’

‘The depth, breadth & experience of practitioners stands out. They are very well respected, solution focused and decisive when they need to be. The practice is hugely respected and collegiate.’

‘The team is thorough, competent, empathetic and professional. I found a very high level of dedication and compassion toward myself and the delicate situation I was in. Communication was always prompt and details and I felt confident in my team throughout the case.’ 

‘Miranda Green is excellent. She is prompt to reply to you, and any issues you have. She is more than willing to explain things so that you are reassured. She is warm yet professional. The team which works with Miranda were on the ball and quick to reply. They did not disappoint.’

‘They are principled, technically knowledgeable, experienced, pragmatic and human. They can empathise with clients whilst keeping faith to best practice and ethics. Jade Quirke and Fiona Reed stood out. Fiona Reed has a genuine enthusiasm to make the world a better place and brings experience sitting as a deputy District Judge. Hannah Field works hard for her clients, refers into out of court processes when appropriate and again is a pleasure to deal with.’

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 2

Advising high-net-worth clients, business owners and international clients on cross-border estates, Russell-Cooke LLP’s ‘strong and experienced’ private client department, based in Kingston upon Thames, offers a ‘good blend of expertise and empathy’. Jointly leading the team is the ‘very competent and helpful’ Julie Man, who is the director of the Russell-Cooke Trust Company and works with multi-generational family businesses and entrepreneurs on succession planning and cross-border estates, particularly in the US. The ‘extremely knowledgeable, highly practical and prepared’ Kieran Bowe also co-heads the team.

Practice head(s):

Julie Man; Kieran Bowe

Other key lawyers:

Annika Bell

Testimonials

‘Kieran Bowe is prepared, competent and up-to-date as well as excellent on a personal level.’

‘An excellent team with some standout and highly talented individuals that work together to give a great strength to the client offering. Kieran Bowe is extremely knowledgeable, highly practical and incredibly pleasant to deal with. He is a delight to work with.’

‘Strong and experienced team with a good blend of expertise and empathy. They have the ability to understand individual and family dynamics and accordingly frame advice and planning within this context.’

‘Julie Man is the partner to see regarding personal tax, trusts and probate. What makes her stand out is that she really takes time to ensure that my wife and I fully understand what is required and that Julie fully understands what our circumstances are and what we require. We have needed to deal with family solicitors on a number of occasions through our lives and quite simply she is both the warmest and most clear of any we have dealt with in the past. She is the most thorough and is always empathetic.’

‘We consulted Russell Cooke because Julie Man moved there. Julie Man is highly approachable and professional, her advice is to be trusted.’

‘I felt straightaway that Russell-Cooke would have the right people. The team was professional, helpful and caring.’

‘Julie Man worked with other members of the team in order to give me the best legal advice, ensuring that every single legal aspect of my situation was considered. At all times professional to the core. She is very competent and helpful. I cannot recommend her enough.’

Crime, fraud and licensing > Crime: general Tier 2

Russell-Cooke LLP‘s general crime team is praised by clients for its ‘communication, professionalism and engagement‘, and regularly assists high-profile clients in cases with high public interest. The practice is highly experienced with criminal matters involving sexual offences, media related prosecutions, and serious organised crime. Jae Carwardine, described as ‘exceptional‘, leads the team, with Martin Rackstraw providing expertise in cases with political and security implications, as well as cases of homicide. Other names to note include associates Jacob Smyth and Abby Ewing. Frances Murray and associate Emily Russell joined the team from Rosenblatt in May 2022 and June 2022 respectively, followed by associate Joanna Schaefer from Kingsbury Ellis Solicitors in September 2022. Associate Keshina Bouri joined from Carson Kaye in January 2024, contributing her deep knowledge of fraud, homicide, and terrorism.

Practice head(s):

Jae Carwardine

Testimonials

‘This is my first time working with a legal firm. I have been positively impressed with the communication, professionalism and engagement throughout the process.’

‘Everyone I came in touch with was absolutely exceptional.’

‘Jae Carwardine is an exceptional partner. I have never known a lawyer make themselves so available to clients, even the most challenging ones. She combines unparalleled commitment and empathy with sound strategic acumen. Martin Rackstraw is also very impressive. He has deep experience in crime and extradition. His measured and focused manner commands respect. Diligent, shrewd and a delight to work with. Highly recommended.

‘The service was excellent. The commitment to our case was exceptional. The level of detail was brilliant. Our lawyer collaborated with medical professionals to create a case that was insurmountable. We were hugely relieved and grateful for the outcome of our case, which was achieved by diligence, a keen instinct for strategy, knowledge and experience.’

‘We worked with Jae Carwardine who is an exceptionally good lawyer. Jae achieved the best possible outcome for us. She always took the time to make sure we understood what strategies she was employing and why. She was very supportive whilst remaining highly professional. She was able to reassure us whilst always being very realistic about the situation.’

Work highlights

  • Represented Kirtland Gill, who stood trial accused of supplying 300 rounds of ammunition to an undercover police officer.
  • Represented a local businessman accused of murder.
  • Represented an Uber driver charged with an allegation of rape, the circumstances being that our client was alleged to have raped a female customer in his car whilst she was very drunk.

Dispute resolution > Professional discipline Tier 2

'At the forefront of regulatory law and professional discipline for at least the last 30 years', Russell-Cooke LLP is consistently instructed by the SRA, particularly in relation to insurance disputes and the Compensation Fund; and the team routinely advises major city firms and individual partners on misconduct allegations. The practice also acts for the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy, along with several other professional bodies. The track record of senior partner John Gould includes several high-profile disciplinary proceedings; Matt Bosworth is 'hugely experienced'; and Michael Stacey specialises in regulatory advice and litigation, in relation to legal services, architects, accountants, and charity trustees. The second line of key advisers includes consultant and former partner, Peter Cadman, who is regularly mandated by regulatory bodies and individual members of professions; legal counsel and barrister Tom Bradford, who also maintains a professional discipline practice; and the 'extremely hardworking' senior associate Sheetul Sowdagur.

Practice head(s):

John Gould; Matt Bosworth

Testimonials

‘Fantastic team – vast experience, pragmatic and down-to-earth.’

‘Michael Stacey is incredibly experienced, and with excellent judgment and a good manner with clients.’

‘A broad base of experience, prosecuting and defending in front of a wealth of different regulators (and sports bodies), and with the nous and experience to transition seamlessly if the matters become criminal or there are civil proceedings that spin off.’

‘John Gould brings vast amount of experience, wisdom and intellect to bear on cases.’

‘Matt Bosworth – 24 hour availability and tough as nails when he needs to be, and charming when that’s the best tack. Hugely experienced with a client base many rivals would give their right arm for.’

‘The firm is prepared to adapt fee strategies to meet the needs of the client, and has extensive marketing strategies which leads it to acquire new business with ease.’

‘Sheetul Sowdagur is extremely hardworking, makes herself available, and is client focused.’

‘The team has been at the forefront of regulatory law and professional discipline for at least the last 30 years.’

Key clients

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

CILEx Regulation

Solicitors Regulation Authority

Work highlights

  • Challenged the sanction placed on a doctor’s practice via a High Court Appeal.
  • Defended a solicitor accused by the Solicitors Regulation Authority of breaching his duties as certificate provider for a lasting power of attorney.
  • Successfully defended CILEX Regulation in judicial review proceedings.

Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 2

Russell-Cooke LLP’s team of ‘experienced clinical negligence lawyers with proven records’ is jointly led by Dominic Fairclough, who has notable inquest experience, and Janice Gardner, who ‘brings tactical nous to all her decisions’. Bernadette McGhie, who is singled out as being ‘one of the most experienced solicitors in the market’, leads the brain injury work, bringing her experience as a former paediatric nurse to claims including hypoxic brain injuries leading to cerebral palsy. The ability to work collaboratively with other teams within the firm is valuable to the clinical negligence practice; for example, the education law team is able to assist brain-injured clients with securing long-term support. Nimmisha Aslam is another recommended name.

Practice head(s):

Dominic Fairclough; Janice Gardner

Other key lawyers:

Sarah Towler; Ruth Roberts; Nimmisha Aslam; Bernadette McGhie; Lucy Lawson

Testimonials

‘Nimmisha Aslam always ensures that she understands the needs of the client first. That ensures that all the advice that follows is geared towards the right objective.’

‘A team consisting of clear leaders in their field. The partners, who have extensive experience of all different types of clinical negligence claims, are assisted by conscientious and talented solicitors. They apply the same personal touch and attention to detail to all claims. They always have the client’s interests at the forefront of their thinking and are tenacious, but pragmatic, in achieving the best possible results.’

‘Janice Gardner is a real fighter who stands her ground and gives realistic and proper advice to her clients. She is hugely experienced, has a lightness of touch and brings tactical nous to all her decisions.’

‘The team are very unified and highly organised. They are very personable, calm and approachable, whilst having extensive experience and expertise. I wouldn’t hesitate to use or recommend them.’

‘Bernadette McGhie has grace and kindness in bucketloads, whilst being one of the most experienced solicitors in the market. She goes the extra mile for her clients and provides huge support, reassurance and great results for everyone she works with. She proves that litigation doesn’t have to be unkind.’

‘Russell-Cooke’s clinical negligence team are a strong claimant-facing team with a good level of experience. All of the solicitors I have worked with have been diligent, efficient, and empathetic.’

‘Lucy Lawson is able to handle very complex claims and challenging clients calmly.’

‘Strong body of experienced clinical negligence lawyers with proven records. Good relationships with clients – Bernadette McGhie, for example, has longstanding experience in the field and has the benefit of a background as a nurse in paediatric intensive care.’

Work highlights

  • Acting in a 12-day inquest which also raised important areas of human rights and criminal law.
  • Handling a case in which the claimant had been accused of fundamental dishonesty in her clinical negligence claim.
  • Handling a clinical negligence action following an inquest.

Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2

The team at Russell-Cooke LLP is praised as 'approachable, highly intelligent, efficient, and coordinated' and 'work is done quickly and is well, informed by deep industry insight with a knack for finding resolution on even the most nuanced legal issue’. Led by Andrew Studd, the group is adept at advising on the establishment of new charities and on philanthropy issues, and continues to see an increase in work on regulatory interventions by the Charity Commission; it is also skilled at advising charities that have been created by Acts of Parliament and by Royal Charter. James Sinclair Taylor is a long-standing adviser to charities, social businesses and other not-for profits, while Chris Rowse continues to work with various high-profile clients. Pippa Garland advises charities from a wide range of sectors, and Carla Whalen was recently promoted to the partnership. At senior associate level, Gareth Roy is another name to note.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Studd

Other key lawyers:

James Sinclair-Taylor; Chris Rowse; Pippa Garland; Gareth Roy; Carla Whalen; Alison Sadler

Testimonials

‘The individualised and personal service that we received from Russell-Cooke was above and beyond what I expected to receive. They were readily available both online and in -person with little notice. Their ability to delegate within the team and the diversity of opinion available was exceptional and we are grateful for their work’.

‘Andrew Studd is an exceptional lawyer. His attention to detail and calm, reassuring manner was always appreciated. I had full confidence and trust in his knowledge and skill and the quality of the material that was provided was fantastic. It was also provided with such speed and efficiency’.

‘Chris Rowse is our main contact – he is always very responsive and a great partner in working towards and identifying robust, pragmatic solutions. He is also invaluable in dealing with Board members’.

‘Pippa Garland translates complex legal matters into language that can be understood by those without a legal background. She summarises conversations into concise notes that can be shared and is always keen to come up with solutions that work for everyone’.

‘Andrew Studd gives highly pragmatic advice in the context of a strategic approach. He is the go to solicitor for charity law.’

‘Very knowledgeable team with various expertise. Gareth Roy – expert in his field and responds quickly to support our organisation. Carla Whelan – expert in her field and responds and advises us promptly’.

‘Andrew Studd (partner) is approachable, empathetic and clear in his advice. He goes out of his way to understand the underlying pressures facing his clients and offer advice, support and a thoughtful perspective. The client relationship is professional but warm and personable’.

 ‘We have worked very closely with Pippa Garland (Partner) and Alison Sadler (Associate). Both have been extremely professional, capable and friendly in their approach. We particularly value the pragmatic but insightful approach to their advice’.

Key clients

UK for UNHCR

British Heart Foundation

Breast Cancer Now

UNICEF UK

Sadler’s Wells

Anthony Nolan

St John Ambulance

Borough Market

National Council for Civil Liberties

Youth Hostel Association (England and Wales)

Work highlights

  • Advised UK for UNHCR (the UK charity partner for UNHCR) on its partnership with the premier league football club, Nottingham Forest FC.
  • Advised Sadler’s Wells on the renewal of its headline sponsorship with Barclays Bank plc.
  • Advised Social Interest Group on all company and charity law aspects of its merger with Safe Ground.

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 2

The  ‘closely-knit team’ at Russell-Cooke LLP  ‘works very hard and draws on a significant wealth of experience to represent their clients in disputes of significant value and complexity’. The ‘very cannyAlison Regan heads the ‘refreshingly modern and diverse firm’, which has ‘exceptional trust and probate practitioners’. It advises in all areas of trust and estate litigation, and is increasingly known for its cross-border and international work involving issues of foreign assets, domicile and residence. Gareth Ledsham has significant experience of dealing with complex and high-value cross-jurisdictional estate disputes. Senior associate, Andrew Morgan is another important member of the practice.

Practice head(s):

Alison Regan

Other key lawyers:

Gareth Ledsham; Andrew Morgan; Georgia Haughney

Testimonials

‘Alison Regan is a pleasure to work with. She is very clever, hard-working, a master of client care, a brilliant tactician and so very calm. Gareth Ledsham is clever and a calm, safe pair of hands. Georgia Haughney was so committed to our client.’

‘I worked closely with Andrew Morgan, a senior associate on one matter. I found him to be knowledgeable and with a good eye for detail. He was very on top of the case and worked closely with Counsel to achieve the desired outcome for the client.’

‘Alison Reagan is a delight to work with. She is both incredibly hardworking but also a calming and rational influence in cases. Gareth Ledsham is a very clever practitioner. His strategies are cerebral but practical. He is also very client friendly.’

‘A small but closely-knit team that works very hard and draws on a significant wealth of experience to represent their clients in disputes of significant value and complexity.’

‘Dynamic team which can handle very large-scale litigation with a sureness which is unusual for a non-City firm. Alison Regan is surefooted and intelligent, an experienced litigator who will work tirelessly for her client. Gareth Ledsham is very astute, intelligent and determined litigator who is well known in the private wealth space.’

‘Alison Regan is a sharp and strategic litigator. She has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law and is a go-to person for succession disputes. Gareth Ledsham is a real expert in court of protection work and his language skills make him a real asset in cross-border litigation.’

‘Very strong team. Lots of experience in the area. Georgia Haughney is extremely clever and engaged. She is committed to her clients and to achieving the best possible result for them. She is sensible in her conclusions, experienced, and unflappable.’

‘I’d particularly recommend Gareth Ledsham who is very professional, clear and accurate in his legal and practical advice, and a great pleasure to work with. I would strongly recommend him to anyone in this line of work.’

Private client > Court of protection Tier 2

Russell-Cooke LLP advises on a wide array of contentious and non-contentious matters. It regularly provides specialist advice on cross-border issues, particularly those with a French element them. Gareth Ledsham heads the contentious court of protection team. Ledsham is particularly recognised for his work on matters involving overseas assets. He advises on the full range of contested mental capacity issues regarding property and financial affairs. Rita Bhargava leads the non-contentious capacity and court of protection offering. Bhargava frequently helps with the management of financial affairs for vulnerable clients and advises on personal injury trusts for those with acquired injuries.

Practice head(s):

Gareth Ledsham; Rita Bhargava

Testimonials

‘The team acted with compassion and took the time to really understand the complex family situation. This made us feel at ease and allowed the team to build a good relationship with us’.

‘Gareth Ledsham was very knowledgeable and made us feel in good hands. He distilled a complex family situation down and provided good advice and made us feel in control’.

‘I think this team in particular has specialist Court of Protection knowledge. They really know their stuff. Rita Bhargava is empathetic and hard-working with a very pragmatic and sensible approach’.

‘This team is excellent. They have market leading experience and no fuss. Gareth Ledsham leads with experience and authority’.

‘Russell-Cooke LLP has an expert Court of Protection department that has a strong international desk. This allows cross-border expertise’.

‘What makes Gareth Ledsham different is that he has great clarity of thought as well as a sharp mind. He also volunteers his time with the STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) Global Steering Committee for the Mental Capacity Special Interest Group where he provides thought-leadership and moderates panels’.  

‘Rita Bhargava is head of the capacity and court of protection team at Russell-Cooke. They are uniquely placed to deal with both contentious and non-contentious capacity issues and also have a cross border team’.

‘Rita Bhargava is one of those unique lawyers who is very experienced in her field yet is also compassionate and caring. Her commitment to her clients is inspiring. She gives clear, reasoned advice and always goes above and beyond for her clients. She genuinely wants to help people’.

Private client > Family Tier 2

Russell-Cooke LLP ‘is extremely well led' and provides a ‘golden circle service’. It has a broad range of specialisms and advises on a diverse range of matters, such as nuptial agreements, cohabitation issues, international mandates, and complex children issues. Other fields of expertise include assisting clients with fertility law, surrogacy, and adoption, as well as LGBTQ+ family law advice. James Carroll, Kate Hamilton , Fiona Read, and Sarah Richardson are ‘hugely experienced’ and have an 'uncanny ability to see around corners’. Hannah Minty, Hannah Field, Samantha Little, and Miranda Green produce work that is ‘consistently of an excellent standard’. Jemma Pollock has been promoted to the partnership, and Jade Quirke ‘knows everything there is to know on any complicated area of fertility law’.

Practice head(s):

James Carroll; Kate Hamilton; Jemma Pollock; Fiona Read; Hannah Minty; Hannah Field; Miranda Green; Samantha Little; Sarah Richardson

Other key lawyers:

Jade Quirke; Imogen Nolan; Jasmin Talai; James Sandiford; Richard Shaw

Testimonials

‘Samantha Little is a standout solicitor within the firm, and within family law as a whole. She deals with extremely complex cases and is always able to get to grips with very complex medical evidence quickly. She is also regularly sought after.’

‘Jade Quirke is a leader in the field of surrogacy. She gives an enormous amount of thought to her cases and is highly experienced. She has a very supportive approach to her clients alongside superb technical skills.’

‘Imogen Nolan, Fiona Read and Hannah Field all excellent.’

‘Sarah Richardson has a mixture of fantastic legal knowledge, down to earth common sense, and real sensitivity to be able to work with and represent vulnerable teenagers. This is often missing in other solicitors who do the same kind of work.’

‘Hannah Field is a practical lawyer who gives clear advice to clients. She is excellent at exploiting good points in cases, but always advises clients where the pitfalls are in their case.’

‘James Carroll is focused on resolving matters in the most advantageous and cost-effective way. He isn’t afraid to be firm when he needs to be but in a very charming and compelling way. Jasmin Talai is effective, efficient and responsive. Jemma Pollock is pragmatic and sensible.’

‘Hannah Minty is particularly strong in pre-nuptial agreements. She is easy to work with, sensible, measured, clever and a tough negotiator but one who does not argue unnecessarily. She is always willing to make sensible compromises and concessions.’

‘Kate Hamilton is a superb solicitor. She exudes authority and is pragmatic and results driven.’

Work highlights

  • Advised the British parents of an adult child born via gestational surrogacy in California in the 1990s on obtaining a parental order.
  • Advised multiple members of an international ultra-high-net-worth family on family law matters, relationship planning, and wealth protection.
  • Advised a wife on divorce and financial remedy claims against an ultra-high-net-worth international businessman who had set up a complex structure of companies and trusts in order to protect his wealth.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2

With Rebecca Fisher at the helm,Russell-Cooke LLP combines the strength and depth of talent of a City firm with non-city firm rates. They are our go-to firm for referrals for a complicated matter which needs careful and sensitive handling’. Fisher has particular expertise in advising multi-generational family businesses, entrepreneurs and family offices. Andrew Godfrey  has strength in complex cross-border estates and planning matters. Nicole Gallop Mildon joined the firm from Druces LLP in November 2022 and is a diplômée notaire in France. She brings with her a wealth of experience in UK and French tax and estates advice in the private client sphere. Suzanne Mynors, who was promoted to partner in July 2022, is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Rebecca Fisher

Other key lawyers:

Richard Frimston; Nicole Gallop Mildon; Suzanne Mynors; Patrick Delas; Andrew Godfrey

Testimonials

‘Russell-Cooke LLP listen to the needs of the client. They realise the client is not a theoretical case study but a living, breathing person with potentially idiosyncratic ideas, values and needs. They do what they promise they will do and they do it in the promised timescale’.

‘They go the extra mile providing flexibility to deliver advice that the big, central London firms do not. I cannot recommend them highly enough.’

‘Rebecca Fisher is an innovative, personable, thorough, determined lawyer. She is incredibly emotionally intelligent to what is going on with a client. At the same time she is also incredibly pragmatic and will not shy away from difficult discussions. All in all, a wonderful lawyer’. 

‘My experience with Russell-Cooke LLP has been in connection with the French team and the excellent cross-border and French tax advice they provide. They worked with us to come up with practical solutions for various issues for clients with French assets and French tax issues’. 

‘Patrick Delas was very approachable and provided the specialist French advice in a way that was easily understandable by the client’.

‘Nicole Gallop Mildon was very approachable and knowledgeable, working with us to provide the French advice required by the client’.

‘Patrick gives clear, practical advice on complex issues. He takes time to understand what the client wants and then tailors his approach to provide a solution that works for them, and not just doing the ‘standard work. He is proactive where there have been changes in the law‘.

‘They combine top-notch technical lawyering skills with an ability to relate fully to their clients, in a field where effective advice often goes beyond black letter law. Rebecca Fisher is excellent: an all-rounder in the private client field’.

Public sector > Education: individuals Tier 2

In addition to its expertise in education matters, the ‘very knowledgeable team‘ at Russell-Cooke LLP has ‘vast experience in matters of family law‘, enabling it to regularly act for the families of students with special educational needs in Equality Act and disability discrimination claims, including SEN Tribunal appeals related to insufficiently comprehensive EHC plans, unjust school exclusions, and new school placements. Under the leadership of Eva Akins, a disability and education law expert with a thorough understanding of matters surrounding children with autims and ADHD, the practice also frequently acts on behalf of children requiring provisions for education other than at school. Lenka Wall is also recommended for her ability to represent clients in judicial reviews and Tribunal appeals. The practice underwent further growth with the arrival of Erin Smart from Irwin Mitchell in May 2023.

Practice head(s):

Eva Akins

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Eva Akins and Lenka Wall are both absolutely fabulous – they prepare very thoroughly, they’re wonderful with clients, their written advocacy is excellent, and they give spot-on legal advice.’

‘The Education Team at Russell Cooke have a real expertise in providing technical and practical advice to preserve a child’s right to an education and educational support. They are not afraid to pursue any remedy which you might be seeking on behalf of your child.’

‘Lenka Wall is highly committed, has a great grasp of nuanced facts, and is a pleasure to deal with.’

‘Highly knowledgeable and empathetic to our needs. They do a really great job.’

‘Eva Akins is remarkable in her skills of forward-thinking, leaving no stone unturned and being prepared for every eventually. I am blown away by her genuine care, empathy and compassion, and her ability to balance this with her exceptional knowledge of the law to achieve great effect. Lenka Wall also displays astounding knowledge and understanding of the law, continuing the Russell-Cooke standards of exceptionally high client care.’

‘Very knowledgeable team with vast experience in matters of family law.’

‘The team has an extensive knowledge of the area but can also combine that with a pragmatic and practical approach.’

‘Eva Akins is a stand-out partner, an exceptional lawyer and counsel. She has very extensive experience in education law, including special education and disabilities support. She understands the nuances of the educational system and always provides pragmatic and holistic advice, with candour and a focus on ensuring her clients achieve the best outcomes. I particularly appreciate her willingness to boldly challenge opponents and seek practical solutions to complex issues. She also leads her team effectively so that clients experience consistency in the level of support and professionalism in her absence. Eva is a real pleasure to work with.’

Work highlights

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Hampshire

Private client > Family: mediation Tier 1

Russell-Cooke LLP has one of the best family mediation teams in London. They have a real depth of talent. They are a committed and innovative team’. It has a strong focus on ADR. James Carroll is a key member of this ‘forward thinking and collaborative team’. Carroll is ‘encyclopaedic in his knowledge of the law, and a brilliant strategist who is easily able to translate these skills into his mediation practice’. The team offers sole mediation, co-mediation, hybrid and shuttle mediation, with or without solicitors. The ‘highly ratedFiona Read has recently qualified to offer child inclusive mediations. Read is an accredited family mediator and a member of Family Mediation Council. Kate Hamilton is a trained Resolution mediator. Hamilton regularly mediates on high-net-worth cases and cases with conflict.

Practice head(s):

Fiona Read; James Carroll; Kate Hamilton

Other key lawyers:

Emma Wager

Testimonials

‘James Carroll is calm, measured and brilliant with clients‘.

‘James Carroll is fantastic. He is utterly committed to constructive dispute resolution. He is a skilled and truly imaginative mediator. He gets results in the most complex and intractable cases’.

‘Kate Hamilton is impressive. Down to earth and sensible but clever and skilled at finding solutions. Fiona Read is a stalwart of the London mediation scene. She is incredibly bright and thoroughly constructive. A true star!’.

‘Russell-Cooke is an excellent practice, and has a real strength in its mediation offering. Kate Hamilton enjoys an excellent reputation for mediation work and is bright and efficient. On the more junior side, Emma Wager is a recently qualified mediator who looks certain to develop her reputation as a mediator’.

‘James Carroll is an excellent mediator, with a really good grasp of the law, and an ability to facilitate cases. I have used him in high conflict cases. I get very good feedback from clients and colleagues about him too. He has a very good awareness of international law which is particularly helpful’.

‘Strong team which covers all aspects of family law. Good mix of seniority offering a choice to the client but with reassurance that they work as a team.’

Fiona Read  is a tour de force in family law. Able to adapt her approach to differing needs of clients.‘.

‘Each of the family lawyers I’ve dealt with at Russell Cooke know their stuff. Fiona’s reputation as a mediator meant that she was very quickly agreed as being the right person to mediate this case.  I have also referred mediations to James Carroll, who I think is also excellent’.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market Tier 3

Russell-Cooke LLP‘s multi-disciplinary department comprises experts in a range of contentious matters, including civil fraud, professional negligence, construction, insolvency, and contractual and director/shareholder disputes. Senior partner John Gould specialises in commercial litigation, regulation, and public law matters; insolvency head Lee Ranford 'brings decades of experience'; Elliot Elsey's practice encompasses contractual and quasi-contractual disputes, as well as claimant-side professional negligence; Michael Stacey is 'a standout solicitor with excellent regulatory knowledge'; and Mark Fletcher maintains a broad litigation practice. Joshua Mitchell (promoted in July 2023, David Fendt and Emily Mitcheson are the senior associates to note.

Practice head(s):

John Gould

Testimonials

‘City expertise in its legal knowledge, experience, advice, and case-handling of insurance and property litigation at a non-City price – what’s not to like?’

‘John Gould – the doyen of regulatory solicitors who also does commercial work. Extremely wise, tremendous intellect, and hardworking.’

‘Lee Ranford is a seasoned partner specialising in commercial insolvency matters. He brings decades of experience and a cool touch to the most complex and challenging matters.’

‘Mark Fletcher is a brilliant lawyer with a fine eye for detail, who will turn over every stone in order to achieve the best result for his client.’

‘Michael Stacey is a standout solicitor with excellent regulatory knowledge and great client service.’

‘Eliott Elsey demonstrates a complete grasp of the issues in the case. Every care is taken to ensure clients are on board throughout.’

‘David Fendt is a very experienced senior associate, who communicates excellently with clients, is very attentive, and effectively manages demanding cases.

Emily Mitcheson is a highly-experienced senior associate and, frankly, is now operating on a partner level. Joshua Mitchell is also very good to work with – he is firmly on top of matters and provides helpful input.’

Key clients

Law Society of England and Wales

Solicitors Regulation Authority

Shurgard

Venson Automotive Solutions

FRP Advisory Trading

Health and Protection

Moore Kingston Smith

WSM Marks Bloom

Work highlights

  • Advising the owner of a student accommodation block in claims arising from high-value remedial works (due to fire safety issues).
  • Assisting an insolvency practitioner with recovery of multi-million pound loans from tax investment schemes.
  • Assisting the claimant with a multi-million pound proprietary estoppel/unjust enrichment claim.

Employment > Immigration

Russell-Cooke LLP provides immigration support for major corporate transactions headed by leading US and UK law firms, advising on the immigration implications of acquisitions, divestitures, and restructures. For personal immigration, the firm undertakes complex work for HNW individuals, those seeking to establish start-ups, and a number of other individuals, and has an established niche in handling international surrogacy arrangements. Practice head Edward Wanambwa brings his experience in corporate law to the firm’s business immigration practice, with particular experience in handling immigration mandates for national and international corporates, in addition to a strong track record in advising individuals in their personal immigration matters. Legal counsel Tom Bradford, as a former barrister, is noted for his expertise in handling contentious immigration work.

Practice head(s):

Ed Wanambwa

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

I have worked with Tom Bradford. He is outstandingly professional, well-organised and empathetic with clients.’

‘The firm has a standout presence in immigration law as evident from it having retained Legal Counsel Tom Bradford who is a specialist in immigration law matters.’

‘Great knowledge and attention to clients needs.’

 

Work highlights

  • Advised a major private equity firm on immigration aspects of its proposed acquisition of a major multinational tourism business.
  • Advised a New York based hedge fund on all immigration aspects of its office relocation from New York to London.
  • Advised on obtaining visas, in a very short timeframe, for co-founders and a team of developers of a fintech company.

Employment > Senior executives Tier 3

Russell-Cooke LLP handles the gamut of relevant disputes in the financial sector with ‘excellent engagement, insight and knowledge'. Anthony Sakrouge leads the team, focusing on whistleblowing and unfair dismissals, and matters relating to unathorised deduction of wages. Alex Bearman handles age and race discrimination claims, as well as cross-jurisdictional payment omission disputes and gross misconduct charges. Senior associate Jeremy Coy acts for individuals in matters regarding sex discrimination and bullying.

Practice head(s):

Anthony Sakrouge

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team was excellent as they were sympathetic and professional. They provided sound advice that was easy to understand.’

‘Jeremy Coy – calm and proactive with sensitive clients. He is an excellent team player with comprehensive knowledge of the facts.’

‘This practice stands out because it is brilliant in all key aspects: knowledge, practical advice, speed, transparency of billing, and excellent client service.’

‘Excellent engagement, insight and knowledge, delivery and contacts.’

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3

Russell-Cooke LLP‘s property litigation practice is split into two teams, being the property and housing litigation team, and the enfranchisement team. Together, the teams have a strong track record in commercial property litigation for a client base of major market players. This includes in matters concerning telecoms, building safety and real property. Practice head Jason Hunter advises on landlord and tenant law, as well as disputes surrounding party walls, trespass and rights of way. Paul Greatholder regularly handles property litigation for businesses, individuals and charities.

Practice head(s):

Jason Hunter

Other key lawyers:

Paul Greatholder; Ed Cracknell; Stephen Small; Shabnam Ali-Khan; Pauline Lam

Testimonials

‘Pauline Lam is an excellent trial lawyer – she is on top of every detail of a case. Exactly the type of solicitor you want to be fighting for you.’

‘They always tailor their advice with the specific issues taking into account the client and their needs.’

‘Jason Hunter gives excellent strategic advice and overview.’

‘They deal with any and every problem, ranging from individual disputes over fences to huge commercial claims. Deeply impressive all round, with a cast of very talented people.’

‘Paul Greatholder and Ed Cracknell are a huge boon to any team – talented, bright and resourceful.’

‘They go above and beyond what is required, have teams which cover all legal matters and provide seminars and networking opportunities; they facilitate a network for different sectors within organisations for support.’

‘They are happy to discuss matters prior to instruction.’

‘They provide thorough and considered advice. Confident that even when matters are not live, they are thinking of us.’

Key clients

Pret a Manger

Grainger Plc

Clipstone

Ilchester Estate

Matalan

Edward Gostling Foundation

Borough Market

Get Living

Alexander Devine Children’s Cancer Trust

Lok ‘N Store

Work highlights

  • Acted in a High Court injunction and damages claim to protect a right to light relating to a prime central London building.
  • Successfully obtained injunction and damages for owners of Grade II listed parks and gardens in the West Country in a trespass and boundary dispute together with an indemnity costs order against the opponents.
  • Continuing to act for the beneficiary of a restrictive covenant following very substantial high-profile litigation including recovery of further damages arising from the resolution of a satellite claim.

Real estate > Social housing: tenant Tier 3

Russell-Cooke LLP's social housing team is actively involved in the Grenfell inquiry, and the firm has developed a specialism in cladding and building fire-safety. ‘Vastly experienced’ senior associate Caroline Brosnan and ‘tremendously efficient‘ associate Jodie Green have played key roles in the firm’s Grenfell work, as well as supervising the team’s Legal Aid matters alongside consultant Matilda Rubens. In 2022, the group used Legal Aid funding to appeal homelessness decisions in the County Court, challenge housing suitability through judicial reviews, and to defend possession and injunction proceedings. The team provides advisory and litigation support to vulnerable clients, and to housing co-operatives, a role Brosnan has taken over from Graham French since his move to consultancy.

Practice head(s):

Jason Hunter

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team has tremendous strength in depth, ensuring consistency of service and effective delegation, providing value for money.’

‘Graham French is wonderfully calm and has exceptional experience of the sector. Caroline Brosnan is extremely intelligent, diligent, and full of great insight. Jodie Green is an excellent team player and tremendously efficient.’

‘Russell Cooke’s social housing team is exceptional. Caroline Brosnan is a vastly experienced practitioner. The team have worked on the Grenfell Tower inquiry and various high-profile housing cases.’

‘Jack Crown is both tenacious and empathetic and has an impressively reassuring manner with often vulnerable clients.’

‘A modern practice headed by Caroline Brosnan who leads from the front and has a wealth of experience in social housing. Able to deal with complex urgent judicial review cases with aplomb.’

‘Caroline Brosnan is an incredible lawyer who is a member of the executive of the housing law practitioners. She is in tune with legal issues in this sector and able to identify and develop points of law in homelessness appeals and judicial review challenges. She now has a great team, including Tom Hopkins.’

‘Caroline Brosnan is a conscientious, reliable, and trustworthy lawyer of integrity. She has been nothing but supportive and reassuring; she patiently explained everything in a way that was simple yet thorough and made sure I felt protected and safe throughout the process.’

‘Caroline Brosnan and her colleague Tom Hopkins are the utmost professionals. They are very responsive and explained everything clearly, making sure I felt comfortable every step of the way with the process and eventual positive outcome. I appreciate their dedication and expertise in handling my challenging case. I highly recommend Caroline Brosnan and her team!’

Work highlights

  • Assisted a homeless client with being awarded full housing duty, having her children housed with her, obtaining compensation for unsuitable interim accommodation, and obtaining suitable temporary accommodation.
  • Assisting a Rent Act tenant with getting work done by their landlord and to get compensation for the poor living conditions they have had to endure because the property was not repaired earlier.
  • Advising a client who was being harassed by his landlord, including turning off the tenant’s heating and water supply, on having these services reinstated and negotiating with the landlord’s solicitors for damages.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Smaller Deals, £10m-£100m Tier 4

Noted for its strong focus on start-ups and the technology sector, Russell-Cooke LLP is lauded by clients for its ‘breadth of knowledge’ and ‘speed of engagement’. Practice head Jonathan Thornton - who draws praise for his 'eye for detail' - specialises in high-value share and business sales and joint ventures. Emma Shipp is rated for her ‘incredible attention to detail’ and ‘calm’ manner.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Thornton

Other key lawyers:

Emma Shipp; Guy Wilmot; Sally Johnston; Rachael Taylor; Olivia Bailhe; Alex Canning

Testimonials

‘Jonathan Thornton is great – providing practical workable solutions to complex business problems.’

‘Russell-Cooke is a vastly experienced company that delivers a high-level service to its clients. As a specialist tax firm, we work closely with solicitors, and Russell Cooke collaborated well with us, assisting us to plan the transaction.’

‘Rachael was very knowledgeable and spent time explaining the transaction to our client in a pragmatic way. This transaction incorporated an aspect we had never worked with before, however, Rachael understood the concept and delivered a suite of legal documents in a timely manner.’

‘They were technically extremely strong, giving us tremendous confidence that they would not miss anything. They gave us the very strong feeling that they were on our side and determined to represent our interests at every stage in the process.’

‘Emma Shipp is a fantastic lawyer. Technically very strong, incredible attention to detail, calm, clear, dogged, patient, with a good sense of humour as well. She was a great ally and made the whole process easier than it would otherwise have been. She was ably supported by Olivia Bailhe and Alex Canning who were also excellent throughout.’

‘The team are knowledgeable, responsive and willing to work work with a client to achieve the best outcome for our mutual client.

‘Close working relationship with the business, transparency and communication combine to make an efficient and effective relationship.’

‘Breadth of knowledge, speed of engagement and willingness to interact to take context and provide advice.’

Key clients

MQube

Bumper International Limited

Char.gy

Basis Research Group

Oxbury Bank plc

Wi-Q Limited

Ilchester Estate

Beavis Morgan LLP

Viritech Ltd

Bloom Real Estate

Jigsaw Research Ltd

Isosceles Finance Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advised Bumper International on a new SAFE instrument and secondary share sales as part of its £26.1m Series A extension.
  • Advised Isosceles Finance and its founder on the sale of the company to Dains Accountants.
  • Advised Jigsaw Research and its shareholders on the sale of the company to strategic insight consultancy group Strat7.

Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 4

Sarah Towler and Grant Incles jointly lead the personal injury team at Russell-Cooke LLP, which is praised for its ‘nerves of steel’ and ‘wonderfully personal touch’. The team has particular expertise regarding brain injuries, an area in which Towler specialises alongside Janice Gardner. Incles has a recognised niche in cycling claims, dealing with maximum severity claims, including those involving tetraplegia and paraplegia. Dominic Fairclough leads the firm’s inquest offering. The team is also noted for its expertise in sexual abuse claims, and has notable experience regarding historic claims in this area. Senior associate Nimmisha Aslam is currently instructed in a number of claims arising from the Grenfell Tower fire.

Practice head(s):

Grant Incles; Sarah Towler

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Nimmisha Aslam is on the ball with giving updates, explaining things I don’t understand in a simple manner so I can understand, always actively listening to what my needs are and what I want from my personal injury claim, always making me aware of the legal implications of the decision I choose.’

‘I found the firm very technically competent but also extremely responsive and fast. They were able to get up to speed very quickly with my case, explain the process and my options very clearly and then give me strong, well argued advice. They made the whole process easy and trouble free.’

‘Grant Incles is outstanding.’

‘Janice Gardner is a stand-out star: down-to-earth, diligent and with a keen sense of what will and will not work. Her clients love her.’

‘Janice Gardner is an outstanding partner. She always goes the extra mile. She is tenacious and spirited, fighting for the best possible result. She is popular in the industry and a joy to work with.’

‘Russell-Cooke’s personal injury team are a strong claimant-facing team with a good level of experience. I have worked with several of the solicitors and have always found their instructions to be thorough, with good identification of issues and clear guidance. All of the solicitors I have worked with have been diligent, efficient, and empathetic.’

‘One of top firms in sexual abuse claims with good resources and good lawyers.’

‘Nerves of steel with a wonderfully personal touch.’

Work highlights

  • Represented a claimant and secured close to £1m in a case which was defended to trial over six days on the basis of fundamental dishonesty.
  • Achieved a settlement in excess of £1.4m for a claimant who suffered a traumatic brain injury as a motorcyclist in a road traffic collision.
  • Acted for the family of Ashley Bullard at the jury inquest over eight days into his death whilst working as a mechanic.

Public sector > Administrative and public law Tier 4

Russell-Cooke LLP is increasingly engaged in complex judicial review and public inquiry work, drawing on its recognised regulatory expertise and growing specialisms in planning, housing, criminal law and immigration. Practice head John Gould is a public law specialist and regularly prepares independent reports on governance and related issues for public sector organisations. Michael Stacey is known for both bringing and defending high-profile judicial reviews, particularly regarding policy issues affecting the charity sector.

Practice head(s):

John Gould

Other key lawyers:

Michael Stacey; Graham French; Alex Ground; Lauren Cormack; John Webster

Testimonials

‘Fantastic team, great litigation skills and friendly.’

‘Michael Stacey is a fantastic litigator; shrewd and tactical but with excellent legal knowledge and excellent client-handling skills.’

‘The team has great strength in depth which means that work can be delegated down extremely effectively.’

‘Graham French has great experience and is calm and authoritative.’

‘This is a highly committed team with a strong understanding of the wide and varied aspects of administrative law.’

‘Vastly experienced in public law, especially as it applies to regulators in the legal services and financial services sectors.’

‘John Gould has been a leader in the field over many years. Michael Stacey is one of the best young partners around. The ultimate safe pair of hands; hardworking and super-bright, they can be totally relied on to handle matters of importance and complexity.’

Key clients

Core Participants in the Grenfell Inquiry

Solicitors Regulation Authority

CILEx Regulation Limited

The Law Society of England and Wales

Parent of an 18 year old with serious medical needs

Trans parent seeking a Passport for his child without a birth certificate

Mother of two children, one whom has Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Work highlights

  • Acted for core participants in the Grenfell Tower inquiry.
  • Advised a transgender man who gave birth to his child on a free-standing application under the Human Rights Act 1998 to permit a passport application, without a birth certificate.
  • Successfully defended CILEx Regulation in judicial review proceedings.

Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 4

The ‘impressive team’ at Russell-Cooke LLP boasts a strong client roster of corporate occupiers, including Pret a Manger and Wasabi. Matt Garrod leads the team and assists clients with portfolio expansion and lease re-gears, as well as advising investment funds on acquisitions, developments and high-value lettings of office and industrial properties. Arnold Isaacson is entrusted by clients on the development and letting of landmark buildings in the capital. Robert Lusher acts for corporate occupiers in the industrial, leisure, office, and retail sectors, and Neil Dryer handles asset management, while Chris Barkley focuses on real estate finance matters.

Practice head(s):

Matt Garrod

Testimonials

‘They have a lot of very user-friendly solicitors working in a variety of fields, and I have been very happy with the service.’

‘An impressive team, who will respond as quickly as possible.’

‘They stand out for their responsiveness.’

‘Neil Dryer is always available to help and advise us. He has extensive knowledge and is always responsive at short notice. We rely on him to protect our business and help us with new contracts.’

Key clients

Pret a Manger Limited & Eat Limited

Wasabi & Co Limited

Blackstone Group / Revantage UK

AG Bloom LML BV

Sirosa Properties Establishment

Strandbrook Limited

Tokoro Capital LLP

Karma Co-Kitchens

Gorillas Technologies UK Limited

Viewranks Limited

Clipstone XI Limited

Vervain

Padmanor Investments Limited

Reichmann Properties plc

ESAS Group

NYK Group Europe Limited

Goreford Ltd

NWB Properties Limited

Goldcrest Land Limited

Bourneford Limited

Marine Society and Sea Cadets

Quantum Group

Work highlights

  • Acted for Pret in growing their national base of franchisees and all of the property aspects involved in that process.
  • Acted on a number of asset management matters across Blackstone’s UK portfolio.
  • Advised Sirosa, the freehold owner of a landmark six storey building on Oxford Street W1 on the management, letting, development and litigation matters that arise from the portfolio.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: white-collar crime (advice to individuals) Tier 5

Russell-Cooke LLP’s financial crime practice consistently represents high-net-worth individuals and c-suite executives subject to allegations of boiler room fraud, bribery and corruption, and money laundering. The group has experience in dealing with UK enforcement agencies, including the SFO, FCA, and HMRC, and shows significant strength in fraud matters arising largely out of an abuse of position. Practice head Jae Carwardine advises defendants, witnesses, and victims of fraud with respect to fraudulent investigations and related confiscation proceedings. The ‘fantastic’ Frances Murray is an expert on financial crime, while Martin Rackshaw regularly deals with international fraud and bribery cases. Matt Bosworth is noted for his knowledge of financial regulatory matters.

Practice head(s):

Jae Carwardine

Other key lawyers:

Frances Murray; Martin Rackstraw; Matt Bosworth; Jacob Smyth; Emily Russell; Abby Ewing; Joanna Schaefer; iLSE Gifford Smith

Testimonials

‘iLSE Gifford Smith is extremely thorough and hugely reassuring to clients.’

‘Fran Murray has an outstanding background in white collar fraud and financial regulatory work. She is frighteningly hard-working, hugely perceptive and strategically no-nonsense in tackling the most complex of cases. I have worked with her for a number of years and never seen her phased by anything. I don’t know the rest of the team as well, but having only joined Russell Cooke in recent times, Fran herself must think exceptionally highly of them.’

‘Fran Murray is excellent. A joy to work with, prolific in the work she turns out, and hugely assured in the advice she gives.’

‘Frances Murray is a highly committed and experienced practitioner.’

‘Frances Murray is a very diligent and committed practitioner who leaves no stone unturned for her clients.’

‘Fran is a fantastic lawyer, with a real vision for the future. Always available and passionate about her clients and work.’

Work highlights

  • Derailing a police investigation into a finance director for misappropriation of company funds involving a cross-border dispute with the Australian shareholders.
  • Acting for member of established partnership, alleged to have engaged in persistent fraudulent conduct and abuse of position over a 5-year period.  The sum involves is in excess of £1.85m.
  • Advising a professional in Financial Services who is the subject of a Worldwide Freezing Order and a cross-border police investigation in relation to the allegation of Fraud by Abuse of Position following their admission in the parallel civil proceedings to misappropriating a sum in excess of £1,000,000 from a US-based entertainment company.

Real estate > Planning Tier 5

The ‘diligent and experienced’ team at Russell-Cooke LLP, led by Alex Ground, handles a broad range of contentious and non-contentious planning matters. The group has noted an increasing number of 100% custom-build and self-build schemes, and has taken on new clients in 2022, including Lok ‘N’ Store. The team has also grown, with the addition of Catherine Knight, who joined from Bradford City Council in March 2023. Benjamin Cochrane is praised as a ‘hardworking and very reliable’ associate. John Webster left the firm in October 2022.

Practice head(s):

Alex Ground

Other key lawyers:

Ben Cochrane

Testimonials

‘I have had an excellent experience working with members of the team at Russell Cooke. They deliver a first-class service to their clients and are a pleasure to work with as counsel.’

‘They are very diligent and experienced in all aspects of planning litigation. I would highly recommend them to any of my clients.’

‘Alex Ground is approachable, professional, knowledgeable, and a go-to solicitor for any difficulties in the planning arena.’

‘Attention to detail, prompt response to enquiries, sound knowledge of case law, and user-friendly advise for clients.’

‘Alex Ground has provided high-quality and consistent advice over the years we have been in contact.’

‘Alex Ground is wonderful to work with and has a calming, reassuring approach.’

‘Ben Cochrane is very hardworking and very reliable.’

Key clients

Vistry Partnerships

Countryside Properties Plc

Sirosa Properties Establishment

AG Bloom LML BV

Goldcrest Land

Triplerose Limited

Redcar Bulk Terminal Limited

Copperwood Developments Limited

Reichmann Properties plc

Nueva Limited

Newable

Viewranks Limited

Lok’n Store Group PLC

Quantum Land and Planning Limited

Gorillas Technologies UK Limited

Woodcock Holdings

Work highlights

  • Acting for Triplerose Limited in an enforcement appeal to be determined following a public inquiry.
  • Assisted AG Bloom with the planning side of its portfolio of six ultra-urban development properties located throughout London.
  • Advised Viewranks Limited on the planning and Section 106 requirements for the redevelopment of the site as a co-living development scheme in Kingston Upon Thames.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 6

Matthew Bosworth, a dispute resolution lawyer who heads up Russell-Cooke LLP‘s regulation and sports law team, is a key contact for football teams seeking advice on reputation management, professional disciplinary matters and the protection of IP rights. Frequently working with the support of Sheetul Sowdagur, Bosworth frequently steers the practice on mandates concerning the protection of IP rights for international sports broadcasters, and the defence of individual clients against safeguarding claims. Charities and social business expert Pippa Garland advises charities on donation-sponsorship agreements with sports teams.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Bosworth

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Understated firm that do the work and don’t brag about it. Client interests come first and they never seek publicity. Adept across a number of different sports, from greyhound racing through fencing to Premier League football. Act in sports involving disabled athletes, from selection issues to classification for the Olympics. Many high-profile Premier League clubs and players as clients, covering the whole spectrum of disputes in sport.’

‘Peter Cadman, the doyen of sports law solicitors, but who doesn’t brag about it. Matt Bosworth efficient, practical a heavy tackling enforcer when needed, or the creative midfielder if that’s best.’

‘A strong, collaborative talented team with strength and depth across all bases.’

‘Sheetul Sowdagur is a stand-out star and a go to for cases in this field.’

‘Sound advice provided in a timely manner. Personal and very friendly.’

‘Responsive and friendly.’

‘What makes the individuals that we work with at Russell-Cooke standout is the quality of the services. They have a desire to do what is best for the client, understanding our goals and taking the time to identify the most appropriate legal route.’

Key clients

Sky UK PLC

British Fencing

Cobham Rugby Football Club

Sport Resolutions UK

Surbiton Hockey Club

Barnes Rugby Football Club

Thames Ditton Cricket Club

Kick It Out

UK for UNHCR

Work highlights

  • Supporting Sky UK Limited with the protection of IP Rights in live sports broadcasting.
  • Advising UK for UNHCR in relation to the Nottingham Forest FC shirt sponsorship deal for the 2022-2023 season.

Russell-Cooke is a leading London law firm comprised of highly regarded specialists across a vast breadth of expertise. Its mix of commercial, private and public sector clients reflects the complex legal needs of contemporary London. The firm’s legal experts are leaders in their fields in areas as diverse as commercial property, professional regulation, crime and children law.

Principal areas of work: Russell-Cooke is an unusually broad-based practice spanning commercial and private client, civil and criminal, contentious and advisory work.

The firm’s large real estate team has a wealth of experience including in investment and development, in sectors including hotels and leisure, logistics and retail. Its specialist planning and construction lawyers and its highly regarded property disputes team complement its capabilities in this space.

Russell-Cooke offers a full range of services for private clients including highly regarded children, family, wills and probate, employment, clinical negligence, personal injury and criminal litigation services. Private clients also benefit from the firm’s specialist expertise in probate disputes, French law, tax and cross-border estates.

The charity and social business team is amongst the top legal teams in the sector and has an impressive roster of clients. The team covers the full spectrum of issues from governance and commercial to property, employment and disputes.

The Russell-Cooke family office team is made up of recognised experts from a range of legal disciplines, enabling them to help with an unusually broad mix of issues. Whether it be regarding family interests and assets, wills, pre-nuptial agreements, the family business or property portfolios, the team provides clear, practical advice to help high net worth families.

The specialist corporate and commercial team handles the whole range of contentious, non-contentious and transactional work, with a recent focus on supporting startups from inception through funding rounds to onward growth and/or sale.

Clients: The firm has built an outstanding client base including The Law Society, Prêt a Manger, Sky UK, Chelsea FC, Lendlease and the British Heart Foundation. Russell-Cooke’s ability to tackle complex, multidimensional cases means that a significant proportion of its work comes from referrals by other solicitors and many of its clients are solicitors, barristers and judges.

International: The firm advises a wide range of businesses, individuals and charities on their cross-border matters. Russell-Cooke acts as part of clients’ professional inner circles and has a wide network of international advisers allowing them to seamlessly project manage transactions involving other jurisdictions. The firm is the sole UK member of international legal networks Legus and LexUnion.

Sustainability and corporate responsibility: As a modern business, Russell-Cooke is aware of its impact on the environment and its place within the local community. As part of its 2019-2022 strategic plan “to improve the environmental sustainability of the firm and take significant steps towards carbon neutrality,” Russell-Cooke has already offset its 2020 and 2021 emissions and has committed to do so in the future. The firm’s Putney office not only boasts solar panels which push energy into the local grid, it is also home to two hives of Buckfast bees.

Other offices: Putney, Kingston upon Thames

Department Name Email Telephone
Senior partner John Gould
Joint Managing partner Alison Regan
Joint Managing Partner James Carroll
Administrative law and solicitors Michael Stacey
Charities and social business Andrew Studd
Child abduction Fiona Read
Children law Sarah Richardson
Commercial and construction litigation/ADR Mark Fletcher
Corporate and commercial Jonathan Thornton
Conveyancing Donall Murphy
Construction Pippa Beesley
Criminal litigation and fraud Jae Carwardine
Cross-border estates Andrew Godfrey
Employment Anthony Sakrouge
Education Eva Akins
Immigration Edward Wanambwa
Insolvency Lee Ranford
Family James Carroll
Family mediation James Carroll
French law Nicole Gallop Mildon
Personal injury and medical negligence Janice Gardner
Property litigation Jason Hunter
Professional regulation Michael Stacey
Real estate Matt Garrod
Sports Matt Bosworth
Tax Scott Leonard
Trusts Rebecca Fisher
Trusts and estate disputes Alison Regan
Start-ups Guy Wilmot
Photo Name Position Profile
Eva Akins photo Eva Akins Eva is a partner and Head of Education Law at Russell-Cooke. She…
Kieran Bowe photo Kieran Bowe Kieran is a partner specialising in tax, estate and succession planning, often…
Miranda Green photo Miranda Green Miranda Green is a partner in the family team. Her expertise covers…
Samantha Little photo Samantha Little Partner and head of the children department (within the family law department).…
Julie Man photo Julie Man Julie is a partner in the private client team, she advises on…
Sarah Richardson photo Sarah Richardson Sarah is a partner in the children and education law team. She…
Sarah Towler photo Sarah Towler Sarah is a partner in the personal injury and clinical negligence team…
Number of UK partners : 63
Number of other UK fee-earners : 109

Diversity and Inclusion

Russell-Cooke is committed to promoting equality and diversity by providing training, raising awareness and creating an inclusive work environment.

We seek to reflect the communities in which we operate and the clientele with whom we work. Our broad practice brings us into contact with an unusually diverse client group. But ultimately, being fully inclusive in our recruitment and treatment of our people is simply the right thing to do.

Our key objectives are to:

  • maintain a culture of mutual respect and consideration, ensuring that everyone is treated equally and with the same attention, courtesy and respect.
  • work to improve the diversity of our workforce across all the protected characteristics.
  • continue to develop our social mobility inclusion

We strive to achieve these objectives through a variety of initiatives including:

  • Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Network.
  • Our Women’s Group, the Wellbeing Group and Wellbeing Champions.
  • The Working Parent and Carers Network

CSR

We commit to carrying out our business in a responsible and sustainable way by minimising our impact on the environment through awareness of the resources we use, the waste we produce and the carbon emissions for which we are responsible. We seek to proactively contribute to sustaining our natural resources where we can.

  • We aim to procure and use sustainable or recycled resources.
  • We aim to reduce the waste we produce by re-using, donating and/or recycling the majority of our waste.
  • We aim to minimise carbon emissions arising from travel to work and within work.

We offset the firm’s carbon emissions by sponsoring development projects around the world through Carbonfootprint.com.

We seek to help sustain the bee population of London and installed beehives on the roof of our Putney office.

Community involvement

Supporting charities

We support a number of local and national charities through sponsorships and staff fundraising events. We donate £5 to charity for each client feedback form returned. Each year the two charities we donate to are selected by our staff and are currently:

  • First Touch – dedicated to the neonatal unit at St George’s Hospital.
  • Mind – offers information and advice to people with mental health problems.

We also support the Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability in Putney which provides specialist services for patients with brain injury and neurological diseases, and Friends of Richmond Park.

We also host visits from the National Citizen Service – the Challenge, a government-funded initiative bringing together schools, community organisations, businesses and individuals to build a stronger and more cohesive society.

Supporting local sports clubs

Russell-Cooke is delighted to support a number of sporting organisations in Surrey and SW London. We are principal sponsor of Cobham Rugby Club, and we sponsor Cobham Netball Club, Barnes RFC Minis Club and Roehampton Gold Cup, a pro-am tournament for female golfers. We provide sponsorship and legal support to Surbiton Hockey Club.

Supporting the arts

Russell-Cooke supports a number of arts organisations in and around London including the Rose Theatre in Kingston and Temple Music Foundation.

The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Verdict

Russell-Cooke has a ‘truly wide array of practice areas’, spanning both contentious and non-contentious work. This breadth of work and expertise appealed to trainees who ‘felt it would benefit our training’. ‘The approachability and genuineness of the interviewers’ and the size of the firm - ‘large enough to attract interesting work but not so large that it becomes difficult to know everyone’ - also encouraged trainees to apply. An ‘excellent work/life balance’ completes the package, and has earned the Southwest London firm a Future Lawyers Winner trophy. Russell-Cooke trainees receive high levels of responsibility from the get-go and appreciate being ‘given proper tasks which allow you to develop your skills and add value to the team’. Responses were littered with instances of attending trials; notable highlights were ‘going to several Crown Court trials during my seat in the crime department’ and ‘all of the client contact. I have been to numerous client meetings and hearings throughout my training contract’. When it comes to culture, respondents say that ‘the people on the whole are really friendly’, with one trainee even going so far as to say ‘I haven’t met a single person I’ve disliked’. Nonetheless, as with all firms, there are areas in which recruits believe Russell-Cooke could do a bit better. These include ‘the lack of transparency around qualification, in particular in relation to NQ salaries (which differ from department to department)’. There is also ‘still room for improvement when it comes to diversity, especially socio-economic diversity’. The legal technology could use an upgrade too. Worst moments were ‘being given administrative tasks in isolation without any context or introduction to a matter’ and ‘feeling totally out of my depth when running a case myself without enough support or guidance’. Yet for a ‘breadth of practice areas where trainees can experience personal and commercial work and decide which suits them best’, consider Russell-Cooke.