Caroline Young > Charles Russell Speechlys LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP acts for clients across the full IT supply chain, from data centre operators and cloud service providers to software providers and customers purchasing IT solutions. The firm is noted for its standout experience in IT disputes and insur-tech-related matters. Mark Bailey has particular specialism in regulated IT sector contracting and co-heads the team alongside transactional lawyer Mark Howard. Jason Saiban assists clients with supply and procurement agreements, while Megan Paul focuses on large-scale commercial agreements, including outsourcing transactions. Caroline Young, who advises on a broad range of technology and procurement contracts, is another key contact in the group.

Capable of acting for a range of clients, from blue-chip multinationals to emerging technology companies, ‘reliable’ Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has particular expertise in regard to international licensing deals. Practice head Mary Bagnall is vastly experienced in handling patent litigation in relation to a variety of technologies, while senior associate Caroline Young specialises in the commercialisation of IP and technology matters.

A ‘responsive, practical and thorough’ practice, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP continues to work for sector-leading clients on an array of commercial arrangements, demonstrating activity in the retail, telecommunications and tech, transport and financial services industries. Over the last twelve months the firm has been particularly concentrated on the sports sector, acting for both sporting organisations such as the ITF and British Swimming on sponsorship, influencer and IP matters, in addition to clients engaging with bodies within the sector, such as software technology entity Sage on its various deals with Six Nations Rugby, Major League Baseball and The Hundred. The department is spearheaded by three highly-experienced practitioners; Mark Bailey, who handles tech and infrastructure related matters, whilst possessing notable expertise in IT and data centre issues; Jason Saiban, who exercises a strong advertising, marketing and sponsorship offering, working closely with key clients such as Nike and Samaritans; and Megan Paul, whose focus is on supply chain management and distribution agreements. Senior associate Caroline Young, who has been a main driver behind the for the firm’s growing life sciences activity, continues to garner praise from clients for the ‘sterling support’ she provides to business operations, fielding a broad practice that covers multiple sectors.

The ‘well-resourced’ and ‘nimble’ team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP maintains a strong practice in brand protection, IP-related transactions and dispute resolution, with the capability to advise on strategy, rebrands and various trade mark and design portfolios. Practice head Mary Bagnall’s wealth of experience in advising a multitude of clients on the protection and enforcement of soft IP rights means she is invaluable to clients in the courtroom. Nick White is notably active in the leisure, fashion and food and beverage industries, while Charlotte Duly handles global re-branding projects and various contentious matters for clients. Other names to note include senior associates Caroline Young and Olivia Gray, as well as associate Peter Byrd.