The Legal 500

Within Corporate and commercial: M4 Corridor and Gloucestershire, Charles Russell LLP is a first tier firm,

Charles Russell LLP’s practice head Richard Norton is ‘extremely hands-on and pragmatic’, adopts a ‘no-nonsense approach’, and is ‘keen to offer value for money’; and the whole team is ‘focused and knows the client’. Recent highlights include advising AWAL Bank on the sale of private equity interests with a committed value of over $350m, and acting for 1E on a private equity investment exceeding $100m.

Within EU and competition EU and competition

Within Commercial litigation: M4 Corridor and Gloucestershire, Charles Russell LLP is a first tier firm,

Charles Russell LLP is ‘rightfully considered top of the market’. Peter Scandrett’s team acted for the underwriters regarding claims totalling £1m arising from a fatal air race crash, and advised Hildron Finance on leasehold enfranchisement and overage claims.

Within Banking and finance, Charles Russell LLP is a third tier firm,

Richard Norton’s team at Charles Russell LLP gives ‘focused and professional’ advice and ‘interacts very effectively’ with clients. International transactions included advising on giving security in Gulf region countries such as Bahrain and Kuwait, and advising Clydesdale Bank on a £5m development agreement.

Within Employment: M4 Corridor and Gloucestershire, Charles Russell LLP is a first tier firm,

Charles Russell LLP’s Sarah Jane Turcan acts for several high-profile clients, and acted for Arts Educational Schools, London in defending a claim for unfair dismissal and whistleblowing.

Within Professional negligence, Charles Russell LLP is a third tier firm,

Charles Russell LLP acts for clients including Colliers CRE and Nova Capital Management. Practice head Peter Scandrett is recommended.

Within Regional review,

Also of note are Wilsons in Salisbury, known for its strength in private client in particular; Charles Russell LLP and Rickerbys LLP in Cheltenham; and Withy King LLP and Stone King LLP in Bath.

Within Agriculture and estates, Charles Russell LLP is a second tier firm,

Charles Russell LLP’s ‘strong’ team represents around 50 estates including numerous aristocratic clients. Practice head Christopher Page is ‘superb’. Christian Massey was made partner in 2010.

Within Charities, Charles Russell LLP is a second tier firm,

Christopher Page’s ‘excellent’ team at Charles Russell LLP assists The Ernest Cook Trust as general legal adviser, and also advises Sue Ryder Care on property matters. Lynda Richards is ‘excellent – absolutely able, thorough and efficient’.

Within Personal tax, trusts and probate, Charles Russell LLP is a first tier firm,

Charles Russell LLP’s ‘excellent’ team is headed by Christopher Page and acts for many very high-net-worth individuals. Julia Cox is ‘second to none’ and ‘personable’.

Within Commercial property: M4 Corridor and Gloucestershire, Charles Russell LLP is a first tier firm,

Charles Russell LLP is ‘second to none’, and clients have ‘absolute confidence in the advice’. Highlights included acting for residential property investors such as funds managed by Aviva and LaSalle. Ian Brothwood’s service ‘goes above and beyond that offered by others’, and Nigel Whittaker ‘handles complex problems effectively’.

Within Construction, tier 4

Sarah Jane Hudson heads Charles Russell LLP’s team, which advised Matcon on construction warranty issues.

Within Planning, Charles Russell LLP is a third tier firm,

Charles Russell LLP has ‘excellent industry knowledge’, and its advice is ‘always appropriate’. It represented Midland Pig Producers on a s106 agreement regarding a biogas plant. Anne Bennett’s advice is ‘up to date and jargon free’, and Michael Bennett is also recommended.

Within Property litigation, tier 4

Patrick Gearon heads Charles Russell LLP’s team, which recently acted in a £2m dispute relating to the enfranchisement of flats in London. Flodrive Holdings and Newland Homes are also clients. Sadly, Vanessa Watson passed away in December 2010.

Within Intellectual property, Charles Russell LLP is a third tier firm,

Charles Russell LLP’s Patrick Gearon offers ‘clear, commercially focused’ advice.