The Legal 500

Within Corporate and commercial: Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Charles Russell LLP is a third tier firm,

Praised for its ‘swift response times and strong advice’, Charles Russell LLP recently assisted German industrial holding company Aurelius in its acquisition of fine chemicals supplier KemFine UK. Geoffrey Sparks leads the team, and Catherine Drew is a ‘first-class lawyer’.

Within Corporate and commercial: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40, tier 4

Providing ‘bespoke services’ to technology sector clients in Oxford, Charles Russell LLP impresses with its ‘quality of staff’, ‘high-quality legal advice’, and ‘reasonable fee levels’. The team acted for new client P2i on a venture capital funding matter, and also represented AIM-listed Transense Technologies on a £2.5m placing and offer for subscription. The ‘very knowledgeable and responsive’ William Axtell has a ‘practical approach’, and Mark Howard is ‘technically very good, commercially aware and pragmatic in his approach’. Peter Elliott relocated to the firm’s Geneva office in 2010.

Within Commercial litigation: Kent, Surrey and Sussex, Charles Russell LLP is a second tier firm,

Charles Russell LLP provides ‘a level of service expected of top City litigation practices’, and fields a team that has ‘outstanding intellect, tactical acumen and commercial sense’. In 2010, it secured first instructions from ITN and ITV. Practice head Duncan Elson ‘commands immediate respect from clients and opponents alike’.

Within Debt recovery Debt recovery

Within Insolvency and corporate recovery, Charles Russell LLP is a third tier firm,

With ‘excellent technical expertise’, Charles Russell LLP was appointed to advise on the liquidation of Sixty UK, trading as fashion brand Miss Sixty, in 2010. The ‘robust and able’ team continues to advise on the administration of Awal Bank, and is rated for its experience in property-related insolvencies, where Peter Levaggi has ‘encyclopaedic knowledge’. Practice head James Hyne is ‘vigorous and highly commercial’.

Within Employment: Kent, Surrey and Sussex, Charles Russell LLP is a second tier firm,

Nick Hurley took over as head of employment at Charles Russell LLP in 2010, following the departure of Simon McMenemy to Boodle Hatfield in London. The firm handles contentious issues for EDF Energy.

Within Regional review Regional heavyweights

Within Charities Charities

Within Family: Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Charles Russell LLP is a first tier firm,

‘At the top of the league’, Charles Russell LLP has two highly regarded family partners in Karen Wilsher and Margaret Tyson. Wilsher is well known for her expertise in ancillary relief and children cases, while Tyson is recommended for her matrimonial advice.

Within Personal tax, trusts and probate: Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Charles Russell LLP is a second tier firm,

The ‘very professional, helpful and sympathetic’ team at Charles Russell LLP is recognised for its abilities in niche areas such as contentious probate and Court of Protection matters.

Within Commercial property: Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Charles Russell LLP is a second tier firm,

The property team at Charles Russell LLP recently advised new client Wagamama, on a due diligence package and on issues relating to the client’s 71-property portfolio. The ‘professional and pleasant-to-deal-with’ Debra Kent heads up the Guildford real estate group and the firm’s occupier services team.

Within Construction , Charles Russell LLP is a first tier firm,

Charles Russell LLP is acting on a number of projects relating to the London 2012 Olympics, including advising Eton College on the development of Eton Dorney Lake to host the rowing and canoeing events, and Lend Lease on construction issues relating to Stratford’s Athletes’ Village. Led by the ‘highly efficient and pragmatic’ David Savage, the firm has a number of construction specialists in its Guildford office.

Within Property litigation, Charles Russell LLP is a second tier firm,

The ‘responsive and technically excellent’ Charles Russell LLP recently represented freeholder Hilmi & Associates on contentious leasehold enfranchisement issues. The ‘reliable’ David Haines and solicitor advocate Peter Levaggi are recommended.

Within Social housing , Charles Russell LLP is a third tier firm,

Charles Russell LLP’s team is praised for its depth of knowledge and understanding. It recently advised Thames Valley Housing Association on the sale of 128 shared ownership units and One Housing Group on an acquisition. Practice head Debra Kent provides an ‘exceptional level of service’.