Charles Russell Speechlys LLP > London, England > Firm Profile
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP Offices

5 FLEET PLACE
LONDON
EC4M 7RD
England
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Charles Russell Speechlys LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Corporate and commercial > M&A: smaller deals, up to £50m Tier 1
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s London corporate team has particular strengths in the TMT, healthcare, and financial and professional services sectors. Team head David Coates has extensive experience acting for successful entrepreneurs, IT companies, major leisure and retail businesses, care home operators, and private equity funds. David Collins joined the team in 2021 from Dentons, bringing 30 years’ experience of advising on a broad range of UK and international cross-border corporate finance transactions, including public and private M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. Mark Howard has a strong focus in the IT services and software sector, while Keir Gordon has an emphasis on the data centres, and Sarah Wigington focuses on the property and healthcare sectors. Daniel Rosenberg advises on both domestic and cross-border M&A, especially deals involving US and Canadian-based companies.Practice head(s):
David Coates
Other key lawyers:
David Collins; Mark Howard; Keir Gordon; Sarah Wigington; Charlie Ring; Tom Smitham
Testimonials
‘Everyone on the team, from partner to associate, is technically highly capable with a good understanding of all legal aspects of a deal. In particular, having a high calibre associate helps save both time and money. Everyone on the team is highly proactive and this helps manage the timeline very efficiently. Everyone on the team also has great interpersonal relationship skills which makes it a pleasure to work with them. The team also go out of their way for any client requests.’
‘The team is very knowledgeable in this space and combines it with a commercial outlook which is really helpful. They are adept in getting deals done in a tight timeframe and cut to the heart of the issues with ease, meaning the in-house team can concentrate on the material points that really matter to the business.’
‘David Collins is my key reason to be at this firm. David is an excellent legal mind with a very pragmatic and commercial attitude. He is always keen to ensure a fast practical solution. David Collins is a star in his field.’
‘Strong, balanced and committed team. Considerable effort taken to understand our business prior to analysing the proposed transaction. Considerably better availability than other firms.’
‘Extensive knowledge and experience.’
Private client > Art and cultural property Tier 1
The vibrant team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP advises several world-famous contemporary art galleries. Rudy Capildeo and Tim Maxwell head the department that has acted in some of the most significant cases relating to leading international auction houses and is increasingly advising on a range of contentious and non-contentious issues pertaining to cultural property and antiquities for collectors and dealers. Another core of expertise is advising on the interplay between intellectual property, art and luxury assets. Robert BlowerPractice head(s):
Rudy Capildeo; Tim Maxwell
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The pre-eminent art practice. Partners Rudy Capildeo and Tim Maxwell are at the top of their field. Extremely well connected and knowledgeable. Petra Warrington is exceptionally capable and a star of the future‘.
‘The lawyers can advise on all aspects of cultural property – on all fiscal and legal matters relating to chattels, contentious and non-contentious and are in my view one of the top teams in the UK for cultural property matters. They can advise dealers, auction houses, companies, owners, artists alike and their strength is that they cover every angle. They can advise on tax issues; exports; acquisitions; disposals/sales’.
‘They are extremely knowledgeable; always willing to help; can identify the issues and give succinct and clear advice and guidance and see through to what the real issue is and recommend practical solutions’.
‘Very pleasant to work with. Great knowledge of the area’.
‘Rudy Capildeo, Tim Maxwell – could not be more informed, helpful, constructive and supportive. Their advice and behaviour is exemplary. Their manner is always welcoming and they make themselves available to the best of their ability. We never are given the impression they are too busy to deal with us‘.
‘Approachable and knowledgeable. The CRS Art & Culture team is pragmatic and commercial. Rudy Capildeo is highly engaged in the global art market, understanding his clients’ needs and protecting their interests at every turn’.
‘Rudy Capildeo – personable, adaptable, supportive and a shrewd negotiator’.
‘The team I worked with was highly professional and experienced. The lawyers were extremely knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. I would not hesitate in recommending them. I dealt with two partners, Tim Maxwell and Rudy Capildeo, who in addition to their extensive experience, were most generous with their time and advice. A successful outcome was achieved and I thoroughly enjoyed working with them both‘.
Key clients
Friends of the National Libraries
Bernard Carl
Design and Artists Copyright Society; Artists’ Collecting Society
Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1
The ‘tenacious litigator’ Graeme KleinerPractice head(s):
Graeme Kleiner
Other key lawyers:
Duncan Elson; Oliver Auld; Tamasin Perkins; Thomas Watts; Robert Avis; Hugh Gunson
Testimonials
‘This is probably one of the best teams in the industry. Highly knowledgeable, great systems and strong administrative support. Able to act internationally. Graeme Kleiner – knows everything and everyone. Thomas Watts – the associate everyone wants working on their matter’.
‘Firm has a good reputation in this area. They are aggressive when warranted but also do not alienate their peers. Team is led by Graeme Kleiner who is very highly thought of. Oliver Auld and Tamsin Perkins (both partners) are both very good’.
‘Enormous experience with real expertise, very talented associates and in all the big cases. They are all good with clients, giving sensible advice but fighting their corner hard if they have to’.
‘Graeme Kleiner is a superb lawyer with an excellent relationship with his clients and years of experience. He calms situations down and is a very good tactician. Duncan Elson is also an excellent and highly experienced litigator who has handled very big cases and fights his corner hard’.
‘An excellent mix in expertise between domestic and international cases, with strength in depth and an ability to cross-fertilise with family and other departments. Graeme Kleiner – highly experienced strategist and knowledgeable lawyer who commands his brief and is very well known in the market’.
‘Graeme Kleiner. Excellent knowledge of the law and analytical ability coupled with a clear practical approach to tactics and strategy. Does not duck difficult questions. Oliver Auld. Superb understanding of clients’ problems and the law’.
‘Very creative litigators with a wealth of experience and good links with their family team. Graeme Kleiner is a particularly hardworking and creative thinking in the area with an excellent client focus’.
‘Just one of the top outfits operating in this area. They have hugely wide-ranging and deep experience of trust litigation and all of the skills you might need. Graeme Kleiner – just one of the best around. Robert Avis – a true heir to Graeme Kleiner’s crown’.
Key clients
Alan Shearer CBE
Mackay v Wesley
Shirazi
Work highlights
- Acted for a Swiss based litigation friend whose capacity was challenged unsuccessfully in the English courts.
- Successfully acted pro bono for the claimant in an application (and subsequent appeal) to the High Court to set aside her appointment as trustee of a trust on one of a number of grounds.
Private client > Family Tier 1
James FreemanPractice head(s):
James Freeman
Other key lawyers:
Miranda Fisher; William Longrigg; James Riby; Sarah Higgins; Sarah Jane Boon; Joshua Green; Jamie Kennaugh; Emily Borrowdale
Testimonials
‘William Longrigg and Jamie Kennaugh are excellent, as are Joshua Green and Emily Borrowdale’.
‘A fairly large team who are meticulous and incredibly thorough right from the junior associates up to the senior partners. The papers are always immaculate and everyone is always all over the detail’.
‘Sarah Jane Boon is extremely bright and very able. She always puts her clients first and fights for them tenaciously. James Riby is as cool as a cucumber and is very easy to talk to and bounce ideas off.’.
‘CRS has operated for many years in the top echelon of London family law firms. They have continued to maintain and deserve a very high reputation. They have a number of very experienced partners who are backed up by an excellent stable of Associates. They have great strength is all areas of family law’.
‘Sarah Anticoni has particular strength in all kinds of alternative dispute resolution. William Longrigg and James Riby are both immensely experienced and reliable. The whole team has particular strength and experience in the international aspects of family law’.
‘A great team with strength and depth. Really pragmatic solutions for clients.’
‘James Freeman – an enormous brain with buckets of common sense and a pragmatic approach. A man you want on your team fighting your corner.’
‘James Freeman is a thoughtful and hardworking partner whose client care skills are well-honed and who thinks deeply and carefully about ways to ensure the best outcome for his clients. Emily Borrowdale is a bright and hardworking assistant who took up involvement in the case at short notice, quickly assimilated the significant volume of paperwork, and was then able to successfully manage the later part of the proceedings as they progressed toward trial’.
Key clients
Jayne Derhalli
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP excels due to the ‘quality of the partners with a great high level of support’ from its associates. The large team provides a fully integrated service to HNW/UHNW individuals and their families, family offices, landed estates, private banks, trustees and wealth managers. A significant proportion of its work is cross-border and it is adept at helping to coordinate advisors across multiple jurisdictions. Piers Master continues to grow his international client base and receives a steady flow of work from Middle Eastern families with global enterprises on a range of cross-border projects. Bart PeerlessPractice head(s):
Robert Blower; Piers Master; William Begley
Other key lawyers:
Bart Peerless; Simon Weil; Dominic Lawrance; Nicola Thorpe; Alice Wilne; Sangna Chauhan
Testimonials
‘Technical excellence combined with a highly personalised service. Dominic Lawrence – technically superb in the area of non-domiciled individuals and offshore matters. Solves complex problems with ease, providing the ultimate reassurance to his clients’.
‘Sangna Chauhan – incredibly practical and pragmatic, delivering her advice in a personable manner. Would have no hesitation in putting Sangna in front of any client’.
‘The team at CRS excels at the complex and innovative transactions and solutions. They are incredibly responsive and are always available out of hours. A first class law firm’.
‘Their responsiveness and technically ability is second to none. They are excellent at guiding and supporting their clients through complex matters’.
‘Piers Master – has an exceptional understanding of his clients and is highly skilled at navigating clients through complex issues. The team is technically superb. They are very cohesive too, very friendly and always available. They can involve other colleagues in other teams as need be, to provide a comprehensive and well coordinated service. The quality of the private clients advice is outstanding and second to none’.
‘Bart Peerless, Piers Master and Robert Blower are extraordinary. They are super technical, very commercial and very friendly. Always available. Very charismatic. A client could not get any better’.
‘Nicola Thorpe is a younger partner but she is phenomenal. Again, great technical and very clear in the advice, commercial, always available and very nice to work with. I truly believe this is the best team in the UK.’
‘Bart Peerless is indeed peerless! He is very calm and extremely capable. I have seen him in semi contentious situations and he is excellent under fire. Big fan of Robert Blower and Piers Masters also’.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 1
Drawing on the strong full service offering of the wider firm, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s corporate and commercial team inGuildford advises major international companies, private equity houses, privately-owned businesses, as well as high net worth individuals. Team head Tim Jenkins also leads the firm’s retail healthcare transactions team. Geoffrey Sparks has extensive experience in the technology, sports and healthcare sectors. Rebecca Burford has expertise in the technology and telecoms and video gaming sectors. Helen Wong has expertise in the healthcare and education sectors alongside expertise in acting on in-bound investment transactions from Mainland China and Hong Kong. Jonathan Steele has considerable M&A expertise in the sports, technology, media, and healthcare sectors.Practice head(s):
Tim Jenkins
Other key lawyers:
Geoffrey Sparks; Helen Wong; Rebecca Burford; Jonathan Steele; Samuel Milne; Howard White; Tertius Alberts; Pei Li Kew
Testimonials
‘The corporate team at CRS are very diligent, hard working and creative. They ensured we got the key points across in our negotiations. At all times the team was partner led, and they brought in expertise from elsewhere in the firm when appropriate.’
‘Very commercial in their outlook.’
‘The team has expertise in acting for healthcare clients in relation to corporate transactions and, in particular, dentists and pharmacists.’
‘Jonathan Steele was recently promoted to partner and handles the firm’s dental transactions work.’
‘Tim Jenkins has acted for pharmacists who are buying or selling community pharmacies, and has specialised in that area for many years.’
Key clients
DiscoverIE plc
Dentex Healthcare Group
Oakley Capital Limited
Avicenna Group
Grape Paradise Group
Weldricks Pharmacy Group
X-Pharm Ltd
Appital Limited
CMO Group plc
Cygnet Infotech Limited
Managers of Online Fuels Limited
Panecea Group Limited
Work highlights
- Continued to act for Avicenna Group on a series of large scale pharmacy acquisitions over the last 12 months (contributing an additional 92 branches to the group’s national retail pharmacy offering) alongside continued commercial project work.
- Advised long standing, FTSE 250 listed client, discoverIE Group plc (a leading international designer, manufacturer and supplier of customised electronics to industry), on its acquisition of high-performance antenna producer Antenova Limited for a cash consideration of £18.2m on a debt free, cash free basis.
- Advised CMO Group Plc, UK’s largest pureplay online retailer of building materials which recently listed on AIM, on its acquisition of JTM Plumbing Limited in a deal worth up to £5.7m.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Kent, Surrey and Sussex Tier 1
Jointly led by Stephen Burns and Jamie Cartwright, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s commercial dispute resolution team in Guildford focuses not only on dispute resolution, but also dispute prevention and risk management. The team has a diverse client base in the corporate and private client sectors in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. With particular expertise in commercial, product, and supply-related disputes, Cartwright has seen a significant increase in product liability and risk work for wider retail clients. Burns is a highly experienced corporate litigator and has acted for many clients involved in High Court litigation or acrimonious disputes at the pre-action stage in the past year. Hugely experienced Guildford office head Duncan ElsonPractice head(s):
Stephen Burns; Jamie Cartwright
Other key lawyers:
Duncan Elson; Rachel Warren; Katie Bewick; Charlotte Healy
Testimonials
‘In my experience, CRS build strong teams from the top down, with partners, senior associates and directors, and associates all putting in considerable care and time to their cases, to ensure that issues at all stages of litigation are given attention and a strategic view. The collaborative manner in which they work has been amongst the best of any firms I have worked with.’
‘Excellent client service, very pragmatic, consistently getting good results for clients. Extremely high track record of settling client disputes.’
‘The team delivers an excellent service to clients. They are highly responsive, quick to understand the commercial context, and combine pragmatism with a eye for the wider case strategy.’
‘Steve Burns is a class act: good judgement, excellent strategy and tactics, and a hard negotiator.’
‘Rachel Warren is extremely thorough and provides clear and precise instructions. She was fully engaged on the case and very helpful in talking though the potential pitfalls in the hearing. Her client management is excellent. She expertly managed the client’s expectations.’
‘Rachel Warren has a marvellous rapport and empathy with her clients.’
‘Jamie Cartwright is an able, highly competent litigator. He delivers pragmatic, user-friendly advice, whilst also keeping a eye on the wider case strategy. He is highly recommended!’
‘Charlotte Healy delivers an excellent service. She is response and thorough in her approach, and has an excellent knowledge of litigation practice and strategy.’
Key clients
City & Guilds
Cargill
Sound United /Bowers & Wilkins
Essity
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
M & A Pharmachem
Swiss Post
Bhinder Purewal and Pro Med Pharma Limited
Fiat Chrysler
Stonegate Pubs
Work highlights
- Acted for one of the world’s leading dance examination boards and a charitable body in relation to a high value and complex factual and legal dispute with a supplier of managed print services.
- Acted for M & A Pharmachem in relation to a multi-million international dispute with Palla Pharma Limited, a listed company based in Australia.
- Acting for Promed Pharma on an unfair prejudice shareholder dispute in the High Court which started with successfully resisting an interim injunction.
Employment > Employment: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 1
Co-headed by Nick Hurley and Ben Smith, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s ‘highly responsive and professional’ Guildford employment team offers ‘City level service at regional fees’. Hurley is particularly active in the financial services and TMT sectors, working with a variety of UK and international clients. Smith has particular expertise in all HR issues, including disciplinary and grievance processes, redundancy and restructuring programmes, TUPE, discrimination and whistleblowing.Practice head(s):
Nick Hurley; Ben Smith
Other key lawyers:
Becky Lawton; Rachel Hearn; Emily Chalkley; Sophie Lockwood
Testimonials
‘The advice we received regarding a very difficult employment issue was clear and precise. Specifically it managed the development of a strategic approach to the issue that avoided the potential for drawn out and expensive litigation that may have arisen if we had pursued alternative approaches.’
‘A very personal approach with an understanding of both the business and personal issues that need to be managed.’
‘The team provide a formidable service for private clients and corporate entities for all types of employment matters. They are adept at managing complex and sensitive investigations.’
‘Ben Smith is hyper focused on our needs and will always go the extra mile to achieve business and legal objectives.’
‘Nick Hurley is an outstanding practitioner and master tactician. He is my go-to employment expert. He is also a tremendous person. All round, Nick Hurley is the complete package.’
‘Emily Chalkley – fantastic lawyer, extremely personable, with excellent judgement.’
‘Becky Lawton – a trusted adviser, commercial, to the point and gets it.’
Key clients
Sony Playstation
National Museum of the Royal Navy
Ericsson
NEP UK
Rapha Racing
Amundi Asset Management (Amundi)
Just Group plc
C Hoare & Co
Goodwin Procter LLP
Samaritans
Lord Wandsworth College
Sam Walker
Work highlights
- Advised Ericsson Ltd and its various group companies (including Red Bee Media Ltd and MediaKind Ltd) on a large number of TUPE transactions and outsourcings, as well as on all their day-to-day HR requirements.
- Advised Sony PlayStation on all aspects of their employment law needs including a cross-border project relating to overseas working during the pandemic.
- Advised Sam Walker in relation to her £15m+ claim against the Co-Operative Group for unfair dismissal, whistleblowing, equal pay, sex and disability discrimination.
Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP provides a comprehensive restructuring and insolvency service to a range of stakeholders including insolvency practitioners, banks, lenders, financial institutions and company directors. On the contentious side the team undertakes insolvency litigation and fraud cases, while transactional work often involves distressed sales and advice to boards of directors. James Hyne heads the team and specialises in contentious work with a niche in fraud and antecedent transaction recovery matters. Roger Elford handles property insolvency matters while Melania Constable has experience in non-contentious issues.Practice head(s):
James Hyne
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is of a good size, staffed with experienced and diligent lawyers. This helps ensure they can deal with matters urgently where required, which is an important capability in insolvency matters where it is not unusual for court applications to need to be made or responded to urgently.’
‘I would particularly praise Roger Elford and Will Leney for their accessibility and sound judgment.’
‘One of the best insolvency and restructuring teams outside of London. The full range experience and seniority to be able to manage all and any insolvency jobs.’
‘James Hyne and Roger Elford are partners with vast experience of complex restructuring and insolvency. They are both extremely easy to deal with and deliver the best possible solutions. Melania Constable is an extremely able senior associate, capable of managing and running high value and complicated transactions and litigation.’
‘Fantastic, well informed cohesive team providing top notch commercial and strategic advice. I love working with them.’
‘James Hyne has a stellar reputation in the industry, is brilliant with clients with excellent leadership and fantastic instincts.’
‘Roger Elford has excellent legal and technical knowledge and particular expertise in commercial property and insolvency.’
Key clients
Credit Suisse (UK) Limited
AlixPartners Services UK LLP
Teneo
Begbies Traynor Corporate Recovery
FRP Advisory Limited
RSM Restructuring Advisory
Central Bank of Bahrain
Grant Thornton UK Limited
Moore Kingston Smith LLP
KRE Corporate Recovery
Alvarez & Marsal
Leonard Curtis Business Recovery
James Cowper Kreston
MBI Coakley Restructuring and Insolvency
Work highlights
- Advised the administrators of Haircare Limited on their appointment as administrators.
- Instructed to advise on the potential liquidation of the Greensill Group.
- Advised the Joint Liquidators of LBGP on the winding-up of 5 collective investment schemes arising out of the Lehman Brothers insolvency.
Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 1
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s landed estates and heritage property team is spread across the firm’s bases in Cheltenham, Guildford and London. The team is led by ‘bright, practical and no-nonsense’ Guildford office head Duncan ElsonPractice head(s):
Henry Fea; Duncan Elson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Charles Russell Speechlys has an excellent reputation in agriculture and estates.’
‘Duncan Elson has an impressive client base and works very hard for clients. Duncan advances his clients’ cases well and sees solutions pragmatically.’
‘Duncan Elson is second to none. Bright, practical and no-nonsense. Gets the job done.’
‘Very strong agricultural knowledge of litigation practice, giving great confidence to those working with them. Efficient back-up team able to deliver documents in short timescale necessary to place emphasis on completion on the opposing side thereby keeping up the momentum’
‘David Haines – impressive knowledge and confidence and willingness to think outside of the box to obtain the higher ground.’
‘Efficient, astute, and good strength in depth.’
‘David Haines has comprehensive legal knowledge and is tactically very astute. He is a pleasure to work with.’
Work highlights
- Acting for the beneficiary to a well-known landed estate on disputes with his family, wider estate management and complex tax planning.
Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP complements its highly regarded London practice with a Guildford base, which is home to what is known as 'one of the go-to teams for contentious trusts and probate work outside of London'. The Guildford practice is led by office head Duncan ElsonPractice head(s):
Duncan Elson
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Piper; Edward Birrell; Katelyn Silver
Testimonials
‘Duncan Elson – unflappable partner, completely at home dealing with contentious and complex matters.
‘Rebecca Piper – exceptional associate, runs complex cases with ease.’
‘This is a big, London firm with top-notch work but operating out of London. The firm seems in recent years to have attracted all the talent in its area – it is in so many of the best cases.’
‘Duncan Elson has extraordinary knowledge in this area. He fights really hard for his clients but is always sensible and looking for the best negotiated settlement for them. Rebecca Piper is also excellent with a keen instinct for the merits of a case, real expertise and good client handling skills.’
‘CRS would be my first choice if I had a medium to high value trust and estate claim.’
‘Duncan Elson is incredibly knowledgeable and had a strong presence in his area of expertise. Rebecca Piper is a star of the future. She knows her stuff and is great with clients.’
‘Duncan Elson – head of the litigation team for many years and for good reason. excellent to deal with and a very capable negotiator.’
‘This team are one of the ‘go to’ teams for contentious trusts and probate work outside of London have real strength in depth led by Duncan Elson. The team are truly specialist and have the resource to take on the most complex and time pressured matters.’
Key clients
The Public Trustee of the Bailiwick of Guernsey
Bernard Carl
Work highlights
- Acting for the Public Trustee of the Bailiwick of Guernsey in relation to losses to five Guernsey pension schemes in a number of proceedings dealing with multi- jurisdictional asset base.
- Acting for the children of the deceased in relation to a complex estate involving the insolvency of a number of companies, construction proceedings on the terms of a homemade will and claims from different members of the family including former divorce proceedings.
- Acting in a landed estate dispute involving an aristocratic family and in particular executor removal proceedings and a claim for an account in relation to the administration of the mother’s estate.
Private client > Family: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 1
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP ’ ‘cohesive’ family law team in Guildford, which is co-headed by Shona Alexander and Karen Wilsher, advises on all matters of family law. Working closely with the firm’s highly regarded trust litigation and private client team, the family law practice has notable strength in cases involving trust structures and significant pensions in the context of family disputes. Alexander specialises in (ultra) high-net-worth complex financial cases, often with an international element, while Wisher specialises in high-value financial matters and complex child law cases. William Rollin is an expert in complex and high-value financial cases and also advises on pre-marital and post-marital agreements.Practice head(s):
Shona Alexander; Karen Wilsher
Other key lawyers:
William Rollin; Felicity Chapman; Claire Devine; Shivi Rajput
Testimonials
‘They are the best family layers south of London: Magic circle ability but at lower prices. All round excellent.’
‘The three partners (Karen Wilsher, Shona Alexander and William Rollin) are all first rate lawyers with a good knowledge of the law. Karen Wilsher, with whom I work most of the time, is an excellent strategist, who quickly assesses the key issues and gives her clients realistic advice. Claire Devine is an excellent associate, hardworking and a team player.’
‘The Charles Russell Guildford family team has always provided a very sophisticated and thorough service to clients – very much up with the standards of the best London firms. However what differentiates them versus London firms is that the partners involved in the case are truly involved without extensive delegation to much more junior staff. They make clients feel that their interests are properly looked after and demonstrate a high level of technical ability in some very complex financial cases.’
‘Shona Alexander is the best: caring, thoughtful hardworking and tough.’
‘Shona Alexander is a collaborative-minded, pragmatic lawyer with a great reputation.’
‘Karen Wilsher is the stand out member of the team with a very able assistant in Claire Devine.’
‘Claire Devine – Exceptionally good, great eye for detail and really cares about her clients.’
‘Claire Devine is a brilliant solicitor who can take the most complicated matrimonial finance case in her stride. She has a strategic approach and is a brilliant communicator with both the lay client and counsel.’
Work highlights
- Advised the applicant in the reported case of ND (by her litigation friend KW) v GD [2021] EWFC 53.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 1
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has a strong tax, trusts and succession team in Guildford, ‘with resources at all levels of experience’. Team head Sally Ashford has considerable experience in Court of Protection matters including deputyship and statutory will applications. Senior associate Richard Honey frequently acts for several generations of wealthy families, including dealing with their complex trust and tax issues, and Lauren Clarke is a specialist in the administration of cross-border estates, working closely with colleagues in the firm’s Swiss offices. Natalie Butler has extensive experience in the charity sector, including administering charitable trusts and advising charity trustees, and Will Dewey’s expertise in private wealth disputes allows him to identify potential disputes at an early stage.Practice head(s):
Sally Ashford
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team were extremely knowledgeable and professional. They were very helpful in providing the information we needed to help in our decision making. They were approachable and always pleasant to deal with.’
‘What makes the team different is the balance of professionalism, warmth and reliability, which seems to be pitched at just the right level. Consequently, it is clear that the team really do care about their clients, and are able to deliver appropriate solutions.’
‘It is clear to me that Sally Ashford has carefully put together her private client team, and that she is an excellent leader who is respected and liked by them. It is also clear that she is a trusted adviser to her clients and genuinely cares about them. I have witnessed her skilfully overseeing complex situations with multiple stakeholders with varying degrees of financial experience and acumen.’
‘The vast experience of Sally Ashford gave us confidence in her advice which was open and frank. She appeared genuinely interested in our situation. We dealt with Will Dewey on a regular basis. He always delivered and was willing to help in any way he could which we really appreciated. He was extremely personable and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Natalie Butler seems to have the innate ability to be a consummate professional, whilst being pragmatic and empathetic. She explains situations and options clearly and sensibly, in a way that cuts out legalese and makes potentially difficult, and sensitive, issues seem far less overwhelming. Natalie worked with us rather than for us.’
‘Richard Honey has been very good during Covid, providing a high level of service and explaining complex matters to private clients in a measured and clear manner so that they are engaged in the process.’
Real estate > Commercial property: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 1
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s Guildford real estate team specialises in complex transactions in the sectors including healthcare, retail and leisure, with rare expertise in industrial gas production facilities and pipelines. Team head Ingrid Saffin has particular strength in the healthcare, retail, food and beverage, and industrial sectors. She is a member of retail and leisure industry body, REVO, and serves on its Sustainability Committee.Practice head(s):
Ingrid Saffin
Other key lawyers:
Aidan Welton; Charlotte Major
Testimonials
‘Decades of experience in dealing with our somewhat niche property matters, and understanding our company position regarding particular aspects of our property portfolio and how our associated commercial agreements feed into the drafting of property agreements. Good availability – and they meet deadlines.’
‘It is a real pleasure to work with Ingrid Saffin; she is friendly, knowledgeable and will go the extra mile to deliver client care. Ingrid is simply as good a commercial property lawyer as you will find. She is smart, strategic and level headed.’
Key clients
Retail BV/Nike (UK) Limited/Converse Retail (UK) Limited and Converse Netherlands BV
Dentex Healthcare Group Limited
Avicenna Retail Limited
Royal Caribbean
Athena Properties
Warrant Investments Plc
Barnardo’s
Air Products Group
Work highlights
- Acting for multibillion-dollar industrial gases giants Air Products Group on all UK based property issues, including advising on sites for their market leading hydrogen production business.
Real estate > Construction Tier 1
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP's Guildford-based construction engineering & projects practice handles contentious and non-contentious work for a diverse client base of national and international businesses and HNW individuals in sectors including property, energy, transportation, retail, investment, government, and banking. Team head David Savage is based in Guildford, but also spends time in London and the Middle East. He is a qualified barrister, and advises on domestic and international matters ranging from drafting contracts and scoping projects to day-to-day support and dispute resolution. Andrew Keeley has a similarly broad practice, with contentious experience including professional negligence claims. Senior associate Chi Mount is another key contact, with a developing focus on data centre developments and transactions. The team was further strengthened by the September 2021 hire of associate Hannah McDonald from Blake Morgan LLP.Practice head(s):
David Savage
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Keeley; Chi Mount; Hannah McDonald
Key clients
Maldives Airport Company Limited (100% owned by the Government of the Republic of the Maldives)
Ministry of Transport & Telecommunications, Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain
Church Commissioners for England
Caring Homes Group
Eton College
Kate Bingham Interior Design
The Pirbright Institute
Marlborough College
Northvale Construction Limited
Aspire Luxury Properties limited
Bewley Homes Plc
Work highlights
- Continued to advise the Government of Bahrain in relation to procurement and construction law issues arising from the Bahrain Airport Modernisation Project, a $1b redevelopment of Bahrain Airport.
- Advised the Pirbright Institute throughout its 14-year £0.5b redevelopment in respect of procurement strategy generally, and drafting and negotiation of all construction documentation.
- Secured a three-year appointment from the Government of the Maldives to provide construction law services for their $1b airport redevelopment project.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 1
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP's real estates dispute team handles the full spectrum of property litigation matters for a broad client base ranging from major international companies and developers to institutional landlords, commercial tenants, and high-net-worth individuals. Team head David Haines also leads the firm’s compulsory purchase and HS2 teams, the latter of which he heads up with fellow property litigator Richard Flenley. On top of his significant litigation experience in property insolvency, Peter Levaggi is a qualified advocate. Natalie Deuchar is particularly well regarded for her work in leasehold enfranchisements, and Joe Edwards is recommended in property finance, property security and insolvency mandates. All named lawyers are based in Guildford.Practice head(s):
David Haines
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘CRS is an excellent law firm. They provide high quality legal advice at a reasonable cost. They think outside the box and find the best way of dealing with the case.’
‘A highly effective and efficient firm providing extremely good client service with a combination of technical legal knowledge, and sound tactical ability.’
‘CRS’ property litigation team are able to see every possible angle to a dispute, and are quick to identify the best way to defend or pursue a claim.’
‘Always smooth running conscientious service – client needs addressed admirably.’
‘David Haines is a pleasure to work with: he combines an extremely good legal knowledge, with tactical strength and fantastic client skills.’
‘David Haines runs the best property litigation team to work with. He has recruited bright and proactive lawyers who are decent and fun human beings to work with. They collaborate seamlessly with each other on the bigger cases so that it always feels like there is continuity of instructions/information.’
‘Joe Edwards has been operating at partner-level for a number of years now. He drives the strategy on all of his cases, with a clear view of how to maximise the result for his clients.’
‘David Haines and Richard Flenley are exceptionally gifted at delivering the right outcomes for high value clients in complex property litigation. Natalie Deuchar stands out at associate level.’
Key clients
Wagamama Limited
Air Products Plc
Nellsar Limited
Citysprint (UK) Limited
Warrant Investments Plc
Prince Abbas Hilmi/Mohamed Ali Foundation
University of Surrey
The Save the Children Fund
The Diocese of Guildford
The Trustees of the Meyrick Estate
Work highlights
- Acting for Wagamama in successful High Court litigation concerning the interpretation of an Agreement for Lease and completion of a lease of restaurant premises in a new retail development.
- Advising the Trustees of the Meyrick Estate in relation to the forfeiture of a lease of hotel premises following substantial damage caused by a fire, including rent arrears and other breach of covenant claims.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire Tier 1
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is adept at advising on complex financings and corporate transactions, including cross-border deals. The practice is particularly active in the private equity space, where it acts for funds, portfolio companies and shareholders on acquisitions and disposals. The team also has a proven track record in handling deals for public companies. Practice head Richard NortonPractice head(s):
Richard Norton
Other key lawyers:
Adrian Mayer; Jonathan Morley; Edward Robinson; Matthew Hobbs
Testimonials
‘We value the strength in depth of the team.’
‘Richard Norton has exceptional commercial understanding, a practical approach to risk management and focuses on what is really important. Matthew Hobbs is an up and coming Senior Associate who is also able to cut away the noise and focus on the important issues in a deal.’
Key clients
Trifast Plc
Pennant International Group Plc
A Tsokkos Public Limited
Gulf Air
Actis LLP, and related Africa and Emerging market funds
Argo Group
Bank of Cyprus
Battery Ventures
Robert Hitchins Group Limited
Material Technologies Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised the shareholders on the sale of Soundbitelearning UK Limited to Access Group.
- Advised Metier on its investment in Africa Mobile Networks, a mobile operator in various African countries.
- Advised US-based Material Bank on its acquisition of Clippings Limited as part of its expansion into Europe.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire Tier 1
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s ‘excellent team are clear communicative and go the extra mile for all clients’, which span national and international businesses, insurers and individuals. The practice is separated into four distinct strands covering contentious insurance disputes, product liability and recall work, financial services litigation, and shareholder, contractual and professional negligence claims. Team leader Manoj Vaghela is a key name for cross-border insurance proceedings, legal director Claudine Morgan focuses on contractual, breach of warranty, negligence and shareholder mandates and ‘always sees a path through any issue’, while senior associate Ben Moore has ‘a knack for finding commercial solutions’.Practice head(s):
Manoj Vaghela
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is very helpful and user friendly. Points of law are carefully explained to laymen. The team is very professional and one feels one is dealing with friends.’
‘I am really impressed by the collaboration between this team. I have worked with them on a complex and fast moving matter, with very aggressive opponents, and they managed to stay completely on top of things, and keep the client updated without overloading them. They are also hyper available, which is really important in litigation.’
‘The team is excellent – they are clear and communicative and go the extra mile for all clients.’
‘Claudine Morgan is an absolute pleasure to work with, and always sees a path through any issue. Ben Moore is smart and dedicated, with a knack for finding commercial solutions.’
‘Client attention. Good response time. Solution driven. Clear advice. Positive mindset. Well positioned on price. Good commercial acumen.’
‘Claudine Morgan Very approachable, but very considered and direct in answering. Does not waste time and does not over complicate. Ben Moore – Clear, concise, considered. Good knowledge levels. Explains well, listens well.’
Key clients
Greggs plc
Tsokkos Hotels Public Limited
Argo Real Estate Opportunities Fund Limited
Oxford Plastic Systems Ltd
Trustees of the Harrowby’s Discretionary Will Trust
The Trustees of the Earl Bathurst 1963 Settlement
Riverstone Insurance/Argo Insurance
Zenium Technology Partners
Argo Insurance
QBE
Williams Grand Prix Engineering Ltd
Hallett Independent Insurance Brokers
Magic Apparels
Work highlights
Employment > Employment: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire Tier 1
The practice at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP utilises its global reach when advising on cross-border matters, overseeing work concerning global mobility, business protection and severance negotiations. The team has broadened its expertise in the healthcare sector with Sara Wilson and Syma Spanjers handling claims for NHS consultants. Wilson heads the practice; which was bolstered by the arrival of associate Izzie Beddard in September 2021.Practice head(s):
Sara Wilson
Other key lawyers:
Syma Spanjers; Kelly Evans
Testimonials
‘Sara Wilson is absolutely amazing. She not only talks to you in ‘layman’s terms’ but her knowledge and negotiation skills are beyond reproach.’
‘Sara Wilson is totally unique, I cannot speak highly enough of her. ‘
‘The overall service was very professional. The advice I received was of the highest standard and I felt that we worked as a team addressing issues directly and effectively.’
‘They always deal with my issues in a responsive manner. They are reactive and offer solid, reliable advice.’
‘Sara Wilson is superb. She grasped my issues very quickly and responds with a number of angles that cover off what I require. She is always available.’
‘They took the time to understand our business and also understand our culture. Good real world advice.’
‘Sense of humour, responsive and great service’
‘This practice goes above and beyond to provide legal advice in a timely, supportive manner. They are thorough and bring a confidence and calmness to stressful scenarios.’
Key clients
Sotheby’s
Neal’s Yard Remedies
Trifast Plc
Reynolds Catering Supplies Limited
The Garland Company Limited
Executive Jet Charter Limited
B&M Babbage & Co Limited
SourceBreaker Limited
Dunkerton Properties LLP
Plymouth Citizens Advice
Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises
African Private Equity & Venture Capital Association
Immedia Group Plc/Immedia Broadcast Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Sotheby’s, a premier international art auction house, on all UK employment matters.
- Advised Neal’s Yard Remedies, a UK-based retail and multi-level marketing company, on all UK employment matters.
- Represented a surgeon in the employment tribunal concerning a claim for constructive dismissal and age discrimination.
Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 1
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has a sizeable practice comprising of experts in agricultural property, tax and trusts matters. Its expertise encompass both transactional advice and litigation. Henry Fea leads the practice. Other notable individuals include Christopher Page and Tristam Van Lawick. Page has over 35 years’ of experience and Van Lawick is well versed in strategic and estate management issues.Practice head(s):
Henry Fea
Other key lawyers:
Christopher Page; Tristram van Lawick; Naomi Nettleton; Katie Talbot; Nigel Edge; Kate Eckley
Testimonials
‘Dedicated, knowledgeable and a helpful team to work with.’
‘Dedicated, knowledgeable and confident.’
‘Very responsive and proactive. Well resourced’.
‘A great all round team able to help with all aspects of rural estates.’
‘Tristram van Lawick – a solid safe pair of hands always there with wise counsel.’
‘A very useful multi-disciplined team with in-depth farming knowledge. Very helpful to have the crossover of litigation, commercial, private client and tax.’
‘Henry Fea is best in breed.’
Work highlights
- Advised family members and trustees on matters relating to a landed estate including mitigating inheritance tax liabilities through business property relief, employment matters, pre-nuptial agreements and buying out an interested party.
- Advised trustees of historic estate in relation to the potential application of estate duty surviving spouse exemption, ecclesiastical law in relation to church buildings within the grounds, and the loan of a conditionally exempt paining to a leading art museum for study and restoration.
- Acted for offshore company on the sale of a landed estate and successfully oversaw issues including partially documented private water supplies, incomplete agricultural tenancy history and various title issues.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP takes a multi-disciplinary approach, offering a full service tax, trusts and succession practice to its prestigious client roster. The team is led by Christopher Page, who is an expert in complex strategic and succession planning. Julia Cox strengthens the team with her deep knowledge and longstanding experience in estate planning. Henry Fea is noted for his expertise in both national and international tax and trusts matters.Practice head(s):
Christopher Page
Work highlights
- Advised a UK resident, non-domiciled entrepreneur who wished to become non-UK resident on residence, domicile and pre-emigration tax and succession planning, including the restructuring of the international holding structure for his UK business.
- Carried out a strategic review for a UK resident couple to prepare a succession plan for their high value rural estate and residential property portfolio and the transfer of the core estate to their chosen heir including advising on Balfour-style restructuring.
- Advised a UK resident married couple on a pre-sale transfer into a trust of a valuable shareholding to facilitate the inter-generation transfer of wealth via an asset protective structure.
Real estate > Commercial property: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire Tier 1
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP provides clients with comprehensive support along the full lifecycle of a transaction. Its core areas of focus within commercial property are strategic land, specialist supported living, residential investment and development, as well as high-net-worth property investment, lending and management. Ian Brothwood is the key contact and regularly acts for family businesses, charities and institutional landowners in addition to developers on residential and commercial schemes. ‘Stand-out partner’ Naomi Nettleton leads the firm’s hotel focus group with particular strengths in real estate investment and finance, while mixed-use developments are handled by Nigel Morton.Practice head(s):
Ian Brothwood
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘CRS has a strong team of competent and commercial lawyers. The individuals that I have worked with are highly responsive and go over an above to ensure that tight deadlines are met.’
‘A stand-out partner for me is Naomi Nettleton, she is approachable, tenacious, always there for her clients and goes above and beyond to get deals done whilst ensuring that the deal always works for us as clients.’
‘Outstanding high-level service.’
‘The Charles Russell Speechlys team are unique in the sense that they adjust their working practice to suit the client.’
‘It’s the personal touches, and the unique way that CRS adapts to our needs, rather than the other way round, that keeps us coming back for more.’
‘Attention to detail is second to none.’
Key clients
Crab Hill Developments
Philip White Leydene Settlement
Topland Group
Smythson
Bentham Country Club
Calcot Health & Leisure Company Limited
Mosman Estates Limited
The Oxford Asset Management Company Limited
Phi Capital Investments
Hearthstone Residential Fund 2 LP
Work highlights
- Acted for Topland Olympus Limited and Phi Capital Investments on the purchase of over 5 0individual properties with leaseback arrangements in place with Thurrock Council.
- Advising Hearthstone Residential Fund on acquisitions including both forward purchase and forward funding.
- Continuing to act for Crab Hill Developments on the long term development of the Kingsgrove estate in Oxfordshire.
Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts Tier 2
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP ‘always provides first-class advice’ that is ‘timely, thoughtful and challenging where appropriate’. The dedicated commercial team focuses its efforts on the firm’s key sector strengths in the sport, retail and TMT arenas, acting for a high-profile client roster including Nike, Caffe Nero and the Samaritans. Mark Bailey heads up the commercial group and handles technology and infrastructure work, Jason Saiban leads the tech, digital and brands group and Megan Paul excels in large-scale commercial agreements, particularly relating to outsourcing transactions. Mark Hill in the firm’s Dubai office also contributes to the practice.Practice head(s):
Mark Bailey; Jason Saiban; Megan Paul
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team are incredibly helpful and always provide first class advice. Their advice is timely, thoughtful and challenging where appropriate.’
‘Jason Saiban is a great lawyer who is a pleasure to deal with. Humble and always willing to adjust your thoughts in a positive way, he is a great partner for our business.’
‘The CRS Commercial Contracts team takes the time to understand our position and approach in terms of contracting and they then apply that in a commercially pragmatic manner. They have further supported us in identifying where our processes and guidelines could be improved. They are also extremely personable and approachable and this combination of factors gives us an ‘extension of the in-house’ team approach which is welcomed by our legal team and business colleagues.’
‘Megan Paul picked up our business and contracting approach very quickly and she has drawn praise from our business team about the commercial and effective solution-oriented approach she takes.’
Key clients
Nike (Nike European Operations Netherlands BV)
The International Tennis Federation (ITF)
Caffe Nero Group Limited
Bowers & Wilkins
Farfetch
HelloFresh
Samaritans
Work highlights
- Advising Nike across the full range of areas including digital transformation, technology contracts, sponsorship, sports marketing, advertising, e-commerce and data protection.
- Provided ongoing advice to Caffe Nero on its Heads of Terms and Manufacturing and Distribution Agreement with Greencore for all of its UK stores after the administration of Adelie (Caffe Nero’s previous authorised distributor).
- Reviewed all Farfetch’s commercial contracts in order to identify the impact of and amendments required as a result of Brexit.
Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 2
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP acts as trusted adviser to national and international businesses, regulators, and firms of professional advisers as well as assisting high-net-worth individuals on the claimant side. The team is ‘able to draw on its extensive experience to anticipate – and so avoid – problems before they arise‘, and is well-equipped to handle fraud actions and investigations as well as obtaining and resisting freezing orders, injunctions, and search orders. Stewart Hey leads the team and is well versed in the financial services, government and energy and natural resources industries. Charlotte Pender and Rhys Novak are both well positioned to assist clients in internal and external investigations, particularly with a fraud element. Caroline Greenwell is another dedicated specialist.Practice head(s):
Stewart Hey
Other key lawyers:
Charlotte Pender; Caroline Greenwell; Jason Freedman; Rhys Novak
Testimonials
‘The individuals at this practice all have their own personalities and skills; whilst they deliver a top quality product, it is also useful to have people that are not afraid to ‘get involved’, and are tenacious in their approach.’
‘Jason Freedman is an excellent litigator, and his hunger and passion to get to the bottom of what has gone on in fraud situations is admirable, and reflects well in evidence that is prepared by him and his team.’
‘Stewart Hey is a unique blend of smart, personable and always online.’
‘The team is able to draw on its extensive experience to anticipate (and so avoid) problems before they arise. By anticipating likely outcomes the team is able to work several steps ahead of events, which makes for a smooth and comfortable client experience.’
‘The partner I have worked with – Rhys Novak – is fantastic.’
‘The civil fraud team at CRS are second to none – they are responsive, creative and incredibly hardworking.’
Key clients
RSM
FRP Advisory
Central Bank of Bahrain
Fica Frio Limited
Gulf Air
Grant Thornton
Begbies Traynor
PwC
Credit Suisse
Ooredoo Q. s.c
Aldemore Bank plc
Accountable Accountancy Limited (in liquidation)
Work highlights
- Successfully represented the Joint Official Liquidators of six Cayman Islands registered companies, known collectively as the AwalCos, who were among the 15 resulting defendants in the multibillion dollar trial which uncovered a $330bn Ponzi scheme.
- Pursuing the recovery of Awal’s $5.8bn of balance sheet assets in numerous jurisdictions around the world, whilst defending those assets from hostile creditors.
- Successfully represented a former employee of a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell against allegations of international bribery and corruption in the Nigerian OPL 245 affair.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market Tier 2
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s ‘excellent litigation team‘ acts for a wide range of private banks, major corporations, sports companies, regulators, foreign governments and individuals, including celebrities and ultra-HNW individuals; and the group regularly works alongside the firm’s highly rated private client practice on disputes involving privately-owned companies or shareholders. Clients additionally benefits from the team’s sectors strengths in technology, telecoms, sports and financial services, along with mining, energy, aviation and retail. Charlotte Pender is the recently-appointed commercial dispute resolution head; Stewart Hey leads the firm’s broader litigation and dispute resolution division; Rhys Novak is a business and economic crimes specialist; Edward Craig is ‘determined to get the best results for clients‘; and, a partner since 2021, Caroline Greenwell is a multi-jurisdictional disputes expert. The senior associates to note are Lucy Wicksteed and recently promoted Stephanie Duncan.Practice head(s):
Charlotte Pender
Other key lawyers:
Stewart Hey; Rhys Novak; Edward Craig; Caroline Greenwell; Lucy Wicksteed; Stephanie Duncan; Max Davis
Testimonials
‘Very strong team and renowned for a reason – particularly good on sports litigation, great client service, and tip-top engagement with counsel.’
‘Edward Craig – experienced, commercially minded and determined to get the best results for clients.‘
‘Stewart Hey is diligent and always direct.’
‘Rhys Novak is fantastic.’
‘Rhys Novak is practical and strategic, and handles clients very well.‘
‘Charlotte Pender is always questioning and probing to ensure she provides the best advice.‘
‘Stewart Hey, Charlotte Pender and Caroline Greenwell are responsive, efficient and pragmatic, while clearly always focusing on the bests interests of their clients.‘
‘Legal director Max Davis is tenacious and an incredibly hard fighter.‘
Key clients
Central Bank of Bahrain
Awal Bank
RSM Restructuring & Advisory
FRP Advisory
Fica Frio
Charlton Athletic Football Club
Charlton Athletic Women’s Football Club
EFG Private Bank
Work highlights
- Acting for a former employee of a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell in a large Italian corruption prosecution, which concerns alleged grand-scale bribery in Nigeria and involves oil majors Shell and ENI.
- Successfully represented the Joint Official Liquidators of six Cayman Islands registered companies, which were among 15 defendants in a mega-value trial.
- Acting for the Central Bank of Bahrain (as Administrators of Awal Bank), in relation to Saad Investments Company’s (In Liquidation) claim against Awal Bank and JPMorgan, which concerns the default of a joint loan facility and the ownership of various assets.
Employment > Immigration Tier 2
Set within the firm’s employment, pensions and immigration group, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s immigration practice is particularly well known for its work advising international clients with UK business interests, where it benefits from close collaboration with the firm’s corporate lawyers. The team has extended its offering to Chinese clients in recent years, with practice head Rose Carey a key contact in this area. Carey is supported by fellow partner Kelvin Tanner, who is crucial to the firm’s global immigration offering, working with clients from countries including Spain, India, and New Zealand. The team is bolstered by the presence of a strong band of associates, including Kate Gamester, who became a senior associate in October 2021 and has broad experience advising both corporate and high-net-worth clients.Practice head(s):
Rose Carey
Other key lawyers:
Kelvin Tanner; Paul McCarthy; Katherine Dennis; Owen Chan; Adam Kyte; Kate Gamester
Testimonials
‘Exceptional all round. Client communication and management, legal knowledge, awareness of policy developments, access to decision makers, liaison with counsel, fee negotiation and settlement. All exemplary.’
‘The firm has plenty of credibility in the market, a global presence and diversified services. It is an excellent brand with highly capable staff.’
‘The team at CRS is led from the top, with a great leader in partner, Rose Carey. They manage to create a collaborative environment with clients that facilitates open relationships about what is needed, what issues may arise and what may not be possible to overcome. The team will always rise to the occasion to ensure an answer can be found and in a timeframe that the answer is required.’
‘Charles Russell Speechlys is a professional and reputable firm and has excellent knowledge for Immigration rules and regulations.’
‘We have been working with Rose Carey for a few years now, and we are delighted with the service we receive. Rose Carey is solutions-oriented and provides excellent advice helping us with low level to complex immigration needs. She continuously offers us guidance on changes the business needs to know.’
‘I work most closely with Kelvin Tanner, partner on the immigration team, because he is extremely knowledgeable and experience. He is also a very likeable person and I know that my clients are in good hands when I introduce them to him. Also Owen Chan is an associate on the same team. He is also excellent and importantly speaks Chinese which is a great help for my team/clients.’
‘The team at Charles Russell Speechlys, Paul McCarthy in particular, are absolutely wonderful. They get back to any queries immediately and truly care. Paul has been invaluable in helping the team with immigration queries and his caring and calm manner always put them at ease given many times he is dealing with stressful and sometimes emotional situations.’
‘Paul McCarthy is by far the most caring, kind, talented, hard-working and professional immigration attorneys we have ever worked with.’
Key clients
Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe (SIEE)
Entain
University of London
Brasserie Bar Co
Work highlights
- Advised Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe on the immigration aspects of expanding and competing in a dynamic and fast-paced market.
- Advised the Entain group on managing immigration risk and global co-ordination of complex immigration issues.
- Advised Brasserie Bar Co on a large-scale sponsorship to counter sector shortages and on the immigration aspects of a significant share sale.
Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 2
The London landed estates practice at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP excels at providing specialist tax, trust and tax planning advice for intergenerational succession. The team is ably led by Bart PeerlessPractice head(s):
Bart Peerless; Henry Fea
Other key lawyers:
Robert Blower; James Trafford; Charles Hutton; William Begley; Sarah Wray
Testimonials
‘CRS has a deep knowledge of Rural Estates, family related law, tax, including for clients living abroad, and issues such as succession‘.
‘First class lawyers – partners, senior associates and associates. Friendly, knowledgeable and very discreet. Bart Peerless, Henry Fea, James Trafford Charles Hutton are all excellent’.
‘Good advice well presented, friendly approachable team. Very knowledgeable. Bart Peerless- the name says it all! He is excellent. Sarah Wray – efficient friendly extremely good. Innovative ideas’.
‘The firm has a lawyer who can help with anything, incredibly valuable to multi-generational families and their businesses’.
‘William Begley – a very good lawyer who is collaborative and works well with other advisors. Happy to take control, but is equally happy to play the supporting role‘.
‘Sarah Wray is one of the brightest associates around. Her knowledge and analysis is exceptional and she is a delightful person into the bargain‘.
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP continues to represent high-profile national and international charities as well as historic educational institutions, ecclesiastical bodies and military charities. With Sarah Rowley at the helm the group is well-equipped to cover the full range of legal requirements that a charity has. It is also adept at establishing and managing corporate charitable and individual foundations. It is well-regarded too for its legacy management advice through its dedicated team at the Guildford office that advises an array of leading UK charities on contentious and non-contentious probate matters. Simon Weil specialises in tax planning, trusts and philanthropy and advising on other contentious issues that arise out of wills, trusts and the co-ownership of property for charities and private clients.Practice head(s):
Sarah Rowley
Other key lawyers:
Simon Weil; Penelope Byatt; Richard Honey
Testimonials
‘I can obtain very high quality charity law advice quickly and without fuss’.
‘I instruct Penelope Byatt in the Charities team. I always find that she responds quickly, thinks clearly and provides me with timely advice on whatever charity law issues I throw at her. Her ability to think through issues, and look at it from all sides when she advises is one which I value. She has a huge amount of sector specific knowledge and experience’.
‘They are brilliant for non-contentious probate and especially Inheritance Tax issues. Richard Honey is brilliant at explaining extremely complex issues in a very straightforward way’.
‘We deal with one Senior Associate – Penelope Byatt – who also acts as the Secretary of our Foundation. Penelope is unfailingly available for all our needs and it is hard to believe that she acts for any other clients. She is really “one of the team”’.
‘Sarah Rowley stands out as knowledgeable and as having a pragmatic understanding of all sides to a debate and as giving a clear opinion’.
‘The team is approachable and will always attend to matters in a timely manner, being mindful of the need to keep the costs within the estimate provided and advise accordingly if a further costs estimate is required’.
‘The individuals I have worked with have all acted with professionalism whilst retaining an approachable demeanour’.
Key clients
Samaritans
Lord Wandsworth College
Dementia UK
Royal Air Force Museum
National Museum of the Royal Navy
Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund
City and Guilds of London Institute
Autistica
The Ernest Cook Trust
British Computer Society
Work highlights
- Advising the Royal Air Force Museum, one of the three national service museums, in connection with the petition for a Royal Charter and the incorporation of the charity and assisting in the process of transferring all assets, charitable activities and subsidiary companies to the newly incorporated company.
Private client > Court of protection Tier 2
Suzanne MarriottPractice head(s):
Suzanne Marriott; Sally Ashford
Other key lawyers:
Graeme Kleiner; Oliver Auld; Rebecca Piper; Robyn Hack
Testimonials
‘Suzanne Marriott has a stellar reputation – she is the first choice independent property & affairs deputy for high net worth families in dispute, and so has an in-depth knowledge of the workings of the Court and the dynamics at play’
‘Suzanne Marriott is very ably supported by Oliver Auld and Rebecca Piper who have excellent judgment in Court of Protection litigation, representing their clients’ interests at each stage without losing sight of the big picture’.
‘Suzanne Marriott is massively respected, and not a little feared by all in the sector. Oliver Auld is a very shrewd operator with excellent judgment. Rebecca Piper is excellent with clients and very experienced for her seniority’.
‘The team is expert and efficient, with very strong technical legal knowledge and excellent client care. They are able to call upon the skills of colleagues in other teams within their well-established firm, which ensures that their clients have a “one-stop service”‘.
‘Its pro-bono input is exceptional: I have partnered with them in providing practical legal training for the voluntary sector’.
‘Sally Ashford is a dedicated and highly skilled professional deputy dealing with many complex cases, including the cross-over between Health & Welfare vs Property & Finance, which is quite rare for professional deputies. She has a wonderful balance of being calm, determined and proactive’.
‘Robyn Hack assists Sally Ashford in her day to day casework and is an excellent communicator and diligent in her approach’.
Private client > Family: mediation Tier 2
Sarah AnticoniPractice head(s):
James Freeman
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Anticoni; Shona Alexander
Testimonials
‘Sarah Anticoni is one of the leading family mediators in the country is always on our top three list of mediators who I recommend. She commands authority and has so much experience that clients immediately trust her and with her super intelligence and creative approach she can resolve the most difficult of mediations’.
‘Very experienced mediators who have a wealth of knowledge to assist clients in the mediation process. Sarah Anticoni is a first rate mediator with lots of experience and common sense. She always goes the extra mile for clients and I would have no hesitation in recommending her’.
‘The team has strength in the experienced practitioners within and they are also highly knowledgeable and able to draw upon the other disciplines within the firm to assist their clients’.
‘Shona Alexander is an experienced, empathetic and knowledgeable mediator who can offer a high service of assistance to families particularly where there are high value assets and complex company structures’.
‘Sarah Anticoni is an excellent mediator, she can help couples resolve the most intractable of disputes’.
‘Sarah Anticoni is the only person in the firm with whom I have contact – she is the foremost mediator of her generation’.
‘Sarah Anticoni has strength, knowledge, compassion’.
‘Good reputation. Nice people – Sarah Anticoni (Mediation)’.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 2
The team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP comprises highly skilled and experienced lawyers including Emma HumphreysPractice head(s):
David Haines
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Responsive, astute and commercial.’
‘Commercially astute.’
‘Very experienced property litigators. Combines offices in London, Guildford and Cheltenham with teams in property cases sometimes spanning all three offices.’
‘Emma Humphreys – very client focused. Extremely practical and looks for solutions to problems.’
‘David Haines – very commercial and strong understanding of the legal principles.’
‘A first rate team which can hold its own.’
‘Emma Humphreys – a thoroughly commercial, user friendly solicitor with a good legal brain.’
‘The property litigation team is highly skilled, they are leading experts in the field of leasehold enfranchisement and they provide an excellent service.’
Key clients
The Mountain Trust Company as Trustees of the OCA Trust
Actis LLP
Pivotal Homes
Workspace Group
London Hotels Collection
RCL Cruises
Bellway Homes Ltd
Berkeley Group
Church Commissioners for England
Proudreed Limited
Derwent London Plc
Eton College
Greenwich Millennium Village Ltd
Hollybrook Limited
Howard de Walden Estates Limited
Manhattan Loft Corporation
The Merchant Taylors’ Company
Ballymore Group
London & Cambridge Properties
abrdn
Stonegate Pub Company Limited
Real estate > Residential property Tier 2
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has an excellent reputation for its work on complex and high-value transactions in the prime London market as well as the country market and rural estates. Clients include buyers and sellers in addition to financiers, developers, property agents and other very wealthy individuals and families. William Marriott heads the department. Thomas Moran is well regarded for his work with national and international clients on the purchase and sale of high-value residential property in the prime and super prime London market. Tristam Van Lawick has particular expertise in advising on big estates and farms. There have been changes to the team at a senior level. Christian Massey is now at Michelmores LLP and property consultant Alastair Morrison has recently joined the practice from Burges Salmon LLP.Practice head(s):
William Marriott
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Moran; Tristram van Lawick
Testimonials
‘CRS is exceptional. They have the ability to advise clients in so many areas and the advice given is always excellent. The recent C19 outbreak has resulted in a lot of them working from home, but they still deliver the same great service’.
‘Tom Moran is a sage and worldly lawyer. He has a wealth of experience and always knows how to navigate through the finer points of law. He is also a great deal of fun to work with and does things with a smile’.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 2
The group at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has a wide array of clients, from data centre operators and software providers to customers of IT. The practice has handled an increasing volume of digital transformation projects in the engineering, retail, and food and beverage sectors, and data centres and infrastructure projects, M&A, IT outsourcings and contentious mandates are also focuses of the team. Transactional lawyer Mark Howard co-leads the department alongside Mark Bailey; Howard has particular strength in IT-related M&A work, while Bailey has expertise in regulated IT sector contracting, data centre operations and cloud computing. Megan Paul handles large-scale commercial agreements and outsourcing transactions. Jason Saiban has a focus on complex IT matters in the retail, leisure, TMT and sport sectors, while senior associate Caroline Young is skilled in digital transformation projects.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘CRS IT and telecoms team are good for corporate technology agreements. They are efficient and effective and provide good, practical, up-to-date advice in a sector that changes very rapidly. They know their clients’ businesses and understand what areas of the agreement are critical and essential to focus on.’
‘The team takes great trouble to understand the brief and to deliver the services that the in-house client is looking for. They are pragmatic but thorough in their approach and always deliver practical advice.’
‘Caroline Young and Mark Bailey take time to understand the client’s approach and risk tolerance, and deliver external services in a way that aligns with the client’s in-house team.’
‘Megan Paul provides clear advice and guidance and works well within tight deadlines. She takes time to understand the needs of the client to ensure that she focuses negotiations on those terms in the agreement that really matter.’
Key clients
FairXchange
Process Sensing Technologies Limited
The International Tennis Federation
DiscoverIE plc
IFS
Shareholders of Modern Networks
Nike
Oncam Global Limited
Decision First Limited
Caffe Nero Group Limited
Content + Cloud
Work highlights
- Advised FairXchange on a strategic investment by fintech specialist investor United Fintech.
- Advised global enterprise software company IFS on its acquisition of Axios Systems PLC.
- Advised Content+Cloud on its acquisition of Microsoft collaboration and unified communications provider, Sipcom.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment (including media finance) Tier 2
Jason Saiban leads the team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, a firm that advises clients on film & TV, interactive content, and advertising & marketing with a notable sports practice as well as expertise in advising on competition law issues arising in media and entertainment. Duncan Lamont has a 'wealth of experience across all aspects of the Media world' and predominantly advises TV broadcasters, producers, celebrities, and journalists. Noteworthy for his expertise in the exploitation of content is associate Richard Davies who recently led the team in acting for Bowers & Wilkins on several collaborative projects including events at Soho House.Practice head(s):
Jason Saiban
Other key lawyers:
Duncan Lamont; Jody MacDonald; Nick White; Gabrielle Shovlin; Richard Davies
Testimonials
‘The team ARE a team! They work as a team should: fully aware of every aspect of the case and conversations enabling smooth transitions between one solicitor and another.’
‘Duncan Lamont’s wealth of experience across all aspects of the Media world provides him with the unique ability to see things from both sides and give a true and honest evaluation of the each situation. Gabrielle Shovlin adds the extremely valuable nuts and bolts to each case with thoroughly researched and detailed information to tie up the merits of the case.’
Key clients
Nike
Marcus Rashford
International Tennis Federation
Bowers & Wilkins
Value Retail
Westfield
wagamama
Brasserie Blanc
Richemont
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Veloce Esports / Quadrant Esports
The Association for UK Interactive Entertainment (UKIE)
Liquid Crimson
Edge Creative Enterprise Fund LP
NCSOFT
Brain Analytics Limited
Sega Amusements International Limited
Ascot Racecourse
Youview
Caroline Quentin
Ingrid Dupre
Image Nation Abu Dhabi
CNBC
Historylies Limited
Mediapro Group
Caviar Creative
Boomtown Productions
Downrange Production
Work highlights
- Advising YouView on competition matters associated with the successful development of the YouView platform.
- Advising Nike on digital transformation projects, technology contracts, sponsorship, sports marketing, advertising, e-commerce, regulatory, privacy and data protection, litigation, employment and real estate.
- Advising ITV on a broad range of competition matters, including in relation to a wide variety of commercial arrangements.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 2
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is instructed by broad range of sports clients, including governing bodies, clubs and athletes, across contentious and non-contentious issues. The practice offers specific expertise in sports integrity, rights and marketing, and technology. Jason Saiban heads the sport, retail and technology team, specialising in sponsorship, merchandising, advertising and marketing, and event management. Co-head Nic CouchmanPractice head(s):
Jason Saiban; Jody MacDonald; Nic Couchman
Other key lawyers:
Satish Khadnke; Nick White; Richard Davies; Danielle Sharkey
Testimonials
‘Good longstanding relations with various individuals, in particular Edward Craig.’
‘Excellent sports commercial knowledge, especially data and betting related, and broadcast. The team keeps abreast of issues related to our organisation, and is always able to pick things up quickly and run with them.’
‘Richard Davies is a superb senior associate – technically skilled, commercially minded, understands the operational aspects and well organised and able to deliver to our required timings.’
‘Jody MacDonald is excellent in sports data rights and associated integrity issues, and other sports commercial rights matters.’
‘I was impressed with Jody MacDonald’s responsiveness, commercial thinking and pragmatism.’
Key clients
Nike (Nike European Operations Netherlands BV)
The International Tennis Federation (ITF)
International Cricket Council (ICC)
Marcus Rashford
Ascot Racecourse
The Ocean Race
ATP
CSM Sport and Entertainment
NEP Group
Premiership Rugby
Work highlights
- Advised on Nike’s kit supply and sponsorship deal with Liverpool FC.
- Advised Premiership Rugby on a first-of-its-kind technology and marketing partnership with Ticketmaster Sport.
- Advised the ICC in relation to various media contracts and rights negotiations relating to the ICC’s commercialisation programme.
Dispute resolution > Debt recovery Tier 2
With an office in Guildford, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP have a dedicated innovation and knowledge team who are part of the firm’s commercial dispute resolution practice, headed up by Jamie Cartwright. Cartwright has a strong track record in commercial litigation, exemplifying the firm’s abilities in contested and complex debt recovery issues for commercial parties, financial institutions and property clients. The debt recovery practice also regularly handles mandates with an international focus.Practice head(s):
Jamie Cartwright
Other key lawyers:
Tom Plowman
Key clients
Acuity Advisors
Eighty One UK Limited
Fiat Chrysler and Jeep
Acushnet Company
Work highlights
- Assisted Fiat Chrysler including Jeep and Alfa Romeo with the recovery of debts owed by current and previous dealership network members.
- Assisting Acushnet Company and its range of brands including Titleist with supplier debt issues, including retention of title issues.
- Acting for a leading holiday tour operator in debt claims against other operators with force majeure implications arising from Covid-19.
Employment > Health and safety Tier 2
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s Guildford-based regulatory crime department provides full-service support to clients on matters relating to health and safety regulations. The team is experienced in both longer-term advisory work and representing those facing investigation and prosecution. Team head Rachel Warren acts for clients from sectors including retail and leisure, and housebuilding and construction, where she is especially adept at handling matters relating to fire safety. She is supported by associate Charlotte Healy, who brings experience in commercial litigation and in the niche area of food labelling, food safety, and allergens.Practice head(s):
Rachel Warren
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very client focused. A small specialist team that I knows their business and practice area and places the client first. Great to work with.’
‘Charlotte Healy – very hardworking, great attention to detail.’
‘Rachel Warren – knows her specialism. Good leader of a very well-thought-of team.’
Employment > Pensions Tier 2
As part of the firm’s wider pensions team, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s pensions offering is headed up in the South East by Guildford-based legal director Esther White. Michael Jones leads the national pensions team and Nick Hurley heads up the employment, pensions and immigration (EPI) group. The team works alongside colleagues across the firm and in other departments such as commercial litigation to advise a broad variety of clients, with particular strengths in the IT, media and telecoms sector. White specialises in issues arising from M&As, restructurings and automatic enrolments, while Andy Williams advises on the employment law implications of restructuring and benefit change schemes. Experienced litigator Duncan ElsonPractice head(s):
Esther White; Nick Hurley; Michael Jones
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Good specialist knowledge and a good number of subject matter experts.’
‘Esther White and Michael Jones. Knowledgeable, personable and ability to “simplify” complex legal matters to the untrained.’
‘Prompt and courteous response at all times.’
‘Michael Jones and Esther White are diligent and attentive to the needs of the trustees.’
Key clients
Ericsson
Smith & Williamson Trustees Ltd
Sotheby’s
SS&C UK Ltd
Civica Group
City & Guilds
Goodwin Procter
NCR
Westminster Abbey
Work highlights
- Advised the pension scheme trustees for a charity in the health sector in relation to the transfer of the assets and liabilities to a master trust and the winding up of the scheme.
- Advised a multinational retailer in relation to the buy out and winding up of its hybrid occupational pension scheme.
- Advising trustees from a tech multinational on their duties and obligations in relation to early retirement and ill health early retirement.
Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 2
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has a strong reputation for representing claimants against professionals – including solicitors, accountants and financial advisors – acting for individuals and companies alike. The team has experience of cases across a wide range of industries, from architecture to financial services. The Guildford-based team is led by partner Stephen Burns, who focuses on sectors including financial services, tech, telecoms and healthcare, and is a member of the Professional Negligence Lawyers’ Association. The firm's hugely experienced Guildford office head Duncan ElsonPractice head(s):
Stephen Burns; David Savage; Duncan Elson
Testimonials
‘Really solid grasp of detail, able to quickly explain the core of the matter. Avoided the tendency to get bogged down in pointless sabre-rattling and name calling. Very reasonable on fees and open to exploring different fee arrangements.’
‘Stephen Burns had a really good understanding of what was important and what needed to be dealt with. He gave great advice that helped move us to a very good outcome in a complicated professional negligence matter. Very solid at mediation.’
Key clients
Icon 1992 Limited
Work highlights
- Represented a financial services company against their former solicitors regarding negligent advice concerning their exit from a well-known competitor. The dispute was high-value and at its centre comprises allegations of negligent advice relating to fiduciary and fidelity duties, reporting obligations and restrictive covenants (namely non-solicitation).
- Represented one of the world’s largest investment companies in relation to a number of funds in relation to a potential negligence claim against a firm of architects in the construction sector. The claim arises out of the design and installation of defective cladding.
Finance > Banking and finance Tier 2
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP's banking and finance group focuses on international transactions on the one hand and on advising borrowers on the other hand. Based in Cheltenham, the team is led by Richard NortonPractice head(s):
Richard Norton
Other key lawyers:
Naomi Nettleton; Edward Robinson; Daniel Moore; Manoj Vaghela
Testimonials
‘Depth of banking and finance expertise through a number of individuals who go out of their way to go that extra mile and provide outstanding customer experiences.’
‘The differentiator for me is not the sector expertise (a given) but how the expertise translates into practical / commercial decision making and support.’
‘Richard Norton runs a top team and practice.’
Key clients
Awal Bank B.S.C
Trifast plc
Bank of Cyprus
Credit Suisse
Royal Bank of Canada
EFG Private Bank Limited
National Bank of Kuwait
Clydesdale Bank
Ahli United Bank
Cynergy Bank
Work highlights
- Acted for the borrowers on an LMA Loan Facility for Lansk International Limited with Lloyds bank plc secured over upmarket residential property.
- Acted for Trifast plc on the LIBOR transition and extension of their £80 million acquisition facility.
- Acted Robert Hitchens Group Limited on a subs new LIBOR transition Loan Facility with Lloyds Bank plc, secured on commercial property.
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is well versed in handling matters from both charities and not-for profit organisations; the team is well equipped to advise on all matters, including those involving property, construction, employment and banking aspects. The team is led by Christopher Page, Julia Cox and Ian Brothwood . Another notable individual is Penelope Byatt; her expertise includes constitutional and governance matters.Practice head(s):
Christopher Page; Julia Cox; Ian Brothwood
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘There is a real specialism in the area of charity law, and an understanding of what the issues are for charities and what makes charities different, which is very refreshing.’
‘I deal with Penelope Byatt in the charities team, who always knows the answers to the questions I ask her, normally off the top of her head.’
‘CRS has a wide range of specialists in the practice.’
‘They are approachable, efficient and helpful. I have worked with a number of solicitors at the firm who have always been helpful, and understanding of us a charity and not a commercial business, and that makes dealing with them all such a pleasure.’
‘The advice given is relevant, clear and timely. The firm is able to draw on expertise across a number of different specialist areas and across the firm whether it be the London or Cheltenham team.’
‘Practical knowledge and experience of the transactions undertaken.’
‘Approachable, knowledgeable and responsive to requests for assistance.’
‘Penny Byatt has been there to guide us through the transaction and always responded to questions in a timely and practical manner.’
Work highlights
Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – small-mid cap Tier 3
The ‘technically savvy and very knowledgeable’ Charles Russell Speechlys LLP ECM practice specialises in the property, oil and gas, financial services and technology sectors. The firm handles a range of matters, notably takeovers, and has longstanding relationships with advisers, brokers and AIM Market Nomads. Practice head Andrew Collins specialises in corporate advice and transactional work; his team includes Paul Arathoon, who acts on capital market transactions for issuers and brokers on the Main Market and AIM, including debt and other non-equity capital issuances.Practice head(s):
Andrew Collins
Other key lawyers:
Paul Arathoon; Anne-Marie Balfour; Edyta Brozyniak; Victoria Younghusband
Testimonials
‘CRS provides a team that is well balanced and partner led.’
‘The Company has been very well served by the lead partner, Andrew Collins. Andrew has a wealth of real estate and listed company experience and has guided the Board through a change of strategy over the last year.’
‘Anne-Marie Balfour has given timely and balanced advice over redrafting the executives’ service agreements. Her initiative and knowledgeable intervention provided a solution acceptable to all parties, while protecting the company’s best interests and involving the AIM nominated adviser.’
‘Excellent, personable service and team but technically savvy and very knowledgeable.’
‘Very responsive and friendly but provide great technical know how and service. Cost effective also, particularly for start up managers. I really value the input of Edyta Brozyniak and Victoria Younghusband who are both excellent.’
Key clients
Oracle Power
HeiQ Materials
CYBA
7digitial Group
Ergomed
1Spatial
Europa Oil & Gas
The Biotech Growth Trust
India Capital Growth Fund
Circle Property
Fidelity
Predator Oil & Gas
Transense Technologies
LiDCO Group
Dukemount Capital
Work highlights
- Acting for AIM-listed client Caretech Holdings plc on a contested offer for the company.
- Advised AIM quoted Transense Technologies plc on its share buy-back programme.
- Advised the Board of India Capital Growth Fund, an investment company listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange, on the procedure for facilitating its first redemption facility.
Dispute resolution > Professional discipline Tier 3
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s recent track record includes instructions from clients from a wide spectrum of sectors, including the sport, healthcare, the arts and private banking industries. Practice head Edward Craig is a seasoned litigator, whose contentious practice includes acting for sports regulatory bodies, companies, private banks, and wealthy individuals; and the ‘simply superb‘ legal director Rachel Warren has significant experience in advising professionals who are subject to disciplinary proceedings brought by professional regulators. At senior associate level, Danielle Sharkey brings in-house expertise from her time at the British Horseracing Authority, where she regularly appeared for the regulator.Practice head(s):
Edward Craig
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘CRS brings the professionalism, legal and tactical acumen associated with a firm of this calibre.’
‘The firm has vast experience in pharmacy and medicine within professional discipline and healthcare regulation.’
‘CRS is user friendly, and engages with clients in a manner that generates confidence and achieves the best possible outcome.’
‘Cost aware and ensures that the client gets value for money.’
‘The team is always on hand as and when we require its assistance.’
‘Its knowledge of the horseracing industry is second to none and knowledge of sports in general is excellent. The team is innovative in a way that while following instructions it provides ideas outside of the box, which is attributed to the thoroughness of its work.’
‘Rachel Warren is simply superb. Clients feel tremendously well supported, and rightly have absolute confidence in her tactical and legal advice. Her case management is excellent; and while realistic about what can be achieved, her results normally exceed the clients’ expectations.’
‘Danielle Sharkey is a leader in sports integrity. Her strength is giving advice on the spot, and giving a variety of viable options. She is very approachable, and her positivity and calmness in difficult situations sets her apart.’
Key clients
Greyhound Board of Great Britain
Ascot Racecourse
The Premier League
International Tennis Federation
British Horseracing Authority
The Hurlingham Polo Association
Work highlights
- Assisted a pharmacy company in relation to a criminal investigation involving NHS fraud.
- Assisting a pharmacist with fitness to practise proceedings brought against him by NHS England, following a dispensing error.
Employment > Senior executives Tier 3
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP provides ‘real expertise particularly in matters involving senior executives and partners’. Key strengths are the banking and finance sectors, and the firm brings its financial services regulatory and tax expertise to advice in these areas. Trevor Bettany leads the team and his broad experience includes executive severance, defending disciplinary processes, pursuing grievances, whistleblowing and discrimination claims, contract negotiations and bonus disputes.Practice head(s):
Trevor Bettany
Other key lawyers:
Nick Hawkins; Nick Hurley; Georgina O’Sullivan; Francesca Charlton
Testimonials
‘Partner led, knowledgeable but open to discussion. Real world understanding.’
‘The firm replied speedily to all communications, billing was clear and transparent and I was confident that my matter would be competently dealt with from the beginning.’
‘Nick Hawkins was kind, compassionate, knowledgeable and supportive from the outset. Not only did he achieve a most satisfactory outcome for me, he kept me well informed throughout. I had complete confidence in him. He made a very difficult situation far more bearable.’
‘Charles Russell Speechlys have real expertise particularly in matters involving senior executives and partners. They have the capability to work across departments in demanding disputes with both employment and company law dimensions.’
‘Nick Hawkins is excellent: he has a thorough legal knowledge and excellent judgment, paired with a real sensitivity to how points would land with a court. He is also a real pleasure to work with; it is always a pleasure to speak to him as he handles even the trickiest matters with real grace and good humour, and with regard for the other demands on the time of those who work with him. I would recommend Nick very highly.’
‘CRS is a highly proficient company with immensely skilled partners and associates. Their calm considered views on the situation in which I found myself gave me confidence that I would win the case for wrongful employment treatment. The team was highly competent, but empathetic towards me and I was reassured from the outset which supported my frame of mind at the time. They were extremely knowledgeable and this clearly showed when compared to the opposing law firm.’
‘Nick Hurley, partner at CRS, was first class and so competent in what he did for me. I am indebted to him for all of his support and suggestions in relation to my case. Nick was so calm, supportive and empathetic towards me and his legal understanding of my case was exceptional. I highly recommend him to anyone.’
‘Georgina O’Sullivan and Francesca Charlton were very good and supported Nick Hurley. They both were very reactive to answering my questions and emails.’
Industry focus > Emerging markets Tier 3
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP provides 'very responsive and thoroughly detailed advice' on matters in the real estate, financial services, infrastructure, agribusiness, retail, energy and telecommunications sectors in a range of emerging markets. Clients note that the firm has 'a long history of working with issues that impact governments, has multi-jurisdictional reach and is able to draw on an excellent pool of barristers'. Africa lead partner Adrian Mayer, Caribbean lead partner Hamish Perry, India lead partner Rupa Lakha and principal Latin America partner Robert Reymond are the key practitioners. Mayer acted for specialist impact investor AgDevCo in its $70m equity funding from the CDC Group and Norfund, which will allow it to grow its investment activities in agriculture across sub-Saharan Africa.Practice head(s):
Adrian Mayer; Hamish Perry; Rupa Lakha; Robert Reymond
Other key lawyers:
John Almeida
Testimonials
‘Very responsive with throughly detailed advice.’
‘Hamish Perry has an exceptional understanding of our business, always responds to queries punctually and will draw on his firm’s resources to assist with specialised queries.’
‘A long history of working with issues that impact governments. Multi-jurisdictional reach and the firm is able to draw on an excellent pool of barristers.’
‘Stand-out partner John Almeida is responsive, efficient and resourceful.’
Key clients
AgDevCo (Africa)
Metier (Africa)
Ascent Capital Africa (Africa)
Actis LLP (Emerging Markets)
Government of Trinidad & Tobago (Caribbean)
Daystar Power (Africa)
M-Kopa Solar (Africa)
India Capital Growth Fund (India)
Work highlights
- Advised AgDevCo, a specialist impact investor in African agribusinesses on its recent $70m equity funding from the CDC Group, and Norfund which will allow AgDevCo to continue to grow its investment activities in agriculture across Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Advised Metier, a leading South African private equity fund manager, on a US$39m investment into Africa Mobile Networks Ltd (AMN). AMN builds, owns, operates and maintains mobile network infrastructure in Africa.
- Advised Ascent Capital Africa on the establishment and fund raising for its second fund, Ascent Rift Valley Fund II (ARVF II), which had its first rolling close on 31 March 2021 at more than USD 100 million and a second close with an additional commitment of approximately USD 13 million on 20 December 2021.
Industry focus > Retail and consumer Tier 3
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has expertise in an array of matters including advertising, marketing and branding issues, sponsorships, brand protection work, influencer agreements, e-commerce mandates and occupier matters. Jason Saiban‘s practice focus lies within commercial matters, and places particular attention on commercial contracting within the retail and leisure sector, while Edward Craig is the go-to name for luxury retail brands, and Michael Powner is renowned for his employment expertise and counts Nike as a key client; the trio jointly lead the practice.Practice head(s):
Jason Saiban; Edward Craig; Michael Powner
Testimonials
‘The team have a real depth of knowledge of the retail industry and are very commercial and efficient. Always readily available and quick response times.’
‘Jason Saiban has offered fantastic support to the business. Their advice is clear and practical.’
‘Jason Saiban has always been very responsive, approachable and a great sounding board.’
Key clients
Nike
Stonegate Pub Company Limited
Converse
Caffè Nero
Farfetch
Rapha Racing
Al Tayer Group
Itsu
Value Retail
H&M (Hennes & Mauritz)
Wahaca
Cadbury
HelloFresh
Honest Burgers
Brasserie Blanc
Australian Manuka Honey Association
Fiat Chrysler
Perfect Moment
Work highlights
- Advised Nike across the full range of practice areas including brand marketing, digital transformation projects, technology contracts, sponsorship, sports marketing, advertising, e-commerce, regulatory, privacy and data protection, litigation, employment and real estate.
- Advised Value Retail on strategic projects and business critical advice.
- Advised Farfetch and used an AI contract review platform to identify the impact of and amendments required as a result of Brexit.
Investment fund formation and management > Listed funds Tier 3
At Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, lawyers provide a full service for institutional clients, including the portfolios of Fidelity. The team advises on fund structuring and establishments, bringing together experts in tax, regulatory law and corporate transactions; and often works closely with colleagues in Luxembourg and Switzerland, giving it coverage of the international listed funds space. The group is jointly led by ‘excellent‘ Victoria Younghusband , a specialist in regulatory issues including market abuse; and David Hicks , who focuses on corporate financial services mandates. Andrew Collins ‘ public companies practice regularly dovetails with listed funds work.Practice head(s):
David Hicks; Victoria Younghusband
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Collins; Charlie Ring; Jessica Arrol Caws
Testimonials
‘Excellent, personable service and team but technically savvy and very knowledgeable’
‘Very responsive and friendly but provide great technical know how and service. Cost effective also, particularly for start up managers. I really value the input of Victoria Younghusband who is excellent.’
Key clients
The Biotech Growth Trust
Fidelity Asian Values
Fidelity China Special Situations
Fidelity European Trust
Fidelity Japan Trust
Fidelity Special Values
Shore Capital
Vina Capital Investment Management Limited
India Capital Growth Fund
Circle Property plc
Duke Royalty
Chelverton Growth Trust
Chelverton UK Dividend Trust
Work highlights
- Advised the Board of India Capital Growth Fund, an investment company listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange, on the procedure for facilitating its first redemption facility.
- Advised Fidelity on taking over the management of Genesis Emerging Markets Fund Limited (now Fidelity Emerging Markets Limited), including various related matters and in relation to the shareholder process and investment management, administration and other agreements and related regulatory advice (in relation to AIFMD etc.).
- Acting for Shore Capital (as nominated adviser and broker- Robert Finlay/David Coaten) in relation to a £56.4m fundraise for AIM-listed investment vehicle (insurance underwriters) – Helios Underwriting Plc.
Public sector > Healthcare Tier 3
The multi-disciplinary healthcare team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP offers strong technical expertise in a range of transactional and advisory matters, with partners coming from a range of different practice areas, such as real estate and M&A. The team works with healthcare operators, investors and business owners, with an increasing focus in the growing areas of retirement living facilities and health tech. Sarah Wigington advises on all aspects of corporate finance transactions, including joint ventures, private equity and general corporate finance advisory work. She co-leads the team with Michael Lingens , who advises on transactional work for public and private companies. Tim Jenkins is another key name, leading the healthcare professionals’ transactions team.Practice head(s):
Sarah Wigington; Michael Lingens
Other key lawyers:
David Coates; Tim Jenkins; Helen Wong
Testimonials
‘Pre-eminent profile advising pharmacy clients.’
‘Commercial knowledge and strategy review’
‘Dedicated and friendly, hardworking staff, with considerable knowledge in their specialty areas’
‘Michael Lingens has been a reliable and faithful source of advice to us for many years. David Coates handles our various M&A deals very capably, with a rapid grasp of key details.’
Key clients
CareTech Holdings
Caring Homes
Country Court Care
Avicenna / Juno Health
Dentex Healthcare Group
Goddard Veterinary Group
Minster Care Group
Lovett Care
Kirklands Care Limited
Emscott Holdings Limited
Amicura Care
BioMed Realty
CareTech Holdings
Caring Homes
Country Court Care
Avicenna / Juno Health
Dentex Healthcare Group
Goddard Veterinary Group
Minster Care Group
Lovett Care
Kirklands Care Limited
Emscott Holdings Limited
Amicura Care
BioMed Realty
Work highlights
- Advised Cofinimmo on its £57m acquisition of the freehold interests in three care homes
- Advised Dentex Healthcare Group on the acquisition of 29 dental practices during 2021, with a combined deal value in excess of £108m
- Advising Oakley Capital on the purchase of UK nationwide Nursery operator ICP Education Holdings Limited.
Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 3
Led by Lee Medlock, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP offers a ‘one-stop-shop’ service for a mix of investors, commercial developers and corporate occupiers. The group handles complex mixed-use schemes, with particular expertise in joint venture and partnership agreements. The team demonstrates considerable strength in both the logistics and life sciences sectors, with Eddie Richards and Suzi Gatward focusing on the former, while Louise Ward concentrates on the latter. Robin Grove and Alexander Gold are the key names for development work, specialising in regeneration schemes. Sarah Morley leads the office occupiers practice at the firm and focuses on headquarters moves and the rationalisation of space.Practice head(s):
Lee Medlock
Other key lawyers:
Robin Grove; Suzi Gatward; Louise Ward; Lynn Povey; Alexander Gold; Eddie Richards; Sarah Morley
Testimonials
‘A large scale team that can deal with all real estate problems that tenants have to consider when looking at a pre-let or an ordinary leasehold acquisition.’
‘Lee Medlock and Sarah Morley are proactive lawyers who get ion with the job rather than needing to be chased and give very good commercial advice to clients.’
‘The CRS team delivers exceptional value for the depth of knowledge and commercial approach they provide.’
‘Lee Medlock is very commercial and always references our previous requests in suggesting his mark-ups, so we get a bespoke service. He is responsive and easy to deal with. Thanks to Sarah Morley also for stepping in to assist with our project.’
Key clients
Derwent Valley London Limited
BioMed Realty
IQHQ
David Lloyd
Bellway Homes Limited and Redrow Homes Limited
Stonegate Pub Company Limited
EQT Exeter
Derwent Valley Central Limited
Bellis Acquisition Company 3 Limited
Topland Olympus Limited
Crab Hill Developments
Hello Fresh
Freddies Flowers
TDR Capital
Derwent Valley London Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Stonegate Pub Company Limited on their sale of a portfolio of pubs, a requirement by the CMA as part of Stonegate’s purchase of Ei Group.
- Advised TDR Capital LLP on their occupational interest: extending their footprint and term of occupation on Bentinck Street London W1.
- Advised Oxford University Endowment Management, who are responsible for managing the investment of endowments to Oxford University (with nearly £1bn of funds invested), on the underletting of part of their offices in Oxford to Mills & Reeve LLP.
Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 3
Led by Lee Medlock, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP offers a ‘one-stop-shop’ service for a mix of investors, commercial developers and corporate occupiers. The group handles complex mixed-use schemes, with particular expertise in joint venture and partnership agreements. The team demonstrates considerable strength in both the logistics and life sciences sectors, with Eddie Richards and Suzi Gatward focusing on the former, while Louise Ward concentrates on the latter. Robin Grove and Alexander Gold are the key names for development work, specialising in regeneration schemes. Sarah Morley leads the office occupiers practice at the firm and focuses on headquarters moves and the rationalisation of space.Practice head(s):
Lee Medlock
Other key lawyers:
Robin Grove; Suzi Gatward; Louise Ward; Lynn Povey; Alexander Gold; Eddie Richards; Sarah Morley
Testimonials
‘Full range of services provided so one-stop-shop, extremely professional, always available or will phone you back as soon as available – the team are known by other legal practices, which assists with progressing new opportunities’
‘Open and honest advice; they will work through problems to find the best solution – Robin Grove and Suzi Gatward provide ongoing and continuous advice across all areas in a timely manner’
‘Excellent partner-led service with a team that genuinely care about the client and its requirements with a focus on delivering outcomes.’
‘Robin Grove – a class above. His calm but thoughtful approach delivers valued commercial results.
‘Suzi Gatward – always goes out of her way to deliver beyond our expectations. A valued and trusted advisor.’
Key clients
Derwent Valley London Limited
BioMed Realty
IQHQ
David Lloyd
Bellway Homes Limited
Redrow Homes Limited
Stonegate Pub Company Limited
EQT Exeter
Derwent Valley Central Limited
Bellis Acquisition Company 3 Limited
Topland Olympus Limited
Topland Riversway Limited
Crab Hill Developments
Hello Fresh
Freddie’s Flowers
TDR Capital
Countryside Properties (UK) Limited
Higgins Homes
The Hill Group
Derwent Valley London Limited
Vistry Homes Limited Kent
Vistry Partnership Limited
TDV Development Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Countryside Properties on the joint agreement with Department of Education to deliver Ark Soane, a mixed-use development in Ealing, West London, comprising a new 1,200-pupil secondary school, Ark Soane Academy, and 116 high-quality homes as well as advising them on the simultaneous sale to a PRS and affordable housing provider.
- Advised IQHQ, the premier life sciences real estate development company, on the acquisition of two adjoining sites on Cambridge Science Park for life science-focused REIT, IQHQ for a purchase price of £40m.
- Advised David Lloyd on the forward funding agreement in respect of a site in Bicester, including the sale of land to KFIM Long Income Property Unit Trust.
Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 3
Led by Lee Medlock, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP offers a ‘one-stop-shop’ service for a mix of investors, commercial developers and corporate occupiers. The group handles complex mixed-use schemes, with particular expertise in joint venture and partnership agreements. The team demonstrates considerable strength in both the logistics and life sciences sectors, with Eddie Richards and Suzi Gatward focusing on the former, while Louise Ward concentrates on the latter. Robin Grove and Alexander Gold are the key names for development work, specialising in regeneration schemes. Sarah Morley leads the office occupiers practice at the firm and focuses on headquarters moves and the rationalisation of space.Practice head(s):
Lee Medlock
Other key lawyers:
Robin Grove; Suzi Gatward; Louise Ward; Lynn Povey; Alexander Gold; Eddie Richards; Sarah Morley
Key clients
Derwent Valley London Limited
BioMed Realty
IQHQ
David Lloyd
Bellway Homes Limited and Redrow Homes Limited
Stonegate Pub Company Limited
EQT Exeter
Derwent Valley Central Limited
Bellis Acquisition Company 3 Limited
Topland Olympus Limited
Crab Hill Developments
Hello Fresh
Freddies Flowers
TDR Capital
Derwent Valley London Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Derwent London on the sale of its 192,700 sq. ft freehold interest in the Johnson Building, 77 Hatton Garden and 5-7 Cross Street EC1 to Eurazeo Patrimoine, the real assets division of Eurazeo.
- Advising Blackstone portfolio company BioMed Realty on all UK real estate and construction matters, including the acquisition of Granta Park and Babraham life sciences campuses, the financing of Granta Park and negotiating the construction provisions of agreements for lease and drafting the construction documents.
- Acted for longstanding client EQT Exeter on the acquisition of a high value distribution asset, a 785,000 sq. ft Northamptonshire warehouse from LondonMetric for £102m.
Real estate > Construction: contentious Tier 3
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP offers the full range of contentious services relating to construction and engineering projects, acting for clients including employers, contractors, specialists and consultants. It also has an international disputes offering, especially involving African and Middle Eastern projects. Steven Carey leads the team, advising on a wide range of domestic and international construction matters. Kevin Forsyth focuses on the renewable energy sector, as well as international arbitration work. Rupa Lakha specialises in dispute resolution and avoidance, whilst Michael O’Connor takes the lead on fire safety and Building Safety Bill related work.Practice head(s):
Steven Carey
Other key lawyers:
Kevin Forysth; Rupa Lakha; Michael O’Connor; James Worthington
Testimonials
‘Pragmatic and thorough, covering all bases in a robust way.’
‘Very motivated and a pleasure to work with.’
‘A highly knowledgeable professional construction division led by phenomenal partners – who have also mentored and grown their team along the journey.’
‘Their advise is clear and provides various options for clients to proceed with that would give the best result. Professionals that build relations over decades with integrity.’
‘Rupa Lakha is one of the most professional, ethical, authentic lawyers on contentious construction cases. She provides sound advise with all alternatives available to make the case stronger.’
‘Rupa Lakha is a powerful, authentic, dynamic lawyer who comes with alternate recommendations and solutions and delivers her advise without any pressure.’
Key clients
Expanded
The Pirbright Institute
Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications, Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain
Atkins
The London Array Offshore Windfarm
United Living Group
Derwent London
Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 3
Acting for a range of clients, including employers, contractors, and consultants, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is experienced in advising on domestic and international large-scale construction and engineering projects. It has a strong international focus, and is particularly involved with projects in Africa and the Middle East. The practice also continues to grow its building and fire safety hub for construction professionals. Steven Carey heads the team, with significant experience in a broad range of construction and engineering matters. Fiona Edmond advises on central London commercial developments, including office, mixed-use developments, and hotels. James Worthington focuses regeneration and renewable energy projects.Practice head(s):
Steven Carey
Other key lawyers:
Fiona Edmond; James Worthington
Testimonials
‘They have a good range of skills and knowledge within their team, and they support each other so that they have the right expertise to deal with the issue at hand.’
‘The people have always been approachable and friendly. They engage properly, which means getting to the right solution is always easier.’
‘James Worthington is excellent. He is involved others where needed and delegates to his team, but always keeps up with what is going on.’
Key clients
Derwent London plc
Expanded
Fortis IBA
Maldives Airport Company Limited, Government of the Maldives
The Pirbright Institute
Ministry of Transport & Telecommunications, Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain
Atkins
Work highlights
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 3
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s IP offering is headed up by IP litigator Mary Bagnall, whose soft IP protection and enforcement expertise is trusted by a number of international brand owners. Bagnall steers the team which advises across a diverse range of industries, including the fashion, retail, sports, leisure, entertainment, and technology sectors. The firm maintains a dedicated art law team, which also has copyright litigation capabilities. Digital specialist Nick White‘s expertise in the sports sector is highly praised by clients, and he also advises companies in the lifestyle sector. Also of note within the team is Charlotte Duly, who has extensive expertise in trade mark, design, and domain name work; senior associates Caroline Young and Olivia Gray, and associate Peter Byrd.Practice head(s):
Mary Bagnall
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They are an excellent team which is both responsive and knowledgeable. They keep updating themselves on the latest developments and are a great team to work with. The collaboration with them has been fruitful.’
‘Charlotte Duly is very dependable and is always there when you require her. She has a hands-on approach and is always involved in the matters, which is comforting due to her expertise.’
‘Nick White has an expertise and a passion for sports which permeates into his work. His passion is only matched by his excellence and knowledge in the field of sports law.’
‘Peter Byrd is very dependable and is always responsive to emails sent to him. He provides great assistance and his qualities are a good mix for the excellent team he is a part of.’
‘The trade mark team at Charles Russell Speechlys is top-notch. They provide sophisticated strategic advice.’
Key clients
Actis
Essity Hygiene and Health (formerly SCA)
Cadbury
Moore Global – Formerly Moore Stephens
Hachette
Wahaca
Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprungli AG
ITV
Rapha Racing
Gulf Air
wagamama
Formica
Vindavinci Beverage Company
Australian Manuka Honey Association
World Rowing
Honest Burgers
itsu
Howard de Walden Estates
Immodulon Therapeutics Limited
Emergex Vaccines Holdings Limited
Rentschler Biopharma
Fitbit International
Work highlights
- Representing the Australian Manuka Honey Association in its successful opposition to a UK certification mark for the name MANUKA HONEY by Manuka Honey Appellation Society, a body representing the interests of the New Zealand Manuka honey industry.
- Advising Dementia UK on all aspects of its IP protection and in particular have recently successfully prosecuted the DEMENTIA UK trade mark in the face of an inherent distinctiveness objection from the UKIPO.
- Advised the International Tennis Federation, the world governing body of tennis, on its rebrand and global filing strategy of the Fed Cup (the women’s version of the Davis Cup) to the Billie Jean King Cup.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management Tier 3
Specialist media lawyer Duncan Lamont leads the defamation and reputation management practice at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP which acts for clients in the ongoing phone hacking litigation against News Group Newspapers and Reach plc, as well as providing a broader libel and data protection services to major media production companies and businesses. Lamont is supported by associates Gabrielle Shovlin, who has expertise advising large corporations on the misuse of private information as, and Hannah Gornall, who works with both private individuals and commercial entities.
Practice head(s):
Duncan Lamont
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Duncan Lamont – really responsive and pragmatic.’
Key clients
ITV News
Channel 4 News
Ingrid Dupre
Fern Britton
Nikki Sanderson
Garland
wagamama
Samaritans
Hampden
Work highlights
- Advised television personality Fern Britton in respect of the unlawful obtaining of her private information by national newspaper group MGN Limited
- Representing four well known individuals in respect of an application by MGN Limited to strike out their claims for unlawful voicemail interception, on the basis of section 2 and/or section 36 Limitation Act 1980.
Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 3
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP joins the ranking with a Cheltenham-based practice whose core pillars are property insolvency, restructuring advice, and transactional work in the context of insolvencies. The department is led by James Hyne from London, while the key contact for the South West is insolvency expert Daniel Moore, who advises a broad range of stakeholders on international and domestic matters.Practice head(s):
James Hyne
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I have found Charles Russell Speechleys extremely cost effective but still deliver excellent service, and value for money.’
‘Very commercial and will also take a view if matters are a bit tight.’
‘I have found Daniel Moore exceptional in all aspects of delivering what is required and as swiftly as possible, with the legal assurances, and the background experience to understand most situation. He is just brilliant, and would be delighted to recommend.’
Key clients
RSM Restructuring & Advisory
Begbies Traynor
Quantuma
Work highlights
- RSM Restructuring & Advisory (various matters)
- Begbies Traynor (various matters)
- Quantuma (various matters)
Corporate and commercial > Partnership Tier 4
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP offers a blend of corporate, partnership, employment and tax expertise to clients - both partnerships and individuals. David Hicks specialises in both corporate and partnership matters with a focus on the financial services sector – advising on more complex structures and non-contentious partnership matters, including conversions and M&A involving LLPs. Michael Powner ’s skills encompasses the litigious and employment aspects of partnerships and James Carter is the tax expert.Practice head(s):
David Hicks
Other key lawyers:
Michael Powner; James Carter
Testimonials
‘David Hicks and Victoria Young Husband have technical knowledge and market knowledge.’
‘Michael Powner – gives commercial and pragmatic advice.’
Key clients
Grant Thornton UK LLP
Dalton Strategic Partnership
Waverton Investment Management
RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP
Ascent Capital Africa
Brown Rudnick LLP
Fudco Partnership
Kreos Capital funds
Work highlights
- Acted for Bruce Mackay and Matt Haw of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP, the Joint Liquidators of LB GP No.1 Ltd, in litigation before the Court of Appeal concerning LBGP’s claim to be paid funds out of the Lehman Brothers “waterfall”.
- Advised Waverton Investment Management Group on its acquisition of Cornerstone Asset Management LLP.
- Advised Dalton Capital (Holdings) Limited, the parent company/corporate member of Dalton Strategic Partnership LLP, a UK based boutique asset manager, on the agreement for its sale to UK based, specialist active asset management group, Polar Capital Holdings Plc.
Dispute resolution > Tax litigation and investigations Tier 4
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP are known for their ability to offer expert advice on HMRC enquiries, investigations and litigation including claims for mistake and rectification both in the UK and offshore. Hugh Gunson heads the practice and covers the full spectrum of work including corporation tax and CGT.Practice head(s):
Hugh Gunson
Testimonials
‘Excellent attention to detail and commerciality.’
‘Hugh Gunson has shown a very pragmatic and commercial approach and his attention to detail is highly impressive, which inspires confidence in his handling of affairs.’
‘This is a technically excellent and highly responsive team. The tax litigation team was able to work seamlessly with the private client team to provide a joined up offering.’
‘Hugh Gunson was highly knowledgeable, technically excellent and very responsive. He provided invaluable strategic input in a complex matter and was very good at presenting matters to the client so that they felt fully informed as to and involved in the process.’
‘A very good technical grasp of tax both in terms of traditional trust and personal issues and highly technical corporate taxation.’
‘The team showed great responsiveness and willingness to engage with a new client. They brought practical thinking to a transaction, and recognised the client’s need for a straight forward solution.’
‘Hugh Gunson made himself available for the client and took a collaborative approach to working with other professional advisors, with a focus on a the strong outcome for the client.’
‘We have been engaged to assist the CRS team with the accounting and numerical aspects of a major tax disclosure, complementing the clearly demonstrated technical expertise and excellence of the team.’
Key clients
Nicola Mackay
Work highlights
- Acted for Nicola Mackay in an application to the High Court to set aside her appointment as trustee of a trust on one of a number of grounds.
- Advised a client in relation to a very complex and high value disclosure to HMRC in relation to unpaid tax liabilities and a related professional negligence claim.
- Advised three brothers in relation to an HMRC investigation under Code of Practice 9 (COP 9) into their personal tax affairs, involving high value offshore trusts.
Employment > Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 4
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has carved out a niche in advising charities and not-for-profit organisations on pensions issues, working closely with the insolvency team to assist with restructurings. The group also has a strong private sector pensions practice, where lawyers advise on funding, risk reduction, M&A, restructuring and pensions regulator clearance. The group is led by Michael Jones , who is an expert in advising companies, trustees and individual on the waterfront of issues affecting employer sponsored occupational pension schemes. Legal director Esther White is a specialist in pension-related issues arising from restructuring, M&A and auto-enrolment regulations.Practice head(s):
Michael Jones
Other key lawyers:
Esther White
Testimonials
‘Good range of experience and skills. Work well as part of a collaborative team.’
‘Michael Jones leads the team well providing clear direction. He has a good range of experience and is a good collaborative worker.’
Key clients
City & Guilds
SS&C UK Limited
Dalriada Trustees Limited
Ericsson
CBC Pension Services
Caffé Nero
Goodwin Proctor
Work highlights
- Advising a multinational in relation to the winding up of its occupational pension scheme.
- Advising a client in relation to governance of and structure of its trustee board.
Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 4
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP advises hospitality and leisure clients on advertising, marketing, sponsorship, branding and brand protection. Michael Powner , Jason Saiban and Lee Medlock head the practice. Powner's focus concerns employment matters, particularly within restaurants. Saiban is the go-to contact for commercial advice and Medlock oversees real estate related matters.Practice head(s):
Michael Powner; Jason Saiban; Lee Medlock
Testimonials
‘The team have an exceptional knowledge of the hospitality industry. Their experience and insight is invaluable.’
‘Mike Powner is an exceptional lawyer. Always available for excellent and wise advice. He has an outstanding knowledge of the hospitality sector and the laws and issues pertinent to it.’
‘The team at CRS are just that, a team. Comprised of very capable individuals that have a broad knowledge across all areas affecting real estate in the Hospitality & Leisure sector. The team is able to handle every element of a transaction.’
‘The individuals at CRS are personable, hard working and always quick to understand our requirements. Their approach to difficult transactions is thorough and good humoured.’
Key clients
Caffe Nero
Ascot Racecourse
The Dorchester Hotel
David Lloyd Gyms
Wagamama
Cote Brasserie
Brasserie Blanc
Work highlights
- Advised Caffe Nero on its heads of terms and manufacturing and distribution agreement with Greencore for all of its UK stores after the administration of Adelie.
- Advised HelloFresh with a refresh of several of its marketing and brand templates such as its gift card partner terms, influencer agreements and partner sampling agreement.
- Advised Wagamama on the protection of its new BOX brand – a new delivery concept for the ‘working from home’ era.
Real estate > Planning Tier 4
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP handles both contentious and non-contentious planning mandates and has extensive experience advising on major regeneration projects and strategic land schemes; practice head Claire Fallows maintains a strong relationship with The Church Commissioners for England, advising on its strategic land portfolio. Senior associate Rachael Davidson joined the firm in 2021 from Watson Farley & Williams LLP, bolstering the group’s environmental and renewables sector expertise. Helen Hutton departed in January 2022 to join Michelmores LLP.Practice head(s):
Claire Fallows
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The Planning team are knowledgeable and have strength in depth. They are innovative in their problem solving and will find a way through issues arising.’
‘Easy access to the Partner at all times, knowledgeable, clear and easy to understand advice. In addition the ability to negotiate at meetings.’
‘Clear team ethos, support each other on jobs.’
‘Friendly, helpful, clear in their advice, always willing to help.’
Key clients
The Church Commissioners for England
Greenwich Millennium Village Limited
Siemens Benefits Scheme
Bellway Homes Limited
Higgins Homes plc
Countryside Properties
Rural Arisings Limited
Eton College
Alperton Limited
Howard de Walden Estates Limited
Work highlights
- Advising the Church Commissioners for England on its strategic land portfolio.
- Advising Greenwich Millennium Village Limited on a brownfield development at the Greenwich peninsula, involving a master-planned development of around 2,000 homes and new community facilities.
- Advising a joint venture on the development of a complex, brownfield site including over 600 homes, new workspace and public open space in north London.
Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 4
Housing a team of data protection specialists that sit within other departments such as employment, litigation and pensions, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP advises on international data transfers, data breaches, subject access requests and compliance programmes. The team is led by Jonathan McDonald, who is often sought after by clients from the healthcare, tech and financial services industries to handle compliance matters. McDonald is supported by senior associate Olivia Crane, who is well versed in international data transfers and data processing agreements, with a focus in the tech, healthcare and financial services sectors.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan McDonald
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team provides very good strong practical advice and takes time to understand the client’s business to provide relevant advice.’
‘They devised a platform to store data protection documents so that they can be accessed by client and firm. It tracks data compliance matters and ensures everything remains current.’
‘Jonathan McDonald understands how to distill the regulations into the practical business environment. Always available for urgent matters.’
‘Friendly responsive practice that understands the workings and needs of your business.’
‘Jonathan McDonald deals with our business needs, he is very approachable and no question is stupid.’
Key clients
Ericson
Caffe Nero
Oncam Global
Nike
The International Tennis Federation
Work highlights
- Advised Ericsson and its Swedish parent company on UK Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs).
- Assisted Caffe Nero with comprehensive advice on how to respond to a number of data subject access requests, including searching and collecting personal data, redacting third party information and complying with the regulatory obligations to respond to a request.
- Acted for Nike on the data protection aspects of its’s commercial and tech agreements, including in relation to the integration of AI and augmented reality into the consumer journey.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech Tier 4
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4
Besides a specialisation in matters relating to the telecoms sector, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP supports clients in a wide range of residential, commercial and agricultural property litigation. Guildford-based David Haines leads the real estate disputes practice together with Emma HumphreysPractice head(s):
David Haines; Emma Humphreys
Key clients
Hackney Joint Estate Charity
West Bay Holdings Limited
London & Cambridge Properties
Work highlights
- Advised West Bay Holdings Limited in defending three separate service charge claims brought by a group of leaseholders in the Tribunal, one of which was settled at mediation.
- Acted on behalf of London and Cambridge Properties Limited to recovery significant rent arrears owed by Subway across 18 units, with a successful settlement achieved following the issue of court proceedings.
Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 5
At Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, the practice divides its attention between private banking, wealth management and private fund matters, broking trading and markets affairs, crypto assets and equity capital markets advice. The practice is helmed by William Garner whose fields of acquired expertise include the establishment, operation and regulation of trading platforms, including MFTs and OFTS, as well as proprietary trading across the full gamut of asset classes.Practice head(s):
William Garner
Other key lawyers:
David Hicks; Edyta Brozyniak; Victoria Younghusband
Testimonials
‘The firm has a deep knowledge and understanding of financial services and regulation. It is my go-to firm due to its deep pockets of experience, which make it stand out against larger firms, particularly in the crypto space and areas of trading and markets.’
‘William Garner combines unparalleled knowledge in the space with strong commercial awareness which other firms struggle to bridge. His professionalism and ability to navigate and overcome challenges in the complex world of regulation is outstanding.’
Key clients
EFG Private Bank
FairXchange Limited
FIL Investment Services (UK) Limited
Coinbase
C Hoare & Co.
LGT Vestra
LiquidNet
Lanistar
Credit Suisse
Waverton Investment Management
Work highlights
- Continuing to provide ongoing specialist financial services advice to Coinbase for its non-US based businesses.
- Acting as sole outside counsel for Lanistar, the polymorphic payment card provider, and advising on both financial services regulatory advice and all other advice including intellectual property matters.
- Advised FairXchange Ltd on the acquisition of a 25% stake by United Fintech Ltd.
Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m) Tier 5
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is active across private equity investments, acquisitions, bolt-on deals and exits, with experience acting for PE funds and management teams. The technology sector is a particular area of focus for the team, which handles deals involving software, fintech and health-tech. The practice also stands out for its work in the African PE market, with Cheltenham-based partner Adrian Mayer specialising in these deals. Andrew Clarke leads the team, with David Coates and Jonathan Morley also key partners in the London office.Practice head(s):
Andrew Collins
Other key lawyers:
Adrian Mayer; David Coates; Jonathan Morley; Daniel Rosenberg; James Broadhurst
Testimonials
‘People and collaboration’
‘Daniel Rosenberg is very dedicated, persuasive, hardworking and always customer-oriented. James Broadhurst is very customer oriented, hardworking and persuasive.’
‘The team were very responsive and delivered sensible advice to help us get the deal done on time and in a way which helped set up the relationship with acquiree management post acquisition.’
Key clients
Oracle Power
HeiQ Materials
CYBA
7digitial Group
Ergomed
1Spatial
Europa Oil & Gas
The Biotech Growth Trust
India Capital Growth Fund
Circle Property
Fidelity
Predator Oil & Gas
Transense Technologies
LiDCO Group
Dukemount Capital
Work highlights
- Acting for AIM-listed client Caretech Holdings plc on a contested offer for the company.
- Advised AIM quoted Transense Technologies plc on its share buy-back programme.
- Advised the Board of India Capital Growth Fund, an investment company listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange, on the procedure for facilitating its first redemption facility.
Corporate and commercial > Venture capital Tier 5
Drawing upon ‘a deep knowledge of venture capital deal structures’, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP provides ‘creative solutions’ and a ‘commercial approach’ for investors and investees on deals throughout the investment lifecycle, including on tax-incentivised matters relating to EIS and SEIS-qualifying investments. The team, which is co-headed by the ‘knowledgeable and commercial’ David Coates and the ‘exceptional’ Rebecca Burford, is also well-placed to leverage the firm’s overarching private wealth strength and thereby to exploit the increasing tendency among ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices to invest in the asset class.Practice head(s):
David Coates; Rebecca Burford
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Clarke; Hamish Perry
Testimonials
‘We have found the team to be not only highly capable but creative in their thinking, responsive when dealing with our requests, and also very empathetic when dealing with a novice leadership team not familiar with legal intricacies.’
‘The team delivers exceptional value for the depth of knowledge and commercial approach they provide.’
‘David Coates is very responsive, knowledgeable and commercial and a pleasure to work with.’
‘The exceptional Rebecca Burford provides high-quality advice.’
Key clients
Puma Private Equity
Appital Limited
Panecea Group
Kreos Capital
Battery Ventures
Silicon Valley Bank
Body Rocket
Flume Catheter
Ideaware
Plirore
Future Care
Wealth8
Work highlights
- Advised Appital Limited on its £2.5m seed funding round led by Frontline Ventures.
- Advising Panecea Group and its shareholders on the investment by Cow Corner Investing Ltd into the Group.
- Advised Puma Private Equity on its investments in Deazy, a software developer marketplace platform that offers businesses access to system vetted developers, and Everpress.
Employment > Employers Tier 5
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP's ‘professional, knowledgeable and supportive' practice recently introduced its R4 Consultancy and Support services (Review, Report, Resolve, and Respect), aimed at combining specialists in employment, regulatory requirements, reputation management, equality and diversity training, and HR investigations, to assist clients with auditing and training. Trevor Bettany deals with all aspects of employment law, from large scale variation exercises to LLP disputes. Michael Powner is a top employment advisor to leading clients in the retail, food and drinks, sports and hospitality sectors.Practice head(s):
Trevor Bettany
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Professional, knowledgeable, supportive.’
‘A fabulous team to work with, couldn’t recommend them highly enough.’
‘Mike Powner – highly-trusted partner, known for his thorough knowledge and wide experience of employment and sports disputes.’
Key clients
Leon
Ivy Collection
Brasserie Blanc
Pearson
Wagamama
Hotel Chocolat
Goodwin Procter LLP
Parkson Mobile
Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe
PrimeRevenue
Work highlights
- Advised Sony PlayStation on a broad spectrum of employment law matters including advising on cross border employment law rights and protections in multiple jurisdictions.
- Assisted Belu Water on a contract and policy review.
- Defended Detego Ltd in a sensitive unfair dismissal, race and sex discrimination claim brought against the Company and against four directors made personally party to proceedings.
Real estate > Property finance Tier 5
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP acts for lenders and borrowers on property finance transactions across a wide array of sectors, including healthcare, student accommodation, logistics, residential, data centres and commercial real estate. The team also has particular strengths in handling structured private wealth transactions. Paul Kay leads the team with expertise in debt and equity financing, structured finance, asset-based lending, and securitisations, and Daniel Sullivan is also strong in the structured finance space. Jon Bond is notable for having ‘a top-level understanding of legal and commercial issues'.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Daniel Sullivan; James Bateman; Jon Bond; Isobel Young-Herries
Testimonials
‘Very helpful and prompt in providing advice and guidance.’
‘Their ability to respond on difficult matters is invaluable.’
‘They act as a team to find solutions and provide support.’
‘James Bateman deals with property finance requirements very well.’
‘Jon Bond is excellent to work with. He has a top-level understanding of legal and commercial issues and uses this to not only protect the client’s position, but to also find solutions.’
‘Jon Bond’s willingness to engage and talk through issue is second to none. His calm and helpful demeanor is a great source of comfort with some very difficult issues.’
‘Impressive service from Daniel Sullivan.’
Key clients
Lloyds Bank
Octopus Property
Exeter Property Group
Silbury Specialty Finance
London & Oxford Capital Markets
Puma Investments
EFG Private Bank
Rothschild Bank
Opera
The Rumi Foundation
Lombard North Central
Downing
Topland Jupiter Limited
Metro Bank
Country Court Care Homes Limited
Ekistics Property Advisors
Salamanca Group
Caring Homes Group
Northridge Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Silbury Speciality Finance on two transactions valued at £160m.
- Advised Topland Group on over £50m worth of deals.
- Advised Gulf Islamic Investments on its second high-end residential development in the London market.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious) Tier 6
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s patent practice excels in transactional matters, particularly international licensing agreements, M&A due diligence, and patent portfolio strategies. Mary Bagnall leads the practice and associate Caroline Young provides assistance in commercial IP matters. Also of note within the team is associate Peter Byrd, who excels in the retail, TMT and sport sectors.Practice head(s):
Mary Bagnall
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Sandvik Group
Deepak Nitrite
National Pharmacy Association Limited
DriWay
Atkins
YouView
Norsk Titanium
Emergex Vaccines
Immodulon Therapeutics
Essity
Pritchard Spray Technology
Meggitt plc
Work highlights
- Advising Rentschler, an independent contract manufacturer for the development and production of biopharmaceuticals, on its entry into the UK and collaboration with an Innovate UK established technology centre.
- Supporting Meggitt’s acquisition of a product development company specialising in the use of additive manufacturing (metal 3-D printing) within the aerospace industry.
- Advising Emergex for a number of years on commercial contracts and IP matters.
Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 7
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s London competition team is regularly involved in cases in competition law enforcement, representing a number of luxury brands in connection with the overhaul of the UK and EU competition rules on vertical agreements. The team is also the UK representative member of the pan-European Anti-Trust Alliance of Competition law firm practices, which aims to provide an integrated offering to clients across compliance, cartels and advisory work on a multi-jurisdictional level. Team head Paul Stone advises on all aspects of EU and UK competition law and has specialised in this area for over 20 years.Practice head(s):
Paul Stone
Testimonials
‘Paul Stone has been my go-to UK and EU competition and telecoms lawyer for a decade. In that time period, in related litigation for me, CRS (led by Paul) has a 100% track record.’
‘CRS is a full service law firm where each team I have encountered has been excellent. The common theme is that each group feels and acts like in-house counsel and takes time to understand their client as well as just the subject they are advising on or litigating. While they would never second guess their client, it makes the experience easier and more efficient by taking that time upfront.’
‘The CRS EU & Competition team distil the complexities of competition law into digestible, solution-oriented and commercial advice, taking into account the aims of the relevant project. This practical, risk-based analysis is welcomed by our business leads.’
‘Paul Stone is an excellent competition lawyer. He is extremely commercial in his approach and we highly value his speed and efficiency both in identifying the key issues and proposing solution(s).’
Key clients
ITV
Consultant Eye Surgeons Partnership Limited (CESP)
Gamma Telecom
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Bahrain (TRA)
YouView
Celesio
discoverIE
IFS
Meggitt
Battery Ventures
Walpole Institute
Work highlights
- Advising ITV on a broad range of competition matters, including in relation to a variety of commercial arrangements such as procurement contracts, supply arrangements, strategic joint ventures, and business acquisitions.
- Advising Walpole and its members in relation to the ongoing revision by the EU Commission of the Vertical Agreements Block Exemption and the recommendations by the CMA for a new UK block exemption.
- Acting for Gamma in relation to a broad range of competition law matters, including Ofcom market reviews, regulatory statements, and other competition law investigations.
Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 7
'Practical and business oriented in their approach', Charles Russell Speechlys LLP provides 'user-friendly' advice to debtors and creditors across a range of domestic and cross-border formal insolvency and restructuring work, in both a corporate and personal insolvency setting. The firm is particularly active on behalf of IPs, which regularly instruct it on complex matters, often involving difficult contentious aspects. In this regard, Jason Freedman is a 'very solid adviser', particularly in relation to allegations of fraud. Hanh Nguyen 'is extremely clever and commercially savvy' and regularly advises office holders on sales of an insolvent company’s business and assets, as well as advising buyers of distressed businesses. Guildford-based James Hyne heads the team.Practice head(s):
James Hyne
Other key lawyers:
Jason Freedman; Hanh Nguyen; Bethan Cunniffe; Jamie Tilling; Joseph Evans
Testimonials
‘They are both pleasant to work with as well as being practical and business oriented in their approach to solve the legal issues we present to them.’
‘The firm provides a very responsive service, with practical solutions offered that recognise our needs.’
‘This is top-notch team. Without exception, they are all very bright and undoubtedly experts in their field.’
‘They are user friendly and pleasant to deal with.’
‘Hanh Nguyen is extremely clever and commercially savvy.’
‘Jason Freedman is a very solid adviser in relation to contentious insolvency matters.’
‘Jamie Tilling is switched on and very good at dealing with clients and opponents, Jamie is always a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
Greensill Limited (in liquidation)
Awal Bank BSC (in administration)
Grant Thornton UK LLP
Tenoe (formerly Deloitte)
Begbies Traynor Corporate Recovery
FRP Advisory
Adrian Hyde and Edgar Lavarello (trustees in bankruptcy of Gregory King)
Kroll (formerly Duff & Phelps)
Menzies LLP
Accountable Accountancy Limited (in liquidation)
Interpath (formerly KPMG)
Leonard Curtis Business Recovery
Work highlights
- Acting for the liquidators of Greensill Limited (a subsidiary of Greensill Capital UK Limited (in administration)) in relation to ongoing investigations concerning the pre-liquidation compromise of c.$440m of debt owed by American construction ‘disrupter’ group Katerra (now in Chapter 11 in Houston, Texas).
- Continues to serve as External Administrator of Bahraini bank, Awal Bank B.S.C, appointed by Bahrain’s banking regulator, the Central Bank of Bahrain, pursuing the recovery of Awal’s $5.8bn of balance sheet assets.
- Instructed by the Joint Administrators of Haircare Limited (in Administration) (formerly trading as Vidal Sassoon Salons) to place the company into administration and effect the pre-pack sale of the company’s business and assets to VS Salons UK Limited, a newco linked to the existing ownership team.
Public sector > Administrative and public law
The public and administrative law disputes group at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP was formed in 2021 under the leadership of Max Davis. The team acts in relation to planning, immigration and public inquiries, and is also noted for its strong connections with the Caribbean jurisdictions.
Investment fund formation and management > Private funds
South East > Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Kent, Surrey and Sussex
Jointly led by Stephen Burns and Jamie Cartwright, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s commercial dispute resolution team in Guildford focuses not only on dispute resolution, but also dispute prevention and risk management. The team has a diverse client base in the corporate and private client sectors in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. With particular expertise in commercial, product, and supply-related disputes, Cartwright has seen a significant increase in product liability and risk work for wider retail clients. Burns is a highly experienced corporate litigator and has acted for many clients involved in High Court litigation or acrimonious disputes at the pre-action stage in the past year. Hugely experienced Guildford office head Duncan ElsonPractice head(s):
Stephen Burns; Jamie Cartwright
Other key lawyers:
Duncan Elson; Rachel Warren; Katie Bewick; Charlotte Healy
Testimonials
‘In my experience, CRS build strong teams from the top down, with partners, senior associates and directors, and associates all putting in considerable care and time to their cases, to ensure that issues at all stages of litigation are given attention and a strategic view. The collaborative manner in which they work has been amongst the best of any firms I have worked with.’
‘Excellent client service, very pragmatic, consistently getting good results for clients. Extremely high track record of settling client disputes.’
‘The team delivers an excellent service to clients. They are highly responsive, quick to understand the commercial context, and combine pragmatism with a eye for the wider case strategy.’
‘Steve Burns is a class act: good judgement, excellent strategy and tactics, and a hard negotiator.’
‘Rachel Warren is extremely thorough and provides clear and precise instructions. She was fully engaged on the case and very helpful in talking though the potential pitfalls in the hearing. Her client management is excellent. She expertly managed the client’s expectations.’
‘Rachel Warren has a marvellous rapport and empathy with her clients.’
‘Jamie Cartwright is an able, highly competent litigator. He delivers pragmatic, user-friendly advice, whilst also keeping a eye on the wider case strategy. He is highly recommended!’
‘Charlotte Healy delivers an excellent service. She is response and thorough in her approach, and has an excellent knowledge of litigation practice and strategy.’
Key clients
City & Guilds
Cargill
Sound United /Bowers & Wilkins
Essity
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
M & A Pharmachem
Swiss Post
Bhinder Purewal and Pro Med Pharma Limited
Fiat Chrysler
Stonegate Pubs
Work highlights
- Acted for one of the world’s leading dance examination boards and a charitable body in relation to a high value and complex factual and legal dispute with a supplier of managed print services.
- Acted for M & A Pharmachem in relation to a multi-million international dispute with Palla Pharma Limited, a listed company based in Australia.
- Acting for Promed Pharma on an unfair prejudice shareholder dispute in the High Court which started with successfully resisting an interim injunction.
South East > Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Kent, Surrey, Sussex
Drawing on the strong full service offering of the wider firm, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s corporate and commercial team inGuildford advises major international companies, private equity houses, privately-owned businesses, as well as high net worth individuals. Team head Tim Jenkins also leads the firm’s retail healthcare transactions team. Geoffrey Sparks has extensive experience in the technology, sports and healthcare sectors. Rebecca Burford has expertise in the technology and telecoms and video gaming sectors. Helen Wong has expertise in the healthcare and education sectors alongside expertise in acting on in-bound investment transactions from Mainland China and Hong Kong. Jonathan Steele has considerable M&A expertise in the sports, technology, media, and healthcare sectors.Practice head(s):
Tim Jenkins
Other key lawyers:
Geoffrey Sparks; Helen Wong; Rebecca Burford; Jonathan Steele; Samuel Milne; Howard White; Tertius Alberts; Pei Li Kew
Testimonials
‘The corporate team at CRS are very diligent, hard working and creative. They ensured we got the key points across in our negotiations. At all times the team was partner led, and they brought in expertise from elsewhere in the firm when appropriate.’
‘Very commercial in their outlook.’
‘The team has expertise in acting for healthcare clients in relation to corporate transactions and, in particular, dentists and pharmacists.’
‘Jonathan Steele was recently promoted to partner and handles the firm’s dental transactions work.’
‘Tim Jenkins has acted for pharmacists who are buying or selling community pharmacies, and has specialised in that area for many years.’
Key clients
DiscoverIE plc
Dentex Healthcare Group
Oakley Capital Limited
Avicenna Group
Grape Paradise Group
Weldricks Pharmacy Group
X-Pharm Ltd
Appital Limited
CMO Group plc
Cygnet Infotech Limited
Managers of Online Fuels Limited
Panecea Group Limited
Work highlights
- Continued to act for Avicenna Group on a series of large scale pharmacy acquisitions over the last 12 months (contributing an additional 92 branches to the group’s national retail pharmacy offering) alongside continued commercial project work.
- Advised long standing, FTSE 250 listed client, discoverIE Group plc (a leading international designer, manufacturer and supplier of customised electronics to industry), on its acquisition of high-performance antenna producer Antenova Limited for a cash consideration of £18.2m on a debt free, cash free basis.
- Advised CMO Group Plc, UK’s largest pureplay online retailer of building materials which recently listed on AIM, on its acquisition of JTM Plumbing Limited in a deal worth up to £5.7m.
South East > Employment > Employment: Kent, Surrey, Sussex
Co-headed by Nick Hurley and Ben Smith, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s ‘highly responsive and professional’ Guildford employment team offers ‘City level service at regional fees’. Hurley is particularly active in the financial services and TMT sectors, working with a variety of UK and international clients. Smith has particular expertise in all HR issues, including disciplinary and grievance processes, redundancy and restructuring programmes, TUPE, discrimination and whistleblowing.Practice head(s):
Nick Hurley; Ben Smith
Other key lawyers:
Becky Lawton; Rachel Hearn; Emily Chalkley; Sophie Lockwood
Testimonials
‘The advice we received regarding a very difficult employment issue was clear and precise. Specifically it managed the development of a strategic approach to the issue that avoided the potential for drawn out and expensive litigation that may have arisen if we had pursued alternative approaches.’
‘A very personal approach with an understanding of both the business and personal issues that need to be managed.’
‘The team provide a formidable service for private clients and corporate entities for all types of employment matters. They are adept at managing complex and sensitive investigations.’
‘Ben Smith is hyper focused on our needs and will always go the extra mile to achieve business and legal objectives.’
‘Nick Hurley is an outstanding practitioner and master tactician. He is my go-to employment expert. He is also a tremendous person. All round, Nick Hurley is the complete package.’
‘Emily Chalkley – fantastic lawyer, extremely personable, with excellent judgement.’
‘Becky Lawton – a trusted adviser, commercial, to the point and gets it.’
Key clients
Sony Playstation
National Museum of the Royal Navy
Ericsson
NEP UK
Rapha Racing
Amundi Asset Management (Amundi)
Just Group plc
C Hoare & Co
Goodwin Procter LLP
Samaritans
Lord Wandsworth College
Sam Walker
Work highlights
- Advised Ericsson Ltd and its various group companies (including Red Bee Media Ltd and MediaKind Ltd) on a large number of TUPE transactions and outsourcings, as well as on all their day-to-day HR requirements.
- Advised Sony PlayStation on all aspects of their employment law needs including a cross-border project relating to overseas working during the pandemic.
- Advised Sam Walker in relation to her £15m+ claim against the Co-Operative Group for unfair dismissal, whistleblowing, equal pay, sex and disability discrimination.
South East > Employment > Health and safety
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s Guildford-based regulatory crime department provides full-service support to clients on matters relating to health and safety regulations. The team is experienced in both longer-term advisory work and representing those facing investigation and prosecution. Team head Rachel Warren acts for clients from sectors including retail and leisure, and housebuilding and construction, where she is especially adept at handling matters relating to fire safety. She is supported by associate Charlotte Healy, who brings experience in commercial litigation and in the niche area of food labelling, food safety, and allergens.Practice head(s):
Rachel Warren
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very client focused. A small specialist team that I knows their business and practice area and places the client first. Great to work with.’
‘Charlotte Healy – very hardworking, great attention to detail.’
‘Rachel Warren – knows her specialism. Good leader of a very well-thought-of team.’
South East > Employment > Pensions
As part of the firm’s wider pensions team, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s pensions offering is headed up in the South East by Guildford-based legal director Esther White. Michael Jones leads the national pensions team and Nick Hurley heads up the employment, pensions and immigration (EPI) group. The team works alongside colleagues across the firm and in other departments such as commercial litigation to advise a broad variety of clients, with particular strengths in the IT, media and telecoms sector. White specialises in issues arising from M&As, restructurings and automatic enrolments, while Andy Williams advises on the employment law implications of restructuring and benefit change schemes. Experienced litigator Duncan ElsonPractice head(s):
Esther White; Nick Hurley; Michael Jones
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Good specialist knowledge and a good number of subject matter experts.’
‘Esther White and Michael Jones. Knowledgeable, personable and ability to “simplify” complex legal matters to the untrained.’
‘Prompt and courteous response at all times.’
‘Michael Jones and Esther White are diligent and attentive to the needs of the trustees.’
Key clients
Ericsson
Smith & Williamson Trustees Ltd
Sotheby’s
SS&C UK Ltd
Civica Group
City & Guilds
Goodwin Procter
NCR
Westminster Abbey
Work highlights
- Advised the pension scheme trustees for a charity in the health sector in relation to the transfer of the assets and liabilities to a master trust and the winding up of the scheme.
- Advised a multinational retailer in relation to the buy out and winding up of its hybrid occupational pension scheme.
- Advising trustees from a tech multinational on their duties and obligations in relation to early retirement and ill health early retirement.
South East > Private client > Agriculture and estates
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s landed estates and heritage property team is spread across the firm’s bases in Cheltenham, Guildford and London. The team is led by ‘bright, practical and no-nonsense’ Guildford office head Duncan ElsonPractice head(s):
Henry Fea; Duncan Elson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Charles Russell Speechlys has an excellent reputation in agriculture and estates.’
‘Duncan Elson has an impressive client base and works very hard for clients. Duncan advances his clients’ cases well and sees solutions pragmatically.’
‘Duncan Elson is second to none. Bright, practical and no-nonsense. Gets the job done.’
‘Very strong agricultural knowledge of litigation practice, giving great confidence to those working with them. Efficient back-up team able to deliver documents in short timescale necessary to place emphasis on completion on the opposing side thereby keeping up the momentum’
‘David Haines – impressive knowledge and confidence and willingness to think outside of the box to obtain the higher ground.’
‘Efficient, astute, and good strength in depth.’
‘David Haines has comprehensive legal knowledge and is tactically very astute. He is a pleasure to work with.’
Work highlights
- Acting for the beneficiary to a well-known landed estate on disputes with his family, wider estate management and complex tax planning.
South West > Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s ‘excellent team are clear communicative and go the extra mile for all clients’, which span national and international businesses, insurers and individuals. The practice is separated into four distinct strands covering contentious insurance disputes, product liability and recall work, financial services litigation, and shareholder, contractual and professional negligence claims. Team leader Manoj Vaghela is a key name for cross-border insurance proceedings, legal director Claudine Morgan focuses on contractual, breach of warranty, negligence and shareholder mandates and ‘always sees a path through any issue’, while senior associate Ben Moore has ‘a knack for finding commercial solutions’.Practice head(s):
Manoj Vaghela
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is very helpful and user friendly. Points of law are carefully explained to laymen. The team is very professional and one feels one is dealing with friends.’
‘I am really impressed by the collaboration between this team. I have worked with them on a complex and fast moving matter, with very aggressive opponents, and they managed to stay completely on top of things, and keep the client updated without overloading them. They are also hyper available, which is really important in litigation.’
‘The team is excellent – they are clear and communicative and go the extra mile for all clients.’
‘Claudine Morgan is an absolute pleasure to work with, and always sees a path through any issue. Ben Moore is smart and dedicated, with a knack for finding commercial solutions.’
‘Client attention. Good response time. Solution driven. Clear advice. Positive mindset. Well positioned on price. Good commercial acumen.’
‘Claudine Morgan Very approachable, but very considered and direct in answering. Does not waste time and does not over complicate. Ben Moore – Clear, concise, considered. Good knowledge levels. Explains well, listens well.’
Key clients
Greggs plc
Tsokkos Hotels Public Limited
Argo Real Estate Opportunities Fund Limited
Oxford Plastic Systems Ltd
Trustees of the Harrowby’s Discretionary Will Trust
The Trustees of the Earl Bathurst 1963 Settlement
Riverstone Insurance/Argo Insurance
Zenium Technology Partners
Argo Insurance
QBE
Williams Grand Prix Engineering Ltd
Hallett Independent Insurance Brokers
Magic Apparels
Work highlights
South West > Real estate > Property litigation
Besides a specialisation in matters relating to the telecoms sector, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP supports clients in a wide range of residential, commercial and agricultural property litigation. Guildford-based David Haines leads the real estate disputes practice together with Emma HumphreysPractice head(s):
David Haines; Emma Humphreys
Key clients
Hackney Joint Estate Charity
West Bay Holdings Limited
London & Cambridge Properties
Work highlights
- Advised West Bay Holdings Limited in defending three separate service charge claims brought by a group of leaseholders in the Tribunal, one of which was settled at mediation.
- Acted on behalf of London and Cambridge Properties Limited to recovery significant rent arrears owed by Subway across 18 units, with a successful settlement achieved following the issue of court proceedings.
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP > Firm Profile
The firm:
Charles Russell Speechlys is an international law firm with a focus on private capital, at the intersection of personal, family and business. The firm offers a broad range of skills and collective legal expertise and experience with an international outlook across the full spectrum of business and personal needs.
The firm is built on trusted, personal relationships with clients, guiding them through their most pressing challenges and rewarding opportunities. Charles Russell Speechlys achieves this by getting to the heart of clients’ needs to bring them the best-fit solutions – based on years of experience, collective legal expertise and global reach.
Being personally invested has made the firm a leader in the world of dynamic growth and family businesses, and among the world’s leading creators and owners of private wealth and their families. Major corporates and institutions benefit from their personalised approach as they embed themselves in the teams of their clients. Working alongside them and connecting them with the right people across the firm to help them excel in new opportunities.
The firm is headquartered in London with offices across the UK, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. When working with individuals and businesses that operate in a single country or across borders, the firm will put together the perfect team – pulling from their sector and geographical expertise and partnerships with the best law firms across the world covering 200 legal jurisdictions.
Types of work undertaken
Banking and finance: focusing on borrower work in all sectors, particularly real estate finance and projects, bank lender work in the Middle East and elsewhere, and non-bank lender work, including mezzanine finance, corporate finance support, and structured finance.
Commercial: focusing on complex work from corporate organisations requiring regular commercial contracting support, including compliance and corporate risk, EU, competition and trade, IP transactions, and licensing and outsourcing.
Commercial dispute resolution: undertaking all types of litigation, arbitration and mediation both in the UK and internationally, and has particular expertise in commercial disputes, corporate recovery and insolvency, judicial review and fraud.
Construction, engineering and projects: focusing on commercial clients across a wide range of business sectors, but with a particular emphasis on real estate developers, property investment companies, contractors, and major engineering consultancies. The firm also advises high-net-worth individuals when undertaking high-value residential construction projects.
Corporate: advising on a wide range of issues, including flotations, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity and venture capital financings. Specialist teams provide advice on all types of commercial contracts and outsourcing arrangements and have particular expertise in data protection issues, competition matters and tax.
Corporate recovery and insolvency: undertaking both contentious and transactional work for insolvency practitioners, often with an international component.
Employment, pensions and immigration: providing corporate clients with strategic insights and practical solutions for all their employment, pensions and immigration issues as well as advising senior individuals on a personal basis.
Family: advising individuals and intermediaries on matters concerning family breakdown, children and relationship agreements.
Financial services and tax: assisting clients with their everyday regulatory and legal issues, as well as focusing on advising on transactional and strategic matters.
Healthcare: providing a comprehensive range of transactional, regulatory and advisory expertise to deliver an integrated service to clients in the social care, primary care, dental and veterinary sectors.
Intellectual property: advising on all types of contentious and non-contentious work, including copyright, patents, trade marks, registered designs, database rights, passing off and confidential information.
Private property: working with international banks, private investment companies, and private individuals from the UK and overseas, advising on UK and international investment property transactions.
Property litigation: advising major institutional land and estate-owning clients, in particular in London, the South East, and the South West and for property insolvency-related work.
Real estate: advising on every aspect of commercial property, including the structuring and financing of property transactions, planning a development, advising on landlord/tenant issues or managing a property portfolio.
Tax, trusts and succession: advising individuals, trustees, beneficiaries, entrepreneurs and landowners on the establishment and management of trusts and on the tax implications associated with the establishment and running of the structure.
Other offices: Doha, Dubai, Geneva, Hong Kong, Luxembourg, Manama, Paris, Zurich.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Senior Partner | Bart Peerless | ||
Managing Partner | Simon Ridpath | ||
Charities and not-for-profit | Sarah Rowley | ||
Construction and infrastructure | David Savage | ||
Financial services | Jon Bond | ||
Healthcare | Michael Lingens | ||
Healthcare | Noel Wardle | ||
Private wealth | Piers Master | ||
Real Estate | Fiona Edmond | ||
Retail and leisure | Edward Craig | ||
Sport | Jason Saiban | ||
TMT | Mark Bailey | ||
TMT | Mark Howard | ||
Banking & Finance | Paul Kay | ||
Commercial | Mark Bailey | ||
Commercial dispute resolution | Charlotte Pender | ||
Construction, Engineering & Projects | Steven Carey | ||
Corporate | David Coates | ||
Corporate restructuring and insolvency | James Hyne | ||
Corporate Tax | James Carter | ||
Employment, pensions and immigration | Trevor Bettany | ||
Family | James Freeman | ||
Financial Service Regulation & Funds | William Garner | ||
Immigration | Rose Carey | ||
Intellectual property | Mary Bagnall | ||
Private Client | Robert Blower | ||
Private Property | William Marriott | ||
Private Wealth Disputes | Graeme Kleiner | ||
Real Estate | Lee Medlock | ||
Real Estate Disputes | David Haines | ||
Cheltenham | Ian Brothwood | ||
Doha | Simon Green | ||
Dubai | Patrick Gearon | ||
Geneva | Michael Wells-Greco | ||
Guildford | Duncan Elson | ||
Hong Kong | Simon Green | ||
Luxembourg | Jean-Baptiste Beauvoir-Planson | ||
Manama | Patrick Gearon | ||
Paris | Frederic Jeannin | ||
Zurich | Mark Summers |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Katy Ackroyd | View Profile | |
![]() | Sarah Anticoni | Sarah’s practice has a particular emphasis on advising on or mediating complex… | View Profile |
![]() | Paul Arathoon | Paul specialises in corporate finance, predominantly for public companies. He has a… | View Profile |
![]() | Oliver Auld | Oliver advises trustees, protectors, high net-worth individuals and beneficiaries in a broad… | View Profile |
![]() | Mary Bagnall | Mary specialises in the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, including… | View Profile |
![]() | Darren Bailey | View Profile | |
![]() | Mark Bailey | Mark is a highly experienced commercial, IP and technology lawyer who provides… | View Profile |
![]() | Jonathan Bayliss | Jonathan covers a wide range of financial services product and regulatory work,… | View Profile |
![]() | Aimee Beattie | Consultant | View Profile |
![]() | William Begley | William advises both UK- and non-UK-domiciled clients on a wide range of… | View Profile |
![]() | David Berry | David advises on non-contentious corporate and commercial matters, including: project and procurement… | View Profile |
![]() | Trevor Bettany | Trevor deals with all aspects of employment law, from contract drafting to… | View Profile |
![]() | Robert Birchall | Robert advises on a wide range of taxation issues for clients ranging… | View Profile |
![]() | Robert Blower | Robert specialises in all aspects of private client work, in particular lifetime… | View Profile |
![]() | Jon Bond | Jon specialises in advising both lenders and borrowers in connection with a… | View Profile |
![]() | Stephanie Bonnello | Senior Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Sarah Jane Boon | Sarah Jane advises on all areas of family law, with a particular… | View Profile |
![]() | James Bradford | James provides advice to UK domiciled and non-UK domiciled individuals on UK… | View Profile |
![]() | Andrew Cameron | Andrew specialises in estate planning and wealth structuring for individuals and families,… | View Profile |
![]() | Rudy Capildeo | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Rose Carey | Rose Carey is a partner and head of the firm’s Immigration group,… | View Profile |
![]() | Steven Carey | Steven is the global Head of the Construction, Engineering and Projects Group,… | View Profile |
![]() | James Carter | James specialises in a wide range of taxation matters. His principal emphasis… | View Profile |
![]() | Sangna Chauhan | Sangna specialises in tax and estate planning for UK and international clients.… | View Profile |
![]() | Andrew Clarke | Andrew specialises in private equity and venture capital transactions, M&A and corporate… | View Profile |
![]() | David Coates | David specialises in corporate finance advisory and transactional work for both public… | View Profile |
![]() | Andrew Collins | Andrew specialises in corporate advice and transactional work for a wide variety… | View Profile |
![]() | Nic Couchman | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Edward Craig | Edward has 20 years’ experience in advising a broad range of clients… | View Profile |
![]() | Ruby Dalal | Ruby specialises in commercial property work with a particular emphasis on investment… | View Profile |
![]() | Richard Davies | Richard specialises in commercial contracts, with a particular focus on the sports… | View Profile |
![]() | Katherine Dennis | Katherine advises on all aspects of business immigration. She has extensive experience… | View Profile |
![]() | Claire Devine | Associate | View Profile |
![]() | George Duncan | George has more than 30 years’ experience of private client work and… | View Profile |
![]() | Fiona Edmond | Fiona is a Partner in the Construction and Engineering Group. Fiona advises… | View Profile |
![]() | Richard Ellis | Senior Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Simon Ewing | Simon joined the firm in 2000 and is a partner in the… | View Profile |
![]() | Claire Fallows | Claire specialises in planning, highways and compulsory purchase law. She acts for… | View Profile |
![]() | Henry Fea | Henry is a private client lawyer with a broad range of experience,… | View Profile |
![]() | Miranda Fisher | Miranda specialises in family law, particularly prenuptial agreements, financial settlement on divorce… | View Profile |
![]() | Kevin Forsyth | Kevin is a specialist construction lawyer with more than 20 years’ experience… | View Profile |
![]() | James Freeman | James advises on all issues arising from relationship breakdown, specialising in difficult… | View Profile |
![]() | William Garner | William specialises in advising clients in the wholesale, trading and markets segment… | View Profile |
![]() | Suzi Gatward | Suzi specialises in advising clients on all aspects of mixed-use development schemes.… | View Profile |
![]() | Keir Gordon | Keir advises clients on a wide variety of corporate finance issues, such… | View Profile |
![]() | William Granger | William advises on all aspects of employment, executive and LLP law, including… | View Profile |
![]() | Olivia Gray | Olivia specialises in the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, including… | View Profile |
![]() | Joshua Green | Joshua specialises in family law including pre and post nuptial agreements, divorce,… | View Profile |
![]() | David Green | David is an employment law specialist. He advises both large and small… | View Profile |
![]() | Caroline Greenwell | Caroline acts for corporate and individual clients in relation to a variety… | View Profile |
![]() | Robin Grove | Robin is a commercial property partner specialising in development work. He has… | View Profile |
![]() | Stewart Hey | Stewart (who heads the Charles Russell Speechlys Fraud and Investigations Group) specialises… | View Profile |
![]() | David Hicks | David advises both institutional and independent clients on constitutional and governance arrangements,… | View Profile |
![]() | Sarah Higgins | Sarah is head of the family group at Charles Russell Speechlys. She… | View Profile |
![]() | Robert Highmore | Robert specialises in commercial and residential property and landlord and tenant litigation… | View Profile |
![]() | Mark Howard | Mark is the joint head of our Technology, Media and Telecommunications sector.… | View Profile |
![]() | Grant Howell | Grant is a specialist family lawyer and is recognised as a leading… | View Profile |
![]() | Jeremy Hudson | Jeremy specialises in all aspects of landlord and tenant litigation, including opposed… | View Profile |
![]() | Emma Humphreys | Emma advises on the full range of contentious property issues, including insolvency… | View Profile |
![]() | Nick Hurley | Nick’s practice is in respect of both contentious and non-contentious employment law… | View Profile |
![]() | Charles Hutton | Charles advises on wills, trusts, tax and estate planning, in particular inheritance… | View Profile |
![]() | Nick Janmohamed | Nick specialises in corporate work, particularly in the financial services, insurance and… | View Profile |
![]() | Michael Jones | Michael is a pensions specialist with over 15 years expertise in advising… | View Profile |
![]() | Paul Kay | Paul specialises in banking and finance, including all forms of debt and… | View Profile |
![]() | Jamie Kennaugh | Jamie advises on all areas of family law, including divorce/dissolution, finances and… | View Profile |
![]() | Hannah Kent | Hannah is a commercial litigator who works on a range of commercial… | View Profile |
![]() | Satish Khandke | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Ashley King-Christopher | Ashley’s practice mainly covers the structuring of international private wealth holding, protection… | View Profile |
![]() | Graeme Kleiner | Graeme heads the firm’s Contentious Trusts & Estates team. He advises trustees,… | View Profile |
![]() | Rupa Lakha | Rupa has extensive experience of both contentious and non-contentious areas of construction… | View Profile |
![]() | Duncan Lamont | Duncan has for well over two decades worked in the media industry,… | View Profile |
![]() | Dominic Lawrance | Dominic’s specialisms are offshore tax planning, succession structures, tax regularisation (including the… | View Profile |
![]() | Michael Lingens | Michael advises on corporate finance and transactional work for public and private… | View Profile |
![]() | William Longrigg | William is head of the family sector group and specialises in divorce,… | View Profile |
![]() | Jody MacDonald | View Profile | |
![]() | Malcolm Macdougall | Malcolm is a corporate lawyer specialising in private equity and mergers and… | View Profile |
![]() | Darren Marley | Darren has a growing experience in a broad range of commercial and… | View Profile |
![]() | Suzanne Marriott | Suzanne specialises in cross-border and UK tax planning, wills, trusts, contentious trusts… | View Profile |
![]() | Piers Master | Piers advises on a full range of international and domestic personal tax,… | View Profile |
![]() | Tim Maxwell | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Paul McCarthy | Paul has over 7 years of experience working in both personal and… | View Profile |
![]() | Lee Medlock | Lee is Head of the Real Estate Group at Charles Russell Speechlys.… | View Profile |
![]() | Karen Mitchell | Karen is responsible for the day-to-day operation of Charles Russell Speechly’s compliance… | View Profile |
![]() | Mark Moncreiffe | Mark leads the Geneva-based corporate and commercial teams and is an English-qualified… | View Profile |
![]() | Thomas Moran | Tom is part of the private property group in the firm. The… | View Profile |
![]() | Claudine Morgan | Legal Director | View Profile |
![]() | Sarah Morley | Sarah handles general commercial property work, specialising in property investment, acquisitions, disposals,… | View Profile |
![]() | William Nash | William has a broad range of corporate finance, advisory and transactional expertise,… | View Profile |
![]() | Hanh Nguyen | Hanh is a dual-qualified lawyer (Australia/England & Wales) and advises on both… | View Profile |
![]() | Rhys Novak | Rhys is a dispute resolution specialist with considerable experience across a broad… | View Profile |
![]() | Michael O'Connor | Michael is an experienced construction and engineering lawyer, providing advice across the… | View Profile |
![]() | Christopher Page | Christopher is a private client lawyer who specialises in tax and estate… | View Profile |
![]() | Megan Paul | Megan is a partner in the Commercial team and has in-depth experience… | View Profile |
![]() | David Paxton | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Bart Peerless | Bart’s practice is diverse. He advises individuals, trustees and beneficiaries, based in… | View Profile |
![]() | Charlotte Pender | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Tamasin Perkins | Tamasin advises high-net worth individuals, trustees and fiduciaries on complex international trust… | View Profile |
![]() | Hamish Perry | Hamish advises on general company and commercial matters, with a particular emphasis… | View Profile |
![]() | Lynn Povey | Lynn specialises in institutional investment and charity property (including development work). She… | View Profile |
![]() | Michael Powner | Michael was head of the Employment, Pensions and Immigration group but is… | View Profile |
![]() | Chris Putt | Chris is an experienced corporate finance lawyer working on domestic and international… | View Profile |
![]() | James Riby | James advises on all areas of family law, including separation agreements, divorce,… | View Profile |
![]() | Eddie Richards | Eddie advises on a range of landlord and tenant issues including new… | View Profile |
![]() | Simon Ridpath | Simon advises on corporate and personal insolvency law providing advisory, transactional and… | View Profile |
![]() | Deborah Robson | Deborah is a Legal Director in the Corporate team and specialises in… | View Profile |
![]() | Melville Rodrigues | Melville services clients in formalising UK real estate transactions and also in… | View Profile |
![]() | Daniel Rosenberg | Daniel represents a broad spectrum of UK and international companies and is… | View Profile |
![]() | Sarah Rowley | Sarah advises a wide range of charities and not for profit clients… | View Profile |
![]() | Jason Saiban | Jason is a commercial contracts specialist, with a focus on TMT, sport,… | View Profile |
![]() | Duncan Salmon | Duncan is a construction specialist who acts across a range of contentious… | View Profile |
![]() | Mike Scott | Mike is the head of Charles Russell Speechlys’ charity and not-for-profit team.… | View Profile |
![]() | Tom Shaw | Tom specialises in corporate and commercial law and has over 25 years’… | View Profile |
![]() | Erica Shelton | Erica deals with all areas of family law, particularly with complex ancillary… | View Profile |
![]() | Mark Smith | Mark is head of real estate at Charles Russell Speechlys. He has… | View Profile |
![]() | Tom Smitham | Tom’s experience covers general corporate work for a mixture of private and… | View Profile |
![]() | James Souter | James specialises in all disputes relating to the use and occupation of… | View Profile |
![]() | Jessica Stafford | Jessica specialises in trust, probate and succession disputes, both domestic and those… | View Profile |
![]() | Paul Stone | Paul advises on all aspects of EU and UK competition law. He… | View Profile |
![]() | Daniel Sullivan | Danny’s practice focuses on banking and finance transactions, with a particular emphasis… | View Profile |
![]() | Caroline Swain | View Profile | |
![]() | Catriona Syed | Catriona advises individuals, banks and other organisations on the issues which can… | View Profile |
![]() | John Sykes | John is a recognised as a leading litigator for UK and international… | View Profile |
![]() | Robert Thomas | Robert specialises in all areas of employment law and has a particular… | View Profile |
![]() | Nicola Thorpe | Nicola advises on a wide range of private wealth matters, including international… | View Profile |
![]() | Lucy Thorpe | Lucy specialises in PE and M&A advisory and transactional work for private… | View Profile |
![]() | James Trafford | James is a trusted adviser to individuals, families and organisations with complex… | View Profile |
![]() | Elena Vasilyeva | Elena specialises in private client matters and wealth structuring with an international… | View Profile |
![]() | Louise Ward | Louise handles general commercial property work, acting for a mix of investors,… | View Profile |
![]() | John Ward | John specialises in international and UK tax and estate planning, and advice… | View Profile |
![]() | Rachel Warren | Rachel specialises in healthcare and regulatory law. Her expertise in this area… | View Profile |
![]() | Esther White | Esther has over 10 years pensions experience advising companies and trustees on… | View Profile |
![]() | Nick White | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Jonathan Whitehead | Jonathan has wide-ranging experience of all forms of commercial dispute resolution, including… | View Profile |
![]() | Lucy Wicksteed | Senior Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Jaclyn Wilkins | Jaclyn is a commercial lawyer who advises on a broad range of… | View Profile |
![]() | Andy Williams | Andy advises on all aspects of employment law, with particular expertise in… | View Profile |
![]() | Alice Wilne | Alice advises a wide range of UK-domiciled and foreign-domiciled individuals, both UK-resident… | View Profile |
![]() | James Worthington | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Martin Wright | Martin is a corporate lawyer and advises public and privately owned companies… | View Profile |
![]() | Victoria Younghusband | Victoria is a corporate lawyer who has specialised in advising investment funds… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 145 Total UK fee earners : 445Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Geoff Carton-Kelly, Partner
COMPANY/FIRM: FRP Advisory
TESTIMONIAL: “A brilliant legal team with an unshakeable focus and total command of the complex subject matter. They are willing to make personal sacrifices and remain good-humoured, even under huge pressure during the trial, where their clear strategy, adaptability and impressive co-ordination delivered a masterclass.”
CLIENT: Alan Shearer CBE
TESTIMONIAL: “The team at Charles Russell Speechlys provided me with outstanding legal advice and have shown real professionalism and integrity throughout the dealings I have had with them.”
CLIENT: Richard Cherry, Group Deputy Chairman
COMPANY/FIRM: Countryside Properties
TESTIMONIAL: “Our relationship with Charles Russell Speechlys goes back many years, spanning each of the defining steps in our corporate history. The team is able to deploy experts across the full range of disciplines required for the deal. Their commercially based advice, strong sense of commitment to us and to the achievement of the transaction made them once again much valued members of our team.”
CLIENT: Mahesh Patel, CEO
COMPANY/FIRM: Minster Care Group
TESTIMONIAL: “Having advised the family for nearly 30 years on business and personal matters, the team at Charles Russell Speechlys was perfectly placed to support us in this innovative transaction which allowed some family members to exit, and others to remain involved, in the business which will now be backed by a publicly-traded real estate investor”.
CLIENT: Kelly Fairweather, Chief Operating Officer
COMPANY/FIRM: International Tennis Federation
TESTIMONIAL: “We were delighted to have the Charles Russell Speechlys team on side, whose sport sector expertise, multi-disciplinary service, global footprint and combined unique regulatory and commercial insight were vital to completing the deal.”
Diversity
Our Social Impact
Overview
We believe that, to be successful, our business must have a positive social impact. We are an integral part of the communities – global and local – in which we operate and believe that supporting these communities is part of our responsibility as a business. In particular, we believe that it is our duty – as leading international law firm – to help level the playing field by improving access to justice, access to education and access to professional opportunities for disadvantaged groups. We also believe that a strong community programme reflects our values: a commitment to valuing difference, to building human connections, to treating others as we would wish to be treated and to developing long-term partnerships.
We do this through our Social Impact Programme. Led by our Senior Partner, Bart Peerless and our dedicated Social Impact Team, it comprises a strong Pro Bono practice and a high impact Community Investment programme of fundraising and volunteering activities.
Our connection with our community is all the more important in times of crisis and we are proud to have strengthened our Social Impact Programme in response to COVID-19 by:
- Increasing our volunteering allowance from 14 to 21 hours for staff to lend their time and skills to support the NHS or COVID-19 related causes.
- Launching Project Companion – an emergency package of fundraising and pro bono support to assist Emmaus, a national charity providing homes and livelihoods for the homeless.
- Converting all our pro bono community legal advice clinics to webcam format so that people unable to afford a lawyer can get access to legal support during the lockdown period and sharing best practice with other commercial firms to help them do them same.
- Providing full-service pro bono legal support to Food4Heroes, a new non-profit organisation that is mobilising chefs and catering businesses nationwide to feed NHS workers on the frontline of the crisis.
Pro Bono
Pro Bono is part of our core practice as a firm. We treat our pro bono clients as we do our paying clients and support all our lawyers to get involved – at all levels of seniority and whatever their area of expertise. We provide free legal advice to help disadvantaged groups get access to justice and to support charities and social enterprises providing vital services.
Impact highlights
- We train and deploy our lawyers for 2-week secondments to the Greek islands of Lesvos and Samos to help asylum-seekers navigate the asylum process.
- We were the first commercial law firm in the UK to launch a pro bono legal clinic by webcam to reach people outside London where pro bono help is scarce. The webcam project – Highly Commended at the LawWorks Awards 2019 – has provided the basis for us and other firms to run pro bono advice clinics during the COVID-19 shutdown.
- A partner-led team from across our UK offices represents disabled people at the First-Tier Tribunal to appeal the withdrawal of disability benefits.
- We are proud partners of Social Business Trust, providing pro bono legal support to help its small charity investees increase their reach and social impact.
- We provide free commercial legal advice on an ongoing basis to a wide range of charities and innovative social enterprises.
Community Investment
Community Investment
We have a long history of involvement with the communities in which we live and work. Our focus is on social mobility and supporting the most isolated and vulnerable in society through our charity partners and other local initiatives.
Impact highlights
- Our staff support children in local primary schools through our In-school Reading Scheme and Work Week Programme designed to develop awareness of the world of work and challenge misconceptions about career prospects linked to gender and/or ethnicity.
- Through our 5-year Talent Pipeline Programme (Career Start) , we open up careers in law for state school students from under represented backgrounds by providing high quality work experience and mentoring programmes. Through our collaboration with the Social Mobility Business Partnership (SMBP) we also work with commercial organisations enabling our students to gain further exposure to the legal world through a further week of work experience and skills based activities.
- We value the longstanding relationships we have with our local charitable organisations. Our staff volunteers support.
- The Positive Ageing Group and The Crusoe Club, a club for the blind and visually impaired, at The Blackfriars Settlement with initiatives including an annual Halloween quiz night for the Positive ageing Group, a “Crusoe” Christmas lunch at our London office, supporting the Crusoe members on day trips out and staff volunteering to cook and prepare Christmas lunches at the Settlement. Staff also volunteer via the charity’s telephone befriending service.
- The Churn’s Good Neighbour Project is a community-based project seeking to combat social isolation and improve wellbeing in Cirencester and neighbouring villages. Volunteers from our Cheltenham office provide support via a telephone befriending service and host an annual Afternoon Tea for elderly members in the community.
- The Charles Russell Speechlys Foundation (“Foundation”) launched in the summer of 2020, with its focus on advancing justice – supporting a stronger, fairer society for all. Alongside funding from the Foundation, the Firm looks to offer support by providing pro bono legal assistance and the professional skills of our staff to help charity partners tackle major social issues. Working alongside the Foundation, the Firm will enhance its focus, coordination and impact of its charitable giving and fundraising initiatives firm-wide, adding as much value to the charitable partnerships as possible.
DIVERSITY
We believe in creating equal opportunities for everyone. Not only do we want to attract, develop and retain the best talent, we are committed to providing a work environment and culture that supports individuals to thrive irrespective of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, maternity status, disability or socio-economic background.
By working with people from different backgrounds or with different experiences, we get a different perspective and that helps us to think more broadly, question more and share our skills, knowledge, and experience as part of a collective intelligence.
We believe that creating a diverse and inclusive workplace allows our people to be the best they can be, and do the best for our clients, who can expect a firm that understands their objectives and delivers advice that considers their commercial and personal needs.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion (D&I) is led from the top. Partner action groups are in place to drive and support the Achieving Balance and Race Action programmes referenced below and D&I Partners champion and lead on each of the D&I Committees.
D&I Committees
The D&I Team work closely with five active employeeD&I Committees, each led by a designated D&I Partner. The Committees focus on events and initiatives to promote and raise awareness relating to their specific area, and also in collaboration with each other to focus on different areas of intersectionality. The Committees play a valuable role in firm projects and assisting with policy review to ensure they are inclusive.
Our five core D&I committees include:
- CAPability (Collaborating And Promoting ability)
- Gender
- LGBTQ+
- Religion, Belief and Ethnicity
- Social Mobility
Age-related initiatives fall within the remit of all networks.
In addition, we also have a Family Friendly and a Carers Network that meet to share experiences, provide support to each other and host topical speakers.
Our Committee initiatives vary from year to year, but some of our recent achievements include ranking in the Top 25 of the Legal Sector in the Stonewall Equality Index ranking 72 in the Social Mobility Employer Index and being awarded the Bronze Award from the Employers Network of Equality and Inclusion.
Diversity & Inclusion programmes
We are committed to further developing our D&I Strategy and identifying key, longer term, programmes to help us achieve that. These include:
- Achieving Balance, this programme aims to improve the gender balance at Partnership level and in leadership roles across the firm.
- Our Career Start talent pipeline programme, is our flagship social mobility initiative which extends and develops our engagement with individuals from low socio economic backgrounds. It is a five year commitment to increase employability and to further improve the diversity of our employees.
- Race Equality Action-, this programme of action supports our commitment to improve the ethnic diversity across the Firm and identify ways that we can collaborate with others to increase the representation in the profession and how we can work with others business communities and education to support and drive more ethnic representation in professional services roles. .
For more information regarding our initiatives, or vacancies, please check our website, www.charlesrussellspeechlys.com
Press Releases
Charles Russell Speechlys welcomes new Family team in Hong Kong
18th January 2022 Charles Russell Speechlys is delighted to welcome a new Family team in Hong Kong, including the hire of Lisa Wong as Partner, as it continues to strengthen its offering in the region.Legal Briefings
Class dismissed: the future of group litigation in the UAE
Once the preserve and a staple of US litigation, in recent years class action claims have gained traction in the English courts across a wide variety of sectors. Recent disputes have involved securities and shareholder litigation against financial institutions like RBS and Lloyds/HBOS, claims against large companies such as Tesco, actions arising out of breaches …
Comparative Guides
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France: Employment and Labour Law
Published: April 2023
Authors: Kim Campion Auberi Foy Lisandre Bédard-Venne
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Employment and Labour Law laws and regulations that may occur in France.
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United Arab Emirates: Intellectual Property
Published: June 2022
Authors: Mark Hill Lara Haidar Elaine Jamandre
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Intellectual Property laws and regulations that may occur in United Arab Emirates.
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Hong Kong: Private Client
Published: April 2023
Authors: Jeffrey Lee Jessica Leung Hilary Leung
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Private Client laws and regulations that may occur in Hong Kong.
- Corporate and commercial > M&A: smaller deals, up to £50m
- Private client > Art and cultural property
- Private client > Contentious trusts and probate
- Private client > Family
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Kent, Surrey, Sussex
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Kent, Surrey and Sussex
- Employment > Employment: Kent, Surrey, Sussex
- Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Private client > Agriculture and estates
- Private client > Contentious trusts and probate
- Private client > Family: Kent, Surrey, Sussex
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Kent, Surrey, Sussex
- Real estate > Commercial property: Kent, Surrey, Sussex
- Real estate > Construction
- Real estate > Property litigation
- Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire
- Employment > Employment: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire
- Private client > Agriculture and estates
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Real estate > Commercial property: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts
- Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market
- Employment > Immigration
- Private client > Agriculture and estates
- Private client > Charities and not-for-profit
- Private client > Court of protection
- Private client > Family: mediation
- Real estate > Property litigation
- Real estate > Residential property
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment (including media finance)
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport
- Dispute resolution > Debt recovery
- Employment > Health and safety
- Employment > Pensions
- Insurance > Professional negligence
- Finance > Banking and finance
- Private client > Charities and not-for-profit
Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – small-mid cap
- Dispute resolution > Professional discipline
- Employment > Senior executives
- Industry focus > Emerging markets
- Industry focus > Retail and consumer
- Investment fund formation and management > Listed funds
- Public sector > Healthcare
- Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers
- Real estate > Commercial property: development
- Real estate > Commercial property: investment
- Real estate > Construction: contentious
- Real estate > Construction: non-contentious
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management
- Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Corporate and commercial > Partnership
- Dispute resolution > Tax litigation and investigations
- Employment > Pensions (non-contentious)
- Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure
- Real estate > Planning
- Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech
- Real estate > Property litigation
- Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory
- Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m)
- Corporate and commercial > Venture capital
- Employment > Employers
- Real estate > Property finance
- Public sector > Administrative and public law
- Investment fund formation and management > Private funds
- South East > Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Kent, Surrey and Sussex
- South East > Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Kent, Surrey, Sussex
- South East > Employment > Employment: Kent, Surrey, Sussex
- South East > Employment > Health and safety
- South East > Employment > Pensions
- South East > Private client > Agriculture and estates
- South West > Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire
- South West > Real estate > Property litigation