Charles Russell Speechlys LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
5 FLEET PLACE
LONDON
EC4M 7RD
England

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:

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 Blower and Suzanne Marriott play a pivotal role in advising artists on a wide range of estate planning and tax issues as well as advising collectors, dealers, businesses and charitable trusts on a vast array of art-related matters. Petra Warrington, who joined the team as a senior associate from Hunters Law LLP, is highly regarded for her advice on the ownership, provenance, condition and authenticity of art and luxury assets.

Practice head(s):

Rudy Capildeo; Tim Maxwell

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 litigatorGraeme Kleiner heads the team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP and is perceived to be ‘very effective when faced with difficult situations’. Kleiner advises trustees, executors and beneficiaries on a broad mix of national and international trust and succession disputes. The large and specialist team advises on a wide range of issues from providing probate litigation advice to court of protection work as well as assisting the family team on large international divorce cases involving attacks on trusts, asset tracing and fraud matters. Its work often spans multiple jurisdictions. Duncan Elson concentrates on large and complicated trust and estates work both in the UK and offshore. Newly promoted partner Hugh Gunson specialises in tax disputes and investigations.  Tamasin Perkins advises various wealthy individuals, trustees and fiduciaries on difficult international trust and probate disputes. Oliver Auld advises private clients and others who act in a fiduciary capacity in domestic and offshore trust and succession disputes.

Practice 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 Freeman  leads a ‘fantastic team’ at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP  that has ‘sensible partners who won't litigate for the sake of it but, when called upon to do so, will deliver at the highest standard’. It acts for many international clients and frequently acts for high-profile non-UK residents with complex cross-border assets and is adept at handling difficult jurisdictional disputes. Miranda Fisher  deals with complicated international financial disputes and difficult children cases. William Longrigg  specialises in international divorce, financial relief and private law children cases. Sarah Higgins  advises on all areas of family law with a particular focus on complex financial applications where there are family businesses. Sarah Anticoni  has a particular emphasis on mediating on complex financial claims on divorce together with advising on the future arrangements for children involving international HNW clients.  ‘Overall, it is a strong and well-resourced team with some very capable individuals’ that is praised for its ‘meticulous preparation and well-focused client care’.

Practice 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 Peerless  counts some of the world’s wealthiest families as clients and is adept at implementing offshore holding structures and at advising on inter-generational succession matters. Robert Blower  represents many major businesses and ruling families in the Middle East and has a particular focus on the Kuwaiti market. Dominic Lawrance ; William Begley  and Simon Weil are all highly recommended.

Practice 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 Elson is a key name, while Rachel Warren is well regarded for her client management skills, and has played a key role in helping to grow the firm's business/regulatory crime offering.

Practice 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 Elson, who formerly led the firm’s dispute resolution division for many years, and Cheltenham-based Henry Fea. Other key names include residential property head William Marriott, real estate disputes head David Haines, who has ‘impressive knowledge and the confidence to think outside of the box’ and family specialist Shona Alexander.

Practice head(s):

Henry Fea; Duncan Elson

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 Elson , who 'has extraordinary knowledge in this area'. Senior associate Rebecca Piper covers a range of matters, and  has 'exceptional attention to detail and client handling skills', while complex trust disputes specialist Edward Birrell, also a senior associate, is another key contact.

Practice 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

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

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 Norton has a broad practice covering transactions and listings, with a particular specialism in matters involving the Middle East. Adrian Mayer and legal director Edward Robinson are recognised for their work on investments into the African market while Jonathan Morley focuses on deals involving private equity funds.

Practice head(s):

Richard Norton

Other key lawyers:

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

    Other key lawyers:

    Julia Cox; Henry Fea; Tabitha Collett; Harman Bains; Mary Perham

    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:

    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

    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 Peerless and Henry Fea who are highly regarded for their work with UHNW families and their businesses both in the UK and around the world. The group is also recommended for its work on all aspects of strategic land sales and purchases as well as excelling at advising on issues relating to art collections and the full array of heritage property matters. In addition it is skilled at handling a range of disputes relating to landed estates. Robert Blower acts for many well-known estate owning families advising them on a vast array of estate, tax and succession planning matters.

    Practice 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 Marriott and Sally Ashford co-lead the full-service and ‘excellent‘ Court of Protection team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP which is an integral part of the highly recommended private wealth practice. The large team is adept at handling multi-jurisdictional disputes. Marriott is a member of the Solicitors for the Elderly and also the STEP special interest group on mental capacity (as is Ashford). Work undertaken includes advising on issues of fraud and restitution, anti-tax evasion, complex tax planning, judicial separations and managing large estates with global asset portfolios.

    Practice 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 Anticoni at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is one of the foremost mediators who regularly receives referrals from other law firms and counsel. Her practice has a particular emphasis on mediating complex financial claims upon divorce as well as future arrangements for children of international HNW clients. Anticoni has considerable experience of drafting pre-and post-nuptial agreements and is a fellow of the IAFL. James Freeman is practice head.

    Practice 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 Humphreys, whose expertise encompasses both commercial and residential contentious property matters, with particular focus in break rights, business tenancy renewals and rights of light. The practice is led by David Haines who, splits his time between Guildford and London - his specialisms lie within commercial dilapidation claims, compulsory purchase order work and covenant and easement disputes.

    Practice 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):

    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 Couchman has advised Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford on a range of commercial matters. Jody MacDonald is the final member of the management trio and oversees the firm’s sports tech sector group. Edward Craig specialises in equine matters, while Satish Khandke handles corporate sports law issues. Nick White dedicates his services to sports-related blockchain and web 3.0 work. Senior associate Richard Davies advises on sports-tech related sponsorship, media rights and arrangements, while fellow associate Danielle Sharkey acts for governing bodies on contentious, regulatory and integrity issues.

    Practice 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 Elson is active in the team’s contentious offering.

    Practice 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 Elson handles claims against solicitors and financial advisers as part of a broader disputes practice.

    Practice 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 Norton, who specialises in loan facilities and securities and brings to bear in-depth expertise acting on matters involving the Middle East. Real estate finance is handled by Naomi Nettleton, while legal Director Edward Robinson is frequently sought out for his experience in aircraft security and loans. Daniel Moore was promoted to partner in May 2021 with particular know-how regarding insolvency and distressed situations.

    Practice 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 knowledgeableCharles 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 ‘excellentVictoria 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

      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

      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

      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

        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

        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 Humphreys, who splits her time between London and Cheltenham and regularly handles break rights, insolvency matters and dilapidations, amongst others.

        Practice 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:

        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

        Charles Russell Speechlys LLP bolstered its funds practice in June 2021 with the addition of Edyta Brozyniak, who has experience in acting for fund managers and investors. Brozyniak now co-heads the team alongside Victoria Younghusband.

        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 Elson is a key name, while Rachel Warren is well regarded for her client management skills, and has played a key role in helping to grow the firm's business/regulatory crime offering.

        Practice 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 Elson is active in the team’s contentious offering.

        Practice 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 Elson, who formerly led the firm’s dispute resolution division for many years, and Cheltenham-based Henry Fea. Other key names include residential property head William Marriott, real estate disputes head David Haines, who has ‘impressive knowledge and the confidence to think outside of the box’ and family specialist Shona Alexander.

        Practice head(s):

        Henry Fea; Duncan Elson

        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 Humphreys, who splits her time between London and Cheltenham and regularly handles break rights, insolvency matters and dilapidations, amongst others.

          Practice 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.

          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.

          DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
          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
          PhotoNamePositionProfile
          Katy Ackroyd photo Katy Ackroyd
          Sarah Anticoni photo Sarah AnticoniSarah’s practice has a particular emphasis on advising on or mediating complex…
          Paul Arathoon photo Paul ArathoonPaul specialises in corporate finance, predominantly for public companies. He has a…
          Oliver Auld photo Oliver AuldOliver advises trustees, protectors, high net-worth individuals and beneficiaries in a broad…
          Mary Bagnall photo Mary BagnallMary specialises in the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, including…
          Darren Bailey photo Darren Bailey
          Mark Bailey photo Mark BaileyMark is a highly experienced commercial, IP and technology lawyer who provides…
          Jonathan Bayliss photo Jonathan BaylissJonathan covers a wide range of financial services product and regulatory work,…
          Aimee Beattie photo Aimee BeattieConsultant
          William Begley photo William BegleyWilliam advises both UK- and non-UK-domiciled clients on a wide range of…
          David Berry photo David BerryDavid advises on non-contentious corporate and commercial matters, including: project and procurement…
          Trevor Bettany photo Trevor BettanyTrevor deals with all aspects of employment law, from contract drafting to…
          Robert Birchall photo Robert BirchallRobert advises on a wide range of taxation issues for clients ranging…
          Robert Blower photo Robert BlowerRobert specialises in all aspects of private client work, in particular lifetime…
          Jon Bond photo Jon BondJon specialises in advising both lenders and borrowers in connection with a…
          Stephanie Bonnello photo Stephanie BonnelloSenior Associate
          Sarah Jane Boon photo Sarah Jane BoonSarah Jane advises on all areas of family law, with a particular…
          James Bradford photo James BradfordJames provides advice to UK domiciled and non-UK domiciled individuals on UK…
          Andrew Cameron photo Andrew CameronAndrew specialises in estate planning and wealth structuring for individuals and families,…
          Rudy Capildeo photo Rudy CapildeoPartner
          Rose Carey photo Rose CareyRose Carey is a partner and head of the firm’s Immigration group,…
          Steven Carey photo Steven CareySteven is the global Head of the Construction, Engineering and Projects Group,…
          James Carter photo James CarterJames specialises in a wide range of taxation matters. His principal emphasis…
          Sangna Chauhan photo Sangna ChauhanSangna specialises in tax and estate planning for UK and international clients.…
          Andrew Clarke photo Andrew ClarkeAndrew specialises in private equity and venture capital transactions, M&A and corporate…
          David Coates photo David CoatesDavid specialises in corporate finance advisory and transactional work for both public…
          Andrew Collins photo Andrew CollinsAndrew specialises in corporate advice and transactional work for a wide variety…
          Nic Couchman photo Nic CouchmanPartner
          Edward Craig photo Edward CraigEdward has 20 years’ experience in advising a broad range of clients…
          Ruby Dalal photo Ruby DalalRuby specialises in commercial property work with a particular emphasis on investment…
          Richard Davies photo Richard DaviesRichard specialises in commercial contracts, with a particular focus on the sports…
          Katherine Dennis photo Katherine DennisKatherine advises on all aspects of business immigration. She has extensive experience…
          Claire Devine photo Claire DevineAssociate
          George Duncan photo George DuncanGeorge has more than 30 years’ experience of private client work and…
          Fiona Edmond photo Fiona EdmondFiona is a Partner in the Construction and Engineering Group. Fiona advises…
          Richard Ellis photo Richard EllisSenior Associate
          Simon Ewing photo Simon EwingSimon joined the firm in 2000 and is a partner in the…
          Claire Fallows photo Claire FallowsClaire specialises in planning, highways and compulsory purchase law. She acts for…
          Henry Fea photo Henry FeaHenry is a private client lawyer with a broad range of experience,…
          Miranda Fisher photo Miranda FisherMiranda specialises in family law, particularly prenuptial agreements, financial settlement on divorce…
          Kevin Forsyth photo Kevin ForsythKevin is a specialist construction lawyer with more than 20 years’ experience…
          James Freeman photo James FreemanJames advises on all issues arising from relationship breakdown, specialising in difficult…
          William Garner photo William GarnerWilliam specialises in advising clients in the wholesale, trading and markets segment…
          Suzi Gatward photo Suzi GatwardSuzi specialises in advising clients on all aspects of mixed-use development schemes.…
          Keir Gordon photo Keir GordonKeir advises clients on a wide variety of corporate finance issues, such…
          William Granger photo William GrangerWilliam advises on all aspects of employment, executive and LLP law, including…
          Olivia Gray photo Olivia GrayOlivia specialises in the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, including…
          Joshua Green photo Joshua GreenJoshua specialises in family law including pre and post nuptial agreements, divorce,…
          David Green photo David GreenDavid is an employment law specialist. He advises both large and small…
          Caroline Greenwell photo Caroline GreenwellCaroline acts for corporate and individual clients in relation to a variety…
          Robin Grove photo Robin GroveRobin is a commercial property partner specialising in development work. He has…
          Stewart Hey photo Stewart HeyStewart (who heads the Charles Russell Speechlys Fraud and Investigations Group) specialises…
          David Hicks photo David HicksDavid advises both institutional and independent clients on constitutional and governance arrangements,…
          Sarah Higgins photo Sarah HigginsSarah is head of the family group at Charles Russell Speechlys. She…
          Robert Highmore photo Robert HighmoreRobert specialises in commercial and residential property and landlord and tenant litigation…
          Mark Howard photo Mark HowardMark is the joint head of our Technology, Media and Telecommunications sector.…
          Grant Howell photo Grant HowellGrant is a specialist family lawyer and is recognised as a leading…
          Jeremy Hudson photo Jeremy HudsonJeremy specialises in all aspects of landlord and tenant litigation, including opposed…
          Emma Humphreys photo Emma HumphreysEmma advises on the full range of contentious property issues, including insolvency…
          Nick Hurley photo Nick HurleyNick’s practice is in respect of both contentious and non-contentious employment law…
          Charles Hutton photo Charles HuttonCharles advises on wills, trusts, tax and estate planning, in particular inheritance…
          Nick Janmohamed photo Nick JanmohamedNick specialises in corporate work, particularly in the financial services, insurance and…
          Michael Jones photo Michael JonesMichael is a pensions specialist with over 15 years expertise in advising…
          Paul Kay photo Paul KayPaul specialises in banking and finance, including all forms of debt and…
          Jamie Kennaugh photo Jamie KennaughJamie advises on all areas of family law, including divorce/dissolution, finances and…
          Hannah Kent photo Hannah KentHannah is a commercial litigator who works on a range of commercial…
          Satish Khandke photo Satish KhandkePartner
          Ashley King-Christopher photo Ashley King-ChristopherAshley’s practice mainly covers the structuring of international private wealth holding, protection…
          Graeme Kleiner photo Graeme KleinerGraeme heads the firm’s Contentious Trusts & Estates team. He advises trustees,…
          Rupa Lakha photo Rupa LakhaRupa has extensive experience of both contentious and non-contentious areas of construction…
          Duncan Lamont photo Duncan LamontDuncan has for well over two decades worked in the media industry,…
          Dominic Lawrance photo Dominic LawranceDominic’s specialisms are offshore tax planning, succession structures, tax regularisation (including the…
          Michael Lingens photo Michael LingensMichael advises on corporate finance and transactional work for public and private…
          William Longrigg photo William LongriggWilliam is head of the family sector group and specialises in divorce,…
          Jody MacDonald photo Jody MacDonald
          Malcolm Macdougall photo Malcolm MacdougallMalcolm is a corporate lawyer specialising in private equity and mergers and…
          Darren Marley photo Darren MarleyDarren has a growing experience in a broad range of commercial and…
          Suzanne Marriott photo Suzanne MarriottSuzanne specialises in cross-border and UK tax planning, wills, trusts, contentious trusts…
          Piers Master photo Piers MasterPiers advises on a full range of international and domestic personal tax,…
          Tim Maxwell photo Tim MaxwellPartner
          Paul McCarthy photo Paul McCarthyPaul has over 7 years of experience working in both personal and…
          Lee Medlock photo Lee MedlockLee is Head of the Real Estate Group at Charles Russell Speechlys.…
          Karen Mitchell photo Karen MitchellKaren is responsible for the day-to-day operation of Charles Russell Speechly’s compliance…
          Mark Moncreiffe photo Mark MoncreiffeMark leads the Geneva-based corporate and commercial teams and is an English-qualified…
          Thomas Moran photo Thomas MoranTom is part of the private property group in the firm. The…
          Claudine Morgan photo Claudine MorganLegal Director
          Sarah Morley photo Sarah MorleySarah handles general commercial property work, specialising in property investment, acquisitions, disposals,…
          William Nash photo William NashWilliam has a broad range of corporate finance, advisory and transactional expertise,…
          Hanh Nguyen photo Hanh NguyenHanh is a dual-qualified lawyer (Australia/England & Wales) and advises on both…
          Rhys Novak photo Rhys NovakRhys is a dispute resolution specialist with considerable experience across a broad…
          Michael O'Connor photo Michael O'ConnorMichael is an experienced construction and engineering lawyer, providing advice across the…
          Christopher Page photo Christopher PageChristopher is a private client lawyer who specialises in tax and estate…
          Megan Paul photo Megan PaulMegan is a partner in the Commercial team and has in-depth experience…
          David Paxton photo David PaxtonPartner
          Bart Peerless photo Bart PeerlessBart’s practice is diverse. He advises individuals, trustees and beneficiaries, based in…
          Charlotte Pender photo Charlotte PenderPartner
          Tamasin Perkins photo Tamasin PerkinsTamasin advises high-net worth individuals, trustees and fiduciaries on complex international trust…
          Hamish Perry photo Hamish PerryHamish advises on general company and commercial matters, with a particular emphasis…
          Lynn Povey photo Lynn PoveyLynn specialises in institutional investment and charity property (including development work). She…
          Michael Powner photo Michael PownerMichael was head of the Employment, Pensions and Immigration group but is…
          Chris Putt photo Chris PuttChris is an experienced corporate finance lawyer working on domestic and international…
          James Riby photo James RibyJames advises on all areas of family law, including separation agreements, divorce,…
          Eddie Richards photo Eddie RichardsEddie advises on a range of landlord and tenant issues including new…
          Simon Ridpath photo Simon RidpathSimon advises on corporate and personal insolvency law providing advisory, transactional and…
          Deborah Robson photo Deborah RobsonDeborah is a Legal Director in the Corporate team and specialises in…
          Melville Rodrigues photo Melville RodriguesMelville services clients in formalising UK real estate transactions and also in…
          Daniel Rosenberg photo Daniel RosenbergDaniel represents a broad spectrum of UK and international companies and is…
          Sarah Rowley photo Sarah RowleySarah advises a wide range of charities and not for profit clients…
          Jason Saiban photo Jason SaibanJason is a commercial contracts specialist, with a focus on TMT, sport,…
          Duncan Salmon photo Duncan SalmonDuncan is a construction specialist who acts across a range of contentious…
          Mike Scott photo Mike ScottMike is the head of Charles Russell Speechlys’ charity and not-for-profit team.…
          Tom Shaw photo Tom ShawTom specialises in corporate and commercial law and has over 25 years’…
          Erica Shelton photo Erica SheltonErica deals with all areas of family law, particularly with complex ancillary…
          Mark Smith photo Mark SmithMark is head of real estate at Charles Russell Speechlys. He has…
          Tom Smitham photo Tom SmithamTom’s experience covers general corporate work for a mixture of private and…
          James Souter photo James SouterJames specialises in all disputes relating to the use and occupation of…
          Jessica Stafford photo Jessica StaffordJessica specialises in trust, probate and succession disputes, both domestic and those…
          Paul Stone photo Paul StonePaul advises on all aspects of EU and UK competition law. He…
          Daniel Sullivan photo Daniel SullivanDanny’s practice focuses on banking and finance transactions, with a particular emphasis…
          Caroline Swain photo Caroline Swain
          Catriona Syed photo Catriona SyedCatriona advises individuals, banks and other organisations on the issues which can…
          John Sykes photo John SykesJohn is a recognised as a leading litigator for UK and international…
          Robert Thomas photo Robert ThomasRobert specialises in all areas of employment law and has a particular…
          Nicola Thorpe photo Nicola ThorpeNicola advises on a wide range of private wealth matters, including international…
          Lucy Thorpe photo Lucy ThorpeLucy specialises in PE and M&A advisory and transactional work for private…
          James Trafford photo James TraffordJames is a trusted adviser to individuals, families and organisations with complex…
          Elena Vasilyeva photo Elena VasilyevaElena specialises in private client matters and wealth structuring with an international…
          Louise Ward photo Louise WardLouise handles general commercial property work, acting for a mix of investors,…
          John Ward photo John WardJohn specialises in international and UK tax and estate planning, and advice…
          Rachel Warren photo Rachel WarrenRachel specialises in healthcare and regulatory law. Her expertise in this area…
          Esther White photo Esther WhiteEsther has over 10 years pensions experience advising companies and trustees on…
          Nick White photo Nick WhitePartner
          Jonathan Whitehead photo Jonathan WhiteheadJonathan has wide-ranging experience of all forms of commercial dispute resolution, including…
          Lucy Wicksteed photo Lucy WicksteedSenior Associate
          Jaclyn Wilkins photo Jaclyn WilkinsJaclyn is a commercial lawyer who advises on a broad range of…
          Andy Williams photo Andy WilliamsAndy advises on all aspects of employment law, with particular expertise in…
          Alice Wilne photo Alice WilneAlice advises a wide range of UK-domiciled and foreign-domiciled individuals, both UK-resident…
          James Worthington photo James WorthingtonPartner
          Martin Wright photo Martin WrightMartin is a corporate lawyer and advises public and privately owned companies…
          Victoria Younghusband photo Victoria YounghusbandVictoria is a corporate lawyer who has specialised in advising investment funds…
          Number of UK partners : 145
          Total UK fee earners : 445

          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.”



          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

          Charles Russell Speechlys welcomes new Family team in Hong Kong

          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.