Lee Medlock > Charles Russell Speechlys LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Praised by clients for its ‘strong leadership’, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP works with its tax and planning disciplines to advise on exit strategies, sales and leasebacks, and headquarter relocations, often for regulators, regional corporates, and investors. Lee Medlock oversees the group and advises occupiers and private equity firms in the leisure sector on various matters, and is ably supported by Louise Ward, who focuses on life sciences real estate, and Sarah Morley, a key contact for headquarters lettings and the rationalisation of space. Emma Carter is well-versed in purchases, disposals, and joint venture investments, Cara Imbrailo concentrates on the Central London real estate investment market, and the ‘technically proficient’ Eddie Richards handles energy and infrastructure real estate work. Sarah Keens covers landlord and tenant work, while Lynsey Inglis handles real estate finance and commercial property matters, and Ben Butterworth specialises in the real estate elements of M&A deals.

With multiple offices across the UK and globally, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP handles investment matters for national and international clients. The firm is well versed in a wide array of asset classes, especially leisure, logistics, offices, landed estates and hotels. Lee Medlock heads the team and is highly experienced in leisure sector investment work for private equity-owned businesses. Louise Ward adds insight into ESG aspects of real estate matters. Cara Imbrailo covers retail, offices, medical and residential assets.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s sizeable team works with an impressive roster of clients, spanning high-street food retailers, hotel groups, and luxury horse racecourses. Drawing on the expertise of multiple departments, the team handles an array of high-value litigation, contract negotiation, acquisitions and disposals, among other matters. The team is jointly chaired by London-based trio Michael Powner, Jason Saiban and Lee Medlock. Powner is noted for his expertise in corporate labour law; Medlock leads on the firm’s real estate offering, advising large pub chains, gym retailers, investors, occupiers and developers; while Saiban is an expert in commercial contracts, advising on franchising, concessions, supply and procurement. Manoj Vaghela is also noted for his international litigation expertise.

With offices across Europe and Asia, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is well-placed to assist clients on their cross-border development matters. Government bodies, regulators, investors and developers regularly approach the firm for support. Areas of recent strength include renewable energy, leisure and residential developments. Led by leisure expert Lee Medlock, the team includes specialists in a range of asset classes, such as mixed-use specialist Suzi Gatward, life sciences specialist Louise Ward and logistics expert Eddie Richards. Also of note are Robin Grove and Alexander Gold, who provide experience with regeneration schemes. Emma Carter joined the firm from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in November 2023.