Mark Hill > Charles Russell Speechlys LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Suzanne Marriott heads up the art and luxury practice at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP. Marriott is skilled at advising artists and collectors on structuring their art ownership for tax and succession purposes. Robert Blower is a known name for his tax and estate planning work on estates that contain significant art collections, while Stewart Hey is well regarded for his work on various high-value international disputes and investigations. Chris Haywood and Mark Hill are among the other highly-regarded members of the department. There have been some departures from the department – Rudy Capildeo, Tim Maxwell and Petra Warrington are now at Wedlake Bell.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s corporate and commercial practice in Bahrain has a strong focus on international corporate structuring and restructuring, as well as a thriving M&A, commercial contract, joint venture, private equity and regulatory offering. Its breadth of expertise is reflected in the diverse range of sectors it operates, spanning telecoms, aviation, technology, retail and manufacturing, among others. From the Dubai office, William Reichert leads the firm’s corporate practice for the Middle East and has handled an abundance of high-value transactions in the technology, healthcare, real estate and energy sectors. Leading on the commercial side, Mark Hill is an expert in the fields of media and entertainment, IP and technology and acts for a large number of significant clients in these spaces. Transactional lawyer Alex Reid joined from HFW in December 2022. At the senior associate level, Jonathan Fisher has accumulated strong experience handling domestic and cross-border M&A.

In addition to a comprehensive telecoms, media and technology offering, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has also built notable expertise in the sports, entertainment, art and luxury sectors. Mark Hill heads the firm’s IP, TMT and commercial practice for the Middle East, acting for a broad range of production houses, film producers, entertainment and media companies. Lara Haidar was promoted to legal director in May 2023, bringing a particular strength in intellectual property protection and enforcement.

Commended for its ‘efficient system and highly knowledgeable people’, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is noted for its film, TV, technology, digital and telecoms expertise. Mark Hill leads the practice and is a key port of call for entertainment and media companies, film producers and high-end retail franchising groups. Lara Haidar is experienced in the full spectrum of IP enforcement and protection, and Chris Haywood handles media matters.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP ‘demonstrates exceptional expertise in commercial, corporate, and M&A matters, excelling in understanding clients’ specific needs and tailoring its approach accordingly.’ The team is especially well regarded for its knowledge of the media, entertainment and sports space, often working with companies, broadcasters, celebrities and athletes on a variety of commercial issues. The group also handles an array of joint venture and acquisition mandates for top-tier financial services and real estate entities, areas where William Reichert is the go-to name. Mark Hill is a key name for media, IP and tech issues. Alex Reid is ‘thorough and detail oriented’. Legal director Lara Haidar is another name of note.