Jason Saiban > Charles Russell Speechlys LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP acts for clients across the full IT supply chain, from data centre operators and cloud service providers to software providers and customers purchasing IT solutions. The firm is noted for its standout experience in IT disputes and insur-tech-related matters. Mark Bailey has particular specialism in regulated IT sector contracting and co-heads the team alongside transactional lawyer Mark Howard. Jason Saiban assists clients with supply and procurement agreements, while Megan Paul focuses on large-scale commercial agreements, including outsourcing transactions. Caroline Young, who advises on a broad range of technology and procurement contracts, is another key contact in the group.

The international and multi-disciplinary hospitality and leisure team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has significant sector knowledge of the food and beverage, consumer brands, and hotels and hospitality areas. The team covers the full range of legal services and is particularly well versed in marketing and branding, sponsorship, and enforcement issues, as well as occupier services, relevant litigation, and employment harmonisation and restructuring. The trio of lawyers heading up the team consists of: Michael Powner, an employment expert who handles the relationship with Wagamama and Caffe Nero; commercial contract specialist Jason Saiban, who leads the firm’s tech, consumer and sport group; and Lee Medlock, head of the real estate team. Investors, commercial developers and corporate occupiers regularly instruct Louise Ward, who has recently advised on theatre and research park developments, and the sale and leaseback of leisure clubs. Mark White has significant experience in the investment and corporate occupier sector.

A ‘responsive, practical and thorough’ practice, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP continues to work for sector-leading clients on an array of commercial arrangements, demonstrating activity in the retail, telecommunications and tech, transport and financial services industries. Over the last twelve months the firm has been particularly concentrated on the sports sector, acting for both sporting organisations such as the ITF and British Swimming on sponsorship, influencer and IP matters, in addition to clients engaging with bodies within the sector, such as software technology entity Sage on its various deals with Six Nations Rugby, Major League Baseball and The Hundred. The department is spearheaded by three highly-experienced practitioners; Mark Bailey, who handles tech and infrastructure related matters, whilst possessing notable expertise in IT and data centre issues; Jason Saiban, who exercises a strong advertising, marketing and sponsorship offering, working closely with key clients such as Nike and Samaritans; and Megan Paul, whose focus is on supply chain management and distribution agreements. Senior associate Caroline Young, who has been a main driver behind the for the firm’s growing life sciences activity, continues to garner praise from clients for the ‘sterling support’ she provides to business operations, fielding a broad practice that covers multiple sectors.

Headed up by Jason Saiban, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s sports, retail and technology group and is a key contact for both sponsors and sports entities. Key engagements for the team see them working with major multinational apparel companies and national governing bodies on sponsorship, marketing and advertising matters. Nic Couchman – who heads up the sport department – advises high-profile athletes on commercial, brand, and image rights matters. Edward Craig is the first port of call for equine matters, advising governing bodies in horseracing on contentious and non-contentious matters. Nick White advises clients on NFTs, ambush marketing issues, the assignment and transfer of trade marks and supports on sponsorship deals in tennis. Richard Davies and Danielle Sharkey support the team on a range of sponsorship, media rights and marketing instructions. Sharkey, in particular, leverages her experience of working as a legal and compliance adviser at the British Horseracing Authority.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has a strong track record of work on advertising, marketing, sponsorship and other commercial matters, with a notable focus on the sports sector, advising clients such as Nike, Ascot Racecourse and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford. The firm’s most prominent names in this line of work include commercial contracts specialists Jason Saiban and Richard Davies, and Nick White, who offers IP expertise.

With strength in advertising, marketing, and brand protection work, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s retail, consumer, and consumer tech group acts for food and beverage sector clients, sports retailers, and luxury brands. Jason Saiban takes point on commercial contracting matters, including digital transformation projects, sponsorships, and logistics mandates. Contentious and regulatory matters are handled by Edward Craig, while Michael Powner is recommended for his employment expertise. Saiban, Craig and Powner jointly lead the team. Intellectual property specialist Mary Bagnall is also noted.