Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is recognised for its global expertise under the first-class joint leadership of Piers Master and Robert Blower. Clients remark that its ‘team size and depth of experience are impressive’. It provides a fully integrated service to wealthy HNW/ UHNWIs and their families, family offices, landed estates, private banks, trustees, and wealth managers. Bart Peerless’ clients include some of the world’s wealthiest families. Simon Weil frequently acts for families with heritage assets. Dominic Lawrance often advises successful internationally mobile individuals who are currently UK residents, or are planning on moving to the UK. Many of William Begley’s clients are drawn from the worlds of business, property, finance, media and the arts. Sangna Chauhan is sought after for her lifetime planning advice. Nicola Thorpe and Alice Wilne are both well-regarded. The firm recently had a number of additions to the partnership: Amira Shaker-Bortman joined the team in April 2024 from McDermott Will & Schulte, while Jonathan Burt joined the firm in December 2024 from Harbottle & Lewis LLP. Catrin Harrison; Oliver Little and Sarah Wray were all promoted to the partnership in May 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Bart Peerless-exceptional all round client service. Pier Master-very strong technical skills.'
- 'Charles Russell Speechlys is absolutely first rate in the private client practice, with deep experience and expertise in complex, multi-jurisdictional planning and litigation. All of their partners are impressive, as are their associates.'
- 'Of particular note are Bart Peerless, Piers Master, and Jeremy Arnold. Each is a top advisor in our field, with keen intelligence, excellent judgement built on deep experience, and a practical approach to difficult problems.’
‘Bart Peerless is the senior partner of the firm, and one of the top international private client lawyers globally. He is deeply experienced, extremely capable and efficient, possessing excellent judgement and vision. We value his advice highly and turn to him regularly.'
- 'Piers Master -as an accomplished partner at Charles Russell Speechlys, I work with him regularly, as do the other private client partners in our firm, and we unanimously find him a superb lawyer. He is not only deeply knowledgeable about English law, but knows a great deal about US law.'
- 'Jeremy Arnold-I have worked closely with Jeremy for many years on complex, high stakes, international trust litigation and tax planning, and have been extraordinarily impressed with his intellect, strategic vision and creativity. He is a joy to work with, a marvellous ally, and I would never want to be his opponent.'
Lawyers
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Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Piers Master; Robert Blower
Other key lawyers
Jonathan Burt; Bart Peerless; Simon Weil; William Begley; Dominic Lawrance; Sangna Chauhan; Nicola Thorpe; Alice Wilne; Amira Shaker-Bortman; Catrin Harrison; Oliver Little; Sarah Wray; Jeremy Arnold