Singled out for the ability to ‘handle all aspects of property work with strength and depth of experience and expertise at all levels’, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is able to offer a multi-faceted service across rights of light, leasehold enfranchisement, and Building Safety Act mandates. Emma Humphreys is highly capable in the full gamut of contentious matters, balancing a busy workload of break rights, insolvency matters, and forfeitures. James Souter exhibits expertise in enfranchisement work, while Andrew Ross’ diverse caseload features matters involving right of light disputes in central London developments and landlord and tenant insolvency-related disputes. Lauren Fraser is rated for her work on leasehold enfranchisement, and also in the team, Samuel Lear acts on trespass cases. Ross joined from Travers Smith LLP in March 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Charles Russell Speechlys ensures that the right experts are in the room for the right discussions, providing the necessary expertise without overwhelming the meeting with unnecessary participants. This thoughtful approach ensures that clients feel supported, not overbilled. In my view, Charles Russell Speechlys combines exceptional capability with outstanding efficiency.’
- ‘What truly sets Charles Russell Speechlys apart is its collaborative approach—not only within their team but also with clients and external experts. It’s a level of partnership and integration that I haven’t seen matched elsewhere in the market.’
‘James Souter is our primary point of contact, and his pragmatic approach ensures we are consistently well-informed and thoroughly advised. One of his standout strengths is his ability to leverage the expertise of both clients and specialists to strengthen the case or project.’
‘Our lead partner, Emma Humphreys, is the key draw. She is accessible, commercial and understands our business extremely well, having worked with us for many years.’
‘The real estate team at Charles Russell Speechlys is truly a full-service practice with an increasingly international presence. The real estate team can handle all aspects of property work with strength and depth of experience and expertise at all levels.’
‘James Souter leads the excellent London property litigation team. He is sharp as a tack and a seriously impressive operator. He instills a sense of commercial acumen and a rigorous amongst the team. Lauren Fraser is excellent and a partner in waiting.’
Key clients
- Church Commissioners for England
- Howard de Walden Estates Limited
- Ballymore Group
- Stonegate Pub Company Limited
- aberdeen group plc
- LCP Group, including London & Cambridge Properties, L&C Investments Limited etc.
- Derwent London Plc
- Eton College
- Actis LLP
- Pivotal Homes
- Workspace Group
- London Hotels Collection
Work highlights
Represented Access Self Storage in a contested boundary dispute concerning its site in High Wycombe, which concluded with a favourable determination after a five-day trial in January 2025.
Advised Lothbury Property Trust Company on a misrepresentation claim against Dunlop, citing misleading information about asbestos-restricted access and the omission of the basement in the measurement survey.
Advisising the Church Commissioners for England on a wide variety of asset management issues arising with their residential, commercial and mixed-use properties on the Hyde Park Estate in London W2, including Connaught Village.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
David Haines
Other key lawyers
Emma Humphreys; James Souter; Andrew Ross; Lauren Fraser; Hope Barton