The team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has a well-established practice, advising on corporate transactions, shareholder and partnership disputes, and acting for a number of corporates and high net-worth individuals across a range of sectors, including pharmaceutical, technology, manufacturing and food and beverage. Claims often relate to unfair prejudice, financial mismanagement, breaches of fiduciary duties and post-transaction disputes. The team in Guildford, led by Stephen Burns and Jamie Cartwright, also has experience in product liability and white-collar crime, with Rachel Warren offering particular regulatory expertise. It also has an increasingly international focus, with clients across Europe and the Middle and Far East.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Partner Stephen Burns is a formidable operator who has huge experience in commercial litigation. He is very ably supported by a team of associates, Katie Bewick being the standout example.’
‘CRS has a very strong commercial litigation department, easily holding its own against regional or 'magic circle' competitors. CRS provides realistic and pragmatic advice, conscious of the needs of the client.’
‘Stephen Burns - partner. Very empathetic and good at identifying the client's needs. Stephen is also particularly good at developing an appropriate strategy for the case going forwards. Charlotte Healy - associate - totally on top of her brief’
‘CRS are the real deal when it comes to commercial law. They have been doing this longer, and better than most - and have a number of exceptional practitioners, who know their area of expertise inside out and provide exceptional client care.’
‘Gareth Mills - exceptional client contacts, makes the most difficult commercial arbitration looks straightforward. Gareth leads a team of excellent commercial practitioners with conspicuous care and dedication. He is as tough as it comes with his competitors, but a pleasure to work with as part of a team and has truly exceptional client care.’
‘The team are efficient, commercial, and extremely bright. I always get quick responses to any query I have, and they always have an answer for tricky issues that can arise in a case.’
‘Rachael Warren - excellent on financial services disputes and regulatory matters.'
‘Stephen Burns is fantastic - he provides clear advice and ensures the likely outcomes are thought through and understood before any decisions are taken. He is fantastically successful at mediation, and I put this down to his direct 'no nonsense' approach when dealing with the other side and clear communication with his own client.'
Key clients
- City & Guilds
- Cargill
- Jankel Armouring
- Essity
- ATC UK
- Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited
- SPS - formerly Swiss Post
- Bhinder Purewal and Pro Med Pharma Limited
- Stellantis Group
- Stonegate Pub Company
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Stephen Burns; Jamie Cartwright
Other key lawyers
Rachel Warren; Gareth Mills; Charlotte Healy; Katie Bewick