The ‘ruthlessly client focused’ team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is regarded for its commercial support, with an impressive roster of high-profile clients. The firm, offering a ’high level of knowledge and experience’, has in-depth sector experience advising charities and not-for-profit organisations, as well as gaming companies and financial service providers. The practice, based in Guildford, is led by Nick Hurley, a ‘fierce, commercial, and excellent negotiator’, and Ben Smith, who is regarded for his client relationships. Emily Chalkley and Rachel Hearn are both praised for their commercial acumen and regularly assist corporate clients on the full gamut of employment matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
- Social
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Ruthlessly client focused.'
‘Ben Smith - he becomes best friends with clients while robustly pursuing their interests.'
- 'Nick Hurley: fierce, commercial, excellent negotiator.'
- 'Emily Chalkley is detail orientated and always an eye to the best commercial result for clients.'
- 'Rachel Hearn: Diligent and commercial.’
‘Charles Russell Speechlys in Guildford are excellent on non-contentious and contentious work, with down-to-earth manners and dedicated to clients.’
‘Ben Smith. Lives and breathes for his clients. He takes away the worry from them. Gets results.'
‘High level of knowledge and experience. A lot of resource.’
Key clients
- Framatome Limited
- Nike
- Rapha Racing
- Sony Playstation
- Dementia UK
- Lord Wandsworth College
- PCC of Holy Trinity Brompton / Alpha International
- Just Group Plc
- Belron International (owners of the Autoglass group)
- Breitling UK
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
Nick Hurley; Ben Smith
Other key lawyers
Emily Chalkley; Rachel Hearn