The Guildford-based private client team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is led by Sally Ashford, who is recognised for assisting high-net-worth individuals and family business owners with estate planning and inheritance tax mitigation mandates, particularly through the use of trusts. Richard Honey is noted for advising families on deed of variation strategies to optimise tax reliefs, and family business owners on generational succession planning. Harriet Betteridge often assists high-net-worth clients with trust taxation issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Charles Russell Speechlys’ private client team, particularly the Guildford office, are one of my key contacts in the UK. I am consistently impressed by their legal expertise, professionalism, and international reach. Their enthusiasm is noteworthy.’
- ‘The team is well-structured with fee earners at every level. They are friendly, communicative, and demonstrate a clear commitment to understanding and prioritising their clients’ needs.’
- ‘Sally Ashford has clearly and carefully built her private client team, and she is an excellent leader who is both respected and liked. She is a trusted adviser. I have seen her skillfully manage complex situations involving multiple stakeholders with varying levels of financial understanding, and she consistently makes her clients feel confident and at ease.’
- ‘Lauren Clarke is delightful to work with. She handles complex matters involving nervous clients with warmth and confidence, quickly becoming a trusted adviser. Her calm, reassuring style, usually found in more senior professionals, inspires confidence and puts clients at ease.’
- ‘We worked with Catherine Caddy on a complex estate. She managed the entire process with clarity and professionalism, while also supporting her client through a difficult period. She resolved a particularly sensitive situation with empathy and skill, preventing potential conflict and bringing harmony to the process.’
- ‘Natalie Butler is a highly valued team member. In a subtly complex situation, she demonstrated great empathy, warmth, and emotional intelligence, helping long-standing issues be resolved promptly and smoothly.’
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Harriet Betteridge
Richard Honey
Practice head
Sally Ashford
Other key lawyers
Harriet Betteridge; Catherine Caddy; Richard Honey; Lauren Clarke; Natalie Butler