Charles Russell Speechlys LLP provides ‘outstanding’ support to an impressive roster of national and international clients, spanning major retail and sports organisations, charities, landed estates and high-net-worth individuals. The Cheltenham team is led by Ben Smith, who relocated his practice from the Guilford office in early 2024. Smith advises leading international retail companies and domestic non-for-profit clients on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Kelly Evans represents clients in whistleblowing, unfair dismissal and discrimination claims, as well as advising on complex TUPE matters. The ’excellent’ Izzie Beddard is another key contact. Former practice head Sara Wilson is now in a knowledge development role at the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Charles Russell Speechlys have the magic mix of being approachable, client-friendly and relationship driven whilst being tough and forceful lawyers.'
- 'Ben Smith knows his clients inside out, always putting their commercial interests at the centre of everything he does and going the extra mile.'
- 'The team are highly responsive and provide clear, commercial advice.'
- 'We have worked with the employment team for a number of years and would certainly recommend them to anyone who needs employment law support. We appreciate the close personal attention and we feel they provide us with an outstanding legal service. In addition to the outstanding legal support, the whole team is warm, friendly, accessible, and humorous. Over the years they have enabled us to navigate some extremely challenging situations with certainty that we are in very good hands.'
- 'Well informed, prompt responses, concise and clear guidance.'
- 'Izzie Beddard is an excellent lawyer who provides clear, concise, and easily implemented solutions to complex HR issues.'
Key clients
- Breitling
- Sotheby’s
- Neal’s Yard Remedies
- Zenzero Solutions Limited
- Alpha International
- Actis LLP
- Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Limited
- Lord Wandsworth College
- Plymouth Citizens Advice
Work highlights
Advising Sotheby’s in relation to its employment matters.
Advising Zenzero Solutions Limited as part of a broader cross-office team in relation to bolt-on transactions.
Advising Lord Wandsworth College on all employment law matters.
Practice head
Ben Smith
Other key lawyers
Kelly Evans; Izzie Beddard