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.'
Key clients
- Breitling
- Sotheby’s
Work highlights
Advising Sotheby’s in relation to its employment matters.
Practice head
Ben Smith
Other key lawyers
Kelly Evans; Izzie Beddard