Charles Russell Speechlys LLP offers ‘practical, client-led, commercial advice’ in real estate litigation ’that helps direct a clear and focused legal strategy’ in both commercial and residential property matters. The group has noteworthy experience in landlord-tenant issues, building and safety act requirements, and boundary disputes. A seasoned duo leads the offering: Emma Humphreys, recommended for actions arising out of development agreements and insolvency, and David Haines, who has a specialised focus on professional negligence claims. Emma Preece is also a key contributor, leveraging expertise in land registration disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- CRS has been working for us for some time and completely understands our requirements. They can and do provide us with a comprehensive service in a timely manner. We have not had to regret any advice they have provided, and we are satisfied with the speed and consideration they give our service requests. They attend occasional meetings with our administrators and estate agents to ensure a smooth transition of work and to understand work in progress.
- Emma Preece: She is very bright, energetic, and conscientious. She is a consummate professional and really good at handling difficult clients and keeping them focused and calm. A present and future star of the property litigation world. James Souter (partner) – cool, calm, and collected. He is not afraid to make big calls in litigation and gets them right.
- Charles Russell Speechlys is a highly efficient and deeply knowledgeable property litigation team with a unique breadth across all sectors: commercial, residential, and agricultural/rural, with particular prestige and expertise in landed estates work.
- Emma Preece is a standout senior associate. I value her attention to detail very much - she is aware of every detail of all her matters - professionalism, resilience in challenging litigation circumstances, and sound judgment. James Souter has exceptional litigation judgment and a unique ability to predict how arguments will land with a judge and how a case will pan out. He plans his litigation strategy accordingly and executes it very effectively. He is always up for the fight when required.
- Sylwia Barchus: in an obscure legal area, Sylwia quickly identified the case law and engaged the only KC to have mastered the topic. Sylwia's advice to secure the early opinion of counsel set a clear direction for the case management and completely unbalanced the other side.
- The people at CRS have an unmatched ability to see the issues in dispute and provide practical, client-led, commercial advice that helps direct a clear and focused legal strategy. When involved in complex multifaceted litigation, it is essential that you are able to instruct solicitors who have both a big-picture view and an eye for detail. CRS has the strength and depth to be able to zoom in and out with ease.
Key clients
- Willkie Farr Gallagher
- Church Commissioners for England
- Hackney Joint Estate Charity
- West Bay Holdings Limited
- Timothy Watkins
- Vanni Properties Limited
- LCP Group
- Ballymore Group
Work highlights
Acting as agents for Willkie Farr Gallagher (UK) LLP as the solicitors representing the claimant in possession proceedings concerning two high-value properties in central London.
Acted for Vanni Properties Limited as the defendant in a long-standing commercial boundary dispute.
Acting for private individuals as defendants in a long-standing dispute that their father’s death dissolved the partnership.
Lawyers
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
David Haines; Emma Humphreys
Other key lawyers
Emma Preece