With Arabic-speaking civil law specialists and common law litigators, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP acts on complex, high-value disputes for governments, regulatory bodies, multinational corporations, and high-net-worth individuals, frequently navigating cross-border issues. The firm is particularly strong in asset tracing and recovery work, and also has a solid body of work relating to extradition and treaty-related disputes. Patrick Gearon is well-reputed for his contentious financial services expertise. Sara Sheffield ‘is a leader in litigation and arbitration in the jurisdiction’ and has an extensive cross-border practice. Ghassan El Daye has civil law and common law capabilities and acts on financial crime and shareholder disputes and debt recovery issues. Thomas Snider joined from Al Tamimi & Company in August 2024 and and heads up the arbitration offering. Nicola Jackson joined from Clyde & Co LLP in May 2024 bolsters the team’s capabilities in insolvency litigation. Peter Smith and Max Davis also offer support. John Lewis left the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A really strong cross-border team who continue to grow and invest. Recent additions to their insolvency team allow for a leading contentious insolvency package.’
‘Sara Sheffield is a consummate professional. She is incredibly impressive and uniquely well connected across the globe. I've never had an interaction with Sara and not been impressed.'
- 'Nicola Jackson - a really impressive hire which has the potential to uniquely disrupt the market, as CRS can now offer a true end-to-end recovery solution to its clients.’
‘Very user-friendly. Excellent communication. Exceptional levels of client service. ’
‘Sara Sheffield is an all-round exceptional lawyer. ’
‘Peter Smith is a superb lawyer - technically strong, responsive, easy to deal with.'
Key clients
- Huobi OTC DMCC
- Standard Chartered Bank
- Gulf Bank of Kuwait
- Shiraz Mahmood v Standard Chartered Bank DIFC
Work highlights
Advising Huobi OTC DMCC, a UAE cryptocurrency trader in a claim before the Technology and Construction Division of the DIFC Court against a DIFC investment company for its alleged failure to prevent the loss of a significant amount of Bitcoin during a sale and purchase transaction.
Successfully defeated a trillion-pound claim against the Gulf Bank of Kuwait (GBK).
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
Patrick Gearon; Sara Sheffield; Ghassan El Daye; Thomas Snider; Nicola Jackson
Other key lawyers
Peter Smith; Max Davis