Charles Russell Speechlys LLP hosts a specialist commercial contracts team which is noted for its work in the sports sector, as well as the retail and TMT sectors. The diverse group leverages its international network of offices to work on cross-border matters, sometimes stemming from the Middle East, collaborating with colleagues internationally on matters such as the drafting and negotiation service agreements and hosting agreements. Mark Bailey, Jason Saiban and Megan Paul lead the team, offering a wealth of commercial experience between them. Bailey’s experience of advising on data centre matters leaves him well placed to assist with outsourcing agreements, which is also one of Paul's areas of expertise, while Saiban stands out for handling marketing-related contracts. Caroline Young focuses on contracts in the intellectual property and technology sectors.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'They are approachable and always available. They coordinate/collaborate well with other advisors and are flexible to the dynamic nature of the projects they work on. They are able to find pragmatic solutions to challenges on deals which sets them apart from other advisors.'
  • 'I have worked with members of the firm's commercial team who have vast and varied experience in the sports industry. I consider their advice to be dependable with specialist knowledge in a variety of sports. They are a very approachable team and clearly extremely knowledgeable regarding current sporting affairs. They are a diverse firm that is encouraging when considering who to instruct regarding high-profile issues such as good governance and commercial progression.'
  • 'They stand out for their attentiveness and familiarity with our business, our processes and our people.'
  • 'Caroline Young is simply fantastic. You could not want more from a partner relationship. She is an absolute rock.'
  • 'The team are very engaging and balance great legal advice alongside practical advice and support too.'
  • 'Jason Saiban is an excellent lawyer and a joy to work with. Great legal knowledge balanced with a can-do attitude and great practical advice.'

Key clients

  • Pure Data Centres
  • Value Retail Group
  • Howard de Walden Estates
  • Nike
  • Bowers & Wilkins
  • Stonegate
  • Gulf Air
  • Rentschler ATMP Limited
  • Robert Kime Limited
  • Lowe Rental Group
  • Derwent
  • ITF
  • Ascot Racecourse
  • Wasserman Boxing
  • Caffe Nero

Work highlights

  • Acted on all of Stonegate’s commercial contracts.
  • Acted for the ITF as go-to advisers on a wide range of commercial contracts, including sponsorship, broadcasting and hosting agreements.
  • Acted for Nike as its prime UK lawyers, including on all advertising, marketing and e-commerce work.

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Mark Bailey, Jason Saiban, Megan Paul

Other key lawyers

Caroline Young