Charles Russell Speechlys LLP fields an ‘extremely dedicated team that goes the extra mile for clients’. With the majority of the group’s caseload containing international elements, the 42-strong commercial dispute resolution’s practice represents private banks, corporations, regulators, foreign governments, celebrities and ultra-HNW individuals in major disputes. It has notable experience in company and shareholder-related disputes, as well as sector expertise in technology, engineering, telecoms, sports, and financial services, along with mining, energy, aviation, professional services and retail. Charlotte Pender ’leads the team brilliantly‘; Stewart Hey is the firm’s fraud, asset recovery and investigations head; Rhys Novak’s commercial and corporate disputes practice covers fraud, bribery, sanctions and financial services; and Edward Craig is ‘a highly experienced and capable litigator’. The second line of key practitioners includes Caroline Greenwell, who is experienced in multi-jurisdictional disputes and financial crime investigations; Lucy Wicksteed, who focuses on financial services and fraud; Abigail Rushton, whose experience includes obtaining worldwide freezing orders; and ‘incredibly hard-working and talented litigator’ Lin Boutong.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A team that demonstrates 100% commitment to securing clients’ objectives, no matter the complexity of the obstacles.’

  • ‘Extremely dedicated team that goes the extra mile for clients.’

  • ‘This team is a market leader in its field. It demonstrates, time and time again, its expertise, energy and can-do attitude. They just really are super-impressive - really, really good at what they do.’

  • ‘Charlotte Pender leads the team brilliantly - she is approachable, pragmatic, and really knows her stuff.’

  • ‘Caroline Greenwell - an impressive amount of experience and growing profile. She is entirely committed and a joy to work with.’

  • ‘Edward Craig is a highly experienced and capable litigator. Extremely commercial and practical, and fantastic to work with.’

  • ‘Rhys Novak is unquestionably a market-leading lawyer.

  • ‘Lin Boutong - incredibly hard-working and talented litigator. Highly efficient team member.’

Key clients

  • Central Bank of Bahrain
  • Awal Bank BSC
  • RSM Restructuring & Advisory
  • FRP Advisory
  • Fica Frio
  • Charlton Athletic Football Club
  • Charlton Athletic Women’s Football Club
  • EFG Private Bank
  • Bilta (UK)
  • Greggs
  • LK UK

Work highlights

  • Assisted Bilta (UK) with a settlement in a landmark fraud case against the investment banking arm of a major bank, which had been remitted for a retrial by the Court of Appeal.
  • Acting for a HNW individual, his Italian investment company, and an Italian fiduciary company, in respect of a fraudulent misrepresentation claim.
  • Assisting the co-founder of a bespoke data centre business (Franek Sodzawiczny) with enforcement efforts, against a backdrop of a concerted campaign by the award debtors (and their associates and family members) to frustrate recovery.

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.
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.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Charlotte Pender

Other key lawyers

Stewart Hey, Rhys Novak, Edward Craig, Caroline Greenwell, Lucy Wicksteed, Abigail Rushton, Lin Boutong