Charles Russell Speechlys LLP's sizeable team works with an impressive roster of clients, spanning high-street food retailers, hotel groups, and luxury horse racecourses. Drawing on the expertise of multiple departments, the team handles an array of high-value litigation, contract negotiation, acquisitions and disposals, among other matters. The team is jointly chaired by London-based trio Michael Powner, Jason Saiban and Lee Medlock. Powner is noted for his expertise in corporate labour law; Medlock leads on the firm’s real estate offering, advising large pub chains, gym retailers, investors, occupiers and developers; while Saiban is an expert in commercial contracts, advising on franchising, concessions, supply and procurement. Manoj Vaghela is also noted for his international litigation expertise.

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Key clients

  • Stonegate Pub Company
  • Caffe Nero Group Limited
  • Gulf Air
  • Dorchester Hotel Limited
  • Maybourne Hotel Group
  • wagamama
  • Hurtigruten UK Limited
  • Greggs Plc
  • Brasserie Bar Co Limited
  • David Lloyd Leisure Limited
  • Ascot Racecourse

Work highlights

  • Advising Stonegate Pub Company on various matters.
  • Advise Caffe Nero across all commercial contracts work, with a particular focus for the client this year being strategic partnerships and concessions.
  • Acted for Greggs in a claim issued in the High Court and successfully defended the client against a £150 million claim.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Michael Powner, Jason Saiban, Lee Medlock

Other key lawyers

Manoj Vaghela