Highlighted by clients for its ‘tremendous amount of expertise’, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP handles a broad array of both international and domestic disputes, with the team’s specialism spanning matters involving landed estates, family businesses, pensions, art, and luxuries. The group routinely acts in disputes concerning offshore trusts, which practice heads Oliver Auld and Duncan Elson have a great deal of expertise in. Acting for both trustees and beneficiaries, Edward Birell focuses on trust disputes involving corporate assets, and breach of trust claims. Rebecca Piper is noted for her expertise in claims arising under the Inheritance Act 1975, challenges to wills, and applications to remove executors and trustees. Auld divides his time between Guildford and London, all other lawyers are based in Guildford.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team have a tremendous amount of expertise in their area of law. They always conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner, even in the face of adversity they keep a cool head. They are methodical, persistent and thorough. They go above & beyond when building the foundations for a strong case.'
‘Katelyn Silver is extremely knowledgeable in her area of law and she handles herself with the utmost professionalism. She is very focused and never allows the other side to fluster her with their aggressive approaches and behaviour. She is always very composed when dealing with adverse situations, you feel that she is in control and has the measure of the opposition. Oliver Auld is excellent. He always kept a close eye on our case, and provided invaluable advice along the way. He has a top team and we couldn't recommend Oliver, Katelyn and the rest of the team highly enough.’
‘CRS have extensive experience in this field and are backed up by a longstanding reputation for excellence in private client work more generally. Their litigators are experienced and entirely client-focused.’
‘Duncan Elson and Rebecca Piper are both excellent. ’
‘The number of excellent partners and associates makes the team stand out.’
‘Duncan Elson is a very experienced litigator who excels at strategy and client handling. Edward Birrell is impressive - he is charming, clever and determined.’
‘Duncan Elson - long recognised for his preeminence in the field. Consistently assured in all dealings with other solicitors and clients alike.’
‘Standout team with real strength in depth and expertise.’
Key clients
- The Public Trustee of the Bailiwick of Guernsey
Work highlights
- Acted for the Public Trustee of the Bailiwick of Guernsey in relation to losses to 5 Guernsey pension schemes in a number of proceedings dealing with a multi-jurisdictional asset base.
- Advising a member of a farming family on claims for proprietary estoppel and unjust enrichment in relation to the development of farming land which secured an important ruling on the measure of damages in unjust enrichment cases.
- Advised on a landed estate dispute between family members involving family trusts, corporate holdings, heritage chattels and subsequent restructuring of trust and corporate entities.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
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.
Duncan Elson, Oliver Auld