The Guildford-based team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is ‘empathetic’ and ’well-organised’ in its advice to clients. Leveraging the full-service nature of the firm, the team is equipped to handle issues that arise across the spectrum of family, immigration, corporate and property mandates. Practice head Sally Ashford leads the non-contentious private client team and has expertise advising high-net-worth individuals and family business owners on estate and family succession planning issues. The ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Richard Honey regularly advises on complex trust and tax matters, particularly with cross-border elements. Lauren Clarke is a full STEP member and ’is delightful to work with’, and Harriet Betteridge is also recommended.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Sally Ashford is an excellent leader who is respected and liked. It is also clear that she is a trusted adviser to her clients and genuinely cares about them. I have witnessed her skillfully overseeing complex situations with multiple stakeholders with varying degrees of financial experience and acumen and can see that she makes her clients feel confident with her ability and at ease with her warm manner.'

  • 'Lauren Clark is delightful to work with. Complex situations with nervous clients who find themselves in uncharted territory are addressed with warmth and confidence, making her a trusted adviser. Her reassuring and competent style, which one would normally associate with those of more advanced years, is highly effective at putting clients at ease whilst inspiring confidence.'

  • 'We have worked with Catherine Caddy dealing with a complex estate and witnessed her overseeing the entire process with confidence and clarity, whilst at the same time reassuring her client during what was obviously a difficult time.'
  • 'Natalie Butler is another highly valued member of the team for us. She became involved in addressing a subtly complex situation where her empathy, warmth and emotional intelligence meant that a solution to a difficult issue was promptly arrived at.'
  • 'Harriet Betteridge has also been excellent to work with and is clearly popular with clients.’
  • ‘The team make CRS. You know you are in safe hands.'

  • ‘Richard Honey is extremely knowledgeable, organised and a pleasure to work with. You know you are in safe hands and he will always keep you informed where necessary and that he appreciates the two way communication.'

  • ‘The team is empathetic to one’s needs and clearly understands what needs to be done, explaining each step thoroughly. The team is obviously well organised. Everything has been done promptly and efficiently, and very much to our satisfaction.’

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.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Sally Ashford

Other key lawyers

Lauren Clarke, Catherine Caddy, Natalie Butler, Harriet Betteridge, Richard Honey