Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is well equipped to handle property litigation for high-net-worth individuals and landed estate clients. Among other areas, the team frequently advises on residential and agricultural premises, with recent mandates including possession of land disputes, surrenders and compensation payment claims. The team is led jointly by Emma Humphreys, who is split between the London and Cheltenham offices, and David Haines in Guildford. Emma Preece, located in Cheltenham, is another key contact, highlighted for her ‘terrific client management skills’ and ’exceptional legal expertise’.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘What I particularly like about working with the team is that they are very personable which is rare in the industry. The team understands my circumstances and tailor their approach. Their communication is engaged and proactive and approach never dogmatic.’

  • ‘I have works with Charles Russell Speechly LLP for many years and what makes this practice unique is the knowledge that they have. I know that if I have a query or need advice on something that I have never come across, I know that CRS will have the team and people that will help me.’

  • 'Among the team, Emma Preece has been an outstanding partner, demonstrating not only exceptional legal expertise but also a remarkable dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients. Her strategic thinking and attention to detail have been instrumental in navigating our case to a successful resolution.'
  • 'It's the combination of deep legal expertise, personalised strategy, and a client-centered approach that sets Emma Preece and her team at Charles Russell Speechlys apart. Their dedication to success, coupled with their empathetic approach to client relations, has made a significant difference in our case. I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone in need of legal assistance that goes above and beyond.’
  • ‘They are all extremely knowledgeable, with an in-depth understanding of the law of real property and the law of landlord and tenant. They clearly have excellent rapport with their clients, which is unsurprising given that the team is made up of friendly individuals who are very responsive and "on the ball". Working with Charles Russell Speechlys is always an absolute pleasure.’

  • ‘CRS is a very dynamic and energetic team, with very intelligent and vibrant individuals at all levels of seniority. They are very well organised in their management of matters and use resources intelligently and efficiently.'

  • ‘Emma Humphreys is a standout partner. She thinks creatively, is very aligned with the values of our business and is a trusted resource. She is often my first port of call.’

  • ‘Emma Preece is incredibly calm under pressure, knowledgeable, very good with clients and has a keen eye for detail. David Haines has unrivalled experience and knowledge of real estate litigation with exceptional judgment in litigation.’

Key clients

  • Ballymore Group
  • Church Commissioners for England
  • LCP Group
  • SPL Real Estate Limited
  • Hackney Joint Estate Charity
  • West Bay Holdings Limited

Work highlights

  • Assisted a US based law firm acting for a lender in liquidation in seeking to enforce security under a loan contract by obtaining an order for possession of the property which acts as security for the loan, including against family members of the borrowing company.
  • Acted on behalf of a private individual to secure an order for the sale of a property in which she has an interest, as well as obtaining judgment for sums to reflect the defendants’ use of the property.
  • Advising SPL Real Estate Limited on a claim brought by an adjoining owner in relation to the neighbour’s ability to remove infrastructure serving SPL’s land.

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.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

David Haines, Emma Humphreys

Other key lawyers

Emma Preece