Dispute resolution: arbitration and international litigation

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

Client Satisfaction

With Arabic-speaking civil law specialists and common law litigators, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP acts on complex, high-value disputes for governments, regulatory bodies, multinational corporations, and high-net-worth individuals, frequently navigating cross-border issues. The firm is particularly strong in asset tracing and recovery work, and also has a solid body of work relating to extradition and treaty-related disputes. Patrick Gearon is well-reputed for his contentious financial services expertise. Sara Sheffield ‘is a leader in litigation and arbitration in the jurisdiction’ and has an extensive cross-border practice. Ghassan El Daye has civil law and common law capabilities and acts on financial crime and shareholder disputes and debt recovery issues. Thomas Snider joined from Al Tamimi & Company in August 2024 and and heads up the arbitration offering. Nicola Jackson joined from Clyde & Co LLP in May 2024 bolsters the team's capabilities in insolvency litigation. Peter Smith and Max Davis also offer support. John Lewis left the firm.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘A really strong cross-border team who continue to grow and invest. Recent additions to their insolvency team allow for a leading contentious insolvency package.’
‘Sara Sheffield is a consummate professional. She is incredibly impressive and uniquely well connected across the globe. I've never had an interaction with Sara and not been impressed.'
'Nicola Jackson - a really impressive hire which has the potential to uniquely disrupt the market, as CRS can now offer a true end-to-end recovery solution to its clients.’
‘Very user-friendly. Excellent communication. Exceptional levels of client service. ’
‘Sara Sheffield is an all-round exceptional lawyer. ’
‘Peter Smith is a superb lawyer - technically strong, responsive, easy to deal with.'
‘CRS have a strong track record when handling some of the most complex and precedent setting cases in the jurisdiction, many of which have since come to feature as important authorities in the leading practitioner texts. CRS consistently resources its cases with top quality associates, who I'm certain are a ready made succession plan of "future partners" in the region, such is the strength in depth of the team.
‘Sara Sheffield is a leader in litigation and arbitration in the jurisdiction. Sara consistently delivers in complex disputes, her analysis is always on point, and she is never afraid to take on a challenging case, and is superb at finding the right angle into almost any dispute. Sara is deservedly highly sought after, and has built an impressive and formidable team around her.'

Key clients

Huobi OTC DMCC
Standard Chartered Bank
Gulf Bank of Kuwait
Shiraz Mahmood v Standard Chartered Bank DIFC

Work highlights

Advising Huobi OTC DMCC, a UAE cryptocurrency trader in a claim before the Technology and Construction Division of the DIFC Court against a DIFC investment company for its alleged failure to prevent the loss of a significant amount of Bitcoin during a sale and purchase transaction.
Successfully defeated a trillion-pound claim against the Gulf Bank of Kuwait (GBK).