Department profile
Charles Russell Speechlys

Private Wealth Law

High Net Worth Guide 2026 : Guildford and surrounds


Charles Russell Speechlys

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Private Wealth Law - Guildford and surrounds

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Charles Russell Speechlys routinely handles a range of contentious and non-contentious tax, trust and estate matters. The firm receives praise for its ability to handle complex matters as well as the breadth of its expertise.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Charles Russell Speechlys have been able to provide advice on a wide array of issues, some of which are longstanding, complex and deeply personal. Every department that we have been in contact with has acted with great professionalism and been very thorough in their advice.

    Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Charles Russell Speechlys has considerable depth in its private client department, which is a real strength for locally based clients. Clients are able to access top-tier advice without having to travel to London. The team can also collaborate with colleagues in other departments to assist with more complex matters for a fully joined-up approach.

    Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Charles Russell Speechlys has good technical expertise, problem‑solving skills and an exceptionally collaborative working style. Their ability to coordinate seamlessly across legal, tax and administrative elements, often involving cross‑border or multi‑asset matters, demonstrates a level of professionalism, responsiveness and attention to detail that sets the department apart from many competitors.

    Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleDuncan Elson
    Senior StatespeopleDuncan Elson

    Duncan Elson

    Duncan Elson is an esteemed litigator and a highly skilled private wealth expert. Elson is widely praised by clients and market sources alike and represents high net worth clients in complex domestic and international disputes.
    • Duncan Elson is a leader and very experienced.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Duncan Elson is an experienced, high-quality lawyer. He handles complex and challenging matters in a calm, caring and professional way.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Duncan Elson's reputation is stellar. He is genuinely a real leader in the field.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Duncan's reputation precedes him.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Duncan Elson is very responsive, has excellent understanding of the issues and is very proactive in providing valuable advice.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Band 1Sally Ashford
    Band 1Sally Ashford

    Sally Ashford

    Sally Ashford is a highly regarded private wealth practitioner, advising wealthy clients on complex trust and estate matters.
    • Sally Ashford is a very experienced practitioner and a strong leader responsible for the development of key people in her team.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Sally Ashford has provided professional, sound and timely advice when requested. She has been very supportive during a difficult period and has answered urgent queries swiftly, sometimes out of hours, and with understanding and compassion.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Sally Ashford is very knowledgeable, organised and methodical in her advice and support. She has a great an understanding of family and client dynamics.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Band 2Edward Birrell
    Band 2Edward Birrell

    Edward Birrell

    Edward Birrell is a partner at Charles Russell Speechlys and can be found advising high net worth clients on high-value trust disputes, 1975 Act cases and pensions litigation.

    • Edward Birrell is a strong practitioner. He is definitely a figure in the field.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Edward Birrell is a great lawyer.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Band 2Oliver Auld
    Band 2Oliver Auld

    Oliver Auld

    Oliver Auld works from both the London and Guildford offices of Charles Russell Speechlys. He advises on high value private client disputes relating to farming families, landed estates and cross-border estates.

    • Oliver is a wonderful lawyer. He is very switched on, calm under pressure and knows the law like the back of his hand.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Oliver is extremely knowledgeable and experienced as well as being very personable. I know clients like him very much.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Up and ComingHarriet Betteridge
    Up and ComingHarriet Betteridge

    Harriet Betteridge

    Harriet Betteridge is a newly made partner at Charles Russell Speechlys. Her work focuses on tax and trust administration matters.

    • Harriet Betteridge is very knowledgeable, gets on with the job and updates me regularly on her progress. I cannot fault her at all.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Harriet Betteridge has shown enormous patience and offered careful, useful advice.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Harriet Betteridge always seems to be on top of the situation. Any precis required at any stage of the proceedings has always been exceptionally helpful and has covered all points in an easy-to-comprehend and logical manner.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Up and ComingRichard Honey
    Up and ComingRichard Honey

    Richard Honey

    Richard Honey is a partner at Charles Russell Speechlys and earns praise for his planning expertise and client service.

    • Richard Honey has a strong client focus, communicates well and has advised a variety of clients with a broad range of needs very effectively.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Richard Honey provides very good client service, communication and responsiveness. He is commercially aware.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Star AssociatesRebecca Piper
    Star AssociatesRebecca Piper

    Rebecca Piper

    Rebecca Piper is an impressive senior associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, advises on complex trusts disputes and is widely praised by clients and peers alike.

    • Rebecca has a lot of experience in the private client area and it shows. She has very good instincts and really cares about her clients; she isn't afraid to fight for her clients and it clearly matters to her that her clients get a good result.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Rebecca is a lawyer with a practical approach to resolution. She is good with clients and sensible to speak with in disputes.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Associates to watchKatelyn Silver
    Associates to watchKatelyn Silver

    Katelyn Silver

    Katelyn Silver is a senior associate at Charles Russell Speechlys. Silver specialises in trusts and estates disputes, and can also advise on matrimonial law issues.

    • Katelyn is absolutely brilliant. She's so good with clients and incredibly detail-focused and capable.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Katelyn is incredible – always available, empathic, understanding and highly professional. Her advice has not only been valuable but has also always been wise.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
    • She is a very sensible and pragmatic lawyer.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Associates to watchNatalie Butler
    Associates to watchNatalie Butler

    Natalie Butler

    Natalie Butler is a senior associate at Charles Russell Speechlys with experience advising on the full range of private client work. Butler demonstrates solid expertise and is praised for her client service.

    • Natalie Butler is a pleasure to work with. She is responsive, knowledgeable and friendly.

      Private Wealth Law respondentHigh Net Worth

Ranked Individuals at Charles Russell Speechlys (9)

Guildford and surrounds

The South

Charles Russell Speechlys has rankings in the following guides

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