Department profile
Charles Russell Speechlys

Real Estate Litigation

UK Guide 2026 : The South


Charles Russell Speechlys

Rankings

About

Provided by Charles Russell Speechlys

Our Real Estate sector is central to Charles Russell Speechlys. Our key focus areas are:

Private Wealth: We work alongside our Private Wealth team to guide and provide advice on our clients’ real estate transactions, particularly where they are not familiar with UK practices. We also advise a large number of international clients investing in the UK.

Corporate Real Estate: We act for well-known and niche institutional developers, investors, property companies and urban estates. The scale of our resource means we have the ability to service their small as well as their most significant transactions. Our dedicated tenant team support commercial occupiers in their acquisition of offices.

Regeneration: Our regeneration practice leads the contractual elements of some of the largest and most complex mixed use schemes in the country. We have particular expertise on Joint Venture and Partnership arrangements of all types.

Sports/Leisure/Retail/Food & Beverage: We act for well-known national and international occupiers in these sectors, working in specialist groups to provide our clients with every aspect of legal advice required.

Planning: Our planning team provides advice on planning and infrastructure agreements, large scale planning inquiries, enforcement disputes and court proceedings, together with strategic advice to clients on large scale developments and on the use of compulsory purchase, and other public law powers.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate Litigation - The South

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For
Charles Russell Speechlys has an outstanding team that covers the full spectrum of contentious property work. It has notable knowledge of insolvency law and is skilled in property finance litigation. The firm continues to regularly advise clients affected by HS2 plans and works. It also acts on dilapidation, break notice and leasehold enfranchisement matters.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Charles Russell Speechlys acted for the University of Surrey in litigation concerning two blocks of student residences on its Guildford campus.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Charles Russell Speechlys provide clear, direct and unambiguous advice.

    Real Estate Litigation respondentUK
  • The team were outstanding. Their clarity of argument from the macro to the micro and their comprehensive attention to detail across every document and piece of evidence were hugely reassuring.

    Real Estate Litigation respondentUK
  • Charles Russell Speechlys have extensive experience and expertise, strong professional relationships with clients, and prompt responses and turnaround times.

    Real Estate Litigation respondentUK
  • The team are constantly available for clients and have the ability to act at speed, as well as relatability.

    Real Estate Litigation respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeoplePeter Levaggi
    Senior StatespeoplePeter Levaggi

    Peter Levaggi

    Peter Levaggi specialises in insolvency-related proceedings and has further strengths in handling contentious partnership and property finance matters. He also acts in disputes regarding stamp duty and corporation tax issues.
  • Band 1David Haines
    Band 1David Haines

    David Haines

    David Haines represents clients in a range of high-value lease disputes, including breach of covenant, forfeiture and dilapidation claims. He has further expertise in handling freehold enfranchisement and compensation claims concerning HS2.

    • David Haines's subject knowledge, communication and delivery are beyond question.

      Real Estate Litigation respondentUK
    • David Haines is the Sugar Ray Leonard of law; he hits hard, keeps everyone motivated and is doubtless one of the greats.

      Real Estate Litigation respondentUK
    • David has superb knowledge and commercial awareness.

      Real Estate Litigation respondentUK
    • David is a master tactician; he is always a few steps ahead.

      Real Estate Litigation respondentUK
  • Band 3Natalie Deuchar
    Band 3Natalie Deuchar

    Natalie Deuchar

    Natalie Deuchar offers particular strength in collective enfranchisement proceedings, while also advising on residential property claims involving break notices and freehold claims. She has further experience of rights of way and compulsory purchase compensation matters.
    • Natalie is extremely experienced.

      Real Estate Litigation respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Charles Russell Speechlys (3)

The South

Members

Provided by Charles Russell Speechlys

Charles Russell Speechlys has rankings in the following guides

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