Charles Russell Speechlys strengthens its position in the latest Legal 500 EMEA directory, with 22 firm rankings

Charles Russell Speechlys has further strengthened its market position with 22 firm rankings, including two Top Tier rankings, across Europe, the Middle East and Africa in the 2026 edition of The Legal 500 EMEA guide.

In total, 48 lawyers have been individually mentioned for their outstanding legal expertise and client service, including 11 ranked lawyers: six recognised as “Leading Partners”, two listed as “Next Generation Partners”, and three as “Leading Associates.”

Europe

In France, the Firm continues to be recognised for its strong capabilities in Employment and Private equity: venture/growth capital, while achieving a higher ranking in Litigation, reflecting the continued growth and strength of the Paris team.

Frédéric Jeannin, Partner and Head of Paris, comments:

These rankings reflect the significant growth of the team over the past two years and our sustained commitment to delivering high-quality, business minded and innovative advice to our clients. The improved ranking of our Litigation team reflects the significant investment we have made in building a high-performing, client-focused team. We are incredibly grateful to our clients for their trust and for the feedback that continues to drive us forward.

Feedback included:

The team is responsive, has a thorough understanding of the business world, and possesses remarkable legal expertise.

In Luxembourg, the Firm has maintained its strong rankings in Banking, finance and capital markets; Commercial, Corporate and M&A; and Tax. The Investment Funds practice moved up one tier, highlighting the growing strength of this offering.

Yacine Diallo, Partner and Head of Luxembourg, comments:

This latest Legal 500 EMEA edition is a strong endorsement of the momentum of our Luxembourg office as a leading player in private capital. We are particularly proud of the recognition of our work advising global wealth creators and their ecosystem, including family offices, investment holdings and funds. We thank our clients and peers for their continued confidence and recommendations.

Feedback included:

What sets them apart from competitors is their ability to balance deep technical knowledge with practical, solution-oriented advice that resonates with clients’ commercial objectives.

In Switzerland, the Firm maintained its rankings in Private Client, Dispute Resolution and Sports, confirming the consistent strength of our Swiss offices.

Dr Michael Wells-Greco, Head of Switzerland, comments:

We are delighted to see our Swiss practice once again recognised in the Legal 500 EMEA rankings. We are particularly proud to see the recognitions of Robert Avis, Aline Wey Spiers and Serge Vittoz. These results are a testament to the expertise, collaboration and commitment of our teams across Switzerland, and to the long-standing relationships we have built with our clients. Their trust and feedback remain central to our continued development in the Swiss legal market.

Feedback included:

The team is solution-orientated, responsive and pragmatic in the delivery of their joined-up advice, all qualities that clients look for.

Middle East

Our Middle East practice continues to demonstrate its increasingly strong regional market position, achieving a range of top-tier rankings, new practice recognitions and improved rankings in the latest directory results.

In Bahrain, the Firm remains among the market leaders, with Dispute Resolution and Real Estate & Construction retaining their Tier 1 rankings, alongside a new ranking in Banking & Finance, strengthening the Firm’s on the ground full-service offering.

In the UAE, the Firm maintained its rankings across Arbitration & International Litigation, Real Estate and TMT, and achieved an improved ranking in Dispute Resolution: Compliance & Investigations, moving from Tier 3 to Tier 2. The team also secured a new ranking for Commercial Contracts.

In Qatar, the Firm continues to be ranked for Projects, Real Estate & Construction, and achieved a new ranking for Commercial, Corporate & M&A, reflecting the growing breadth of its transactional practice.

The Middle East practice’s individual lawyers were also recognised, with Gareth Mills, Patrick Gearon, Paula Boast and Thomas Snider retaining their Leading Individual rankings. Sara Sheffield was elevated from Next Generation Partner to Leading Individual, while Alex Reid was recognised as a Next Generation Partner. Peter Smith and Reem Al Mahroos have once again been recognised as Leading Associates.

Patrick Gearon, Partner and Head of the Middle East, comments:

These rankings reflect the continued growth and momentum of our Middle East practice, as well as the strength of our people across the region. The new entries and improved rankings underscore our commitment to investing in our teams and delivering high quality, commercially focused advice to our clients. We are grateful to our clients for their continued trust and support.

Feedback included:

They stand out through their professionalism, expertise and genuine commitment to clients’ success. What makes them different from competitors is their ability to balance technical excellence with practical, commercially minded advice, always delivered with clarity and efficiency. I particularly value their responsiveness, and willingness to go the extra mile.

The Legal 500 EMEA is a leading guide to law firms across Europe, Middle East and Africa. The rankings are based on a series of criteria that highlight the practice area teams who are providing the most cutting edge and innovative advice to corporate counsel and is based on interviews.

For more information on each practice area and individual rankings, please see The Legal 500 website.