Business Details
Trusted Legal Services in London
Established in 1880, Russell-Cooke has evolved into a top 100 UK law firm with 250 lawyers, serving commercial, not-for-profit, and private clients. Our multidisciplinary teams combine sector-specific expertise with a client-centric approach, addressing complex legal challenges across charity law, corporate governance, criminal defence, education disputes, and more. With a history of continuous growth driven by client retention and referrals, we maintain long-term relationships with families, businesses, and professionals, including peers in the legal industry.Recognised in legal directories for excellence in real estate, regulation, crime, and children's law, we prioritise ethical practice, innovation, and value-driven service. Our commitment to responsible business practices extends to environmental sustainability, community engagement, and supporting access to justice, as evidenced by our annual Responsible Business Report. We operate from London with a reputation for excellence in judicial review, public law, and cross-border transactions, serving clients UK-wide and internationally.
Services
Charity Law
Corporate Law
Criminal Defence
Family Law
Judicial Review
Immigration Law
Medical Negligence
Property Litigation
Regulatory Compliance
Wills and Probate
Highlights and features
- We have over 140 years of legal expertise and continuous growth since 1880.
- Our multidisciplinary teams provide tailored solutions across 30+ practice areas.
- We combine client-centric service with recognition in leading legal directories.
- Our responsible business practices include environmental and community commitments.
- We offer seamless cross-border legal solutions with international expertise.
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
- The Lawyer Awards 2025 - Law Firm of the Year
What people say
Award-winning team
Sector-leading expertise
Ethical practice
Long-term relationships
Tailored solutions
Services
Charity Law
Specialised legal support for charities and not-for-profit organisations, covering governance, compliance, and commercial matters. Our team advises on constitution drafting, safeguarding policies, and international charity operations. With expertise in philanthropy and school-related legal issues, we help clients navigate complex regulatory frameworks while maintaining their charitable mission.
Corporate Law
Comprehensive corporate legal services for businesses from startups to established corporations. We handle mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, data protection, and intellectual property. Our focus on cross-border transactions and regulatory compliance supports companies operating in regulated sectors, ensuring legal certainty and strategic growth opportunities.
Judicial Review
Expert representation in judicial review proceedings for individuals, businesses, and public bodies. We specialise in challenging or defending decisions by public authorities across education, immigration, planning, and regulatory matters. Our team combines litigation excellence with sector-specific knowledge to achieve favourable outcomes in high-stakes cases.
Family Law
Sensitive yet robust legal guidance for family matters including relationship breakdowns, child custody, and financial settlements. Our approach balances emotional complexities with legal pragmatism, offering services from pre-nuptial agreements to contentious court proceedings while prioritising client well-being.
Medical Negligence
Dedicated support for clients pursuing medical negligence claims against NHS trusts or private healthcare providers. We handle complex cases involving birth injuries, misdiagnosis, and surgical errors with compassionate advocacy, ensuring clients receive appropriate compensation and ongoing care support through thorough case preparation.
Questions
What areas of law does Russell-Cooke specialise in?
We specialise in 30+ practice areas including charity law, corporate law, family law, judicial review, immigration, and medical negligence, with particular strength in cross-border and regulatory matters.
Does Russell-Cooke handle international legal matters?
Yes, we provide cross-border legal solutions with dedicated teams for French, Italian, and Spanish law, supporting clients with international business, estate planning, and regulatory needs.
What makes Russell-Cooke different from other law firms?
Our client-centric approach combines 140+ years of heritage with modern legal innovation, prioritising ethical practice, responsible business values, and multidisciplinary team collaboration.
How does Russell-Cooke approach legal costs?
We provide transparent cost estimates based on hourly rates, with flexible funding options including alternative dispute resolution and litigation funding where appropriate for client benefit.
Reviews (7)
Gabrielle Lovering
Jul 03, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
I have just completed a house sale through Philip Zimnicki at Russell-Cooke. The timeframes were tight (2 months) and had a number of challenges. I found them knowledgeable, providing excellent advice throughout. Most of all, they were very responsive and available - could not ask for anything more. I would recommend this firm.
I have just completed a house sale through Philip Zimnicki at Russell-Cooke. The timeframes were tight (2 months) and had a number of challenges. I found them knowledgeable, providing excellent advice throughout. Most of all, they were very responsive and available - could not ask for anything more. I would recommend this firm.
T. T.
Feb 01, 2021
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Wasted my time taking details, told me they'd get back to me. Had to chase them up, to be told they were too busy. Will be avoiding them completely in future.
Arkenstone Wealth Management Ltd
Sep 12, 2020
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We've dealt Russell-Cooke on several occasions for Estate Planning and property purchases. They are always very professional, knowledgeable and friendly.
Lord Kennedy
Aug 19, 2020
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They sent a police station representative who had little knowledge of the law and advised me wrongly.
Preet Virdee
Jun 08, 2020
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Critical:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
The worst I have ever seen. They have no idea about your case and they don't forward correspondence in a timely manner. They fail to supervise trainees properly. Probably the worst around. Use at your peril.
The worst I have ever seen. They have no idea about your case and they don't forward correspondence in a timely manner. They fail to supervise trainees properly. Probably the worst around. Use at your peril.
Simon Gibbons
May 06, 2020
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The Russell Cooke team handled the conveyancing on the sale of my Putney flat very professionally. I had moved abroad, and Jeremy Pickering and his colleagues did a great job of keeping me informed, and acting as my UK representatives to resolve matters like dealing with the flat's management company.
Carly Temple
Sep 07, 2019
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Would not recommend this company. Not very honest and had to chase them constantly for updates. No confidence in the company to handle a property sale abroad.
