Russell Beard

PARTNER | DISPUTES

Russell is an experienced Disputes lawyer who brings energy and commercially minded pragmatism to the resolution of business threats and problems.

He works closely with clients to sort out issues early – preferably before they escalate, allowing clients to focus on their core activities. Russell has gained a reputation for providing calm and measured strategic guidance in crisis situations, and for dogged determination in pressing for effective and efficient solutions.

During his 20 years of practice, Russell has developed the tools to handle a wide range of challenging issues, and has worked with businesses across industry sectors including technology, manufacturing, clinical research, food and drink, retail and fashion, education, media, professional services, construction and commercial property.

Russell Beard Testimonials

“We instructed Baker Skelly LLP in relation to a dispute which was critical to our business. Both I and the senior leadership team involved found Russell to be extremely knowledgeable, reliable, pragmatic, and personable. Russell quickly became a vital member of our team, working closely with us and external consultants to meet tight deadlines. He is thorough and precise. I can’t recommend Russell and the team highly enough.”

General Counsel (Europe), ASM Global.

Russell’s work often involves:

High Court/County Court/IPEC litigation
arbitration
mediation
adjudication
injunctions/freezing orders to protect or seize assets, prevent harm, achieve compliance or obtain information
cross-border issues

Examples of recent work include:

Commercial contracts

helping businesses to understand the available options in the event of breach of contract, particularly with a view to manage or challenge termination and to pursue and defend associated claims

Supply-chain contracts

advising manufacturers, distributors and agents on performance and termination issues in relation to domestic and international supply-chain agreements, and managing associated claims

Confidential information and employee competition

pursuing and defending claims to investigate and/or restrain unlawful competition and misuse of confidential information, including claims for search orders and other urgent injunctive relief

Intellectual property

advising clients including household-name fashion brands, an iconic bicycle brand and a well-known energy drink on action in pursuing and defending claims of infringement of intellectual property rights, including passing off, trade mark infringement and copyright disputes

Company, shareholder and partnership

experienced in handling unfair prejudice claims involving exclusion from management, business diversion, the award of excessive benefits and breaches of the company’s articles
regularly called upon to advise on and pursue or defend claims arising from breaches of shareholder and partnership agreements, often requiring carefully managed exit strategies

Real property, landlord and tenant and construction

claims relating to property rights, such as disputes concerning easements and restrictive covenants
pursuing and defending contentious landlord and tenant claims (e.g. breach of covenant such as non-payment of rent, unlawful sub-letting or assignment, dilapidations, withholding of consents, and possession claims)
handling construction adjudications and claims
Investigating and pursuing claims in relation to flawed planning consultation

Enforcement and asset recovery

helping a US investor recover a rare, classic Ferrari following the collapse of a UK-based classic car company
securing the recovery of a racing car following its misappropriation
actions to enforce judgments and arbitral awards