Charles Fursdon

Senior Associate

Charles advises companies, individuals and institutions on a range of commercial disputes. Charles’ cases are typically high-value or strategically important cases involving High Court litigation, often with an international element.

Charles’ practice spans disputes around commercial contracts, professional negligence, financial services and civil fraud. Charles also has a particular interest in advising on sports disputes.

Charles has good experience of guiding clients through trials and final hearings in the High Court and Court of Appeal, where he has a strong success rate.

Charles' broad practice is reflective of a genuine interest in the wide-ranging affairs and businesses of his clients. Charles’ ability to grasp quickly his clients' aims and risk appetite, as well as the intricacies of their business, is key to his advice. He is pragmatic, commercial and focussed on meeting his clients’ particular objectives. Where necessary, he is meticulous and dogged in his approach to getting the best possible result for his clients.

Expertise

Businesses

Charles advises UK and overseas businesses on resolving commercial disputes. Typically, this will involve pursuing or defending claims arising out of commercial contracts in High Court litigation. Charles is experienced in guiding businesses through court proceedings, negotiation and mediation in pursuit of their commercial aims. Recent examples include advising an international bank on successfully striking out a claim relating to a cryptocurrency fraud and advising a manufacturing business on defending an indemnity claim. Much of Charles’ work is for mid-sized companies in the hospitality & leisure sectors, and for financial institutions.

Individuals & Families

Charles advises high-net worth individuals (and their related companies and families) on matters relating to commercial litigation and civil fraud. Highlights include advising two family members on defeating a fraud claim relating to a sports sponsorship contract, and advising an individual on defending a warranty and breach of fiduciary duty claim following the sale of his business.

Not-for-Profit

Charles advises sports organisations, higher education institutions and independent schools on various contentious matters including breach of contract claims, disciplinary investigations and historic abuse claims. Charles' work for sports organisations typically involves advising on claims brought by athletes, coaches or other interested parties. Work highlights include advising a national governing body on successfully prosecuting disciplinary proceedings relating to safeguarding misconduct. Charles has recently been running High Court litigation for a prominent higher education institution defending a high-value contractual and negligence claim.