Charles Russell Speechlys today (25 November) unveiled the opening of a new office in Milan, Italy.

The Firm’s Italian practice will continue to be led by Nicola Saccardo, partner in the private client team in London, who will have overarching responsibility as the head of the Italian practice.

Cristiana Felisi, previously Of Counsel at Maisto e Associati, is joining on the ground as a partner and head of the Milan office. Giovanni Angelini is also joining from Maisto e Associati as Ccunsel.

Saccardo is an expert in Italian tax law, with a focus on taxation of trusts, estates and ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs); the relocation of UHNWIs; international and EU tax law and estate planning.

Cristiana Felisi and Giovanni Angelini are expert non-tax private client lawyers, focusing on succession law, family law, private wealth disputes and residential property transactions work.

Simon Ridpath (pictured), managing partner at Charles Russell Speechlys, said: “The opening of a new office in Italy is a significant milestone in our Firm’s commitment to expanding our international reach and enhancing our services to our clients in key markets.

"This new office is led by a talented team of experienced lawyers who bring a wealth of expertise in private capital and expert local knowledge. The decision to open an office to provide Italian civil law capability reflects our strategic focus and dedication to serving our clients in the private capital space more effectively and in locations in which they need our support.”

Nicola Saccardo, partner and head of the Italian Practice said: “Italy is a vitally important location for us due to the significant relocation of foreign UHNWIs to Italy and the presence of wealthy Italian families with an international dimension.

"There are many opportunities presented in the market that tightly align with our core private capital focus and international reach. We are incredibly well placed to assist successful families, family offices and family businesses on Italian and foreign law.

“Our Italian practice has grown substantially in a very short space of time, and this move is the logical next step in order for us to best serve the needs of a fast-growing client base.”

Charles Russell Speechlys is an international law firm with a focus on private capital, at the intersection of personal, family, business, and corporates. Its lawyers are based in 12 locations across the UK, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.