12 Jan 2026
Charles Russell Speechlys strengthens Real Estate team in London with Chiara Del Frate
"Charles Russell Speechlys has added Chiara Del Frate to its London Real Estate team. She will work on cross‑border UK–Italy real estate transactions across retail, F&B, logistics, student housing and high‑end residential."
Del Frate joins from K&L Gates, where she served as special counsel between the firm’s London and Milan offices. She previously practised at Millbank Solicitors, Chiomenti and DLA Piper. Her work spans a wide range of asset classes — including luxury retail, food & beverage and entertainment, logistics, student housing and high‑value residential — across the United Kingdom and Italy. She is admitted to practise in Italy and in England and Wales and regularly advises Italian clients on cross‑border real estate transactions, representing owners, buyers, lenders and tenants. Del Frate also acts for institutional and private investors in the European real estate market and works with a number of luxury brands such as Audemars Piguet, Autry, Crazy Pizza, Gucci, Monnalisa, Rubinacci, Yves Saint Laurent and Loro Piana.
The appointment forms part of Charles Russell Speechlys’ broader expansion in Italy following the opening of its Milan office in November 2024, a growth that saw the Milan team increase from two to ten professionals by the end of 2025. In October 2025 the firm also welcomed Annapaola Negri‑Clementi, who brings expertise in corporate law, fintech, intellectual property and art law.
Robin Grove, Divisional Managing Partner for Construction, Real Estate and Disputes, said Del Frate’s client base and sector experience will complement the firm’s existing strengths and support its strategic focus areas. Del Frate commented that she is looking forward to working with colleagues across the UK, Italy and internationally and to advising clients in a resilient and opportunity‑rich European real estate market.