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Commercial property: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40

Delivering ‘prompt responses’, Blake Lapthorn’s client base includes developers and several Oxford colleges. The ‘very good’ Andrew Miscampbell recently advised Deutsche Bank on the property holdings of one of its subsidiaries. Liam Desmond has ‘sound technical knowledge’ and expertise in charity retail work, advising Age UK and Northmoor Trust.

Boyes Turner’s ‘commercial, competent and prompt’ five-partner team provides ‘first-class advice’. The ‘customer-focused’ Nick Carter handles the UK property portfolios of Ericsson, Trader Media and Computer Associates; Gary Parkinson is ‘strong and solid’; Peter Daniel acts for developers; Mark Appleton is ‘personable, knowledgeable and incisive’; and Derek Ching advises on environmental and planning issues. Associate William Nassau-Lake has ‘exceptional knowledge’.

Brookstreet Des Roches delivers ‘consistently good service’ and has longstanding property expertise, particularly within the electricity, gas, telecoms and retail sectors. Hugh Blaza acts for several landlord and tenant clients, and Martin Billings leads in developer work.

Field Seymour Parkes has ‘good, in-depth knowledge of the marketplace’. In 2010, it advised Bewley Homes and Development Securities in a joint venture for a £10m redevelopment scheme. Marcus Francis and James Burgess are recommended, and Dean Bickford is ‘approachable and professional’.

Manches LLP provides ‘commercially sound advice’ and is on the legal panels of Siemens and Oxford University. The ‘competent and professional’ team, led by Richard Smith, advised Bouygues Development on a £17m library and housing scheme development in Maidstone. Giles Clifford delivers an ‘excellent service’, and associate Dan Cowley has a ‘pragmatic approach’. John Castell joined Faegre & Benson LLP in 2011.

‘One of the strongest mid-market regional players’, and ‘as good as any West End firm’, Osborne Clarke has ‘high levels of proficiency in all areas’ and ‘invaluable expertise’, and advises the likes of Invesco Real Estate and Santander. Elizabeth Sturgess is a ‘very proactive all-round development lawyer’, and acts for Barratt Strategic and Persimmon. The ‘very capable’ Andrew Clayton handles property finance work.

With a ‘depth of knowledge’ and ‘excellent commercial awareness’, Pitmans LLP has an impressive roster of housebuilder clients that includes Banner and Linden Homes. The team advised on several acquisitions deals in 2010. Andrew Davies is ‘as good as you can get’, and Sally Sharp is also recommended. Paul Murray is an ‘exemplary communicator’ and ‘consummate negotiator’.

Shoosmiths has a ‘honest and commercial approach’. The ‘excellent’ Alan Corcoran advises care home operator Carebase on its UK acquisitions, and in 2010 the team was appointed to advise Krispy Kreme on its UK expansion. Andrew Farmery has a ‘great understanding’, and acts for Wagamama and McKay Securities. Farmery recently advised Regus Group on the re-gearing of its serviced office property portfolio.

Blandy & Blandy LLP provides ‘high-quality and comprehensive advice’, and advised Lloyds TSB Bank on a £4m financing for the acquisition of a multi-use park, and on the related refinancing of three further business parks. Jane Gunnell has ‘valuable expertise’, and Katja Wigham ‘puts arguments across clearly and convincingly’.

Darbys Solicitors LLP’s ‘very professional’ team features the ‘first-class’ Mark Taylor and Samantha Leigh, who is a ‘breath of fresh air’. It acts for several Oxford University colleges, and provides ‘exceptional value for money’.

The ‘very thorough’ Adrian White leads the practice at Henmans LLP, which is recommended for its ‘partner-led service’ and ‘proactive approach’. New clients in 2010 included ResMed (UK) and SCA Music Holdings (Sony). Lesley Pollock is ‘very knowledgeable, tenacious, commercial and personable’, and Patrick Whetter ‘thinks outside the box’.

‘Proactive and very approachable’ and with a ‘can-do attitude’, Morgan Cole advises clients from the health, banking, education and energy sectors. Ruth Leadbitter assisted the subsidiaries of MedicX Fund on eight primary healthcare facilities worth £35m. Reading-based associate Paul Brame acts for Santander.

In 2010, Brethertons LLP was appointed to the panels of Handelsbanken and Clydesdale/Yorkshire Bank for secured lending transactions. Tom Lawrence is recommended.

The ‘responsive’ Clarkslegal LLP advises Carillion, Lafarge and Air France. Rachel Krol and David Mills are advising the University of Reading on a £100m public procurement project. Associate Richard Higgs is ‘proactive’.

Clifton Ingram LLP has a ‘good depth of knowledge’; Tim Read is ‘very thorough, precise and timely’, and Chris Baggs is ‘knowledgeable, proactive and constructive’.

Olswang provides ‘good commercial responses’ and is noted for property-related secured lending transactions for the likes of Eurohypo and Santander. Carol Griffin advised UBS Global Asset Management regarding the portfolio sale of five multi-let properties. Michael Higgin joined from Shoosmiths in 2010.

Plainlaw solicitors has ‘outstanding’ niche property expertise. Philip Horn is ‘one of the best conveyancing lawyers in the UK’. New clients include Capcom and Cogent Communications.

With a ‘depth of experience’, Spratt Endicott’s two-partner team delivers ‘London-level experience at significantly lower rates’. Andrew Woods is ‘enthusiastic and always available’, and Guy Stephenson is recommended.

Thomas Eggar LLP reports an increase in secure lending work. The Newbury team of Biddy Walker, Richard Hornsby and Garrath Reayer are all recommended.

Withy King LLP impresses clients with its ‘professionalism, responsiveness and quality of advice’. Paul Daniels is recommended, and clients include Balliol College and Crown House Properties.

Commercial property: Kent, Surrey, Sussex

Cripps Harries Hall LLP continues to reap praise from clients for its ‘high-level knowledge and clear, thought-out advice’. The firm provides an ‘excellent’ service, which is ‘equivalent to central London firms’, through three sub-groups handling portfolio property, development and public sector work separately. Work highlights for 2010 included big-ticket instructions from HS1 and Crossrail. Senior partner Michael Stevens is ‘both charming and commercially astute’, and head of development Bill Mackie is also recommended.

The property team at Charles Russell LLP recently advised new client Wagamama, on a due diligence package and on issues relating to the client’s 71-property portfolio. The ‘professional and pleasant-to-deal-with’ Debra Kent heads up the Guildford real estate group and the firm’s occupier services team.

Clyde & Co primarily advises retailers, large occupiers and clients on development and investment issues. In 2010 it advised a joint venture client on the £100m purchase of a substantial residential development site at Holland Park School in London. Adam Taylor-Smith and the ‘very professional’ Martin Quicke are the key contacts.

DMH Stallard LLP handles a strong flow of instructions from both public bodies and commercial clients the latter include Tesco, for which it assists with all portfolio management and lease issues for its Express and Metro stores. Richard Pollins and Marion Wilcock are recommended.

Stevens & Bolton LLP won a flurry of new property clients in 2010, including big restaurant names TGI Friday’s and Papa John’s. Department head Michael Laver specialises in property investment, development and corporate occupier matters, while Andrew Steele and Charles Leach have expertise in the retail sector.

The ‘excellent’ team at asb law LLP acts for investors, occupiers and public sector clients. Practice head Jonathan Cavell is ‘very sharp indeed’, and has a ‘good understanding of the commercial aspects of property transactions’.

Barlow Robbins LLP’s clients include Axis Association and Total. The ‘very experienced’ Gordon Reid heads the practice and advises a growing list of independent school clients on property issues.

The ‘very approachable and professional’ team at Brachers acts for clients across a number of sectors, including healthcare, where it represents 20 NHS trusts. Sue Hart leads the team.

Laytons has a strong following among housebuilder clients such as Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Homes. Practice head Neil Bucknell has almost 25 years’ experience handling land development issues.

Mundays LLP recently acted for RCI Investments and Royal Caribbean Cruises on the acquisition of new global headquarters in Weybridge. The firm continues to act for numerous housebuilders and clients in the pharmaceutical sector. Kevin Healy and Miles Unwin are recommended.

John Ewens’ team at Penningtons Solicitors LLP advises Flight Centre on all its UK property matters, including high-value lettings in key cities. The healthcare sector is also a key focus.

Thomas Eggar LLP has care homes sector expertise, and advised on the significant redevelopments of St Wilfrid’s Hospice and St Barnabas Hospice in 2010. Jeremy Wootton is the key contact.

Thomson Snell & Passmore recently welcomed the arrival of associates Sarah Easton and Josephine Willoughby, whose clients include Burleigh Estates and the British Transport Police Authority. Gilbert Green and Richard Ellard are highly recommended.

Commercial property: Hampshire

Blake Lapthorn’s team is ‘extremely professional’ and ‘cares down to the smallest detail’. It has substantial residential development expertise, advising the likes of Devine Homes and Bloor Homes, and provides ‘credible advice based on a depth of past experience’. Led by Sean Palka, the team advised Harlequins RFC on the relocation of its training facilities. John Steel and Oliver Sowton are ‘technically strong and respond quickly and effectively’. John Russell and a team of eight other lawyers from Clarke Willmott LLP joined the practice in May 2011.

One of the pre-eminent firms in the area, Bond Pearce LLP impresses with its ‘high level of support’ and ‘practical understanding’. The team added investment fund Rockspring as a client in 2010, subsequently advising on the £136m acquisition of four shopping centres. Retail expert Alistair Walton, Anna Robbins and Tim Burbidge are all recommended. The team is praised for its ‘awareness of issues in the wider property professional community’.

Moore Blatch LLP’s senior partner Michael Caton and Julian Parkes, who has ‘excellent communication skills’, regularly advise Southampton City Council and Bournemouth Borough Council. Charles Cantoni leads on the housebuilder and land development side, and acts for Bellway, Barratt and Bloor Homes. Martin Duck advises Linden Homes. Clients praise the team’s ‘exemplary service’.

Paris Smith LLP fields an 11-partner real estate team. It includes Mark Howarth, who is advising Rose Bowl (Hampshire County Cricket) on its planned development, including £30m hotel, conference and club house facilities; Stuart Allen, who handles property finance matters for the likes of Clydesdale and Co-operative Bank; and Nick Vaughan, who recently advised Eastpoint Centre on a £10m redevelopment scheme.

With ‘invaluable industry knowledge’ and ‘exceptional customer service’, Shoosmiths provides ‘accurate and appropriate specialist advice’. New clients include Aberdeen Asset Management and Selex Galileo. The ‘extremely professional, knowledgeable, efficient and friendly’ Graham Bennett advised Southampton City on its estate regeneration programme. The team is ‘comparable with any City law firm’.

‘Quick and concise’, Coffin Mew LLP is the ‘first port of call’ for many clients, and has superb social housing expertise. Peter Fellows is ‘very good technically’, and assisted in the creation of an offshore vehicle relating to a sale of residential development land to Barratt and David Wilson Homes. Victoria Walker advised NatWest Bank regarding an industrial warehouse unit in Portsmouth.

Lamport Bassitt’s John Newton has ‘technical expertise’ and ‘great attention to detail’. The ‘very competent’ team advised a major high street bank regarding a £5m facility to finance social and residential housing by Foreman Homes.

Trethowans LLP recruited the ‘very commercial’ Jennifer Rogerson from Shoosmiths, and Paul Longman from Coffin Mew LLP in 2010. The growing team, led by Chris Twaits, has ‘fantastic industry knowledge’ and counts 4Com and HSBC as clients.

Commercial property: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx

EMW has the ‘best possible understanding of property investment and development’. In 2011, Stephen Kay took over as head of the ten-partner team, which acts for Travis Perkins, Euro Car Parts and Atmosphere Bars & Clubs. Recent highlights include acting for Santander on a £500m deal to re-acquire approximately 200 properties from investment group Mapely.

IBB (Iliffes Booth Bennett) demonstrates an ‘unwavering commitment to its clients’ across the residential, commercial, healthcare and strategic land development sectors. The ‘outstanding’ Susan Mawson leads the team, which continues to advise BAM Properties, Allen Primary Care Premises and Fenchurch International. Former head of department David Silva passed away in April 2010.

SNR Denton’s real estate team saw an increased workload and significant new client wins in 2010, and recruited three new fee-earners. Recent highlights include acting for Westfield Shoppingtowns on the letting of the new Stratford Olympic Site Shopping Centre; and advising Virgin Active on a number of key acquisitions. Chris Denny heads the department and has expertise in the retail sector.

Shoosmiths ‘not only has excellent knowledge of real estate law but also a good understanding of the current opportunities, threats and issues within the marketplace’. The team recently advised Argent Estates on the £1bn Aldershot Urban Extension program, involving the redevelopment of parts of Aldershot Barracks. Steve Wiltshire is the firm’s national head of residential development, and Bill Howard has ‘excellent all-round knowledge’.

The ‘excellent’ B P Collins LLP recently secured work from AMF Bowling Group, the largest operator of ten-pin bowling centres in the UK. The team, led by Michael Larcombe, continues to work with clients in the waste and renewable energy sectors.

Delivering ‘excellent, accurate advice’, Kimbells LLP was reappointed to Whitbread’s panel of solicitors in 2010, and is currently handling an increased volume of estate management work for the client. Valerie Warman is ‘extremely thorough, especially regarding attention to contract detail’.

Matthew Arnold & Baldwin LLP’s impressive client list includes Taylor Wimpey, HSBC and Europcar UK. Head of department David Marsden specialises in property development, while Bill Ramsey handles real estate finance issues.

SA Law LLP’s core expertise is in residential property matters, while also advising clients in the retail, leisure, licensing and healthcare sectors. Solicitor Jacqueline Button joined in 2010 from what is now SNR Denton.

Sherrards Solicitors LLP recently handled asset management matters for Domino’s Pizza and advised the client on over 30 acquisitions and underlettings to franchisees. Mark Peters delivers an ‘excellent all-round service’ and assists clients on both domestic and international property issues.

Taylor Walton LLP maintains ‘excellent industry awareness and business acumen’, and continues to act for key client Capita Group in connection with its 300 properties in England and Wales. Practice head Angela Thomas and managing partner Dermot Carey are recommended.

Geoffrey Leaver delivers ‘good, sound advice’ to a diverse client base which includes HSBC and Milton Keynes Parks Trust. Richard Willis and Melissa Page are recommended.

Harvey Ingram Borneos has specialist knowledge of property issues in the healthcare and renewable energy sectors. Joseph Soul is a key contact.

With ‘in-depth industry and local knowledge’, Nockolds LLP has a strong commercial property department. The firm also has a separate plot sales team, serving its developer clients.

With more than 30 years’ practice in the field, Govan Bramley heads the commercial property group at Tees Solicitors, which has expertise in the residential sector.

Brian Hall’s ‘first-class’ team at Woodfines LLP advises many well-known banks on commercial property lending transactions. The firm also has a separate residential group.

Commercial property: Essex

The ‘excellent’ team at Kenneth Elliott + Rowe recently handled a £25m refinancing package for a care home client, and the sale and leaseback of a West End London head office. Chris Dixon leads the team.

Grace Kerr leads the Chelmsford team at Birketts LLP, which in 2010 advised on regional office acquisitions for an insurance company and the refinancing of a portfolio of seven care homes for a national bank. Other clients include Benefit Cosmetics and Essex County Cricket Club.

Jane Calnan’s team at Birkett Long LLP acts for clients ranging from local landowners to national banks. The team advised on the sale and leasing of various sites on behalf of the East of England Co-operative Society. David Rayner recently joined from Blake Lapthorn and heads the Chelmsford team.

Kevin Wilsher’s team at Ellisons is praised for its ‘excellent industry knowledge and business acumen’. Clients include HSBC and Essex Wildlife Trust.

Wortley Byers’ clients include Veolia Environmental Services and the Woodland Group. Practice head Jane Winfield is ‘very experienced and personable’.

Construction

Blake Lapthorn strengthened its transactional and contentious construction practice in 2010 through the recruitment of consultant David Miles, who has vast experience in construction mediation. The team, led by Richard Wade, is advising the Mary Rose Trust on design and construction matters relating to a new museum at Portsmouth’s historic dockyard, which is set to display Henry VIII’s flagship. Other key clients include David Lloyd Leisure and Berkeley Homes.

Charles Russell LLP is acting on a number of projects relating to the London 2012 Olympics, including advising Eton College on the development of Eton Dorney Lake to host the rowing and canoeing events, and Lend Lease on construction issues relating to Stratford’s Athletes’ Village. Led by the ‘highly efficient and pragmatic’ David Savage, the firm has a number of construction specialists in its Guildford office.

SNR Denton’s construction team was bolstered in 2010 through the recruitment of two specialist partners in Alastair Young and Andrew Jones, formerly of Gateley. The group is led by Doug Masson, who has a strong contentious focus and brings in repeat instructions from household names such as Sainsbury’s. Jane Miles runs the non-contentious construction practice, which handles work for Virgin Active, RBS and new client Coutts & Co.

Clients ‘strongly recommend’ Clarkslegal LLP, which delivers the ‘highest standard of professionalism and knowledge’. Led by David Rintoul, the department is advising the University of Reading on its £45m halls and catering project – one of the largest construction projects in the region.

Cripps Harries Hall LLP construction team is led by Jane Ryland, who handles non-contentious and contentious construction law. She and associate James Lee are advising the UK Border Agency on a development agreement for a 200,000 sq ft floor refurbishment. Other clients include Berkeley Homes and Wagamama.

Assisting clients in both the public and private sector, DMH Stallard LLP acts for Aviva, CityWest Homes and Westminster City Council, among others. Practice head Stephen Royle is recommended for his expertise in non-contentious construction law and advice on commercial construction projects.

The reputation of Stevens & Bolton LLP was strengthened by two key appointments in 2010, namely ‘extremely thorough’ ex-Shadbolt LLP partner Tom Pemberton and associate Chi Smith from Mundays LLP. Practice head Matthew Needham-Laing provides ‘an unmatched level of construction expertise’, handling non-contentious work as well as ADR and adjudication.

Thomas Eggar LLP saw an increase in contentious work in 2010, acting on several claims involving defects, final accounts and delays. The team, led by Mark Clinton, is also assisting major banks such as HSBC and RBS on funding a number of significant construction projects.

The ‘very knowledgeable and highly competent’ construction group at Bond Pearce LLP is run by Christine Hanley from the Plymouth office. She is supported by a Southampton-based team, which recently advised B&Q on the development of a new headquarters building.

The ‘first-class’ team at Boyes Turner has ‘in-depth knowledge of the practice and procedure involved in construction disputes’. Practice head John Starr is ‘highly experienced’, with expertise in arbitration, adjudication and mediation.

Brachers’ construction group is run by Michael Janney, who assists employers, property companies, developers and contractors. The team also has expertise in international civil engineering projects in the Far East.

The ‘consistently prompt and professional’ EMW recently prepared construction documents for a large-scale retail development for Inter MK Limited, the owner of MK Dons. Anna Stillman is recommended.

Paul Brampton’s department at IBB (Iliffes Booth Bennett) has a strong emphasis on construction work in the healthcare sector, and recently won new client Allen Primary Healthcare.

Morgan Cole’s cross-office construction practice brings together lawyers from Oxford, Bristol and Cardiff. The Thames Valley team is led by the ‘client-focused’ John Conder, who specialises in public sector work.

Formed in February 2010, Sheridan Gold LLP is home to a number of lawyers previously at Shadbolt LLP. The team recently handled high-profile Olympics and Crossrail projects, and has maintained many prestigious clients of the dissolved firm. Peter Sheridan and Jonathan Gold are a ‘prime example of what many of their contemporaries should aspire to’.

Thomson Snell & Passmore’s construction lawyers are ‘efficient and knowledgeable, and adapt well to different situations’. In 2010, the team handled significant instructions from local authority and education clients. Chris Whittington and Kamal Aggarwal are the key contacts.

Environment

Clarkslegal LLP advises on an array of environmental issues, and has expertise in niche areas including carbon credits and environmental project finance. Michael Sippitt and Kirstin Parker are recommended.

DMH Stallard LLP is at the forefront of renewable energy advice, attracting work on feed in tariffs (FITs). The team also has a strong track record in environmental litigation, where Heidi Copland is recommended.

Manches LLP advises household-name clients such as HSBC, Siemens and WH Smith on environment issues. The team is led by Richard Smith, while senior associate Susie Hilton is at the helm of the sustainability practice.

The ‘client-centric’ environment practice at Stevens & Bolton LLP recently advised Holiday Supplies (a subsidiary of Kuoni) on contaminated land issues. The ‘extremely knowledgeable and well-connected’ Valerie Fogleman has expertise in environmental liability and insurance, while Catherine Davey is praised for her advice on waste licensing, statutory nuisance and contaminated land.

Andrew Pawlik heads the ‘first-rate’ environment team at Adams & Remers and is well known for his contentious work. Clients include developers, landed estates, individuals and businesses.

B P Collins LLP provides commercially focused technical advice on a range of environmental transactions. Practice head Diane Gill continues to drive the firm’s focus on waste management and renewable energy.

Regulatory litigator John Mitchell leads Blake Lapthorn’s environment practice, which handles contentious issues and complex transactional work.

Blandy & Blandy LLP handled a range of environment and land contamination issues for the University of Reading and Lloyds TSB in 2010. ‘Extremely attentive’ practice head Karen Jones is highly regarded.

Delivering ‘extremely good, pragmatic advice’, Cripps Harries Hall LLP continues to act for South East Water on contentious water pollution matters. Jason Towell and Myles McIntosh are key contacts.

Sue Crowther’s team at Pitmans LLP specialises in waste, asbestos and contaminated land issues, and the environmental aspects of corporate and property transactions.

‘Excellent in all respects’, Thomson Snell & Passmore advises on issues arising from contaminated land, waste management, water pollution, and packaging and recycling obligations. Department head Nick Horton is recommended.

Planning

DMH Stallard LLP ‘stands out from other law firms in the South’ for its ‘high-quality advice and strong reputation’. In 2010, group head Heidi Copland gained further instructions from local planning authorities, particularly on complex s106 agreements; and the team continued to advise Park Holidays UK on planning and site licence matters in relation to its 26 caravan parks in Southern England. ‘Excellent’ consultant Tony Allen is recommended for his focus on heritage work.

The ‘excellent’ Shoosmiths offers ‘consistent advice and understands the strategic direction of projects’. Kirsten Hewson is highly regarded in the retail planning sector, acting for a number of international retailers and advising on town centre redevelopment schemes. Hewson took over as national head of planning in 2010, following the departure of Iain Gilbey.

asb law LLP deals with planning-related enforcement and prosecution matters, s106 agreements, compulsory purchase orders, judicial reviews and appeals to High Court challenges. ‘Extremely good’ practice head Vicky Stoodley is well known for her advice to housebuilders, local authorities and developers.

Blake Lapthorn provides a full service to clients seeking advice on town and county planning law, and has recently undertaken advocacy at planning inquiries involving Winchester City Council and St Albans District Council. Department head Guthrie McGruer has expertise in both contentious and non-contentious planning matters.

Michael Mundy’s planning group at Clarke Willmott LLP continues to go from strength to strength, and saw a significant increase in public sector work in 2010. It welcomed 30 new instructions from the Isle of Wight Council on planning matters relating to development on the Island.

Cripps Harries Hall LLP was appointed to the Barratt Homes strategic land and planning panel in 2010, and reports significant instructions from this and other housebuilder clients including Berkeley Homes and Linden Homes (South East). Jason Towell is noted for his expertise in both greenfield strategic and brownfield regeneration projects.

The planning team at Darbys Solicitors LLP advises on matters including appeal and enforcement issues. Planning and highways specialist Deborah Ceadel is recognised for her expertise in planning obligations, covering commercial and residential development, town centre redevelopment and the delivery of infrastructure; ‘she is professional, approachable and has a thorough working knowledge of the practice area’.

Pitmans LLP advises on all aspects of planning, highways and compulsory purchase for high-profile clients including RBS, Urban Outfitters and Banner Homes. Sue Crowther is well known for her advice on major redevelopment projects and handles all aspects of contentious and non-contentious planning law.

Stevens & Bolton LLP handled a number of enforcement matters in 2010 and reports an increase in planning instructions from developer clients. Practice head Catherine Davey continues to advise the University of Surrey on obligations relating to proposed campus developments.

Blandy & Blandy LLP welcomed the arrival of two new planning specialists in 2010. The ‘very responsive and focused’ group, led by Karen Jones, represents landowners and developers, and was recently reappointed to the University of Reading’s property and planning panel.

Brachers recruited solicitor Lee May in 2010, to assist Henry Abraham with planning matters. The team is currently advising one of two principal landowners on a 6.2-hectare site allocated for housing developments.

Led by Giles Ferin, the planning team at EMW recently advised Enviroparks (Hirwaun) on applications and planning obligations for a proposed £100m hi-tech waste recycling and energy recovery plant.

Geoffrey Searle Planning Solicitors recently acted for Marcus Cooper Group and a joint venture partner on a planning agreement for a high-profile residential development near Regent’s Park. Geoffrey Searle is recommended.

Lester Aldridge LLP handles planning matters across a number of sectors, including residential and retail. Andrew Hignett’s team also has specific expertise in port and marina development. Clients include McCarthy & Stone and Santander.

Morgan Cole has extensive expertise in planning matters and procedures, with sector strengths in energy, health and education. Ruth Leadbitter and Daniel Scharf are the key contacts.

Janet May heads a specialist planning legal and consultancy team at Paris Smith LLP, which handles large-scale development projects across the region. Current work highlights include advising on the redevelopment of Hampshire cricket venue the Rose Bowl.

Thomas Eggar LLP’s impressive client base features the likes of Asda, Dixons and News International. The practice is driven by Carl Dyer, who has expertise in retail and care home planning applications.

Property litigation

Carol Wakeford heads a sizeable team of property litigators at Cripps Harries Hall LLP, which continues to receive substantial instructions from Crossrail. The firm’s landlord services group provides a fixed-fee litigation service for property managers and landlords of commercial and residential units.

The 16-strong property litigation department at DMH Stallard LLP advises blue-clip clients such as Tesco, Liverpool Victoria and Lloyds TSB, while also representing numerous public bodies. The firm is well known for its expertise in leasehold enfranchisement and is ‘among the best in the leasehold reform sector’. Practice head Tina George is recommended.

Shoosmiths handles property litigation out of its three offices in the region. Tim Brookes and Zoe Wright are the key partners, heading the teams in Thames Valley and Milton Keynes respectively. The Thames Valley team was recently appointed to the panel of legal advisers for English Heritage.

Advising high-profile clients such as BAA, Costa and Stagecoach, Blake Lapthorn handles the whole spectrum of contentious property issues. Practice head Amanda Morris has ‘deep understanding of the law and tactics surrounding real estate disputes’.

Bond Pearce LLP’s property litigation group is headed by Mark Barley, who gives ‘spot-on advice and clear direction’. Clients include Royal Mail and The Crown Estate.

The ‘responsive and technically excellent’ Charles Russell LLP recently represented freeholder Hilmi & Associates on contentious leasehold enfranchisement issues. The ‘reliable’ David Haines and solicitor advocate Peter Levaggi are recommended.

IBB (Iliffes Booth Bennett) provides ‘quality legal support’ to its clients, which include Aviva, Xerox and Frontier Estates. Andrew Olins leads the team and is recommended alongside Jon Mowbray.

Kimbells LLP handles an array of contentious property issues for clients in the leisure and hospitality sectors. Neil Lyon is ‘positive and prompt in his approach’ and has a strong track record in the area.

SNR Denton’s highlights of 2010 included high-profile successes in the High Court and reappointment to Sainsbury’s property panel. Clients recommend the ‘strong, robust advice’ of London-based Julian Cridge. Daniel Kidd specialises in landlords’ consent disputes.

At Adams & Remers, Andrew Pawlik has 30 years of litigation experience and is a ‘very safe pair of hands’, and Simon Wood commands ‘great respect and loyalty’ from clients.

B P Collins LLP reports an increase in residential litigation. Department head Nick Hallchurch and ‘client-focused’ associate Robert Clark are recommended.

Gary Parkinson is at the helm of Boyes Turner’s property litigation team. His expertise spans lease renewals, rent reviews, service charges and dilapidation cases.

BrookStreet Des Roches handles a range of property disputes including issues arising out of rent review, lease renewal, trespass and dilapidation cases.

Clyde & Co strengthened its property litigation practice through the hire of consultant Keith Conway and two further assistants, who split their time between London and Guildford. Clients include The Carphone Warehouse and Banner Homes.

Furley Page Solicitors recently represented new client United Trust Bank in a right of way claim. Practice head David Hall has ‘excellent knowledge and attention to detail’.

Knights acts for farms and estates in a variety of property-related claims. James Pavey leads the team and is experienced in representing both public and private clients.

In 2010, Manches LLP was retained on real estate panels for major multinational companies such as EDF Energy and Siemens. John Morrison heads the team.

Mundays LLP represents clients such as Close Brothers, Berkeley Homes and Octagon Developments. Stephen Morris specialises in property rights disputes.

Rawlison Butler LLP’s Neil Benson advises on the full range of residential and commercial property disputes.

Stevens & Bolton LLP gained new clients Papa John’s and Rentokil in 2010. Senior associate Helen Wheddon is recommended for her ‘good negotiation skills’.

Thomas Eggar LLP’s client base focuses on insurers, banks, large property management companies and retailers. Chris Baker is recommended.

Brake Bros remains a key client for Thomson Snell & Passmore, instructing the firm on a number of property claims. Nick Horton specialises in property-related professional negligence work and regulatory disputes.

Social housing

Coffin Mew LLP’s ‘excellent’ seven-partner team has a ‘wealth of experience’ in the social housing sector. In 2010 the team was appointed to the panels of the Guinness Group, Moat and Westward Group, among others. Practice head Jennifer Bennett is ‘extremely knowledgeable, experienced and personable’.

Clarke Willmott LLP’s ‘professional and proactive’ cross-office team counts Arcadia and Guinness Hermitage as clients. Work highlights included advising on a £19m development. Practice head Anne Hayward has a ‘wealth of experience’.

Cripps Harries Hall LLP advises clients such as AmicusHorizon, Genesis Housing and Town and Country Housing Group on s106, development and infrastructure agreements, and advised on the acquisition of a 120-unit portfolio in 2010. The eight-partner team is now headed by new arrival Paul Skelton, who joined from Devonshires in 2011.

Elizabeth Hussain’s team at Manches LLP advises clients such as LHA-Asra Group and Bouygues UK on acquisitions and developments of multimillion-pound sites and residential units. The firm also provides banking, construction and tax advice.

Andrew Harmer’s team at Batchelors was recently bolstered by the arrival of the ‘impressive and commanding presence’ of Mary Martil from Marsons Solicitors. In 2010 the team advised on a number of high-profile nuisance cases. Daniel Skinner is ‘thoroughly competent, imaginative and realistic’, and Thaine Wilson is ‘excellent’.

Charles Russell LLP’s team is praised for its depth of knowledge and understanding. It recently advised Thames Valley Housing Association on the sale of 128 shared ownership units and One Housing Group on an acquisition. Practice head Debra Kent provides an ‘exceptional level of service’.

Penningtons Solicitors LLP’s highly regarded team advises clients such as AmicusHorizon, Family Mosaic Housing and Thames Valley Housing Association on issues including anti-social behaviour, securitisation and mortgage rescue. Practice head Linda Storey is recommended.

Fred Perrin’s team at Perrins Solicitors LLP advises on judicial reviews, acquisitions and contentious matters for clients including Guinness Trust and Harlow District Council. The team won 18 new clients in 2010. Angela Byrne and Simon Braun are ‘excellent’.

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    - 11KBW

  • Standards

    In R (Calver) v Adjudication Panel for Wales [2012] EWHC 1172 (Admin) Mr Calver was a member of Manorbier Community Council who successfully challenged the decision of the Panel to dismiss his appeal against a decision by Prembrokeshire County Council Standards Committee censuring him for a number of comments or blogs posted by him on a website he owned and controlled.
    - 11KBW

  • A justified retrospective

    Clive Sheldon - QC debates the pros & cons of retrospective tax legislation
    - 11KBW

  • Public Sector Equality Duty (“PSED”)

    In R (Greenwich Community Law Centre) v Greenwich LBC [2012] EWCA Civ 496 the Court of Appeal held that the Council had had “due regard to the PSED when making changes to its funding of community legal advice services”. At para 30 Elias LJ said:
    - 11KBW

  • Public Sector Equality Duty

    Surrey County Council conducted a review of its Library Service. This culminated in a Report to the Council’s Cabinet. The Recommendations in the Report included that there should be consultation about a community-partnership approach at selected Libraries.
    - 11KBW

  • Judicial Review

    The Judgment of Lindblom J in The Manydown Co Ltd v Basingstoke and Deane BC [2012] EWHC 977 (Admin) repays attention. The Claimant sought to challenge by judicial review 2 decisions of the Council: (1) the Council’s refusal to reconsider its position on the development of a site that it owns (and is the subject matter of a Joint Development Partnership Agreement with the Claimant); and (2) a decision of the Council’s Cabinet approving a selection of sites for development which did not include this site.
    - 11KBW

  • The Health and Social Care Act 2012: impact on adult social services

    After its torrid passage through Parliament, the Health and Social Care Bill received Royal Assent on 27 March 2012. The Act deals principally with healthcare reform, but it also contains some amendments to the legislative framework for social care. It will come into force on a day yet to be appointed by the Secretary of State.
    - 11KBW

  • Immigration update May 2012

    In this issue:
    - Penningtons Solicitors LLP

  • Premium service for tier 2 and 5 sponsors to be launched

    A premium service for sponsors will be launched by the UKBA on 6 April 2012. The service is designed specifically for companies that sponsor international employees under tier 2 and 5 of the points based system and aims to provide them with enhanced support.
    - Penningtons Solicitors LLP

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