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

Blake Lapthorn strengthened its commercial property offering in 2011 by hiring Mark Grant from DMH Stallard LLP and senior solicitor Nicola Boaden from Henmans LLP. Andrew Miscampbell chairs the six-partner practice, which advises several Oxford colleges on major development projects.

Boyes Turner demonstrates a ‘good understanding of its clients’ business’, and acts for household names such as Ericsson, Barratt Homes and RBS. ‘Thorough, customer-focused and commercial’ practice head Nick Carter specialises in headquarters relocations, and assists large corporates with their property portfolios. Mark Appleton is also popular with clients.

Niche firm BrookStreet des Roches specialises in real estate matters, and has strong sector expertise in areas such as retail, leisure and financial services. In 2012, the firm bolstered its team by recruiting four solicitors and promoting Suki Hardy and Justin Winterbottom to partner. Clients include Oxfam, McDonald’s, Allianz and The London Borough of Wandsworth.

Impressing with its ‘prompt and innovative’ advice, Field Seymour Parkes LLP recently handled the property aspects relating to the sale of Euro Car Parts to LKQ, and advised engineering business Corac Group on the relocation of its UK headquarters. Practice head Marcus Francis works closely with the ‘very practical’ Philip Seymour and the ‘constructive’ Rachel Booth.

‘Excellent in all regards’, Henmans LLP is ‘extremely proactive in anticipating potential issues and advancing practical solutions before the problem arises’. Led by Iain Davis, the team’s client roster includes Cancer Research UK and Clydesdale Bank. Lesley Pollock is ‘extremely efficient and timely in her responses’, and Adrian White is ‘well informed, calm and courteous’.

Manches LLP continues to attract high-profile mandates despite the departure of Elizabeth Hussain (to Boyes Turner) and John Castell. The firm was selected to advise on the development of the new Liverpool Street Crossrail station, and is handling the real estate aspects of Oxford University’s acquisition of the Institute of Rheumatology from Imperial College. Richard Smith leads the ‘excellent’ department.

Pitmans LLP is highly regarded for its work advising housebuilders on acquiring development land, and recently handled two multimillion-pound site purchases for Bewley Homes in Reading and East Challow. Other clients include Banner Homes, Coutts & Co, Urban Outfitters, and Porsche. Team head Andrew Davies and Paul Murray are recommended.

At Shoosmiths, practice head Alan Corcoran recently advised Santander on the financing of 30 property interests owned by a consortium of developers, while Andrew Farmery (‘a good and efficient communicator’) assisted Wagamama on a substantial expansion programme to acquire new UK restaurant sites over three years.

Blandy & Blandy LLP has ‘a wide variety of expertise’ but is particularly well known for land development and secured lending work. Jane Gunnell and Katja Wigham are ‘highly professional and always willing to devote time to their clients’.

The ‘excellent’ team at Clarkslegal LLP is led by Rachel Krol, who is singled out for her experience, knowledge and pragmatism. Clients include Reading University, Carillion, the NHS, and Air France.

Darbys Solicitors LLP is commended for its ‘good working knowledge and value for money’. Mark Taylor recently acted for Oxford University in a proposed £6.6m land purchase to build a new cancer research centre.

The ‘very competent and efficient’ team Morgan Cole has particular expertise in the health sector, and is also experienced in energy-related matters. Ruth Leadbitter heads the practice, and is recommended for development projects.

The real estate department at Osborne Clarke is led by Elizabeth Sturgess, who has 23 years of property experience and particular expertise in residential development and strategic land matters. Clients include Hyundai and Barclays Bank.

The 12-strong team at Thomas Eggar LLP is led by the ‘very experienced and approachable’ Biddy Walker. Sector strengths include leisure, retail and healthcare.

Brethertons LLP handles an array of commercial property mandates, but has particular expertise in matters relating to academy schools and the hotel industry. Tom Lawrence is a ‘very good adviser’.

Clifton Ingram LLP recently advised Just Eat on various issues, including taking a new lease of its main operational centre. Practice head Tim Read is ‘very knowledgeable’.

The ‘incredibly responsive’ team at Olswang acts for Direct Wines, Freshwater Property Management and new client Nationwide Building Society. Department head Carol Griffin is ‘creative, objective and very experienced’.

The commercial property offering at Plainlaw solicitors attracts very high praise from clients. Practice head Philip Horn is ‘attentive to detail and prepared to discuss alternatives’.

Spratt Endicott’s commercial property department is led by Andrew Woods, who has expertise in landlord and tenant negotiations and the acquisition, management and disposal of investment properties.

Solicitor Graham Atkinson and associate Mike Cooper are now the key Oxford contacts at Withy King LLP, following James Barnatt’s retirement in 2012.

Commercial property: Kent, Surrey, Sussex

Cripps Harries Hall LLP’s 13-partner team provides ‘direct, partner-level service with no delegation’ and has ‘quality throughout its ranks’. It advised Argent Group in relation to a major development site at King’s Cross Central in London. Mike Vos ‘knows the market’.

Charles Russell LLP’s commercial property team specialises in healthcare matters, and is also active in the luxury brands sector, advising on four new leases in London’s New Bond Street in 2011. Debra Kent gives a ‘very slick service’, and is ‘good at risk allocation and complex transactions’.

Clyde & Co acted for RMH Ltd on the £78m acquisition and development of a 200-bed hotel and residential apartments in Guildford town centre. It also assisted Kandahar Property Group on a major sale of nine shopping centres in the South East.

DMH Stallard LLP’s large commercial property team has extensive expertise across property finance, utilities, construction, and regeneration and development, and has a strong financial institutions client base. The ‘honest and open’ Marion Wilcock specialises in regeneration work.

Stevens & Bolton LLP focuses on construction, property litigation, planning and environmental matters. Michael Laver heads the five-partner team, which includes the ‘very knowledgeable’ Garry Brett. The firm acted for Polofind Ltd on a £60m joint venture with Epping Forest Council to develop Debden Retail Park.

asb law LLP’s team is spread across its Crawley and Maidstone office, and focuses on investment, corporate real estate and development matters. It advised The Milton Group on investment acquisitions totalling £15m in 2011. The ‘responsive’ and ‘comprehensive’ Nigel Wiggin has expertise in secured lending and development site acquisitions.

‘Helpful, quick and very responsive’, and ‘excellent in all aspects’, Barlow Robbins LLP acts for clients including retail shops, commercial and residential developments, charities, independent schools and SMEs. In 2011 it represented Snow & Rock Sports Ltd in its acquisition of a superstore in Croydon. Helen Archibald is singled out for her ‘competent and extremely accommodating’ approach.

Brachers’ practice spans agriculture, healthcare, education, waste management, secured lending and corporate support matters for 20 NHS trusts, Rail Europe and Hadlow College. Bill Butler is ‘fastidious’ and ‘consistent’.

Laytons represents developers, lenders, and end users on property issues, including acquisitions and disposals. Neil Bucknell heads the department.

Mundays LLP has ‘very strong all-round expertise, especially in land acquisition and litigation’. It acted for Octagon Developments on the acquisition of a £10m development site for nine retirement houses. The firm also provides an Islamic finance service through client Ahli United Bank.

Penningtons Solicitors LLP’s commercial property team in Surrey includes Mike Busby, who is now based in Guildford, and John Ewens. Areas of strength include the healthcare sector.

Thomas Eggar LLP provides real estate advice to banks including RBS and HSBC. It also handles property matters for Nuffield Health. Its ‘very good technical knowledge’ is ‘allied with practical interpretation’. Jeremy Wootton is ‘a good team leader’.

The ‘very prompt’ team at Thomson Snell & Passmore acts for the British Transport Police Authority on its property leases, and also represents colleges, private members clubs and local authorities. Richard Ellard is recommended.

Commercial property: Hampshire

The sizeable commercial property practice at Blake Lapthorn has gone from strength to strength following the recruitment of a seven-lawyer team from Clarke Willmott LLP in May 2011. Led by Sean Palka, the ‘excellent’ group gained Metro Bank, Isle of Wight Council and the Department of Health as clients. Alan Harlow recently advised Beale plc on its acquisition of 19 department stores.

Bond Pearce LLP stands out for its expertise in marine real estate; it is The Crown Estate’s key legal adviser on coastal and offshore matters. The firm is also well respected in the retail sector, acting for B&Q, Dreams and TK Maxx as well as new clients New Look and House of Fraser. Andrew Mackean leads the department, with Tim Burbidge also recommended.

The ‘excellent’ Paris Smith LLP has ‘good strength in depth and very good industry knowledge’. Rachel Saint is ‘at the top of her game’, and advised Fat Face on new store acquisitions as well as estate and portfolio management transactions; and the ‘personable and knowledgeable’ Nick Vaughan handled a £10m publicly funded redevelopment scheme for Eastpoint Centre.

Shoosmiths acts for household names such as IKEA, Fitness First, RBS and HSBC. Joanne McGuinness leads the team, and Simon Knott advises with ‘as few caveats as possible’. Peter Swinburn recently left for Clarke Willmott LLP.

Coffin Mew LLP impresses with its ‘very proactive and deal-focused approach’, and acts for clients such as Santander UK, Bargate Homes and the University of Portsmouth. Led by Victoria Walker, the department has niche expertise in pension property investment matters. Peter Fellows is ‘both technically proficient and very practical in his outlook’.

‘Responding promptly and succinctly to its clients’, Lamport Bassitt’s commercial property offering is led by the ‘knowledgeable and efficient’ John Newton. The team recently advised Lloyds TSB on refinancing part of Primetower Properties’ real estate portfolio. Other clients include Red Funnel and Premier Marinas.

Moore Blatch LLP’s real estate department is divided into teams covering commerical property, land development, plot sales and purchases, and high-value residential property. The firm experienced an increased workload from national housebuilders, and acts for new clients Bovis Homes, Mildren Homes and Landspeed Affordable Homes. Practice head Michael Caton has over 35 years’ experience in the field.

Paul Longman leads the commercial property team at Trethowans LLP, which acts for Ladbrokes, Lloyds TSB and Santander UK. Jennifer Rogerson is also recommended for her expertise in landlord and tenant matters, as well as property-based funding. Chris Twaits recently left for Bournemouth-based firm Steele Raymond LLP.

Commercial property: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx

Dentons is a ‘strong performer in a competitive environment’. Its sizeable team recruited four new fee-earners in 2011, and worked for Virgin Active on the acquisition of Esporta. Roland Gray gives ‘solid advice’.

EMW won a place on Santander’s business banking panel, and worked on a £56m transaction for Inter MK Ltd to create a retail park as part of the Milton Keynes Dons’ football stadium project. The 11-strong team includes Simon Ingram, who ‘has huge knowledge and commercial acumen’. Other clients include Adobe Systems Inc, Wickes and Travis Perkins.

IBB (Iliffes Booth Bennett) provides ‘City service, expertise and quality without the price tag’, and acts for clients including Aviva, Xerox and Moorfield. The firm was recently reappointed to Bellway Homes’ legal panel. Juliusz Wodzianski is recommended.

Shoosmiths acted in the lease of Ducati UK’s new headquarters at Silverstone Technology Park, and on the refinancing of a portfolio of four properties for Santander. Steve Wiltshire has ‘strong depth of knowledge’.

Clients appreciate the ‘excellent guidance and advice’ of recently merged firm Kimbells Freeth LLP, which has niche expertise in the leisure and hospitality sectors, with Heineken and Whitbread as clients. It also advises the Milton Keynes Parks Trust on property transactions and estate management issues. Valerie Warman is ‘knowledgeable and easy to do business with’.

Matthew Arnold & Baldwin LLP is highlighted for its professionalism and prompt response times. It handles property finance work for major banks in the region, such as Santander, RBS and Svenska Handelsbanken. Its ‘focused’ team includes the ‘pragmatic and commercial’ Tim Brittain.

The ‘easy-to-contact’ team at SA Law LLP advised Bio Park on the granting of new leases to its Welwyn Garden City site. It also acted for Eurochange plc in the company’s expansion into shopping centres in the region. Terence Ritchie is ‘patient’ and ‘meticulous’.

Sherrards Solicitors LLP gives clients ‘very good service and good value’. The firm completed a merger with City firm Staal & Staal in late 2011, gaining a major new haircare brand as a client.

Taylor Walton LLP is noted for its precise and commercially focused outlook, and has particular strength in financing and retail. Angela Thomas leads the team, and has ‘strong negotiation skills’.

B P Collins LLP’s practice is focused on the waste and renewable energy sectors. Clients include Grundon Waste Management, Biffa and Forever Fuels. Mike Arundel retired in 2011, and Pat Davies left to establish her own practice.

Geoffrey Leaver’s highlights included assisting Milton Keynes Parks Trust on major new unit developments for Aldi and Wickes. It also advised Premier Inn on a new development in Loughborough.

Harvey Ingram Borneos now has a five-strong team in the South East, having hired an associate from Eversheds LLP.

Nockolds Solicitors’ ‘conscientious and timely’ team worked on transactions valued at £150m in 2011, including a £25m development for Borough Holdings.

In 2011, the ‘exemplary’ Tees Solicitors continued its expansion programme with its merger with Essex firm Wortley Redmayne Kershaw, and continues to leverage its agricultural client base to win new property mandates.

Woodfines LLP recently acted for Emirates in the acquisition of additional premises at Birmingham Airport. The firm sits on a number of regional bank panels.

Commercial property: Essex

Kenneth Elliott + Rowe’s well-established property team is supported by a property litigation unit to act on the full range of issues, from routine acquisitions to large-scale disposals. Chris Dixon head the team.

Birketts LLP’s ‘diligent’ Chelmsford team acted on several major corporate transactions in 2011. Highlights included advising Spie Matthew Hall on the relocation of its London office. ‘Extremely experienced and capable’ team head Grace Kerr and associate Ross Wiltshire are recommended along with Emma Carter, who recently joined from Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP.

Birkett Long LLP’s ‘knowledgeable and down-to-earth’ team, led by Jane Calnan, advises clients including Lloyds TSB and Maricksons Ltd on complex lease arrangements and investment financing. Associate Melanie Bache is also recommended, along with Chelmsford team head David Rayner.

Kevin Wilsher’s ‘exemplary’ team at Ellisons recently completed the grant of a new store lease to Sainsbury’s for Tollgate Partnership. Guy Longhurst, Lee Pearce and Peter Powell all attract praise.

Wortley Byers’ ‘excellent’ team advises Countrywide Assured and its subsidiaries on lease-related issues for its nationwide property portfolio. It also advises clients such as The Magri Group on development issues. Team head Jane Winfield is highly recommended.

Construction

Blake Lapthorn’s ‘dedicated and knowledgeable’ construction team saw an increase in contentious work in 2011; it successfully acted for Sprunt Ltd in relation to the enforcement of an adjudication decision, and represented Knowles & Son Ltd in three adjudications concerning a major project in Gloucestershire. David Evans is ‘an excellent mediator’, and Richard Wade is’ very approachable and responsive’.

‘Excellent on all counts’, Charles Russell LLP’s team acts for clients such as Caring Homes Group, Tilfen Land Ltd, Eton College, and Guildford Borough Council. Former engineer Stephen Rockhill provides ‘excellent’ advice and support.

‘The firm of choice for more complex matters’, Dentons’s construction team added four lawyers from Gateley in 2011, and was appointed to the legal panels of Barclays Bank and Morgan Sindall. It also advised Ernst & Young in the administration of the Von Essen hotel chain.

The ‘highly recommended’ team at Clarkslegal LLP acted for the University of Reading in a £45m project to enhance the halls and catering facilities of its campus. David Rintoul has deep knowledge of construction law.

Cripps Harries Hall LLP’s construction team has a strong client base across the higher education and hotel sectors. In 2011 it advised on the rebuilding of Goodenough College, and also on the redevelopment of The Skinners Kent Academy. Andrew Harbourne joined the team from Dawsons Solicitors.

DMH Stallard LLP’s clients are drawn from across the private and public sectors, and include the University of Sussex, Westminster City Council, Shire Pharmaceuticals and Shoreham Port Authority. The firm recently advised the London Borough of Croydon in relation to a major surface treatment contract.

Matthew Needham-Laing leads the two-partner construction team at Stevens & Bolton LLP. The practice handles litigation, arbitration, adjudication and expert determination matters for clients across the hospitality, banking, education and automotive sectors.

Thomas Eggar LLP provides a ‘prompt service’, advising private and public sector clients including South Essex College and Chichester College. Mark Clinton ‘puts the issues into simple terms’.

Bond Pearce LLP’s full-service construction team has particular expertise in dispute resolution, and handles domestic and international arbitration cases. Clients include Royal Mail and Carlsberg.

Brachers expanded its construction offering in 2011 with the lateral hire of Romano Obertelli from a City firm. The team now includes two full-time partners covering both contentious and non-contentious work, and attracts a steady flow of instructions from its relationship with mechanical and electrical contractor T Clarke plc.

EMW’s construction highlights included advising in relation to a data centre for a financial institution valued at £200m; a waste to energy plant in Wales; and the development of nine retail units in Milton Keynes. Anna Stillman heads the team.

IBB (Iliffes Booth Bennett)’s ‘excellent’ and ‘authoritative’ practice is the sole adviser to Teenage Cancer Trust, and represented The Disabilities Trust in the development of an independent hospital in Swindon. Paul Brampton is ‘very authoritative’.

Morgan Cole handles construction work for key clients Oxford Brookes University and Thames Valley Police Authority, and has ‘expert knowledge’. John Conder is singled out.

Noted for its expertise in ‘complex, high-value work’, Sheridan Gold LLP’s niche practice was established in 2010 by construction specialists Peter Sheridan and Jonathan Gold. Jane Ryland joined the firm as a consultant in 2012 from Cripps Harries Hall LLP.

‘Good clear communicator’ Chris Whittington leads a ‘strong team’ at Thomson Snell & Passmore, advising on a project in Kent and further afield.

Environment

Clarkslegal LLP has an extensive environmental practice, and works with many local authorities on waste management issues. It established the Forbury Investment Network, which encourages investment in environmental companies and technology. The firm also has carbon trading expertise.

DMH Stallard LLP stands out for its specialism in renewable energies, especially energy from waste. Highlights included an application to treat 100,000 tonnes of waste per year at a power-generating thermal facility. Michael Krantz is recommended.

Manches LLP handles complex regulatory, liability and litigation work for a host of large energy clients, including EDF and Adgen Energy. It also advises Susenco on its real estate acquisitions.

Stevens & Bolton LLP’s environmental team is ‘particularly strong and very useful’ across a variety of environmental issues, including climate change, contamination, impact assessment, risk and insurance matters. Valerie Fogleman stands out for her ability to ‘resolve intractable regulatory problems’.

Adams & Remers regularly advises VolkerVessels UK, and saw an increase in environmental risk management and insurance matters in 2011.

Diane Yarrow leads a ‘very trustworthy and competent’ team at B P Collins LLP, which handles major instructions from clients in the waste management sector, including Biffa Group, Verdant Group and Grundon Group.

Blake Lapthorn advised in relation to over 100 wind farm sites in 2011, and also on the installation of solar photovoltaic panels in schools.

Led by the experienced Karen Jones, Blandy & Blandy LLP’s environmental practice provides regular advice to the University of Reading.

Cripps Harries Hall LLP acts for clients in relation to alleged breaches of environmental law. Its ‘proactive’ and ‘very practical’ team also has expertise in environmental impact matters.

Morgan Cole acted for the Welsh government on the development of the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme, and advised two companies on the production of a solar farm and a biomass plant.

Pitmans LLP recently acted in three cases relating to property contamination.

Planning

Blake Lapthorn’s ‘very highly rated’ team acted for concert promoter Live Nation in its application for planning permission at three large sites in London to cater to 80,000 spectators during the Olympic Games. It also represents developers such as Berkeley and Bloor Homes. Practice head Guthrie McGruer is valued for his ‘attention to detail’ and ‘practical advice’.

DMH Stallard LLP’s extensive client list includes Crest Nicholson, Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Homes, as well as local authorities such as Medway Council, West Sussex County Council and the London Borough of Croydon. It represented McAleer & Rushe Group in its application for redevelopment of part of Brighton Railway Station, and completed the planning work for Brighton and Hove Albion FC’s new stadium.

Providing ‘consistently high-quality advice’, Shoosmiths’ ‘strong and cohesive’ team acted in four separate instructions for property company ZOG Group, which included the development of a site in Royal Mint Street, London. It also advised on the strategic elements of O & H Properties’ countryside development near Milton Keynes.

asb law LLP’s planning team acts for local authorities such as Dover District Council, Wandsworth Borough Council and West Sussex County Council. The firm also retained three new councils as clients in 2011. The ‘extremely able and astute’ Francesca De Vita heads the team.

Clarke Willmott LLP has ‘a deep understanding of local authority rules’, and continued to develop its public sector presence in 2011 through new instructions from the Isle of Wight Council and New Forest District Council.

The ‘proactive’ Cripps Harries Hall LLP acted for Wates Development in a successful appeal against a planning application refusal for a complex build involving 530 dwellings, community facilities and retail units. Other clients include Barratt Homes and Crossrail.

Darbys Solicitors LLP recently assisted Cherwell District Council in its complex redevelopment of Upper Heyford in Oxfordshire, which included an overhaul of the town’s air base, 1,000 homes, schools and sports facilities. Deborah Ceadel is ‘professional and approachable’.

Pitmans LLP’s client base is largely made up of housebuilders, but the firm also acts for international banks and retail clients. It advised Banner Homes on over 20 sites in the South East.

Stevens & Bolton LLP’s planning team assisted the University of Surrey in its development of projects on and off campus. The well-respected Catherine Davey leads the group.

Thomas Eggar LLP recently advised Asda on its programme to develop over 50 stores nationwide, and News International on various issues surrounding its major printing facility outside London.

Blandy & Blandy LLP has recognised expertise in town and country planning, and maintains good relations with University of Reading and Reading Borough Council. Simon Dimmick has ‘excellent negotiating and drafting skills’.

Brachers successfully represented Hugh Lowe Farms in its planning application for 165 hectares of polytunnels in Kent. Head of department Henry Abraham has 20 years of planning experience.

EMW continues to provide planning advice to Inter MK Ltd in relation to the major project to provide an international football stadium in Milton Keynes. It also assisted two councils on a proposed residential development for 230 homes.

Niche planning practice Geoffrey Searle Planning Solicitors acted in a 1,200-unit mixed-use development in London. Geoffrey Searle is the key figure.

Lester Aldridge LLP has an ‘extremely personable’ team that ‘understands complex business needs’. The Southampton office operates nationwide and supports other teams across the south.

Led by the experienced Ruth Leadbitter, Morgan Cole acts for major public sector authorities, and in 2011 carried out work for St James’s Conservation Trust and Mackland Ltd.

In 2011, Paris Smith LLP provided consultancy work for the RNLI, and assisted on the redevelopment of Hampshire Cricket Club. Janet May’s team also acts for Harlequins RFC and Rose Bowl plc.

Property litigation

Cripps Harries Hall LLP has a well-established reputation in the Kent market and is valued for its ‘good appreciation’ of business needs. It acted on the tunnel acquisition for High Speed 1 and Crossrail. Other clients include the Crown Prosecution Service, the Home Office, HS1 Ltd and First Title Insurance.

DMH Stallard LLP is valued for its ‘detailed technical knowledge’ and ‘pragmatic approach’. Its sizeable team acts for Tesco on various projects, including lease renewals and multimillion-pound rent reviews. Other clients include City of Westminster, Liverpool Victoria, South Eastern Power, and the University of Sussex. Tina George is ‘diplomatic, but firm when needed’.

In 2011, Shoosmiths represented the British Waterways Board in a complex claim relating to the Grand Union Canal at Brentford, which involved statutory interpretation of the Enabling Act of 1793. Other clients include Hewlett-Packard, Santander, Citibank, O2, and Nationwide Building Society. Zoe Wright is the main contact in Milton Keynes.

Blake Lapthorn has ‘very good capacity’, and delivers ‘extremely sound’ and ‘pragmatic’ advice. The firm has a strong relationship with insurer client DAS, covering all its high-net-worth client portfolio, as well as its marine policies. Department head Amanda Morris - is ‘extremely efficient’ and ‘provides accurate responses to all enquiries’.

Bond Pearce LLP specialises in property litigation for marine and retail clients, and also assists Royal Mail, The Crown Estate, English Heritage and the Church Commissioners. Lead partner Mark Barley also handles professional negligence claims against property professionals.

Charles Russell LLP is ‘a very strong player in the property litigation field’, combining a rigorous commercial focus with a high degree of technical legal expertise. David Haines is ‘absolutely first rate’.

Dentons was appointed to manage new client Westfield Shopping Centre’s portfolio at its new Stratford site, which adjoins the Olympic Park. In a further illustration of its retail sector expertise, it successfully defended MAR Properties against a £59m breach of contract claim. Recently promoted partner Daniel Kidd is a lead adviser on disputes.

IBB (Iliffes Booth Bennett)’s ‘strong, diverse team’ provides ‘accurate and comprehensive advice’. It represented The Dorchester Group in a complex claim against BNP Paribas, and Inter-IKEA in a £60m breach of contract case. Hasbro also instructed the firm on two landlord issues relating to an industrial estate in Wales. Jon Mowbray is an experienced litigator.

Kimbells Freeth LLP provides a ‘very competitively priced’ service. In 2011 it assisted a restaurant owner in a £3m claim against Waitrose for flood damage; and also acted for The Milton Keynes Park Trust in a damages claim against Arriva plc. It is well known for its experience in the pub and leisure sector, and also has a successful record in adjudication and arbitration matters.

Social housing

Headed by Jennifer Bennett, Coffin Mew LLP’s team is ‘one of the few true specialists’ in the sector. The group acts for a wide range of housing associations and developers on the full range of issues, and in 2011 handled a number of contentious housing benefit and tenancy matters. Litigation expert Michael Owen is ‘a clear leader in his field’, and attracts praise for his anti-social behaviour expertise.

Batchelors’ ‘knowledgeable and approachable’ team acts on contentious and non-contentious matters, specialising in housing management issues. Recent work includes representing Origin Housing in several high-profile ASBO hearings. Other clients include Sentinel Housing and Network Housing Group. Andrew Harmer heads the group, and Daniel Skinner has ‘encyclopaedic knowledge of social housing law’.

Blake Lapthorn added six new lawyers to its housing development team in 2011, including John Russell, who joined from Clarke Willmott LLP. Team head Martin Hirst, solicitor Emma Stainwright and consultant Chris Taunt are also recommended.

Clarke Willmott LLP’s ‘superior’ cross-office team won several panel appointments in 2011, including with Synergy Housing Group, which it advised on the purchase of 150 units from Persimmon homes. Team head Anne Hayward is a ‘standout individual’, and asset management team head Jonathan Hulley is ‘a pleasure to work with’.

Linda Storey’s ‘excellent’ team at Penningtons Solicitors LLP represented Family Mosaic Housing in nuisance possession proceedings with mental health, Human Rights Act and Equality Act elements. Also recommended is London-based Andrew Casstles, who joined from Devonshires in May 2011.

The ‘professional, prompt and thorough’ team at social housing boutique Perrins Solicitors LLP has ‘in-depth knowledge’ of the sector. Highlights of 2011 included successfully advocating at the Court of Appeal in a redevelopment dispute. Litigators Angela Byrne and Simon Braun attract praise, as do managing partner Fred Perrin and Amanda Miller on the transactional and strategic legal planning side respectively.

Andrew Harbourne’s team at Cripps Harries Hall LLP advises clients such as Town and Country Housing Group and Golding Homes, primarily on non-contentious matters. Highlights included acting for Amicus on the purchase of 20 residential units valued at £3.4m.

Manches LLP’s ‘pragmatic and industry-aware’ team advises on acquisitions, disposals and stock transfers for Sovereign Housing Association, One Housing and new client Catalyst Housing. Charlotte D’Avola became head of the department following the move of Elizabeth Hussain to Boyes Turner in January 2012.

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