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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.

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