United Kingdom > South West > Real estate
Commercial property: Bristol
Commercial property: Bristol
Burges Salmon LLP is valued for its ‘strong knowledge, competitive pricing and good turnaround times’, and a service level ‘on a par with London firms’. The team acted for The Crown Estate on the £101m acquisition of a racecourse retail park, and St Modwen Developments on a £50m development agreement. Group head Richard Clark is ‘efficient and commercial’, and Paul Browne and Colin Ligman are ‘practical, helpful and swift’.
Osborne Clarke is ‘excellent on all fronts’. The team advised Unite on the acquisition of a £30m student bed scheme, and DTZ Investment Management on the acquisition of the £96m Cobalt portfolio. Ian Wilkinson ‘instils confidence’; David Powell is ‘the model for good client contact’; and Simon Speirs also attracts high praise from clients.
Beachcroft continues to represent Westfield Shoppingtowns, most recently advising on the letting of its shopping centre at the London Olympics site. The team also advised Everything Everywhere (formerly Orange) on the transfer of commercial leases of 400 retail units. David Esam heads the team.
Bond Pearce LLP’s team is of ‘great calibre’ and ‘highly recommended for investment-related work’. It advised the BBC on the £28m disposal of a redundant building, and the Homes and Communities Agency on a regeneration project. Fiona O’Kane heads the team.
Louise Brown leads Clarke Willmott LLP’s ‘superb residential development team’, which includes ten partners, among them the ‘most able’ William Juckes. Highlights included advising M3 on acquiring Extra Group; and Hallam Land Management, Taylor-Wimpey, Persimmon Homes and Redrow Homes regarding a new town outside Exeter.
Mark Calverley heads Bevan Brittan LLP’s team, which advised Barnet Primary Care Trust on the £30m Finchley Memorial Hospital redevelopment, and Arcadia Housing Group on acquisition matters. Torbay Borough Council and Bristol City Council are also clients.
‘Hard to fault’, TLT LLP advised Covent Garden Market Authority on a large-scale lease restructuring project, and drafted new precedent leases for Punch Taverns to be rolled out across 6,700 pubs. Finance expert Andrew Glynn remains ‘steady under pressure’, and has ‘in-depth technical expertise’.
Veale Wasbrough Vizards is noted for its ability to ‘identify and address key issues’. It recently advised Quay Marinas on acquiring a £2.8m long leasehold interest. Practice head Gary Philpott is recommended, along with the ‘clear and exceedingly efficient’ Michelle Bendall.
Ashfords LLP strengthened its Bristol offering with Thornton Allen relocating from Birmingham. Andrew Worley is the other partner in the team, which acted for Subway on matters including the negotiation of lease acquisitions.
Meade-King acted for the purchasers of a £1m manufacturing unit, and handles ongoing work nationally for a retailer with 700 outlets. Edward Langford heads the practice.
Thrings LLP provides an ‘exceptional service’, and ‘really understands the industry’. Colin Stratton heads the team, which counts Newland Homes and Environ Communities as clients.
Commercial property: Dorset and South Wiltshire
Commercial property: Dorset and South Wiltshire
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1
- Lester Aldridge LLP Bournemouth
- Steele Raymond LLP Bournemouth
- Trethowans LLP Salisbury
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2
- Parker Bullen LLP Andover
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3
- Battens Solicitors Limited Yeovil
- Frettens LLP Christchurch
- Horsey Lightly Fynn Bournemouth
- Laceys Bournemouth
- Wilsons Salisbury
Ports and marinas and property development are particular areas of expertise for Lester Aldridge LLP. The team ‘makes things go smoothly’, with ‘good communicator’ Mark Benham, Rachel Lapworth and the ‘very diligent’ Bob Robertson recommended.
Steele Raymond LLP acts for National Aquatics Garden Centre on acquisitions and lettings, and advises World of Sofas on acquiring leasehold retail warehouses. John Daniels and Sue Middleton head the department.
Trethowans LLP’s Caroline Probert heads a three-partner team which has been busy with secured lending work and property acquisitions for pension funds. Clients include Tate & Lyle, which the team advised on a £206m property sale, as well as Clark Estates and Ladbrokes Betting and Gaming.
Giles Bevan-Thomas heads Parker Bullen LLP’s team, which ‘responds quickly to varied demands’. It recently acted for the Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education on the sale of school sites. Tim Crarer has ‘a will-do attitude coupled with thorough knowledge’.
Rupert Vaughan at Battens Solicitors Limited is ‘very good’.
Oonagh McKinney heads Frettens LLP’s team, which acted for Whitequay and Malthouse Healthcare.
Horsey Lightly Fynn’s Anthony John is well regarded.
Laceys’ team heads Jonathan Ogden and Tim Sharpley provide advice that is ‘always relevant’ and ‘easy to understand’.
Wilsons’ ‘great practice’ includes Alison Bailey, team head Judith Beddow and Dominic Ogden, whose ‘service is second to none’.
Commercial property: M4 Corridor and Gloucestershire
Commercial property: M4 Corridor and Gloucestershire
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1
- BPE Solicitors LLP Cheltenham
- Charles Russell LLP Cheltenham
- Rickerbys LLP Cheltenham
- Thrings LLP Bath, Swindon, Bristol
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2
- Willans LLP Cheltenham
- Withy King LLP Bath, Swindon, Marlborough
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3
- Clark Holt Swindon
- Knights solicitors llp Cheltenham
- Stone King LLP Bath
Antonia Shield leads BPE Solicitors LLP’s team, which recently acted in securing properties for Supergroup’s expansion, and advised Gloucestershire Airport on a multi-party development project.
Charles Russell LLP is ‘second to none’, and clients have ‘absolute confidence in the advice’. Highlights included acting for residential property investors such as funds managed by Aviva and LaSalle. Ian Brothwood’s service ‘goes above and beyond that offered by others’, and Nigel Whittaker ‘handles complex problems effectively’.
Rickerbys LLP’s Philip Parkinson provides ‘speedy, practical advice’, and Mark Fabian is ‘practical and thorough’. The University of Gloucestershire instructed the team on the £9.7m sale of its London campus.
Thrings LLP advised a civil engineering company on a £2.5m sale and leaseback of premises. Alex Pinhey provides ‘support of the highest calibre’ and Rosalind Sopel is ‘a pillar of strength’.
Willans LLP’s ‘outstanding’ team advised Gloucestershire College on site acquisition matters, and increasingly acts for borrowers and lenders on development finance matters. The ‘focused and knowledgeable’ Jonathan Mills heads the team.
Withy King LLP’s ‘very responsive and pragmatic’ team is advising New Riviera Estates on a £25m development, and recently acted for Bespoke Hotels and Bermondsey Square Hotel on lease matters. Paul Daniels heads the team, in which Andrew Chalk is noted for his ‘sound advice’.
Clark Holt has the ‘very commercial and knowledgeable’ Alasdair Kirkpatrick, who is a ‘good negotiator’.
Mark Anton-Smith at Knights solicitors llp is ‘proactive, hands-on and thorough’ and ‘works to tight timescales’.
Stone King LLP has ‘unrivalled industry knowledge’ in acting for charities and schools. Hugh Pearce, Stephanie Howarth and Sarah Lane offer ‘competitive fees without compromising the level of advice’.
Commercial property: The West Country
Commercial property: The West Country
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1
- Ashfords LLP Exeter, Plymouth, Tiverton, Taunton
- Clarke Willmott LLP Taunton
- Davitt Jones Bould Taunton
- Foot Anstey Exeter, Plymouth, Taunton
- Michelmores LLP Exeter
- Stephens Scown LLP Exeter, Truro, St Austell
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2
- Bond Pearce LLP Plymouth
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3
- Follett Stock Truro
- Kitsons LLP Exeter, Taunton
- Stones Solicitors LLP Exeter
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- Beers LLP Kingsbridge, Plymouth
- The Stokes Partnership Crewkerne
Ashfords LLP provides ‘commercially sensible’ advice. The ‘exceptional’ Andrew Rothwell heads the team, which advised Persimmon Homes on the £3.4m purchase of a site with planning permission for over 100 dwellings.
Clarke Willmott LLP’s ‘highly rated’ Tim Walker is ‘easy to deal with’. The team acted for a housebuilder consortium regarding the Cranbrook development scheme, while other clients include M3 Venture Capital Group, Mapeley and The Crown Estate.
Davitt Jones Bould’s expertise is ‘extremely valuable’. The firm has a particular focus on government property work, acting for more than 120 central government clients. Madeleine Davitt heads the team, and Tim Howe displays ‘huge knowledge of government issues’.
Foot Anstey has ‘good strength in depth’, with practice head Richard Sutton, Nigel Coveney and Simon Gregory all recommended. The team advised Mount Wise on a £100m redevelopment and Broadley Park Properties on lease matters. One client says, ‘for serious problems I would not go anywhere else’.
Michelmores LLP advised Barratt Urban Regeneration on a £100m redevelopment bid, and Exeter and Devon Airport on an airport hotel development. The team includes the ‘ruthlessly efficient’ David Howe, but recently saw the departure of the ‘extremely competent’ Cameron Caverhill to Kitsons LLP.
Stephens Scown LLP fields a ‘knowledgeable, experi-enced and commercial’ team, which advised an international mineral company on creating an eco-town, and a residential property house builder and developer on a substantial land disposal. Michael Northcott heads the team, and Jonathan Hoggett is an ‘expert in the field of documentation’.
Bond Pearce LLP has Nigel Theyer and Craig Moore in Plymouth, whose recent work includes advising on property portfolio issues relating to Faith Shoe Group’s administration.
Follett Stock’s team is noted for its ‘modern attitudes and work ethics’. The ‘excellent’ Christopher Stephens heads the practice.
Kitsons LLP’s team includes Peter Boyne, the ‘proactive and focused’ Richard Hutchings and the highly experienced Cameron Caverhill, who recently joined from Michelmores LLP. Buccaneer Holdings, Paramount 21 and Bridgehouse Projects are clients.
Stones Solicitors LLP’s team is led by Chris Rundle. The group acted for London & Devonshire Trust on a business park development, and represented Kewell Converters on a factory site acquisition.
Richard Jones at Beers LLP is recommended.
Robert Wright’s team at The Stokes Partnership is recommended for development projects.
Construction
Construction
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1
- Osborne Clarke Bristol
- Pinsent Masons LLP Bristol
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2
- Ashfords LLP Exeter, Bristol
- Beachcroft Bristol
- Bevan Brittan LLP Bristol
- Burges Salmon LLP Bristol
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3
- Bond Pearce LLP Plymouth
- Clarke Willmott LLP Bristol
- Michelmores LLP Exeter
- TLT LLP Bristol
- Thrings LLP Bath
- Veale Wasbrough Vizards Bristol
- Withy King LLP Bath
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- BPE Solicitors LLP Cheltenham
- Charles Russell LLP Cheltenham
- Foot Anstey Exeter
- Lester Aldridge LLP Bournemouth
- Rickerbys LLP Cheltenham
- Steele Raymond LLP Bournemouth
- Trowers & Hamlins LLP Exeter
Osborne Clarke has a ‘serious offering’, which advised Eurostar on modifications to its Temple Mills depot, and Gazeley on an 800,000sq ft retail distribution centre. Rotary and AWE are also clients. Jonathan Brooks and team head Philip Davies are recommended.
Pinsent Masons LLP has been ‘consistently outstanding over many years’, and practice head Adam Harris is a ‘lawyer of national standing’. The team acted for M+W Group in a £30m construction dispute. Other clients include Hochtief, Siemens and Continental Landscapes. Mark Collingwood is recommended.
Ashfords LLP’s ‘impressive’ Stephen Homer produces work that is ‘timely and to a very high standard’. The team handled a range of non-contentious project work, and also defended a client against a seven-figure claim by a subcontractor regarding a repairs-and-maintenance contract.
Ben Thornycroft heads the team at Beachcroft, which advised Liverpool City Council on the central library archive redevelopment PFI contract. Newly promoted partner Phillip Roberts heads the construction professional indemnity team. John Vasey left the firm.
Bevan Brittan LLP acted for Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council on repairs-and-maintenance services outsourcing and provides construction advice to the University of Southampton. Duncan Weir leads the team.
Burges Salmon LLP provides a ‘superb, professional service’. It acted for the University of Exeter and Grand Pier on £40m and £25m redevelopment projects, respectively. Marcus Harling and the ‘competent, practical and commercially focused’ William Gard are recommended.
Bond Pearce LLP acted for retailer New Look on its expansion, and advised Carlsberg on a brewery site demolition and redevelopment. The ‘commercially astute’ Christine Hanley ‘manages a phenomenal workload’, and David Skelton is ‘always on top of issues’.
Clarke Willmott LLP’s Stephen Clarke is rated for his ‘expertise and pragmatism’; and Robin Gupta is ‘organised and efficient’. The group advised Envitec Biogas on a plant construction in Germany, and Morgan Sindall in negotiating a £20m contract for a leisure complex.
Michelmores LLP’s team, headed by Gerald Offen, represented Amara Estates on high-value contractual matters, and Barratt Urban Regeneration on a £100m redevelopment. The ‘committed’ Gareth Morgan provides advice ‘imbued with practicality’.
TLT LLP’s ‘pragmatic’ team ‘understands clients ’ business and the market’, and advised Wates Construction on construction and development projects. Carillion and Dean & Dyball are also clients. Simon Goss heads the group.
Thrings LLP advised Diamond Worldwide Finance on the £12m Aberconway House refurbishment, and Cyclamax on construction aspects of two plant site acquisitions. Steve McCombe is ‘a legal safety net’, providing ‘timely support and sound legal advice’.
Veale Wasbrough Vizards advised Hills Waste on a plant construction and operation, and acted for Henry Boot in developing a new Waitrose store. Jason Prosser and Huw Morgan provide ‘prompt, pragmatic advice with patience and diligence’.
Withy King LLP acted for the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust on construction matters, and advised Forcia on project procurement issues. Graham Street heads the team, and Louise Garcia is ‘extremely client focused’.
BPE Solicitors LLP has ‘great industry experience and adopts a no-nonsense approach’. The ‘astute, concise and approachable’ Jon Close heads the team, which acts for Britannia Construction.
Sarah Jane Hudson heads Charles Russell LLP’s team, which advised Matcon on construction warranty issues.
Foot Anstey ‘makes the client feel valued’, and Chris Hoar regularly impresses. Cornwall Care and Home Claim Repair is a client.
Contentious construction specialist David Herbert heads the team at Lester Aldridge LLP.
Rickerbys LLP provides ‘outstanding help’, and can handle ‘detailed and complex documentation’. Tim Walker heads the team.
Steele Raymond LLP’s head of property Sue Middleton has a focus on construction.
Trowers & Hamlins LLP’s Alan Tate is ‘committed, and a good team player’.
Environment
Environment
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- Burges Salmon LLP Bristol
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- Bond Pearce LLP Plymouth, Bristol
- Osborne Clarke Bristol
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3
- Beachcroft Bristol
- Clarke Willmott LLP Bristol, Taunton
- Stephens Scown LLP Exeter
- TLT LLP Bristol
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- Michelmores LLP Exeter
- Thrings LLP Bath
- Veale Wasbrough Vizards Bristol
The team at Burges Salmon LLP is considered comparable with those at City firms. It recently advised Ibstock Brick on environmental aspects of its historical sites, while other clients include International Power and The Carbon Trust. Georgie Messent provides ‘pragmatic and sensible advice’, and Ross Fairley is also recommended.
Bond Pearce LLP can ‘call upon a multidisciplinary team when required’. It advised ScottishPower Renewables, and conducted a review for another renewables client regarding multimillion-pound wind farm projects. Sarah Holmes is able to ‘pitch a legal resolution and make it understood by all’. John Houghton heads the team.
Osborne Clarke’s ‘highly responsive’ team has a ‘clear customer focus’, and practice head Alan John has ‘great knowledge of business requirements’. St Regis Paper was advised on a Crown Court prosecution brought by the Environment Agency, and BNRG Renewables and Hills Waste are new clients.
Beachcroft’s Anne Harrison provides ‘clear, decisive advice with regard to the bigger picture’. The team advised Plymouth City Council regarding breaches of waste management legislation, and Northumbrian Water on a pollution incident.
Clarke Willmott LLP is ‘one of the few high-calibre firms in the field’ and is valued for its ability to ‘obtain the best possible outcome’. Clients include Barratt Homes, S Morris and the SWRDA. Neil Baker has a ‘real appreciation of the technical issues’.
Stephens Scown LLP’s Ian Lamond has ‘excellent subject matter knowledge’, and a ‘practical and pragmatic’ approach. The team has expertise in minerals and waste issues, and advised on an eco-town development, the UK’s largest such project, in the St Austell china clay area.
Katherine Evans leads the team at TLT LLP, which advises Portbury Sea Wall Commission on liabilities relating to the breach of sea defences, and acted for a commercial property developer regarding asbestos liability.
Michelmores LLP’s Mark Howard ‘knows how to plan a case strategically’, and is ‘level headed and to the point’.
Peter Cusick heads the team at Thrings LLP, which has a substantial developer client base, and recently defended clients against controlled waste prosecutions.
Tim Smithers at Veale Wasbrough Vizards is an expert in contaminated land matters.
Planning
Planning
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1
- Bond Pearce LLP Bristol
- Burges Salmon LLP Bristol
- Clarke Willmott LLP Bristol
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2
- Ashfords LLP Exeter, Taunton
- Davitt Jones Bould Taunton
- Michelmores LLP Exeter
- Osborne Clarke Bristol
- TLT LLP Bristol
- Veale Wasbrough Vizards Bristol
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3
- Beachcroft Bristol
- Charles Russell LLP Cheltenham
- Stephens Scown LLP Exeter
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- Battens Solicitors Limited Yeovil
- Bevan Brittan LLP Bristol
- Foot Anstey Exeter, Taunton, Plymouth
- Horsey Lightly Fynn Bournemouth
- Humphreys & Co. Bristol
- Thrings LLP Bristol, Bath Swindon
Bond Pearce LLP’s planning team provides ‘timely advice at a competitive cost’. It advised Veolia Environmental Services in relation to a waste-to-energy facility, and Eneco Round 3 Development in relation to three offshore wind farms. Richard Guyatt is ‘very experienced and knowledgeable’, and provides ‘great advice in an approachable manner’.
Burges Salmon LLP’s ‘exceptionally strong’ team acted for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in obtaining consent for a £500m radioactive waste storage facility, and advised Covanta Energy regarding compulsory purchases. Patrick Robinson heads the team.
Clarke Willmott LLP provides ‘swift responses’ and gives ‘market-leading strategic assistance’. The team advised Wraxall and Failand Parish Council and Long Ashton Parish Council regarding a planning inquiry, and Bovis Homes on planning agreement renegotiations. Neil Baker heads the team.
Ashfords LLP ‘goes the extra mile’, and ‘turns a job around at very short notice’. Highlights included negotiating a s106 agreement for Shepway District Council, and advising the Environment Agency regarding a compulsory purchase. John Bosworth heads the team.
Davitt Jones Bould has a dedicated team with a public sector focus. It advised Wiltshire Council on the disposal of its former salt storage/transport facility to Sainsbury’s. Diane Alison is ‘very thorough’, and has ‘great knowledge of compulsory purchase orders’.
Michelmores LLP acted for Exeter & Devon Airport on its major development scheme, and advised Cavanna Homes and Bovis Homes on a 250-home development. Practice head Graham Cridland and Mark Howard are recommended.
Osborne Clarke is Associated British Ports’ sole planning and environmental adviser for all its UK ports. The team also advised Asda on planning applications for its new store programme. Brian Greenwood has a ‘clear understanding of client needs’, and ‘very good industry knowledge’.
TLT LLP ‘hits tight deadlines’ and ‘responds quickly to unforeseen issues’. Katherine Evans heads the team, which advised Swan Group on a major redevelopment, and Hastoe Housing Association in a claim regarding a village green.
Veale Wasbrough Vizards advised Airbus UK on a £210m business park planning application, and East Devon District Council on the negotiation of a s106 agreement. Tim Smithers heads the team, and Simon Baker is now a consultant.
Beachcroft provides ‘well-founded advice no matter what the issue’. Highlights included advising Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in a planning appeal, and Canynge Bicknell on planning permission for a mixed-use development. Anne Harrison and the ‘efficient and personable’ Nick Knapman are recommended.
Charles Russell LLP has ‘excellent industry knowledge’, and its advice is ‘always appropriate’. It represented Midland Pig Producers on a s106 agreement regarding a biogas plant. Anne Bennett’s advice is ‘up to date and jargon free’, and Michael Bennett is also recommended.
Stephens Scown LLP’s ‘extremely good’ team is advising in relation to the UK’s largest eco-town development, the largest tungsten and tin mine in the West of England, and several major land acquisitions. Ian Lamond provides ‘excellent service’, and ensures that ‘an appropriate specialist undertakes the work required’.
David Stephens is recommended at Battens Solicitors Limited.
Kathryn Lawrance at Bevan Brittan LLP is recommended.
Foot Anstey has the 'very capable' Isabel Diver and Gareth Pinwell.
Horsey Lightly Fynn has the 'dominant planning practice in Dorset and Hampshire', and features the 'hugely experienced' Lionel Fynn.
Robert Humphreys' team at Humphreys & Co. has excellent industry knowledge'.
At Thrings LLP, the team's 'expertise and attention to detail are very impressive', and associate Alex Madden is 'enthusiastic and tenacious'.
Property litigation
Property litigation
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1
- Clarke Willmott LLP Bristol, Taunton
- Osborne Clarke Bristol
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2
- Bond Pearce LLP Bristol, Plymouth
- Burges Salmon LLP Bristol
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3
- Ashfords LLP Tiverton, Exeter, Taunton, Bristol
- Beachcroft Bristol
- Veale Wasbrough Vizards Bristol
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- Bevan Brittan LLP Bristol
- Charles Russell LLP Cheltenham
- Foot Anstey Plymouth, Exeter, Truro
- Lester Aldridge LLP Bournemouth, Truro
- Michelmores LLP Exeter
- TLT LLP Bristol
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- Battens Solicitors Limited Yeovil
- Follett Stock Truro
- Laceys Bournemouth
- Steele Raymond LLP Bournemouth
- Stephens Scown LLP Exeter, Truro, St Austell
- Stones Solicitors LLP Exeter
- Thrings LLP Bath, Swindon, Bristol
- Willans LLP Cheltenham
- Wilsons Salisbury
- Withy King LLP Bath, Swindon
Clarke Willmott LLP won new clients including Delta South West and Castle Hotel, and represented PETROC in obtaining vacant possession from 02, Orange, Airwave and Vodafone. Chris Taylor is ‘head and shoulders above the competition’, and Bonnie Martin provides ‘customer service par excellence’.
Osborne Clarke offers ‘real industry and client understanding’, and gives ‘refreshingly clear and concise’ advice. The team successfully acted for Centaur Services in defending a claim for rent; and is Vodafone’s primary adviser for landlord and tenant disputes. Leona Briggs is ‘superb’: ‘fast, commercial and calm’.
Bond Pearce LLP defended a recycling business against a nuisance claim, and represented English Heritage in an action to recover money. Patrick Wetherall’s advice is ‘always valuable, concise and to the point’, and James Rees is ‘very responsive to and conscious of clients ’ needs’.
Burges Salmon LLP advised Stroudwater Redevelopment on a £2m land dispute, and FirstGroup on a landslip damages claim. Richard Bedford is a ‘very good negotiator’, and ‘commercially astute’.
Ashfords LLP advised on the exercise of break options and the pursuit of guarantors regarding default of lease obligations, and saw an increase in property-related professional negligence cases. Sian Gibbon heads the team.
Nick Knapman’s team at Beachcroft has ‘in-depth market knowledge’, and ‘takes the time to understand clients ’ needs’. Clients include Westfield Shoppingtowns, Johnson Dry Cleaners and Her Majesty’s Courts Service.
Veale Wasbrough Vizards provides ‘tactical guidance in tricky disputes’. The team acts for PwC, and recently represented Wycombe District Council in a disputed rent review. The ‘shrewd’ Michelle Bendall is ‘relentless in her pursuit of what is best for her client’.
Bevan Brittan LLP represented a client in a dispute regarding flagship leasehold premises in London, and also acted for Buckinghamshire County Council. Steven Eccles ‘defuses and minimises potential dramas’.
Patrick Gearon heads Charles Russell LLP’s team, which recently acted in a £2m dispute relating to the enfranchisement of flats in London. Flodrive Holdings and Newland Homes are also clients. Sadly, Vanessa Watson passed away in December 2010.
Foot Anstey’s ‘superb negotiator’ Richard Bagwell ‘outmanoeuvres the other side’. Clients include the Ministry of Defence, Northcliffe Media, Sutton Harbour Group and The Wrigley Company.
Lester Aldridge LLP displays a ‘City-firm level of skill at less than half City rates’. The team acted for a foreign government in securing possession of real estate in London, and Rockstone Securities is a new client. The ‘efficient and effective’ Jenny Hermer is ‘unwilling to let go of a problem until it is resolved’.
Michelmores LLP advised Barratt Homes on contractual provisions contained in a tripartite agreement, and Eagle One Properties regarding a tenant’s administration. Rob Nicholson gives ‘prompt and considered advice’, and ‘resolves matters swiftly’.
Mark Routley at TLT LLP regularly acts for retail, leisure, telecoms and financial sector clients, including Bank of Ireland, Covent Garden Market Authority and Muji.
Bhavani Hogarty at Battens Solicitors Limited is recommended.
Follett Stock’s clients have ‘complete confidence’ in Martin Pearse, who is ‘always on the ball’.
Laceys’ Mark Timberlake ‘explains complex issues in understandable terms’, and is ‘excellent in really difficult situations’.
Robert Bajaj’s team at Steele Raymond LLP offers ‘clear, concise advice’.
Stephens Scown LLP’s ‘efficient advice’ is ‘spot on and cost sensitive’. Head of the team Mark Richardson is ‘precise, confident and concise’.
Paul Keeling’s team at Stones Solicitors LLP acts for WRFCA and London and WestCountry Estates.
Thrings LLP’s ‘personable and commercial’ team includes practice head Michael Tatters and Warren Reid, who ‘tackles issues head on’.
Willans LLP’s team head Nick Cox ‘deals with matters efficiently’, and has a ‘practical, common-sense approach’.
Practice head Peter Bourke at Wilsons specialises in litigation including rights of way cases, boundary disputes, and landlord and tenant matters.
Withy King LLP’s team is headed by Caroline Preist and includes the ‘dedicated’ Mike Hansom, who ‘refuses to be beaten’.
Social housing
Social housing
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1
- Trowers & Hamlins LLP Exeter
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2
- Bevan Brittan LLP Bristol
- Clarke Willmott LLP Bristol
- TLT LLP Bristol
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3
- Ashfords LLP Exeter, Tiverton
- Stephens Scown LLP Exeter, St Austell
- Stones Solicitors LLP Exeter
- Tozers LLP Exeter
Trowers & Hamlins LLP’s advice is ‘second to none’, ‘high quality, considered and prompt’. The team advised Midas Homes on a factory site regeneration providing 400 residential units, and The Guinness Trust on a care home disposal. Joseph Acton leads the team, which has‘particularly good depth of knowledge and experience’.
Bevan Brittan LLP provides ‘good breadth of expertise’, and acted for Sovereign Living in purchasing 34 newly built units from Bovis Homes. Kane Kirkbride has a ‘good understanding of clients ’ business’.
Clarke Willmott LLP acted for Yarlington Homes in negotiations regarding the novation of contracts following ROK’s administration. Anne Hayward is ‘swift and trustworthy’.
TLT LLP’s Paul Butterworth combines ‘comprehensive responses with practical recommendations’, and increasingly advises on private finance transactions. Knightstone Housing Association instructed the team on a 500-unit disposal.
Ashfords LLP is recommended for contentious work and has been advising on housing management cases including service charge disputes and homelessness applications. Sian Gibbon heads the team, which is ‘reliable, efficient and experienced’.
Stephens Scown LLP attracts praise for its sector experience. Keith Wright provides ‘clear and helpful advice’, and recently acted for Hastoe Housing Association on its £50m refinancing.
Stones Solicitors LLP ‘delivers quick and pragmatic advice tailored to the matter in hand’, and practice head James Menzies is a ‘safe pair of hands’. The team acted for Western Challenge Housing Association and Medina Housing Association. Nick Dyer is now a consultant.
Tozers LLP’s Simon Sanger-Anderson provides ‘excellent client care’, and recently defended South Western Housing Society against an allegation of disability discrimination.