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Eversheds LLP’s David Watkins ‘provides concise quality advice and very effectively manages the team’, which includes seven partners and is noted for its commercial approach and business understanding. Most of its work is located outside Wales, for clients such as GSK and Castleoak Group. James Trafford focuses on clean energy, and recently advised RWE npower on securing land interests for an offshore windfarm in North Wales. The Cardiff team also led on solar power projects for various interests including British Gas.

Berry Smith mainly acts for lenders and developers, recently advising Principality on developments in Wales and England. Other highlights included Bridgend Council’s land disposal for the high-profile Porthcawl regeneration scheme. Practice head Roger Berry is a highly regarded figure and leads a specialist team including Chris Jones, whose focus includes residential and commercial developments, and Martin Pursall, who leads on secured lending work.

Geldards LLP’s strong public sector client base includes the Assembly Government and Cardiff University. Ioan Owen led on Admiral’s high-profile Cardiff HQ development, with practice head and long-term project specialist Rowland Davies (a ‘practical thinker able to bring in specialist advice’) also advising. Real estate finance partner Mike Jeffs (noted for his ‘reliable advice’) acted on sales outside Wales for Hodge Investments and Atlantic Property; and Rob James acted for ABP on a renewables project.

Led by David Roberts, Hugh James acts for public sector bodies, private developers and housing associations, with areas of focus including student housing and renewables. Peter Hurn advised the WRU on Olympic-use agreements for the Millennium Stadium, and also acted on wind farm and residential developments. Penny Cranston advises Watkins Jones Group on student accommodation schemes, and Christopher Agius handles real estate finance.

Technically very competent and commercially aware of the transactions it takes on’, M & A Solicitors LLP is led by the well-regarded Jonathan Geen, and acts for a mix of developer and investor clients, among them PMG, Gamesa Energy and Atlantic Property. Geen and Stephen Morris acted on a land acquisition at a site next to Cardiff Bay’s Sports Village earmarked for regeneration.

Morgan Cole acts for public and private sector clients and institutional groups, including local health boards and Welsh Power Group subsidiaries. The well-regarded Philip Jardine led on completing a development agreement for Igloo Regeneration Partnership regarding a £30m BBC/Assembly Government media village project. Geoffrey Reed acted for Rush Projects on a multimillion-pound mixed-use redevelopment in Cardiff city centre.

Capital Law LLP’s practice head Helen Thomas’ focus includes large-scale disposals and development finance. Recent work includes acting for Vale of Glamorgan Council on the Penarth Heights regeneration scheme; Apollo Cinemas on acquisitions; and ABP on a £53m land disposal. It also advised Santander on acquisition and development financings.

At Darwin Gray, practice head Alison Ivin focuses on development and regeneration projects; and Donald Gray specialises in mining/minerals and common land issues, providing ‘support and sound, honest advice at all times’. Clients include Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes.

MLM Cartwright’s commercial property team is led by Nigel Morgan, who acts for public sector bodies and private companies. David King primarily advises telecoms operators and NHS bodies.

Thomas Simon Solicitors handles a range of property matters across the UK. Simon Morgan and Rupert Thomas lead the team.

At Dolmans Solicitors, associate Ryan David acts for plcs, local authorities and lenders, recently acting on industrial, residential and commercial transactions. Clients include Kingfisher Homes and Venture Wales.

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