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The five-partner team at Higgs & Sons provides a ‘first-rate service’. It acts for names such as McDonald’s, Avis Rent a Car, and London and Cambridge Properties, one of the UK’s largest private landlords, and also has considerable expertise in property financing, advising clients such as RBS and National Westminster Bank. The ‘thoroughly professional and pleasant’ Sara Shepherd and Peter Coleman are highly recommended.

Knights solicitors llp’s property practice is ‘City standard’ but with ‘the fees and accessibility to fee-earners of a provincial practice’. It advised on the acquisition of 15 industrial, retail and commercial sites for investment clients (value approx. £65m), and has a notable mines and minerals practice. Clients include Hanson Quarry Products and Tarmac. Karl Bamford is ‘technically excellent’.

Wright Hassall LLP has a number of ‘sensible and commercial lawyers’, among them practice head Nick Abell and ‘good all-rounder’ David Slade. It acts for BMW and JCDecaux (UK), and was formally appointed to the legal panel of Orbit Homes, as well as remaining on the panel for Myers La Roche. Recent work includes advising Butchers Pet Care on the £38m acquisition of a new headquarters and manufacturing facility.

The ‘very helpful and professional’ Kevin Styles heads the team at FBC Manby Bowdler LLP, which has considerable expertise in agriculture and the retail sector (advising Halfords and Claire’s Accessories UK among others). The group is also advising the Diocese of Lichfield in relation to its portfolio of properties across the region. The firm has a strong housing team led by David Lucas.

Led by David Jones, KJD Freeth LLP acts for a broad range of clients in the public and private sectors, including advising local authorities in urban regeneration projects. The team has developed a niche practice advising on manorial rights and rights of reverter.

Shakespeares’ lead partners are Janet James and Richard Cox. The team represents National Grid, and has experience in renewable energy projects. It is also active in landlord and tenant matters.

Ansons LLP has been advising Marston’s on various property transactions, and acted for Veolia Environment Group on the sale of a former coal and clay pit. Simon James heads the team, and Sarah Popp is complimented for her ‘proactive advice’.

Ceri Mort heads the department at George Green LLP, and recently acted for Dudley College in connection with the college’s proposed £30m relocation from five existing sites to a new town-centre campus. Another highlight was acting for Walter Smith Fine Foods on an acquisition of 15 shops.

Harrison Clark LLP’s Cindy Bexfield provides ‘excellent support and advice’, and has a broad range of experience including niche expertise in Islamic property investment funding. The practice remains strong in its core areas of residential development, sports club development, and medical practices.

At Lanyon Bowdler, Andrew Evans is appreciated for his ‘attention to detail’, and Roger Taylor is ‘very knowledgeable’. The team advised Tomlinson’s Dairies on the acquisition and development of a new dairy.

Band Hatton LLP’s Philip Costigan is ‘very diligent and responsive’. The team has a diverse client base that includes landlords and tenants, and various charitable organisations.

Brethertons LLP specialises in areas such as secured lending, care homes and leisure, alongside niche expertise in wind farms and IT and telecommunications masts. Mary Anderson heads the department.

Keelys LLP advises on the full gamut of commercial property issues, from site acquisitions and disposals to agricultural leases. Practice head James Chisholm is recommended.

The ‘extremely capable’ Nick East heads the team at Lodders Solicitors LLP. The ‘knowledgeable’ Mark Lee led the advice to IM Properties on a £67m sale of retail premises.

The ‘very practical’ Richard Egan leads a ‘very capable team’ at ORJ Solicitors LLP. Deal highlights included acting for Freeman Holdings in the purchase of a large industrial unit.

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