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Addleshaw Goddard LLP’s practice is led by Bruce Lightbody and has an outstanding reputation for its sector knowledge. British Land recently instructed the firm in relation to the completion of more than 60 lettings at Meadowhall shopping centre. Other clients include Travelodge Hotels, Standard Life Investments, and Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council.

DLA Piper UK LLP has a sizeable real estate practice and is regularly involved in major projects. Recent examples include advising Keepmoat on housing market renewal pathfinder schemes, including issues such as overarching development agreements and the drawdown of initial development parcels. It also advised Tata Steel on aspects of the sale of its TCP business. Tim Field heads the practice in Leeds.

Eversheds LLP’s practice has a proven record in high-value investment transactions for established funds such as Legal & General, as well as advising blue-chip property companies Hammerson and Lend Lease on shopping centre asset management work. George Bacon and Steve Felstead are key figures. Adrian Hill recently left the firm for Muckle LLP.

Walker Morris’ clients include Land Securities’ Trinity Scheme, which instructs the firm on all property-related matters. The team is currently advising it in the negotiation of compromise agreements with several adjoining owners and occupiers. Other highlights included acting for Thornfield Properties in relation to the sale of Thornaby Town Centre to BAW Systems Pensions Funds Trustees. Jeremy Moore heads the practice.

Mark Owen heads Pinsent Masons LLP’s well-respected practice, which attracts high-profile instructions from quality clients. Recent examples include advising Evans Property Group on a joint venture with the University of York for the co-investment, management and operation of the newly built Goodricke College. Other new client wins include Aviva, Standard Life and Whitbread.

Squire Sanders Hammonds’ clients are ‘highly impressed’ with the team’s ‘excellent knowledge and expertise’ and ‘friendly approach’. Andrew Sprake heads the practice, which includes John Leake, ‘a lawyer of significant experience and ability’. Clients also recommend Prew Lumley and Karen French, who are ‘both highly motivated, efficient and commercial in their approach’.

Beachcroft is renowned for its capabilities in the public sector, and also has private sector clients including The General Practice Group and DB Schenker Rail. Simon Sherwood provides ‘a pragmatic, client-focused service, and demonstrates commitment’. Virginia Clegg is also recommended.

Clarion delivers ‘speedy and cost-effective solutions’, and is ‘commercial, pragmatic, diligent and very attentive’. Martin Grange heads the practice, which has particular expertise advising housebuilders.

Led by Andrew Flounders, Cobbetts LLP ‘provides quality advice’, and valued for its ‘swift response times’. New client wins include Jet2 and the Berens Group. Jonathan Crew is recommended.

The team at DWF LLP is ‘always reliable’ and ‘pays great attention to detail’. Clients include Countrywide. Nic Crocker is the key partner contact.

Dickinson Dees LLP’s practice is headed by David Stone. It advised York Investors LLP on the sale and development agreement for the construction of the proposed new building for York City Council.

Dixon Law has a strong reputation in healthcare, advising GPs and developers on the imminent abolition of PCTs. Other key instructions included acting on the disposal to an investor of one of the last remaining tenanted buildings at Monks Cross Business Park in York. Colin Dixon is the key contact.

Ford & Warren’s practice is headed by Mark Crabtree. Examples of recent work include representing Punch Group in a disposal programme which involved the sale of over 1,000 public houses. Verder and Surcoat Group are clients.

Gordons LLP’s recent highlights include acting for Centre Island in the acquisition and construction of a new Holiday Inn Express hotel in Manchester. Other clients include LF Europe and Gleadell Agriculture. Barbara Rollin heads the practice.

Irwin Mitchell LLP’s well-respected practice recently represented Hallam Land/Henry Boot in relation to a new mixed-use development at Bridgwater in Somerset. Practice head John Flathers is ‘an invaluable legal adviser’.

Lee & Priestley LLP is noted for its ‘excellent level of service’ and ‘strong industry knowledge’. Recent advice includes an acquisition for Jack Lunn of a portfolio of Skipton Building Society branches on a purchase and leaseback basis. Practice head David Coleman ‘offers firm advice’ and is ‘always accessible’.

The ‘excellent’ practice at Lupton Fawcett LLP is headed by David Whitaker, and in 2010 added David Bowden from Watson Burton LLP. In 2010 the team received a number of instructions from Marsdens Development, including the purchase of a listed building in Park Square.

At Schofield Sweeney, the partners are ‘well connected’ and the practice ‘provides a seamless service’. The team is headed by Darren Birkinshaw and includes Richard Innes, who joined in 2010 from Walker Morris. Recent highlights include acting for Handelsbanken in the refinancing of a property portfolio valued at over £60m.

Ward Hadaway’s practice continues to prosper, with recent instructions including advice to Allied London Group relating to retail lettings in the Spinningfields development in Manchester. Kevin Weston and Judy Fawcett are the key partners in the group.

Watson Burton LLP’s clients include Barnsley College, Niche Homes and Mansion Group. The team has recently been advising Austin Reed on new store openings on the high street and in shopping centres.

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Legal Developments in the UK

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