Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s impressive and diverse real estate offering ranges from day-to-day asset management to complex high-value regeneration projects. Its client base consists of domestic and international clients and covers both traditional and alternative asset classes. In the residential investment and development market, the group remains at the forefront of the BTR sector, with Andrew Yates continuing to lead in this area. Practice co-head Chris de Pury, Chris Rowe, and Liana Hewson have been heavily involved in advising on sustainable developments while Matthew Peel focuses on transactions in the healthcare and senior living sectors. Elsewhere, Claire Milton advises on lettings and corporate real estate deals. Co-head Sam Narula's experience includes investment work for private equity funds and HNWIs while Celia Berg has a strong student accommodation practice. Alan Wight, Robert MacGregor, Emma La Wita and Juliet Thomas are part of the corporate occupier team that is known for handling high-value pre-letting transactions.

Clifford Chance LLP has a strong track record in complex real estate developments and is particularly well known for its City and Canary Wharf headquarter projects. Other areas of expertise include mixed-use, urban regeneration and infrastructure projects as well as corporate real estate acquisition and joint venture work. The group demonstrates significant cross-border expertise with Angela Kearns focusing on inbound investment work from the APAC region, particularly from Japan, while Mark Payne and Alis Pay assist international investors on a range of deals, including pan-European portfolio transactions. Elsewhere, the group has impressive credentials for acting on major HQ transactions for both occupiers and landlords and is involved in several secondary market lettings. Matt Taylor has experience in largescale landlord/tenant matters, with an emphasis acting on the tenant-side. Head of London real estate Nigel Howorth has a strong energy-related practice that includes advising on power station developments. Ian Painter is also recommended.

Hogan Lovells International LLP deploys its international strength and presence to act for an impressive overseas investors and major landowners, advising on the full life cycle of investment transactions and properties. The global real estate practice is headed by Daniel Norris, who specialises in direct and indirect investment transactions, asset management, and student housing. Oliver Chamberlain is head of the UK real estate practice; his expertise covers all aspects of commercial real estate and he represents lucrative clients such as the BBC, M&G Real Estate, and British Land, whilst former practice head Jackie Newstead can draw on many years of expertise in advising retailers and hoteliers on acquisitions and disposals, management arrangements, and financings. Gill McGreevy is particularly knowledgeable in areas relating to regeneration and development relating to energy projects, retail, and institutional investment. Dion Panambalana contributes his focus on mixed-use urban and non-urban developments and regeneration, structured sales, and leasebacks to the team.

Praised for its ‘breadth of talent and experience’, Mayer Brown International LLP is no stranger to big-ticket real estate transactions, as demonstrated by its advice to Cabot Properties on the sale of its logistics portfolio to Blackstone Real Estate, led by head of development Caroline Humble. ‘Invaluable’ Chris Harvey spearheads the firm’s UK and European real estate team and is the ‘go-to partner in the London market for Asian investors, who are looking to do substantial, complicated deals’. Simon Price is noted for his expertise in the hospitality sector and advises on corporate real estate transactions, joint ventures, acquisitions and high-profile lettings, while Iain Roberts handles headquarter relocations, post-property acquisition leasing transactions, as well as mixed-use development projects. Other key members of the team include head of corporate real estate Anita Jones, experienced practitioner Joe Conder, who joined from Goodwin in early 2021, and managing partner Jeremy Clay. The practice has demonstrable experience across the office, retail, residential, logistics, student accommodation and co-living sectors.

The ‘exceptionally talented team’ at Norton Rose Fulbright has demonstrable experience in energy, infrastructure and other long-term development projects, as well as social housing investment mandates and leverages its international network to advise on complex cross-border real estate matters. UK practice leader and leading Islamic finance specialist Wasim Khan  has experience in acting for developers and banks in relation to waste to energy schemes, in addition to renewable energy and power projects, while global head of real estate Dan Wagerfield handles mixed-use developments and outbound capital from Asia. Louisa Roe, who was promoted to partner in January 2022, is praised as a ‘tour de force’ when acting for both landlords and tenants in leasing transactions, while Charlie Pinkerton advises on office and headquarter relocations. David Hawkins focuses on mixed-use developments and David Sinclair handles a range of projects in the office, hotel and infrastructure sectors.

Slaughter and May advises on all aspects of large-scale development projects, particularly in the sports sector, where the ‘excellent real estate team’ has demonstrable experience in major stadia mandates. In the corporate occupier space, high-profile headquarters relocations take up a large proportion of the practice’s workload - the team is notably well-regarded for its work for other major law firms. The team is well-placed to leverage the expertise of the firm’s corporate and tax groups to handle all forms of direct and indirect investments, particularly portfolio transactions, often involving a cross-border element. Jane Edwarde leads the team and has considerable experience in sports-related projects, such as advising Everton Football Club on the development of its 52,000-seat stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. John Nevin has a ‘marvellous talent for distilling the key points’ when advising on acquisitions, developments and letting matters, while ‘exceptional’ senior counsel Simon Bartle is another key member of the team.

The corporate occupier team at London firm Bristows LLP is primarily instructed by clients in the technology, life sciences and retail sectors. In particular, the group has broad experience in the retail sector, including specialist expertise in garden centres as well as restaurants and luxury fashion outlets. It has also a strong technology practice, with Tim Allen handling headquarter transactions for significant UK tech companies. Practice head Teresa Edmund ‘s client base consists of both UK and internationally based businesses and is supported by associate Gemma Kirsch who has experience in asset management, transactions, and acquisitions and disposals.

The national real estate practice at Burges Salmon LLP is spread across Bristol and London and serves clients on a full spectrum of matters, from large-scale infrastructure projects to headquarters relocations. Richard Clark   leads the real estate sector group, advises private and public sector clients, which include Transport for London, The Crown Estate, and John Lewis Partnership. Paul Browne  contributes to the development and investment side of the practice, regularly acting for banks as well as lenders wherever the matter concerns real estate assets; Browne has particular expertise in the real estate side of the nuclear industry and also advises multi-national organisations and institutions. Richard Read advises UK and international investment funds and companies, and global corporates. experience in offices, retail, and industrial asset classes with an emphasis on student accommodation, hotels, and leisure. Ross Polkinghorne is passionate about sustainable real estate and has a great deal of experience in sustainable regeneration schemes.

Specialist real estate firm Davitt Jones Bould works nationally under the leadership of Madeleine Davitt, who has a stellar reputation for her work on lucrative public sector projects such as the new Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park, and the London 2012 Olympics, in addition to her advice to local authorities. The firm has a strong performance record in advising on corporate occupiers and development matters for important landmarks including the development of a new Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre at Victoria Gardens, and Fujifilm’s new headquarters. The firm is benefiting from the experience brought by new members of the team, which include: John Condliffe from Hogan Lovells International LLP;  John Adams from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP; Michelle Powell from Wedlake Bell LLP; and Tina Durani from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP.

Multinational firm Dentons advises a host of international investors from as far afield as South Korea, India, the US, and Luxembourg, drawing on its large, cross-border real estate network. The firm is active in the alternative assets and BTR sectors, as well as the senior living market and student accomodation, all of which national real estate practice head Deepa Deb has a particular focus in. Rob Thompson is head of the national and Middle East real estate practice and uses his 'deep knowledge' to advise banks, private equity funds, and listed and non-listed property companies, in addition to large corporates which operate in the office, hotels, logistics, retail, and high-end residential sectors. Alex Coulter  focuses on investment, development, and lease negotiations in the logistics, retail, and office sectors, while associate Carla Revelo has 'excellent attention to detail' and extensive expertise in high-value development projects and investment portfolios.

Eversheds Sutherland's London real estate team - which offers an 'unusual combination of technical competence and commercial realism' - is led by the hugely experienced Bruce Dear. He fronts a 'very strong occupier advisory team' which acts for a raft of household name clients, including major tech companies. On the investment front, the team handles complex and high-profile transactions, covering acquisitions and joint ventures for clients from a range of sectors, including financial services, office providers, student accomodation, pension funds and many more. The highly regarded Tom Goldsmith has a track record of work on complex, mixed-use development projects and large-scale portfolio purchases and is seen as 'a very strong technical lawyer with excellent project management skills.' Nicholas Bartlett heads up the real estate investment team and also leads the firm's living sub-group, while Lee Jackson plays a key role in the firm's private capital real estate business.

Led by Brian Kilcoyne, the real estate team at Lewis Silkin ‘go the extra mile’ for clients across the media and entertainment, retail, hospitality and leisure sectors when advising on high-value development projects and regeneration mandates. Rachel Francis-Lang is a key contact for corporate occupier matters, including the negotiation of commercial leases and acquisitions of headquarters premises on a pre-let basis. Anthony van Hoffen, whose ‘knowledge and expertise is exceptional’, leads the development and regeneration group, which counts major projects in the private and public sectors in its workload. Other key members of the team include co-head of the firm’s retail, hospitality and leisure team, Julia Poulter, who handles landlord and tenant issues and property management work, and planning expert Sara Hanrahan, who advises on redevelopment projects and regeneration schemes.

Praised for its ‘diligent attention to detail, personal relationship management and depth of experience across the team’, City firm Wedlake Bell LLP acts for a wide range of domestic and international corporate buyers and funds in investment transactions. Led by David De Maupeou, the real estate group is noted for its capability in residential development projects, as well as mixed-use and business park schemes, with Kim Lalli being a key contact in this space, particularly for housebuilders and healthcare providers. David Roberts has considerable experience in investments arising out of the retail and logistics sectors, while Sarah Blunn and Suzanne Gill, who is commended for her ‘razor sharp mind’, are key contacts for corporate occupier matters.

Addleshaw Goddard is particularly active in major city regeneration schemes, acting for some of London’s biggest developers. It also represents several overseas investors, particularly from Asia and the Middle East; Leona Ahmed is the key contact for cross-border real estate matters. The team continues to be instructed on alternative asset classes, with divisional managing partner Adrian Collins specialising in BTR and student accommodation while Rachel Orton is an expert in the senior living and healthcare sectors. Practice head Iain Hindhaugh's wide range of expertise includes international inbound investment, listed UK PropCos, logistics as well as acting for corporate occupiers. Chris Cartwright  co-heads the corporate occupiers team in London.

BDB Pitmans’ real estate team has particular expertise in charities and the not-for profit sector; department head Jonathan Fewster advises on disposals and lettings of surplus land, joint venture opportunities, and restructuring. Fewster is ‘value driven and outcome focused’ with his wide experience in acting for corporate occupiers on landlord and tenant work. Associate Emma Roche specialises in advising domestic and offshore private wealth sector clients on real estate matters and corporate occupiers on leasehold structures. Associate Sarah Godfrey is an ‘absolute property guru’  with expertise in granting and taking leases of commercial and mixed-use property.

Led by Lee Medlock, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP offers a ‘one-stop-shop’ service for a mix of investors, commercial developers and corporate occupiers. The group handles complex mixed-use schemes, with particular expertise in joint venture and partnership agreements. The team demonstrates considerable strength in both the logistics and life sciences sectors, with Eddie Richards and Suzi Gatward focusing on the former, while Louise Ward concentrates on the latter. Robin Grove and Alexander Gold are the key names for development work, specialising in regeneration schemes. Sarah Morley leads the office occupiers practice at the firm and focuses on headquarters moves and the rationalisation of space.

Based across offices in Tunbridge Wells and London, Cripps serves a host of clients which include developers and housebuilders, banks, and real estate investors. Stephen Hedley heads the overall real estate practice at the firm, while Jason Tann leads the commercial real estate team and advises landed estates, property companies, private high net worth investors, and offshore investors. Corporate occupiers remains one of the core areas of focus in the firm. Led by Oliver Morris, who has over 20 years’ experience in advising clients on large-scale head office relocations in the professional services, financial services, advertising media, and technology sectors, the team also advises occupiers on domestic and international expansions, negotiating new lease terms, disputes, and relocations.

The ‘incredible, smart, and skilled’ real estate team at Fladgate LLP assists a host of clients with their commercial property needs from a single office in London. Practice head Stephen Lewis acts for family offices, banks, offshore and onshore private investors, with a particular focus on the retail and leisure sectors. Gideon Dabby-Joory advises a range of clients, which include private funds and institutional investors, on urban markets; corporate occupiers on expansion programmes and headqaurters relocations; and often acts for providers of shared office space and retail occupiers. Dabby-Joory and Alan Karsberg are key to the corporate occupiers side of the practice; Karsberg is particularly adept in advising on complex portfolio transactions, sales and leasebacks, as well as landlord and tenant work. Kirsty Corkum joined the team from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner and contributes over 25 years’ experience in providing advice on mixed-use and urban development projects for developers, investors, landlords, and tenants.

Fox Williams LLP's real estate team serves an array of corporate occupiers with a particular emphasis on office occupiers, and institutuional and investor landlords. Phillip Hope heads the practice and is recognised for advising international companies, hotels, family offices, and high net worth individuals. Nish Kapoor 'clearly has a wealth of experience' in acting for corporate occupiers in the technology sector with venture capital companies from Silicon Valley. Elizabeth Ruff has an 'extensive skillset' in relation to the leasing and relocation of headquarter buildings. Senior associate Mary Majewska is 'extremely knowledgeable' with her expertise in larger acquisitions for self-storage companies.

Boutique property firm Glovers Solicitors LLP’s commercial property practice is known for its focus on the high-end food and luxury fashion markets and is described as 'the go-to firm for independent and restaurant chain operators in the hospitality industry'. The firm continues to guide clients through the repercussions of Covid-19, whilst acting on a growing number of acquisitions for restaurants, grab and go, cinemas, pubs and bars, retail, and gyms under the expertise of practice head Philip Shotter. Shotter is praised for his ‘great depth of legal knowledge’, while the ‘very legally astute’ Paul Jagger is instrumental to the team in the launch of new restaurant brands in the UK.

Gowling WLG uses its global reach to serve a wide range of domestic and overseas property investors, which include insitutional investors and REITS, developers, occupiers, and regeneration authorities. Chris Hunt heads the real estate sector team; his areas of expertise include sizeable retail expansion programmes and distribution premises for retailers. Richard Bate has 30 years’ experience of acquisitions and disposals of large-scale consortium developments and strategic land, whilst Nick Mumby is known for advising on complex development projects for family run developers, institutional investors, and international private equity firms. On the corporate occupiers front, Helen Emmerson leads the team and advises clients on leasing regarding a variety of projects such as supermarkets and retail, to life science labs and offices.

The real estate team at GSC Solicitors LLP uses ‘cutting edge and innovative legal thinking combined with commercial savvy' to advise bluechip corporate clients, major hotel owners, fast food franchise owners, and high-net worth individuals on a variety of matters. The firm’s strength and focus is on contentious landlord and tenant work as well as acquisitions, developments, and financing matters. Practice head Harvey Posener provides ‘unparalleled service' with his extensive experience in advising large corporate occupiers on leasing and acquisitions whilst Peter Belcher is ‘extremely well-reputed' for his focus on the hotel, banking, leisure, and healthcare sectors regarding commercial property transactions.

The property team at Harbottle & Lewis LLP has notable experience in acting for corporate occupiers in the office, retail, and hospitality sectors; The team is led by Melanie Benson, who has ‘excellent eye for detail' and specialises in landlord and tenant matters. Benson’s main client base consists of occupiers in the cinema and theatre, retail and luxury brands, restaurant, and media sectors in addition to family offices.

K&L Gates LLP ‘can be relied upon to deliver sound advice across a broad range of real estate property matters’ and its ‘breadth of knowledge and experience means the team is able to act as a one-stop-shop‘ to its roster of clients in the fashion, retail, finance, logistics and technology sectors. Head of the London-based real estate team Christian Major and of counsel Steven Cox, who notably acts for clients in the leisure sector, are key contacts for corporate occupier matters, often involving an international element, while Wayne Smith advises institutional investors on acquisitions, disposals and portfolio management. Tim Webb has experience in acting for multinational corporations and domestic real estate companies across Europe, South East Asia, Brazil and China on real estate private equity matters, as well as institutional investments and development projects. ‘Intuitive’ Emma Maher and special counsel Chiara Del Frate are key contacts in the team.

‘The top-class team’ at Linklaters LLP advises its roster of clients, including domestic and international developers and investors, on big-ticket transactions, including M&A and distressed real estate mandates, as well as high-value regeneration and development projects. Praised as a ‘a steady and knowledgeable guiding force’, global practice head Andy Bruce leads the London-based real estate team and handles acquisition, disposal and financing matters, while senior partner Martin Elliott is the practice’s key contact for development projects. Senior partner Patrick Plant has considerable experience advising investors, developers, lenders and tenants on the full gamut of real estate property mandates in the UK, and Tom Watkins focuses on real estate M&A transactions.

Macfarlanes LLP acts for clients across the logistics and life sciences sectors on redevelopment and urban regeneration projects, and has demonstrable experience in cross-border commercial and residential property transactions, including mandates pertaining to build-to-rent, private rented sector and student accommodation. ‘First-class practitioner’ Anthony Burnett-Scott, who advises on mixed-use developments, jointly leads the real estate practice alongside ‘affable partner’ Clare Breeze, who acts for international investors in commercial property and financing matters, as well as joint ventures. In the corporate occupier space, the practice acts for professional services, retail and media occupiers on relocation projects, acquisition of new premises, disposal of excess space and management of existing premises. Well-placed to advise on the real estate aspects of high-value corporate transactions, the team’s workload relating to private equity real estate continues to grow.

Praised as ‘diligent’ and ‘always hungry for deals’, specialist commercial real estate firm Maples Teesdale LLP provides a partner-led, ‘seamless service’ to its client roster, ranging from institutional investors and property developers to UK-based construction companies, international occupiers and global law firms. Declan Power handles forward funding and purchases matters, as well as joint ventures and development agreements, arising out of the retail, mixed-use and industrial sectors, while Roger Thornton is a key contact for investment transactions, including high-value sales and purchases. Neil Sagoo acts for occupiers in headquarters and other business-critical relocations, while Katherine Watts focuses on both corporate occupier and landowner matters.

Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP’s ‘seamlessly integrated’ practice is noted for its expertise in corporate occupier matters, ranging from high-value leases for headquarters and portfolio refinances, to sale transactions and leasebacks, as well as general leasing and tenant advice. Counting financial institutions, high-net-worth individuals, charities and corporate investors among its key roster of clients, the team is led by ‘standout’ partner and expert property litigator Rudi Ramdarshan, while David Burns’ ‘experience shines through’ and ‘is particularly knowledgeable in matters involving mixed-used property portfolios’. Senior associate Simon Lawrence acts for landlords and tenants on commercial lettings.

With demonstrable experience in the hospitality, retail and leisure, franchising and education sectors, Sherrards Solicitors LLP - which operates from two bases in London and St Albans - handles a range of corporate occupier matters, including standalone lease renewals and regears, as well as portfolio asset management. The team’s workload also includes investment acquisitions and disposals, development agreements and financing mandates. Charles Hodder, who acts for overseas clients, particularly in Malaysia and Singapore, on investment acquisitions and leasing matters, jointly leads the practice alongside St Albans-based Terry Fendt. ‘Highly experienced and diligent’ Isabel Wolfe Barry handles landlord and tenant work, acquisitions and portfolio restructuring.

Counting Holland & Barrett, McArthurGlen and Currys among its key roster of clients, Shoosmiths LLP’s London real estate team acts for both landlords and tenants across the retail, technology, office and leisure sectors on a broad range of corporate occupier matters. The practice, which frequently acts as co-counsel to US and global law firms, also has demonstrable experience in leasing transactions, portfolio acquisitions and disposals, as well as sales and leasebacks. Joseph Mazzucca leads the team and has experience in investments, development projects, corporate transactions and finance matters, while ‘outstanding’ Liam Phillips is noted for his expertise in the data centre sector.

Praised for its ‘exceptional dedication to serving the client at any time, on any matter’, international firm Taylor Wessing LLP’s real estate team has demonstrable experience in big-ticket transactions, regularly involving cross-border elements, and has been particularly in advising on investments arising out of the logistics sector. Large-scale residential and mixed-use development projects take up a large proportion of the practice’s workload, as well as lease renewals and regears, and major letting matters. Paul Lawrence leads the firm’s international and UK real estate group, and Mark Rajbenbach, who is commended for his ‘uncompromising approach to detail and results’, advises on hotel portfolio sales and purchases, leasebacks and management agreements. Keith Barnett is a key contact for corporate occupier matters and Matthew Swainston handles joint ventures, in addition to landlord and tenant transactions, while Alan Evans focuses on sales and leasebacks, as well as portfolio acquisitions.

The ‘well established and experienced’ commercial property practice at Bates Wells handles development projects, finance and secured lending transactions and investment acquisitions. Practice head Mark Traynor provides a ‘truly outstanding level of service’ for commercial, charity, and private clients. Malcolm Headley ‘provides calm, pragmatic advice’ on all aspects of commercial real estate, while the ‘knowledgeable and pragmatic’ Karli Hiscock  has extensive experience acting for commercial organisations and charities. Jamie Huard focuses on work associated with social enterprises and heritage property; clients say Huard is ‘extremely helpful and knowledgeable’.

The real estate department at Bird & Bird LLP is led by Jonathan Baker, who has particular expertise in development and finance. The firm has seen growth in its corporate occupier practice in the hotel, hospitality, and leisure space, and continues to use a sector-specific approach which focuses on the energy and utilities, retail and consumer, technology and communications, and financial services industries. The firm’s diverse client base includes banks, investment funds, developers, public sector organisations, and global businesses.

Druces LLP‘s real estate team is led by Nicholas Brent, who specialises in advising occupiers on a range of issues. The firm continues to assist clients through the aftermath of Covid-19’s effects on the occupier markets which includes rental renegotiations and the termination of existing leases through excercising break clauses. The firm acts for a variety of clients such as landlords, investment companies, and charities. Adrian Footer is a key partner at the practice and has expertise in acting for occupiers in the finance sector.

The ‘knowledgeable, commercial and friendly‘ corporate occupiers team at Forsters LLP is led by Glenn Dunn. Andrew Crabbie is overall head of commercial real estate, focusing on transactional matters, while Victoria Towers handles development matters.

Keystone Law's commercial property experts act for clients across the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors on large-scale leases, as well as landlord and tenant issues, and has demonstrable capability in mid-market transactions, including sales and purchases, and development projects. Key names in London include James Daglish and Shayne Foley, who advises large-scale occupiers on matters pertaining to UK-based headquarters and relocations.

Counting investors from the US, Scandinavia and the Middle and Far East among its key roster of clients, Payne Hicks Beach LLP has demonstrable experience in residential investments, as well as acting for landowners on various aspects of developments, including promotion agreements, forward funding and land sales. Andrew Berry, who is noted for his expertise in the residential, hotel and leisure sectors, jointly leads the practice alongside Emma Copestake, who advises on landlord and tenant matters, lease extensions and funding arrangements.

Quastels LLP  acts for clients across the office, retail, industrial, hospitality and leisure sectors on a range of corporate occupier matters, including headquarters relocations, office moves and leasing issues, and has demonstrable capability in acquisitions and disposals, portfolio management and financing mandates. Practice leader Michael Haringman is noted for his expertise in the retail sector. Property finance specialist Mark Cornelius is another key member of the team. Former co-leader Owen Walsh has now left the firm.

Clients ‘breathe a sigh of relief when RPC are instructed on real estate matters’, including headquarters establishments and office relocations, portfolio restructuring, sales and leasebacks, as well as landlord and tenant mandates. Practice leader Elizabeth Alibhai advises on transactions in the office, hotel healthcare and logistics sectors, and has demonstrable experience in handling residential and retail-related development projects. The team counts manufacturers, hotel and leisure operators, funds, insurers and professional services occupiers among its key roster of clients.

The ‘solid, all-round team’ at Russell-Cooke LLP frequently collaborates with firm’s planning and construction groups to handle landlord and tenant matters, investment transactions and redevelopment projects. Counting national food and beverage operators, fashion retailers and property investment funds among its key roster of clients, the team has demonstrable experience in office relocations and portfolio management, as well as advising landlords on the grant of leases. Matt Garrod leads the practice and advises on portfolio transactions, in addition to premises acquisitions for retail clients.