Commercial property: Newcastle in North

‘Broad team with relevant skills. Always keen to assist. Can deal with all aspects of property. They always respond quickly and we feel like a priority; this is important as our work is important to us but it also shows they feel as much about it as we do. Not afraid to give honest advice.’

‘We have used the services of Richard Nixon and his team for the last five years. Muckle provide a full range of services when dealing with land issues. Despite a complex case involving easements and drainage, the team managed the situation from start to finish with a result that kept our reputation in tact yet achieved a fair outcome for all.’

‘Richard Nixon does not rely on Google; he will visit each of the sites where we request detailed work and ensures he fully understands our needs in great detail. We have found this to be vital for us with academy conversions. We have also used Richard for complex easement issues where a common-sense approach is vital in order to protect reputation. Richard is able to communicate in an efficient and understanding manner which leads to swift and efficient conclusions.’

‘James Armstrong stands out to me personally. He is honest, on the ball, clued up, always has the answers to hand. Exceptional lawyer. I can’t recommend him enough.’

‘I think what makes Muckle stand out is their client care and communication. They have all of the competencies required and a broad base of expertise to work from but in comparison to others they are more client-focused and easier to engage with.’

‘Jonathan Combe and Richard Nixon are both professionals who are very knowledgeable on property matters and are easy to access  and contact.’

‘Our main contact is Gail Bennett whom we have worked with for a number of years. The advice we get from Gail is practical, with a focus on solutions to help us get the deal done as efficiently as possible.’

‘We have begun working with Deborah Lazenby who has an excellent knowledge of the education sector. She is very approachable and can explain issues in a way which is easily understood by our lay colleagues, which minimises the support required from our internal legal team where resources are stretched. The result is that we all work as if we were part of one team as the internal/external barriers are reduced to a minimum. We have been very happy to deal with Deborah as our one point of contact.’

‘Understanding of a client’s requirements, including following client brief, general communication and reporting to the client.’

‘Heather Markham is balanced, commercial and hugely knowledgeable. Heather has an excellent understanding of our business.’

‘Neil Smith – detailed and precise. Neil is able to present complex information in a clear and concise format.’

‘WH’s team is part of our team and acts as such. Our success is their success and vica versa. Both teams are aware of each others’ strengths and weaknesses and accommodate them.’

‘Simon Errington and his team have worked virtually non-stop on transactions on our behalf over the past 12 months. The effort which they have taken to understand not only our requirements but also those of our funders has meant that they have been able to provide accurate and timely advice throughout. Without this early effort to know the team, undoubtedly, the chosen approach may have been different.’

‘Ward Hadaway truly provide a one to one service, attention to detail and ensuring everything is clear and concise. Nothing ever feels difficult, always willing to go the extra mile and certainly obtainable at all hours. They are always accessible, make more of an effort keeping clients updated rather than being chased and the documentation provided in relation to transactions is vital for referencing after the event.’

‘The individuals I work with at this practice are engaging, professional and attentive, they are always available to discuss matters at great length and conscientious in everything they produce. I have far more confidence in the advice provided than have encountered with other practices; they also make themselves available for a simply discussion, matters outside of the scope for general advice. Irrespective of knowing they have multiple clients and dealings, you always feel that the right time is allocated to your particular matter, something again which is not obtained elsewhere. Sophie Bohill and Julia Thomson are my main contacts at this practice; the above comments specifically relate to my sometimes daily interactions with these ladies who are genuinely amazing and work well outside the normal 9-5.’

‘A good attention to detail, with risks and solutions clearly articulated. Very tenacious in protecting their clients position with clear well, reasoned advice.’

‘WBD has a deserved reputation for excellence in a range of sectors. I am impressed how WBD can deliver on its targets for work completion. They have never let me down. I am also confident in the standard of the work undertaken by the more junior staff at WBD. They seem to have a strong mentoring programme and are clearly able to attract some of the best talent in the region.’

‘John Ralph is one of the best lawyers I have ever worked with. His position at WBD provides me with great assurance. John has unparalleled real knowledge but most importantly an ability to cut through the noise and provide the pragmatic and clear advice I need to make business decisions.’

‘Excellent service and take a commercial view.’

‘Liz Evans is excellent. Efficient, knowledgeable, commercial, understands our objectives and is a pleasure to work with.’

‘They make our lives easier by providing comments in an easy-to-follow manner. It feels as if they are part of our team.’

‘Tom Willows is our main contact. He is on top of things, replies promptly and is always available. Nothing is any trouble for him.’

‘The team that I have the pleasure of dealing with is first-class. The strengths of the team are its very high-level and detailed knowledge of property transactions. This is inclusive of excellent liaison with other legal teams when buying property, understanding of region specific issues such as Tyneside leases and, more importantly, the ability to explain this quickly and accurately to legal teams in other parts of the UK. The team have also been exceptional in renewing leases at a low cost and to both parties’ satisfaction. This has allowed us as a business to purchase excellent value properties safe in the knowledge that we can get leases extended and force appreciate the property along with its refurbishment.’

‘Tom Wills is an outstanding practitioner. He brings outstanding knowledge, a pragmatic and well-reasoned approach and gets excellent outcomes for us on a regular basis.’

‘Excellent lawyers; dedicated, creative, problem solvers. 100% reliable.’

‘Large so the team have all the knowledge required. Friendly, with attention to detail.’