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The Legal 500 Hall of Fame Icon The Legal 500 Hall of Fame highlights individuals who have received constant praise by their clients for continued excellence. The Hall of Fame highlights, to clients, the law firm partners who are at the pinnacle of the profession. In the United Kingdon, the criteria for entry is to have been recognised by The Legal 500 as one of the elite leading lawyers for eight years. These partners are highlighted below and throughout the editorial.
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United Kingdom > Northern Ireland > Real estate > Commercial property > Law firm and leading lawyer rankings

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Index of tables

  1. Commercial property
  2. Leading individuals: Hall of Fame
  3. Leading individuals
  4. Next Generation Partners

Next Generation Partners

  1. 1

A&L Goodbody stands out for its 'good communication' and 'considered advice'. Areas of strength for the team include institutional investment, high-value commercial property transactions, and major development projects, including office and student accommodation developments. The team is also highly active advising on large-scale projects in the energy sector. Tracey Schofield, who took over as practice head in January 2019, has handled a number of healthcare sector developments.

Practice head(s):Tracey Schofield

Testimonials

'The team is completely professional and knowledgeable yet so approachable and commercial.'

'Each individual will talk through any query, providing considered advice which makes for very timely conclusions. Everyone is prepared to give an opinion and a real view on queries as opposed to simply laying out the overall situation generically, which is very refreshing.'

Key Clients

Newriver Retail

Starwood Capital

La Salle Investment Management

Tristan Capital

Belfast Harbour Commissioners

Oakland Group

Translink

McAleer & Rushe

Irish Football Association

Benmore Octopus Healthcare

Work highlights

  • Advising EuroAuctions Group on the acquisition of Fraser Homes.
  • Acting for Oakland (FRO) Limited on the financing of the re-development of Merchant Square.
  • Advising Starwood Capital on the Northern Irish aspects of the purchase of a hotel portfolio from Park Hotels & Resorts, the year's highest-value hotel acquisition in the market.
  • Acting for a Singapore-based real estate owner, developer and manager on the financing for a student accommodation development in York Street, Belfast, by AIB Group (UK) Plc.
  • Acting for M7 Real Estate on the acquisition of an office building on Adelaide Street, Belfast, which was the client's first acquisition in Northern Ireland.

Carson McDowell has 'comprehensive knowledge' and a 'client-friendly approach'. The team advises on local and international investments and major developments in the region, and is noted for its extensive experience in the retail sector, acting for a significant number of retail tenants as well as the landlords of shopping centres and retail parks. Dawson McConkey took over as head of the practice in 2018, following Rosemary Carson's move to a consultancy role; both he and Emma Cooper have particular expertise in the energy sector.

Practice head(s):Dawson McConkey

Other key lawyers:Emma Cooper; Rosemary Carson

Testimonials

'The team has outstanding knowledge of commercial property law.'

'They offer very professional, down-to-earth advice.'

Key Clients

Belfast Harbour Commissioners

Belfast International Airport

McAleer & Rushe Group

Northstone

Bywater Group

Northern Ireland Investment Fund

Royal Mail Group

RES Group

Sports Direct Group

Turkington Group

Work highlights

  • Advised the shareholders of the Lagan Group on the sale of the entire building materials group to Breedon Holdings (Jersey) Limited, a member of Breedon Group Plc.
  • Advising Belfast Harbour Commissioners on the acquisition of the Obel Office Block, one of the landmark buildings in Belfast, which was the year's largest standalone commercial property acquisition in Belfast city centre.
  • Advised Northern Ireland Investment Fund on the financing of the development of one of Belfast's largest city centre office blocks, the client's first loan into Northern Ireland.
  • Advised Valero Logistics UK on a significant multimillion-pound acquisition of a fuel terminal.
  • Acted for the Israeli-based Fattal Hotels Group in its £800m acquisition of a leading chain of hotels across the British Isles for £800m.

Cleaver Fulton Rankin's 'responsive and attentive' team is highly active advising local developers on major residential, commercial, hotel and office developments. In addition, it regularly assists investors with the purchase of property assets and advises on large energy sector projects; other areas of expertise include retail, renewables and telecoms. The team includes the 'well-respected' Kathryn Collie; Joe Marley, who provides 'clear and concise' advice; and Alan McAlister, who specialises in city centre developments.

Practice head(s):Joe Marley; Kathryn Collie; Alan McAlister; Jeanette Donohoe

Testimonials

'Cleaver Fulton Rankin is well resourced to provide comprehensive advice on all aspects of real estate transactions, including planning and environmental. It provides a "one-stop" shop, with strong leadership throughout transactions. Its local knowledge and experience is invaluable.'

'Kathryn Collie provides consistent leadership and she has an excellent understanding of clients' key concerns and objectives. Her knowledge of the market means her advice is pragmatic and effective. Her good humour and calm manner are welcomed.'

'Kathryn Collie is a very experienced property solicitor with a wide range of knowledge. Kathryn is also more pragmatic and commercial than many other lawyers, and focuses on the most important aspects of potential deals.'

'Cleaver Fulton Rankin is an excellent firm with an impeccable tradition. The team is one of the longest-established dedicated commercial real estate teams in Belfast and the best in Northern Ireland. It boasts a number of exceptional real estate lawyers: their standards are outstanding, they take the time to understand the client's business, and their attention to detail is excellent.'

'Joe Marley has excellent legal knowledge and always acts in the client's best interests He is a very hard worker and always makes himself available. He is a strong negotiator, but respectful of his peers.'

'Alan McAlister has many years experience acting in real estate transactions. He has wide-ranging legal knowledge, both in real estate transactional work and real estate litigation. He is a smart guy and a very easy to deal with.'

'Associate Nemonie Fulton is very organised, with great experience and legal knowledge. She is very thorough, patient and diligent.'

'The team is well resourced and highly skilled in the delivery of legal solutions.'

Key Clients

Dalradian Gold Limited

T J Morris (Home Bargains)

BT plc

Primark

Telefonica UK Limited (O2)

Titanic Quarter

JMW Farms

Aberdeen Asset Management

Catalyst Inc

Vodafone Limited

Chart Forte (Belfast) Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising Titanic Quarter in relation to its iconic mixed-use development, which includes retail, residential, office and hotel developments and a visitors centre.
  • Advising Dalradian Gold Limited in relation to a £750m gold-mining project in County Tyrone.
  • Advising Home Bargains in its rapid expansion and roll-out of stores throughout Northern Ireland, including the acquisition of Castlebawn Retail Park, Newtownards, for £8.5m.
  • Acting for a wholly owned subsidiary of JMW Farms Ltd in the sale of two farms in England to Cranswick Country Foods Plc.
  • Advising house builder Latner 10 Developments on the acquisition of development sites through to construction and the sales of individual units.

Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP 'knows the field very well'; the team advises local and international clients on major transactions and developments throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Retail is a key area of expertise, with clients including retailers as well as investors in shopping centres and retail parks. The practice is also active in development finance and advises on projects and transactions in the public and energy sectors. Belfast office head Andrea McIlroy-Rose leads the team, which includes the 'hardworking' and 'responsive' Joanna Robinson.

Practice head(s):Andrea McIlroy-Rose

Other key lawyers:Joanna Robinson

Testimonials

'Pinsent Masons has a very joined-up and well-organised team with a wide depth of knowledge and experience across all areas. They are easy people to work with, who will take the time to work with the clients' teams and will explain complex issues in an easy-to-follow manner. The team builds up good relationships with advisers acting on the other side.'

'Jo Robinson stands out for her level of knowledge and experience, negotiation skills, great relationships with developers and the lawyers on the other side, and deal management.'

'The team is made up of highly knowledgeable and trust advisers on complex business and legal issues.'

Key Clients

Vinci Airports SAS

Starwood

Apex

MedicX

Allstate Insurance

Queen's University Belfast

Commerz Real

Samsung

Work highlights

  • Acting for Vinci Airports in the acquisition of Belfast International Airport, one of the largest transactions of its kind in Northern Ireland during the last year.
  • Advising Apex Housing on its five-year refinancing programme with EIB.
  • Advising MedicX Fund on the development of Kings Hall as healthcare hub.
  • Advising a joint venture comprising two large funds in their proposed first acquisition in Northern Ireland for a student accommodation project in Donegall Street, Belfast.
  • Advising Allstate on the development and completion of its new flagship HQ in Belfast.

Tughans has particular expertise in advising UK and international funds on investment and development schemes, including major student accommodation, hotel, commercial and residential projects. The team also advises on real estate finance and property portfolio management. 'Very proactive' practice head David Jones is noted for his experience in advising clients locally, throughout the UK, and in the Republic of Ireland; the team also includes consultant Phyllis Agnew; the 'capable and competent' James Pringle; Joe Moore, who delivers 'prudent commercial advice concisely'; and retail specialist Rebecca Moffett.

Practice head(s):David Jones

Other key lawyers:James Pringle; Joe Moore; Phyllis Agnew; Rebecca Moffett

Testimonials

'The practice has real strength and depth in terms of expertise and ability. If you are going to do commercial property business in Northern Ireland, have Tughans on your side.'

'Tughans is a multidisciplinary practice, which allows it to give a broad range of advice on different subjects.'

'Rebecca Moffett has a strong legal background, good attention to detail, takes a commercial approach and is very personable.'

'Tughans offers a very professional service in a very personable manner. The partners draw upon a great depth of experience and are able to offer very sound commercial advice.'

Key Clients

Diageo

Tesco Stores Limited

British Land

Grant Thornton

Apple Inc.

Deloitte

Associated British Foods

London Metric

Randox

Kilmona Investments

Work highlights

  • Acted for developer Urban Pulse Warwick in the acquisition and forward funding of a large student accommodation development project, known as Warwick UniVillage, in Canley, Coventry.
  • Advising Curlew Capital on the disposal of John Bell House as an investment, following the successful forward funding of its development.
  • Advising Mansford Real Estate on the sale of Strabane Retail Park to Lidl NI Gmbh.
  • Advising NGD Holdings on the acquisition of Timber Quay, Derry, and associated car park with the reversion in the neighbouring Atlantic Quay, College View, Clipper Quay and Aparthotel complex incorporating both commercial and residential blocks.
  • Advising Michael Roden and Merion Property Group on the purchase of Down Royal Racecourse.

Arthur Cox Belfast is noted for its 'good commercial approach to legal issues'. The team acts for a range of local and national developers, retail landlords and tenants, and investors and asset managers; its expertise covers large-scale acquisitions and disposals, land development, and funding. The firm has extensive experience in cross-border transactions, with particular strength in the energy and social housing sectors. Practice head Alastair Todd is 'commercial as well as technically strong'; the team also includes Rowan White and was recently joined by two new associates.

Practice head(s):Alastair Todd

Other key lawyers:Rowan White

Key Clients

Simple Power No.1 Limited

Robinson Services

Four Seasons Healthcare Group

Domus UK

Endeavour Investments

Marathon Asset Management

Neptune Group

The Mount Charles Group

Corum XL

Matagorda 2 Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advising Simple Power on the disposal of its portfolio of single-turbine onshore wind assets in Northern Ireland.
  • Advising Robinson Services on the sale of its former headquarters site in Ballymena to one of Northern Ireland’s largest social housing associations.
  • Advising Four Seasons Health Care (FSHC) group on the disposal of a number of trading and redundant premises across Northern Ireland in its property portfolio as well as the Northern Irish aspects of its re-structuring and potential disposal.
  • Providing ongoing advice to Domus UK on real estate opportunities in Northern Ireland, including the land assembly for a proposed large-scale city centre office development in Belfast.
  • Advising Endeavour Investments on a range of investments, including offices, hotels and mixed-use developments in Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

DWF has been particularly active for retail sector clients, including advising on the acquisitions and sales of shopping centre and retail park schemes. The team has also handled major hotel and healthcare sector developments and acquisitions. The 'totally accurate and pragmatic' Julie Galbraith took over as practice head from the 'exceptional' Mark Tinman in 2018. Kirsty Mairs regularly acts for local developers. John Palmer moved to Shoosmiths LLP, while Alison Reid joined from John McKee Solicitors.

Practice head(s):Julie Galbraith

Other key lawyers:Mark Tinman; Kirsty Mairs; Alison Reid

Testimonials

'The team is proactive, thorough and most importantly looks to provide solutions as opposed to creating problems.'

'Mark Tinman leads the field in Northern Ireland on real estate matters, providing a focus on ensuring transactions proceed to a conclusion with an ability to work alongside his contemporaries in a proactive manner.'

'DWF provides a multi-disciplined international service from a local platform. The ability for clients to draw on the firm's wider expertise from the local office is invaluable.'

'DWF has an outstanding team of professionals in Belfast, with an unparalleled breadth of experience and expertise. However, the standout characteristic is its ability to react quickly and to provide quality advice almost instantaneously when required.'

Key Clients

Whitbread Group

Lidl

Marks & Spencer plc

Titanic Quarter

TH UK & Ireland Limited T/a Tim Hortons

Herbert Group

Dunelm

Vision Express

Ann Summers

Søstrene Grene

LXi REIT

Poundland

Work highlights

  • Acted for the UK franchisee of Tim Hortons on acquiring a lease of its first Northern Irish store.
  • Acted for Alfred Street Properties on the preparation of new agreements for leases for a number of retailers at the Connswater Retail Park and Shopping Centre.
  • Acted for Titanic Quarter on the negotiation of a development agreement for a new Hilton Hotel in Belfast's prestigious Titanic Quarter.
  • Acted for Søstrene Grene on the acquisition of new retail premises in Bangor, Northern Ireland, the client's third store to open in the region.
  • Acted for Bunsen Burgers on the negotiation of a new lease for its first restaurant in the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast.

Millar McCall Wylie LLP's 'responsive, knowledgeable and commercial' team regularly advises international funds on property acquisition and refinancing, as well as acting for landlords and tenants on lease arrangements, and large local developers and builders in relation to residential developments. 'Very strong leader' Peter McCall advises on the acquisition of investment portfolios; Simon Fleming has particular expertise in the retail sector; and Andrew Kerr acts for a number of renewable energy clients.

Practice head(s):Peter McCall

Other key lawyers:Simon Fleming; Andrew Kerr

Testimonials

'Simon Fleming understands clients' objectives, keeps them closely appraised during the transaction and deals with any issues that arise in a practical and efficient manner.'

'Millar McCall Wylie is full of really good lawyers. Whoever I have dealt with from top to bottom is very impressive and they are extremely responsive.'

'Peter McCall is undoubtedly a leader in the real estate field in Northern Ireland. He has vast experience but is very approachable and solution driven.'

'In particular, Millar McCall Wylie shows a great ability to progress matters quickly and efficiently. The team would be generally regarded as one of the leading property teams in Northern Ireland and I have always been impressed by their expertise and ability to get the work done on time. In my experience , Millar McCall Wylie has always provided an excellent value for money service.'

'Whilst Simon Fleming is a technically excellent lawyer, he is always very commercially minded and can therefore provide an outstanding all-round service.'

'Simon Fleming is a really capable lawyer. His technical skills are first class and he is always a very calm influence in the heat of a transaction.'

Key Clients

Fairfield Real Estate Finance

McAleer & Rushe Group of Companies

MJM Group of Companies

DRC Capital

NFU Mutual

Monsoon Accessorize Ltd

Card Factory

Eurochange

Warren James Jewellers

Edinburgh Woollen Mill/Peacocks Stores Group of Companies

Scottish Power

CBRE Global Investors

Subway

Schuh

Work highlights

  • Acted for Fairfield as mezzanine funder in the refinance of the Merchant Square development in Belfast city centre being undertaken by the Oakland Group of Companies.
  • Acted for Fairfield in the refinance of the Kilmona Group of Companies, which involved the splitting of the large property portfolio across two facilities.
  • Advised Eurocharge on the initial leases for its first two stores in Northern Ireland, which opened in 2018, and then in respect of further store openings as the client continues the rollout of its network.
  • Acted for the client in the sale of the War Memorial Building in Belfast city centre.
  • Acted for NI Screen in relation to the letting of a portion of the refurbished Ormeau Baths serviced office complex.

Property specialist Davidson McDonnell Solicitors' 'very efficient' team shows 'good attention to detail'. The firm has been particularly active advising on student accommodation, residential, hotel and retail developments and acquisitions. Clients include property investors and developers operating throughout Northern Ireland, England and Wales, and the Republic of Ireland. The 'highly regarded' Ross Davidson and David McDonnell lead the team.

Practice head(s):Ross Davidson; David McDonnell

Key Clients

Wirefox

Lacuna Developments

Comer Group

Poundstretcher

BDO

Runwood Homes

Seasalt

Dunluce Capital Management

Don Hotels

Martin Group

Work highlights

  • Representing Comer Group on the acquisition of Bow Street Mall in Lisburn.
  • Advising Wirefox on the sale of Snugborough wind farm in County Cavan.
  • Representing Dunluce on the acquisition of Oakmont Lodge care home and the associated operating business.
  • Representing Lacuna Developments on the sale of a site at Botanic Link Belfast for a purpose-built student accommodation scheme.
  • Acting for Don Holdings on a major hotel development on the north coast of Northern Ireland.

Elliott Duffy Garrett is praised for its 'strength in depth'; the team specialises in advising landlord and tenant clients, and has extensive experience in the social housing sector. The firm also acts for institutional investors on the sale and acquisition of property assets, and for developers, particularly on residential developments. Stewart Nash leads the team; Pierre Boitel-Gill acts for a number of major retailers; and Leo Brown has expertise in handling distressed property transactions.

Practice head(s):Stewart Nash

Other key lawyers:Pierre Boitel-Gill; Leo Brown

Testimonials

'Pierre Boitel-Gill has excellent attention to detail and knowledge of the Northern Irish commercial property market.'

'Elliott Duffy Garrett has a combination of knowledgeable property lawyers who work well together but who also have strong individual traits. They show an understanding of the sensitivities and sub-regional characteristics within Northern Ireland.'

'Leo Brown shows all-round competence mixed with common sense and an understanding of client needs.'

'Pierre Boitel-Gill demonstrates a mastery of lease details; like his colleagues, he is quick to respond to client needs.'

‘Stewart Nash and Leo Brown efficiently and proactively progress difficult property sales.’

Key Clients

Redevco (formerly C&A)

John H Lunn Limited

Work highlights

  • Acting for Redevco in the sale of a retail investment property in central Belfast to Corum Asset Management.
  • Acting for John H Lunn on ongoing lease matters concerning the Queen’s Arcade in Belfast city centre.

Eversheds Sutherland counts a number of global companies with large Northern Irish property portfolios among its clients. The team also specialises in acting for landlords and tenants, advising on commercial, industrial, retail and office leases. Other areas of strength include advising on acquisitions and disposals of property and property development and financing, particularly in the renewable energy, logistics and retail sectors. Gareth Planck leads the team.

Practice head(s):Gareth Planck

Testimonials

'Eversheds Sutherland has efficient service, a mix of specialisms, and a local and national presence.'

'The team understands the clients' requirements quickly and highlights the relevant points, taking the time to walk through them.'

Key Clients

Perwyn Private Equity

Allied Irish Bank plc

DFS Trading

McDonald’s

Collins Aerospace

Bestseller – Vila and SOFORA

Wolseley UK

Smiths Metals UK

Work highlights

  • Advised Perwyn on the real estate aspects of its £60m investment into Lowe Refrigeration.
  • Advising AIB on the property elements pertaining to a multimillion-pound term loan agreement with Antrim Wind Energy to fund Brookfield’s acquisition of ten newly constructed wind turbines in County Antrim.
  • Advising DFS on the acquisition and development of a new distribution and logistics centre in Mallusk, County Antrim.
  • Advising McDonald’s on the acquisition of new leasehold premises in Foyleside Shopping Centre, Londonderry.
  • Advising the major US corporation on the acquisition by way of lease of a new logistics centre in Kilkeel, County Down.

Mills Selig has been highly active advising on sales, acquisitions and leasing, particularly in the retail and hotel sectors. The team also advises local developers, housing associations and government bodies on major residential and hotel developments and regeneration schemes. The 'excellent' Anne Skeggs leads the team, which also includes energy specialist Anna-Marie McAlinden.

Practice head(s):Anne Skeggs

Other key lawyers:Anna-Marie McAlinden; John Tougher

Key Clients

Herbert Group/Kirk Bryson Limited

Murdock Property Group/Lotus Group

Ducales Capital

Galliard Homes Limited

Marcol Group Limited

IMC Cinema Group

ITV Group plc

Clanmil Housing Association

Total Produce Limited

Quinn Industrial Holdings

Waterways Ireland

A P Wireless Ireland Investments Limited

Quicklet Properties Limited

Work highlights

  • Acted for First Derivatives on the development agreement and lease for premises at a new development located in Belfast city centre.
  • Represented ITV on the sale of the iconic Havelock House studios on Ormeau Road.
  • Acted for TST Logistics on the development agreement and lease for an industrial development on the former Michelin site.
  • Acted for Jain (Europe) Limited on the property aspects of its acquisition of the entire share capital of NI Plastics Limited.
  • Acting for SM Devine Homes Limited on all site acquisitions throughout Northern Ireland.

TLT stands out for its 'attention to detail and personal touch' and 'partner involvement'. The team acts for major local developers on site acquisitions for commercial and particularly residential developments; other areas of expertise include the retail, clean energy and public sectors. Practice head Judith Allen is noted for her expertise in property finance, while Kevin Murphy specialises in energy sector transactions.

Practice head(s):Judith Allen

Other key lawyers:Kevin Murphy; Patrick O'Hanlon

Key Clients

Andras House Group

Braidwater

Norlin Hotels

McGinnis Group

Moorefield Hospitality Limited

TUI Travel

Subway

Brookfield Renewable Ireland Limited

Deramore Developments Limited

Vaughan Homes

Work highlights

  • Advised Eastonville Traders on the disposal of three commercial development sites situated throughout Northern Ireland.
  • Acted for Deramore (Belfast) on the acquisition of two residential development sites in Belfast.
  • Advised Moorefield Hospitality Limited on the sale of its development at Belfast International Airport for the development of a Premier Inn to Turkington Holdings Limited.
  • Advised Andras House Group on the acquisition and subsequent letting of commercial premises in Belfast city centre.
  • Advised Braidwater on the acquisition of a mixed-used development site in West Belfast and the simultaneous sub-sale of two large portions to separate purchasers.

Worthingtons' 'extremely client-focused' team is known for its landlord and tenant specialism; the firm has particular strength in acting for retail tenants, with major local and national names among its clients. The team is also increasingly active advising on investment acquisitions, and advising clients in the telecoms and charity sectors in particular on the management of their property portfolios. Graham Pierce leads the team following the departure of David Wilson for Johnsons Solicitors.

Practice head(s):Graham Pierce

Testimonials

'Solicitor Michael Duffy is superbly professional, thorough and very approachable and generous with his time.'

'The team is focused on the client and getting the best job done.'

'The team is committed to sorting issues out in a timely manner and take it as personally as if they were working for the client in house. Graham Pierce leads his team in this manner by example.'

'Worthingtons acts swiftly, professionally and completely to the clients' satisfaction.'

'Graham Pierce goes above and beyond to ensure every angle is covered in a detailed and professional way. He acts with speed and corresponds with clarity on all matters so that clients are fully informed throughout the process on progress and tight timescales are achieved.'

Key Clients

Golf Holdings Group

Dixons Carphone plc (including Currys PC World)

Telefonica (O2)

The Works Stores

Quiz plc

Vodafone

Premiere People (part of Cordant Group plc)

Hotel Chocolat

Lush

Build-A-Bear Workshop

Boux Avenue (Ryman Group)

Extern Ireland

Work highlights

  • Acting for Dixons Carphone plc in relation to the management of its Northern Ireland estate, consisting of shops and retail warehouses.
  • Acting for Golf Holdings group of companies across all its Northern Ireland portfolio of off-licences, convenience stores, pubs and clubs.
  • Representing Extra Care in its £2.34m acquisition of an investment property.
  • Acting for Quiz plc in relation to its Northern Ireland retail estate portfolio.
  • Acting for Extern Ireland in the purchase and funding of a portfolio of properties for conversion to secure accommodation.

John McKee Solicitors specialises in acting for local authorities, and is active in the public, transport, retail and energy sectors, advising on property acquisition and development and commercial leasing. Gerard Small and Donald Thompson jointly lead the practice; Small, who stands out for his 'personable approach', advises a range of local developers and financial institutions, while the 'first-class' Thompson, who joined from DWF in January 2019, has extensive experience in the care home and retail sectors.

Practice head(s):Gerard Small; Donald Thompson

Testimonials

'The team provides excellent service delivery and commercial, pragmatic advice.'

'The team provides an excellent client-focused service, whilst getting the job done in an efficient and knowledgeable manner.'

'Donald Thompson provides simplified analysis of complex issues. He is the person you want on your side in a commercial negotiation.'

'Donald Thompson and managing partner Chris Ross are well known throughout the commercial property industry and provide good, well-reasoned, no-nonsense advice.'

'The team at John McKee Solicitors has an extremely professional approach to all matters conveyancing, offering a fantastic advice and support service.  They have a good team of professionals that offer a reliable and accurate service.'

'The team balances commercial interests, pragmatism and attention to detail to give a very balanced and excellent service.'

'Gerard Small always makes himself available and proves committed and highly effective.'

Key Clients

DHL Group

Nationwide Building Society

Arris Global Ltd

Lakeland Dairies

UK Mail Limited

Nicholls' (Fuel Oils) Limited

Disability Sport NI Ltd

Moore Construction (NI) Limited

Restrana (Belfast) Limited (Five Guys’ Franchisee)

Ulster Garden Villages Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (Translink) on the acquisition of a site for new offices and engineering facilities in connection with the Belfast Rapid Transit project and the related disposal of three existing sites.
  • Advising Translink on the acquisition of a former Victorian railway station, vesting of lands and other voluntary land acquisitions to assemble the site for the proposed new North-West Multimodal Transport Hub.
  • Acting for UK Mail on the acquisition of a warehouse as its new Northern Ireland parcel-handling facility.
  • Advising Parr Group on the pre-let of a proposed retail development in Ballymoney to Home Bargains, the sale of the landlord company after the completion of construction, and the grant of new lease.

The 'very capable' team at Keystone Law is noted for its advice to developers on major local leisure, residential and student accommodation projects. The office sector is also an area of strength, with the team regularly acting for landlords and tenants on leasing arrangements. The 'excellent' Danny McKay leads the team. Jim Houston, whose areas of expertise include advising national and international funds on the acquisition of Northern Irish property portfolios, is also a key contact.

Practice head(s):Danny McKay

Other key lawyers:Jim Houston

Testimonials

'Danny McKay and solicitor Jonny Mullan always seem to be ahead of the curve, flagging well in advance what the issues are and possible solutions. They always seem to have matters in hand with their commercial and pragmatic approach.'

'Keystone Law is excellent, head and shoulders above competitors.'

Key Clients

Hatch Brothers Limited

Giant’s Park Belfast Limited

Causeway Asset Management

Allen & Overy LLP

Johncorp (No3) Limited

Straben Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Hatch Brothers on the property aspects of its acquisition of the business and assets of Genesis Crafty Bakery.
  • Acted for Giants Park Belfast Limited on its successful bid to develop the new £93m visitor and leisure attraction at Giants Park Belfast.
  • Acted for Causeway Asset Management on the lease of office space at Nine Lanyon Place, Belfast, in one of the region's largest ever office lease transactions.
  • Acted for Allen & Overy in the re-gear of the leases under which it occupies the landmark Obel Building at Donegall Quay in the centre of Belfast.
  • Advised on the completion of the full letting of Westwood Retail Park in Belfast.

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    - Richmond Chambers

  • Terms of employment as a sole representative

    In this article we examine the working arrangements of sole representatives, looking at the terms and conditions of employment that the Home Office will expect a sole representative to have in order to qualify as a representative of an overseas business.  
    - Richmond Chambers

  • Can Sole Representatives Be Shareholders?

    The Immigration Rules require that an applicant for a  sole representative visa  is not “a  majority shareholder in the overseas business”.
    - Richmond Chambers

  • Immigration Skills Charge - A Guide for Employers

    As a Sponsor, you may be required to pay the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) each time you sponsor a migrant in the  Tier 2 General  or  Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Long-term Staff  subcategory.
    - Richmond Chambers

  • 5 FAQS about paragraph 320(11)

    In applications for entry clearance where the applicant has a negative immigration history in the UK, the application may be refused under the general grounds for refusal, which are found in part 9 of the Immigration Rules. Where an applicant has  ‘previously contrived in a significant way to frustrate the intentions of the Immigration Rules’,  the application could be refused under paragraph 320(11). In this post we look at five frequently asked questions about paragraph 320(11). 
    - Richmond Chambers

  • Multiple nationality and multiple citizenship (including dual nationality and dual citizenship)

    British nationality law permits multiple nationality and multiple citizenship, including dual nationality and dual citizenship.
    - Richmond Chambers

  • Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the Exceptional Talent or Promise Category

    The  Exceptional Talent  and Exceptional Promise categories are for individuals who are recognised leaders or emerging leaders in their field of expertise. There are a number of endorsing bodies for lots of different fields of work, including  artists and musicians ,  architects ,  digital experts ,  scientists  and  academics . While there isn’t an endorsing body for every expert, the growing list means that many individuals could enjoy the flexibility that this category has to offer. 
    - Richmond Chambers

  • PARALLEL PROCEEDINGS – CIVIL AND CRIMINAL

    Syedur Rahmanconsiders the factors that determine when civil proceedings can go ahead before,or at the same time as, criminal proceedings relating to the same circumstances.
    - Rahman Ravelli Solicitors

  • Rights of appeal after the Immigration Act 2014

    The Immigration Act 2014 (“the 2014 Act”) reduced the circumstances in which the refusal of an immigration application will give rise to a right of appeal. The  explanatory notes  to the 2014 Act state that the Act was intended to restructure rights of appeal to the Immigration Tribunal. Previously, a right of appeal to the Immigration Tribunal existed against any of the 14 different immigration decisions listed in s.82 of the  Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002  (“the 2002 Act”). As explained below, whether or not the refusal of an immigration application currently generates a right of appeal depends on the subject matter of the application rather than its categorisation.
    - Richmond Chambers

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