The Legal 500 > United Kingdom - Solicitors > South East > Commercial property: Essex

‘The solicitors specialising in commercial property that I have had the pleasure of working with at Holmes & Hills are contactable and approachable. They offer clear and concise explanations when needed, and are proactive and forward thinking in their approach, which is great for our mutual clients‘.

‘Holmes & Hills have acted for our company and myself personally for over 10 years. When initially instructing Holmes and Hills we were newcomers to the area and it became apparent very quickly that the firm had an excellent understanding of local matters – and politics. They also have a very wide spread of legal expertise which makes for seamless problem solving‘.

‘The commercial property team are extremely approachable and show a real care for their clients. This and their personal approach to matters means they are a pleasure to work with. They have a broad range of knowledge and are able to ensure that advice is joined up with other disciplines within their business‘.

‘I have had most involvement with Rebecca Mason, who is competent, reliable, and very easy to work with. She has put together complex option agreements for our mutual clients, and worked well as part of a team of solicitors who put together an option agreement that is entirely bespoke and quite unlike any others that we have negotiated before‘.

‘I have worked with Rebecca Mason, head of their corporate and commercial property teams, on a number of matters in the past few years. She lives and breathes all of the values of Holmes & Hills. She is passionate about the firm and helping its clients, personal with both clients and contacts, and professional. I have also worked with Philippa Jerram on a number of matters and she demonstrates that same values as Rebecca and is extremely competent in her expert field‘.

‘Rebecca Mason and her team are proactive in ensuring their clients are getting good advice, are considering all aspects of their affairs and have the support they need to succeed. I have always found both Rebecca and her colleague Philippa Jerram a pleasure to work with and thoroughly engaged with the matters being discussed. They clearly take on board comments raised and work to ensure that the client is well informed and thoroughly looked after‘.

‘Philippa Jerram at Holmes & Hills has been our permanent contact and acted for us in both lease preparation, development planning as well as the sale of assets. Our main interest however is in planning and property development for which Philippa has provided a highly experienced service and comprehensive advice. Philippa and Holmes & Hills are fundamental to our business strategy and aspirations within the North Essex area. We would not consider using any other legal practice within this region‘.

‘Rebecca Mason has a great empathy with her clients. Philippa Jerram is very on the ball and quick to respond‘.

‘A friendly, accommodating firm‘.

‘Expertise in all areas of law that I have ever needed‘.

‘Katrina Holland, Amelia Hayes and Helen Martin are the standout characters‘.

‘Meaby & Co provide a high bar of professionalism through an experienced team with a service that is transparent and always efficient. Communication is my priority when using conveyancing solicitors and this is provided by the dynamic team at Meaby & Co‘.

‘Meaby and Co are highly professional, efficient and comprehensive in their consideration, advice and guidance‘.

‘Meaby’s team can handle complex high value deals more typical of a City law firm, which is why we cross-refer matters to them in circumstances where we cannot act ourselves. It is always more conducive to a smooth transaction to deal with someone who is experienced in the type of matter at hand. All of the members of the team are good humoured‘.

‘I was impressed by the professionalism of Nicky Cleightonhills (who was my main point of contact). Having entered into a large number of commercial leases with various firms acting I can recommend her lucidity, and especially her attention to detail‘.

‘Nicky Cleightonhills has the experience and confidence to provide all relevant options at any stage. Everything is communicated in an informed but easy to comprehend manner, taking any stress out of the situation. In stark contrast to many in the industry I have worked with before, Nicky always provides a slick and informed service that I have and will pass on as a recommendation‘.

‘Nicky Cleightonhills is consistently readily available, invariably understands our requirements and expedites with a no nonsense execution‘.

‘Nicky Cleightonhills is very efficient, pragmatic and flexible in approach. Nicky recently acted for a lender on an option and overage agreement in respect of a multimillion-pound development site, where my firm acted for the developer. It was not an easy transaction but Nicky came up with practical solutions to legal issues which helped us get it over the line and she is now our fist choice property lawyer for cross-referrals to other firms, in circumstances where we cannot act ourselves‘.

‘I deal with the commercial and residential property team on various matters on a regular basis. I find the team’s knowledge and experience second to none. It’s a pleasure to deal with them: they genuinely care for their clients‘.

‘Extremely personal service, easily reachable and happy to answer any questions that may pop up during the process. I think Mullis & Peake’s strength lies in having well-trained staff with a ‘can-do’ attitude‘.

‘A traditionally well regarded practice. This particular team is efficient and accurate‘.

‘Joanne Wood is extremely efficient and helpful in explaining procedures. Joanne always advises us well and brings our attention to points we didn’t know about. She has a very pleasant manner‘.

‘I have dealt with Joanne Wood and Shelley Fitzpatrick for years now and find them standout staff. They take the time to listen to our requirements then once instructed respond promptly and with that extra care that inspires confidence‘.

‘We have worked with Shelley Fitzpatrick from the leasehold team in numerous instances and were always impressed with the quality of work delivered. Knowledge and the speediness are crucial in leasehold matters and Mullis & Peake has shown that they have these qualities‘.

‘Shelley Fitzpatrickis is always approachable and knowledgeable. She works efficiently but will always take time to listen to her client’s needs. If unavailable, she always returns calls or replies to emails which helps to reduce stress when dealing with legal matters‘.

‘Very informative and helpful with all matters in dealing with real estate transactions‘.

‘Palmers offers a bespoke service very much tailored to a highly personal service. Concise and easily explained issues means that reasoned decisions can be made without risk‘.

‘The team offer a very personal, experienced and knowledgeable service and operate in a plain-English manner that helps you understand exactly what’s going on, what needs to happen and why‘.

‘The commercial property team is tight and well-managed so even if a member is away I’m sure that my queries will be answered swiftly and knowledgeably. Their assured and down to earth approach ensures we do not get lost in the minor details, while their depth of knowledge and commercial sense ensures those minor details are never missed‘.

‘Carey Jacobs and Maisie Yau are always assertive and push to get the legal matters dealt with in the most effective and pleasant way. They inform us of any issues and items needing clarification and are the most helpful practice we have ever dealt with. Very caring people‘.

‘From our dealings with Carey Jacobs we have found her to be able to provide detailed pertinent advice in a way that it is clear and simple for us to consider despite our limited legal experience‘.

‘Carey Jacobs is a stand-out partner – she is truly commercial, highly knowledgeable in real estate, a stickler for detail and always working to ensure we are completely satisfied. We have come back again and again over more than a decade and have never been disappointed as we always receive a high quality service‘.

‘Maisie Yau doesn’t miss a trick, she also makes a complex subject matter easy to understand for the uneducated. This makes the whole process smooth and easy to follow. She also seems to be one step ahead of the opposition as it were. To that end both lease negotiations have ended been concluded with everything in our favour. Maisie is friendly and approachable, which makes dealing with her a positive experience‘.