The Legal 500 > United Kingdom - Solicitors > South East > Commercial property: Kent, Surrey, Sussex

‘Strong real estate team with extensive local and regional presence. Good experiences with them of purchasing land for property development (including complex back to back and multiparty transactions), purchase of commercially active properties and raising development finance from institutions.’

‘In particular we would single out Sally Ashworth – proactive and easy to work with, definitely client-focused and commercially minded, Sally helps to cut through to the nub of the problem and dissipate the tensions that can easily arise during a transaction – in short I would be happy to (and indeed have) recommend Sally to colleagues and contacts.’

‘Tony Burns in the commercial real estate department has broad experience of the development world and is backed by a highly efficient team. The same applies to John Chater in Banking.’

‘Mark Pooley is our main contact. Mark is very knowledgeable, but also relaxed and personable making non-legal clients feel at ease and he explains everything clearly for those without the specialist knowledge.’

‘Tim Davies and Graham Dixon are the stand-out folk for us, but we had no hesitation at all in speaking to any of their colleagues.’

‘I have found the key strengths of the individuals in their team that I have worked with are that firstly, they deal with complex matters clearly and positively. Secondly, they have a commercial approach – their work is not just based on legal theory. Third, they make transactions happen whilst still protecting their clients’ best interests. Fourth, they are prepared to go the extra mile without regard to busy schedules and times of day. Finally, it is enjoyable working with them!’

‘I have worked with Mike Busby, Sam Davies and Lyndsey Whittell. Mike Busby holds a very wide knowledge of his field. A great team leader and you know he is always there if needed. Fights for you whilst still being pragmatic. Commercial. Positive. Delivers. An outstanding lawyer both with regard to personality and expertise. Sam Davies is excellent. Great potential. Delivers in time and effort. Total commitment. Thinks in a world that rushes too much. Impressive. One to be watched! Senior associate Lyndsey Whittell is patient and copes well with multiple points from various joint owners and agents on this project. Analyses exceptionally well. Expresses key points clearly. Essential common sense as well as a most capable lawyer. A safe pair of hands.’

‘Sarah Jordan has been exceptional in pulling the transaction together despite a host of several stakeholders making this a complex endeavour.’

‘We have spent a number of years working with solicitors in real estate teams at various legal practices trying to identify someone who was committed to giving clear, concise, efficient and effective guidance. We have been consistently underwhelmed until we used Sam Davies who not only delivered but excelled in all of these key areas.’

‘The Stevens and Bolton team dealt with a rather tricky tenant in a professional and proactive way. It required a lot of chasing on their part, however we were very pleased to avoid this having to go to a tribunal and we were more than happy with the outcome too. They also kept us well informed of progress throughout.’

‘The team were very professional and diligent in their work. In particular, Helen Wheddon and associate Richard Wilkins led and resolved a longstanding tenancy issue and we were very happy with the outcome.’

‘Andrew Steele is always on the end of the line with sound advice taking a proactive approach assisting with the project delivery. Ian Craig is very knowledgeable and delivers a high standard of service.’

‘The service provided is well-balanced to offer that of a large corporate team but with a personal touch. The expertise is second to none and covers all aspects of property requirements. Their approach of ensuring the service is covered by the appropriate level of staff is welcome given not all tasks need to be undertaken by a partner, with the more than capable associates being able to process in an efficient manner.’

‘We highly commend Alex Watt and Jonathan Cope from the Real Estate team. Their attention to detail and consistent performance is beneficial to our self managed company. We need a proactive service which often requires short notice attention, both Alex and Jonny appreciate this and are always available as a priority. They are an extension to our own team and work together with us maintain standards and modernised provisions.’

‘Specific stand out staff are Sarah Kirwan, Katie Green, Markus Klempa and Andrew Steele. I value the qualities of diligence, perseverance and communication that I consistently see in all my dealings with Stevens and Bolton. I have used Stevens and Bolton for transactions across a variety of real estate deals over the last 13 years – they have consistently performed at a very high level, and I fully expect them to continue to do so.’

‘The team I deal with is led by Daryl Rivero and her work marries legal expertise with pragmatic advice that enables me to navigate an increasingly tough market for property transactions. Also Daryl is able to call on other members of the team at Stevens and Bolton at short notice to deal with the increasing challenges of working in the construction and property market. Daryl is a valuable ally in business.’

‘Having used several law firms, what makes Stevens and Bolton unique is the quality of service that is displayed across the board. Great communication with stakeholders, a diligent approach, tenacity, perseverance – all combined with reasonable fees make Stevens and Bolton very easy to deal with.’

‘As a Director in a Chartered Surveying firm, I liaise with numerous legal practices on an almost daily basis. CRS stand out for the following reasons: firstly, their team approach: CRS allocate the right individual(s) to a particular job, both in terms of skill set and level of seniority. The real estate issues we contend with on a national basis are diverse and so such an approach is key to effective service delivery. They are also adept at working as part of a wider team of professionals, whether it be boundary surveyors, accountants or counsel. Secondly, their client care: CRS know their clients and tailor their approach accordingly. They regularly run client specific CPD events, whether it be on pipeline easements or serviced offices and associated leasing issues. Last week they circulated a document entitled “Planning for and coping with coronavirus – Tips for Employers”, a very helpful document given the number of client sites that operate in the UK. Thirdly, accessibility: in contrast to many practices, lawyers at CRS are responsive and accessible, a key attribute. Lastly, capabilities: CRS act on a national basis across about as diverse a property portfolio as one could conceive (offices, industrial units, pipelines, land, gasses plants etc). CRS continually demonstrate an ability to effectively advise on and tackle an extensive range of legal issues.’

‘Ingrid Saffin is the key client contact and the individual who leads and oversees the team. Her technical ability is matched by her unflinching dedication to the client, often responding to emails late into the night. Ingrid is adept at managing a team and fielding jobs to the appropriate individual, both in terms of skill set and level of seniority. Ingrid is approachable, accessible, diligent and technically excellent.

Other members of the team warranting specific mention include Charlotte Major, an associate, who provides nothing less than an excellent service. As does Claire Timmings, Legal Director, and David Haines, litigation partner.’

‘Supportive and understand the requirements of us as a bank very well. They have a sensible split of the corporate and real estate specialists on our cases.’

‘I have dealt mostly with Daniel York  who is readily contactable on many commercial matters and cases, whether general advice or part of an instruction. But we have had equal strong support from Joshua Watkins and Olivia Regester on the real estate team.’

‘They do what they say they will. I never have to worry about their work being the reason anything has been held up. Always professional and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Guy Sackett is a highly competant lawyer, easy to work with, technically brilliant and a strong negotiator. Most lawyers I work with are strong in areas but very few are strong in all.’

‘One of the key strenghts of the team is their willingness to try and resolve issues without always coming back to me. They understand how I operate and what I will accept and not accept in transactions. They do not hassle me with every little detail. A pragmatic approach to negotiation and can genuinely come up with alternative solutions.’

‘A very impressive team overall. Approachable, pragmatic and attentive to detail in a refreshingly unfussy and undramatic manner. We were introduced to them whilst they acted for a bank with whom we were finalising funding. Their approach was very refreshing and straightforward whilst securing their clients interest and we decided that this was the sort of firm and the sort of people that we wanted to be representing us going forward. I’m pleased to say we have been very satisfied with that decision ever since. We’ve been very impressed at how having agreed the basic principles, they simply proceed to complete matters without endlessly “reinventing the wheel” or constantly referring back to us as the client for input that should be in their sphere not ours – unlike many previous experiences with other firms. To date on all development transactions where TWM have acted for us we have seen their role executed efficiently and quickly. Accordingly we look forward to working with them on future projects, from site acquisition, negotiating bank security documentation through to property sales, and have full confidence in the firm and the team.’

‘Simon Child heads up the team we deal with. Very calm, very effective and experienced in achieving resolution quickly and efficiently. Both a pleasure to work with and someone we have full confidence in to represent our interests.’

‘The team are very professional, efficient and responsive to requests. Always communicate their advice clearly in a way which is easily understood.’

‘I deal extensively with Claire Campbell who is always very professional, understands our requirements very well and is very persistent in putting forward our case.’

‘A firm that has significantly more solicitors in their commercial dept than most of the competition.’

‘I have worked with a few legal entities in the past on both a personal and professional level. To date, Coole Bevis have outshone all previous experiences with their depth of knowledge, responsiveness, communication and pure professionalism.’

‘I have dealt with a number of firms in the last 25 years since our previous long term solicitor retired and I was never happy. I have now found a firm that deals with matters promptly, efficiently and at a reasonable price and, most importantly, keeps me informed about progress and issues. In my experience having all of these things is rare if not unique.’

‘Our main dealings have been with Oliver Maxwell-Jones and Aman Johal. Both are incredibly efficient, knowledgeable and very communicative meaning we are never chasing for replies or updates.’

‘Oliver Maxwell-Jones. A great person to chat things through and gives great, grounded legal advice.’

‘Jeff Streater displayed an honest and considered approach towards all areas of works for us.’

‘The team there are very approachable and successfully helped my Employer through some very difficult and time dependent issues. I specifically worked with Carina Moss originally, then Nicola Hunt, Laura Saye, Laura Prince. Despite staff changes at Coole Bevis, I never felt that there was a problem due to information not being passed on.’

‘They have a great personal touch. They build relationships with their clients.’

‘Nicola Hunt is the reason we will stay with Coole Bevis for all of our property and other legal matters.’

‘Madeleine and her team always deal with things in an extremely calm and efficient way. They are always willing to give some ad hoc advice outside of projects, which is always well laid out and considered. They come across as very knowledgeable and diligent, whilst maintaining a commercial focus.’

‘Madeleine delivers a city service for a regional price. She is friendly, personable, available and straight forward in her assessment and advice.’

‘We work with Caroline Walton and her assistant Vicky Feltham. They offer a seamless service which is responsive, practical, very commercial and they are a pleasure to work with.’

‘Very responsive, practical, commercial and easy to deal with.’

‘I have worked with Andy Peach and associate Anna Svensson, both of whom are good to deal with and know their areas of practice well.’

‘Good range of skills available. Proactive approach. Straight forward advice and good advice at a reasonable cost.’

‘Jeremy Licence and Ethan Desai are proactive and experienced in dealing with a range of property matters.’

‘A strong team with in depth knowledge of all matters relating to commercial property transactions.’

‘Strong team with experience and excellent judgement. Competent to deal with all the details, but always understanding the bigger picture and focusing on the real issues.’

‘Jeremy Licence is excellent, but the entire team are strong. Responsive and get things done.’

‘Over the 50 years I’ve been in business I have dealt with a number of solicitors. We moved to PDT Solicitors about 8 years ago and at the time, I was concerned that our lead solicitor was very young however, what he knows and what he does for us and the speed with which he does it for us goes beyond any other solicitor I have worked with over the years. The knowledge that I can phone him and get hold of him first time most of the time is a huge benefit to a small business.’

‘Stand out individual is Craig Burton, who is our lead contact at PDT Solicitors. Whatever the legal requirement we have, Craig either efficiently deals with this himself or guides us to whoever at PDT is best able to assist us albeit he then always takes an active role it making sure matters continue moving swiftly irrespective. The personal touch is all important and Craig’s professional, expeditious, courteous and friendly manner is an all important reason why he is so well regarded, not just by our company but by business colleagues across our local area. An exceptional talent amongst an exceptional team at PDT.’

‘PDT have a broad range of expertise with exceptionally capable team members. We have had a variety of legal requirements over the years involving property, litigation, development, company sales, land sales, employment, you name it and PDT have been able to respond expeditiously. We are pleased to take for granted that the legal advice from PDT is always first rate and at good value which is obviously what one wants as standard from your solicitor. PDT stands out from other firms we have used because they are extremely approachable (don’t under-estimate this!); communicate well; cover a broad range of legal requirements under one roof; and are able to provide quick responses without fuss. PDT have exceptionally good teams in all their departments and come with the highest recommendation from us.’

‘Jane Bowden was truly fantastic to deal with, she was always prompt to answer queries either via email or phone.’

‘PDT are very personable, pro-active as well as re-active and reliable. In all of the transactions I have been involved with they have been focused on achieving the goal of completing the transaction whether it be a sale or a letting and if there are any issues they are raised straight away with suggested solutions, meaning time is not lost. Their monthly seminars with both internal and external speakers are well received as to their topical notes which are always informative. I would not hesitate recommending the practice to others and i do regularly.’

‘I predominantly deal with Craig Burton who is very professional, very good at keeping me updated on the cases in hand, calls as well as e-mails me which is rare and is human and good company which is a really good attribute in the modern working world. When Craig is not available James Clewlow and also Elise Sherwell & Holly Goacher are always willing to assist where they can.’

‘Quite simply there is a genuine desire to provide the best possible service and support. We deal with the charitable sector and often clients who have minimal experience of dealing with legal matters – this requires patience and understanding from our legal partners and often, PDT go over and above what I would consider ‘industry standards’. I would wish to highlight two people who have been particularly supportive this year. Associate Holly Goacher regularly goes ‘the extra mile’ to support both ourselves and the client to ensure the best possible outcome. She has had to deal with a number of ‘difficult’ cases over the past year on our behalf and has shown empathy and understanding to resolve issues that have arisen and could have caused significant problems. Additionally, James Clewlow, Managing Partner – unlike other firms where the managing partner is reserved for the ‘larger clients’, James takes a keen interest in supporting the relationship we have. He is proactive about working in partnership with our firm and regularly attends our servicer meetings, providing advice and expert knowledge which certainly benefits our relationship and continued growth.’

‘James Clewlow is our main point of contact, whose experience, understanding of process & pragmatism meant that we works well within our Development team environment. We also have able assistance from Carl Mason, Holly Goacher & Laura Sutton, in particular.’