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

‘I have found the whole team approachable, very knowledgeable, quickly return calls and pro-active in offering solutions.’

‘Although a small team, they cover for each others well.’

‘They are really nice people to deal with.‘

‘Special mention to Jo Farr who led the team.’

‘It provides a strong level of expertise across the real estate sector and is adept at involving and coordinating individual experts when needs arise.’

‘Sarah Gaines provides an exceptional combination of professionalism and pragmatism with an ability to think outside the box and to deliver solutions to complex issues.’

‘William Butler’s advice is very sound. Bill is a lawyer who knows his subject and does not hesitate to lead negotiations towards desired outcomes, knowing when to compromise and when to hold firm.’

‘Professional, pragmatic and comprehensive advice is the hallmark of the commercial property team at Brachers.’

‘A very personal service from a team of talented lawyers. They understand our business and their advice is commercial, which often isn’t  the case.’

‘Adam Taylor Smith and Choisanne Mann both have the depth of experience coupled with business acumen to give appropriate advice in a timely manner. They are fun to deal with and really feel like part of the team and that our business matters.’

‘They are commercial aware, practical and  willing to support our business.’

‘The team is a set of incredibly hard-working, personable professionals that consistently provide top-notch advice and representation whilst understanding the client’s position beyond just the singular transaction.’

‘Mike Busby is always quick to respond and takes an interest in and understands our business.’

‘Mike Busby is an outstanding asset to the firm. His extensive expertise is readily available at all times. He encourages and develops his team to ensure they can also provide us with the best service on all instructions and billing is completely transparent.’

‘Sam Davies works incredibly hard on many, often complicated instructions, ensuring documents are reviewed promptly and contain specific client-friendly clauses.’

‘Sam Davies has a calm and matter of fact approach.’

‘Utterly reliable, always upbeat and efficient and an absolute pleasure to deal with. Despite a significant workload, matters are allocated around the team to ensure swift turnaround without compromising on the quality of the work.’

‘An experienced and knowledgeable team which proactively acts for their clients’ best interests. The team have a good understanding of client views and requirements. Service is efficient and second to none.’

‘The firm have a fresh approach to client engagement.’

‘Alex Watt is a pleasure to deal with, providing detailed expert knowledge together with pragmatic advice where appropriate.‘

‘Alex Watt is interested in developing a long-term relationship rather than one-off fees – which is exactly what we have been looking for.’ 

‘The whole team has embraced the reality that lawyers are now team members and have to perform and show that. They deliver good-quality work to a programme that can be relied on.’

‘Kate Turnham’s sage advice is presented in a non-legal way which is a pleasure. The work is first rate too compared to some of her competitors. She can overcome problems using her experience and practical skills.’

‘The whole team are great to work with, with the highest business acumen.   You are guaranteed a fantastic service from Jo – nothing is too much.‘

‘The team came highly recommended and did not disappoint.’

‘Excellent value for money from the lawyers we have worked with.’

‘Jonathan Crook is a technically excellent, thorough and committed real estate lawyer.  We are lucky to have access to him at such reasonable rates.’

‘The team has a good depth of knowledge, they are always efficient and a pleasure to work with.’

‘A partner-led approach – they personally get involved in most of the projects and they are very commerial,  appraochable and effective.‘

‘They have an excellent breadth of expertise in all matters to do with commercial property. A well-resourced team with excellent cover and support.’

‘Tina Webster gives us 100% commitment at all times, with a real eye for detail and for protecting our interests at all times. She is very friendly and personable to deal with and has excellent depth of knowledge.’

‘Associate Sam Knight is calm, friendly, knowledgeable and very good at getting results.’

‘Balbit Thandi is brilliant technically, reliable and an  all round wonderful person to work with.’

‘They provide outstanding service, ready availability and personal attention.’

‘Anne Fowler consistently gives considered, timely and thoughtful advice, notwithstanding the considerable workload she takes on.’

‘They are good at listening, have a good sense of humour and are tactful when dealing with the other side. They give clear, very broad and detailed advice.’

‘We need a competent, no nonsense service at a reasonable price and that is what we get.’

‘Each office appears to have a substantial partner-led department of specialist commercial property lawyers which engenders the confidence necessary to enable us to safely recommend Downs to clients. We have many clients who have remained loyal to Downs for many years which is a testament in itself.’

‘Sometimes I feel they just work for me.‘

‘Andy Peach and Madeleine James are virtually always available on the telephone for that all important personal contact. There is an urgency to the jobs they are instructed on which is refreshing compared with some other legal practices.’

‘Andy Peach is on the ball, knows his stuff and gets on with the job. He is very pleasant to deal with and is results oriented.’

‘Caroline Walton provides an efficient and helpful service.’

‘A thoroughly professional team and great customer care.‘

‘The team has a very responsive nature and a detailed breadth of knowledge in all types of property matters and a reputation for getting deals concluded in a timely and professional manner, whilst actively ensuring all is in the best interests of the client. This is something hard to find in other law firms of their size.’

‘They offer a seamless, comprehensive expert service at every stage.‘

‘Jeremy Licence and Ethan Desai have provided excellent advice and service.’

‘Simon Stempien is outstanding. He inspires confidence with his knowledge and grasp of the issues and his ability to explain these and find solutions. He has a wide knowledge of local resources and services and is able to offer practical assistance in signposting to other professional services which may be required.’

‘Catherine Wolstenhome offers great customer support, is knowledgeable and always on hand to answer our concerns and offer sound advice, I trust her completely.’

‘Tony Chester is very professional, friendly and made the whole process engaging –  highly recommended.’

‘They are a knowledgeable, approachable and efficient firm who offer easy access to their senior legal team. They are excellent at providing clear, practical and useful advice on complex matters and situations.’

‘They have been professional and intelligent in all my dealings with them.’

‘They have excelled in placing their partners and staff in areas which particularly suit their personalities and skill sets, be it negotiation, process or technical knowledge. This makes dealing with the firm straightforward and uncomplicated, even on complex transactions. I have yet to deal with a member of their team who has not been readily available with answers and solutions to any legal problem I have thrown at them.’