Michaela Henson > Howes Percival LLP > Cambridge, England > Lawyer Profile

Howes Percival LLP‘s education, health, social housing and government group brings together experts in corporate, employment, insolvency, property, construction, commercial contracts and data protection. It is ‘knowledgeable, well run and proactive‘, according to clients. Land development partner Michaela Henson in Cambridge and insolvency expert Morris Peacock in Norwich oversee the practice, which includes Norwich-based corporate partner Oliver Pritchard. Peacock acted for the The Insolvency Service/Secretary of State for Business, Energy And Industrial Strategy in potential director disqualification proceedings arising out of the failure of Bell Pottinger LLP. Emerging partner talent Nicola Curle in Norwich is a key adviser on surplus land disposals, enabling developments and student accommodation projects. Planning specialist Jamie Childs provides ‘timely and usually very swift responses‘.

Howes Percival LLP‘s Cambridge based practice is replete with talent, not least practice head Michaela Henson, who is regarded as one of the region’s foremost advisers on strategic land development. Jonathan Greenhalgh stands out for his expertise in complex development work, while Steven Beach is an expert in commercial property investment matters. Newly promoted partner Elizabeth Thomas focuses on the education,  commercial investment and development sectors, while ‘extremely helpful and diligent‘ senior associate Scott Smith is a key adviser to occupational clients, property developers and landowners. Clients remark upon ‘a good quality all-round team that is always ready to respond to ever-changing client needs’. Susanne Hinde joined from HCR Hewitsons in April 2023.

Known for providing ‘practical and pragmatic’ advice, the team at Howes Percival LLP is adept at advising on service charges, regularly assisting housing associations and charities. In Norwich, practice co-head Estelle Corner focuses on development and property transactions, and in Cambridge co-head Simon Murphy specialises in housing management matters. Michaela Henson in Cambridge, frequently acts for Hundred Houses Society and Accent Group in real estate matters. Senior associate Jonathan Parker, who has extensive experience in section 106 allocated affordable housing matters, joined the Norwich office from Birketts LLP; and associate Katie Reading joined from Spire Solicitors LLP in April 2023.

Howes Percival LLP has an ‘approachable and knowledgeable‘ corporate, commercial and banking practice that works in a cohesive manner across its Cambridge and Norwich offices, as well as its sites in Leicester, Milton Keynes and Northampton. In Norwich, practice head Joanna Nicholls is a specialist in real estate finance, as is head of real estate Tessa Haskey, who clients describe as ‘experienced and highly engaging‘. Property partners Steven Beach, who has particular expertise in dealing with security for property development finance, and Michaela Henson in Cambridge also play pivotal roles in finance work. Norwich-based agricultural law partner Katharine Danks advises landowners, landlords, tenants and lenders on secured lending transactions.