Richard Symonds > Shoosmiths LLP > Manchester, England > Lawyer Profile

Shoosmiths LLP offers key advice to a wide range of developers and corporate occupiers and is instructed by the likes of Holland & Barrett and Taylor Wimpey to advise on contentious matters arising out of large property portfolios. In addition to advising on a large volume of lease renewals, dilapidations, possession claims and contractual disputes, the team is also well equipped to handle complex rights of light claims and landmark cladding and building safety disputes. The Leeds-based practice is led by Richard Symonds, who is an expert in property insolvency matters and also advises on a number of vacant possession and rights of light disputes. Matthew Lonergan is a key contact for development disputes as well as landlord and tenant work, and Michael Gaughan is regularly instructed on matters arising out of the Building Safety Act 2022.

The cross-departmental offering which covers work in the hospitality and leisure sector at Shoosmiths LLP spans the regulatory, commercial, corporate, banking and real estate teams, and is described as having ‘exceptional’ technical knowledge. The team is strong in advising institutional investors on acquisitions and financing, and has a growing presence in the hotel sector, assisting hotel operators and serviced apartments, as well as hotel developers, owners, and contractors. The practice is also instructed by bars, restaurants and other leisure services and operators. Joint practice head Richard Symonds, who is based in Leeds, is well versed in the living and leisure sector, and has recently increased his focus on insolvency issues, risks arising from the living sector, and fire safety issues. Symonds’ counterpart, Milton Keynes-based Kirsty Chalkley, is highly recommended especially for her commercial real estate work for retail, licensed and leisure clients. Former co-head Catherine Williams left the team to join Addleshaw Goddard in December 2022.