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

Shoosmiths LLP
THE XYZ BUILDING
2 HARDMAN BOULEVARD, SPINNINGFIELDS
MANCHESTER
M3 3AZ
England

Work Department

Real Estate

Position

Since joining Richard has established a key property litigation and risk management offering supporting the rapidly growing property team in Leeds.

Richard deals with issues relating to all aspects of the real estate market but with a particular focus on developers and, separately, on the hotel and leisure sector.

In relation to the developer work, Richard is known for his proactive approach towards resolution of development constraints particularly focusing on easements and rights of light matters (in relation to which Richard gives regular external talks and seminars).   He also deals with wider development dispute and insolvency issues.

Recent highlights include (i) the commencement of substantial proceedings against a firm of solicitors in relation to the form of a rent review clause in a long lease, (ii) advising a large developer of residential and student accommodation in relation to claims arising out of delayed completion including insolvency and restructuring advice, and (iii) advising a large residential developer in relation to a dispute as to the drainage easement benefitting the site.

Overall, Richard is known for his succinct, focused and commercial advice and as an efficient and effective problem solver.

Career

Richard was a founder partner of the Leeds office, joining from Addleshaw Goddard in 2016.

Lawyer Rankings

Yorkshire and the Humber > Real estate > Property litigation

(Leading partners)

Richard Symonds – Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP‘s broad expertise covers building safety matters, insolvency cases and advice on disputes arising out of residential development projects, including rights of light, easements and covenants. In this regard, the firm works with a plethora of commercial developer and investor clients, hotels and retailers. Richard Symonds heads up the Leeds-based team and works extensively with clients in the living and hotels sectors, while also specialising in the Building Safety Act 2022. Matthew Lonergan manages corporate occupiers’ property portfolios and handles any related contentious matters. Recent team changes include the departure of Michael Gaughan in August 2023, as well as the arrival of Thomas Freeman from Irwin Mitchell in January 2024.

London > Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure

The cross-disciplinary hospitality and leisure offering at Shoosmiths LLP draws on the wider firm’s sector and office footprint, incorporating real estate litigation, real estate, construction, banking, corporate, tax, data and regulatory capabilities. The interdisciplinary team’s focus spans litigation, acquisitions, disposals, and redevelopments. The Leeds-based Richard Symonds co-heads the group alongside Manchester-based Kirsty Chalkley. The ‘experienced, knowledgeable and highly commercial’ Symonds is a key contact for real estate matters, encompassing construction, employment, commercial and regulatory issues. Chalkley is noted for her expertise in commercial development work, including forward funding transactions.