Lucy Sturrock > Addleshaw Goddard > Leeds, England > Lawyer Profile

The large, cross-disciplinary team at Addleshaw Goddard is equipped to advise its roster of large hotel operators, owners, developers and lenders on the full spectrum of hotel ownership and operation issues. The team is lauded for its expertise in hotel finance and its understanding of the budget hotel sector. Recent work has involved restructuring, refinancing and administrations in the hotels and casual dining spaces. The ‘responsive, friendly, approachable’ Luke Baines, a specialist in the hotels sector, co-leads the team, and is also a key member of the firm’s construction and engineering group. Co-heading the team with Baines is Lucy Sturrock, who divides her time between London and Leeds, is singled out for her ‘brilliant mind’, and specialises in advising hotel owners on structures, management agreements, development and acquisitions. Heading the real estate finance practice is Zoe Maurer, whose clients include hotel lending teams and financial sponsors. Neil McGibbon is another key name, offering experience in hotel financings, hotel management and non-disturbance agreements. Catherine Williams returned to the firm in February 2023 from Shoosmiths LLP, and now co-heads the firm’s living sector.

Addleshaw Goddard’s Leeds-based commercial property practice continues to excel at handling a wide range of work, including portfolio management and development projects. Nancy McGuire leads the team nationally, while the regional leadership of real estate transactions expert Lucy Sturrock sees the team advising major property holding entities, such as Columbia Threadneedle Investments, on standout purchases and disposals. Clients in the student accommodation space frequently instruct Peter Mason to assist with large development schemes, while Anna Heaton is a key contact for her ability to advise on urban regeneration projects. Logistics expert Andrew Williamson and investments expert Ian Smith are also highly recommended, and the team underwent further expansion with the arrivals of directors Jennifer Patterson from Ward Hadaway LLP and Ian Barker from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP. Bruce Lightbody retired from the firm in April 2023.