Thomas Howard > Browne Jacobson LLP > Birmingham, England > Lawyer Profile

Browne Jacobson LLP
15th Floor
103 Colmore Row
Birmingham
B3 3AG
England

Work Department

Property.

Position

Thomas has over 20 years’ experience advising public and private sector clients across a range of property work, with particular emphasis in investment and health sector work.  In the last 3 years his team has advised on the acquisition of over £200m of property assets for local authorities.  The team also act for clients in all landlord and tenant matters linked to the management of their assets.

Thomas has led teams on many complex investment projects and developed that experience further by completing a CMI recognized Project Management Programme at Nottingham Business School.  This allows Thomas to ensure large and complex projects are delivered efficiently and effectively within a range of project management structures and theories. 

Thomas takes a very commercial, and pragmatic, approach to his advice and deliberately maintains a private sector client base.  For over 14 years he has been the lead property adviser to a large pension fund, working on all matters affecting their large property portfolio.  This ensures that he fully understands the needs and concerns of both sectors and particularly enjoys working on large projects involving both sectors.  

An advocate of LEAN management, Thomas does no over-lawyer his advice, focusing instead on dealing with the issues that matter and always looking for creative solutions.

Thomas puts client relationships at the forefront of his work and prides himself on developing strong relationships with his clients and in delivering them a quality service; he has advised a number of his clients for many years and has several clients introduced through referrals from clients and their agents

Career

Trained Porter Dodson, Yeovil; qualified 2001; assistant solicitor Bevan Brittan (formerly Bevan Ashford) 2001-05; associate solicitor 2005-06; associate solicitor Browne Jacobson LLP 2006-09; partner 2009.

Education

Bournemouth School; Brunel University (1997 LLB Hons Law 2(1)); Nottingham Law School (1998 LPC (commendation)).

Leisure

Fencing (Birmingham Fencing Club), Krav Maga, piano, guitar.

Lawyer Rankings

West Midlands > Real estate > Commercial property: Birmingham

Browne Jacobson LLP offers broad expertise, which extends from development and regeneration projects to corporate real estate matters. Dominic Swift leads the practice, with vast experience of advising academies and higher education institutions on property projects, while Thomas Howard brings expertise in investments and developments in the health and social care sectors. Zo Hoida is well versed in advising local authorities on a range of matters, including joint ventures and mixed-use schemes. Senior associates Jonathan Borer and Philip Gray are also recommended.

West Midlands > Public sector > Local government

A team commended for giving ‘a high-quality service’, Browne Jacobson LLP‘s practice encompasses property investments, governance and environmental issues, to name a few. Ben Standing specialises in planning matters, whilst Zo Hoida has expertise in handling regeneration and development projects. Thomas Howard routinely handles acquisitions and disposals in the public and private spheres, with particular capabilities in relation to health and social care. Matthew Harpin adds considerable experience and expertise to the team, while the ‘highly knowledgeable’ associate Victoria Searle handles matters for local authorities that involve administrative, environmental and planning law.