Michael James > Paul Hastings LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

With a global network, an ‘incredible level of commercial acumen’ and ‘deep hotel market knowledge‘, the full-service hospitality and leisure team at Paul Hastings LLP, which focuses predominantly on real estate work, is well regarded for its involvement with prominent hotel and leisure developments, acquisitions, re-brandings, investments and portfolio deals. The team is also able to leverage the strength of the firm’s complementary practices, including banking and finance, tax, restructuring and employment. Leading the team is ‘brilliant mind‘ Michael James, who offers extensive experience in cross-border hotel work, including corporate real estate transactions, and lease and management agreements. ‘Go-to lawyer’ Stephen Nicolas has recently advised on hotel deals in the European market, bringing an ‘unparalleled commerciality and holistic approach’ to hotel sales, development, and re-branding. Also focusing on the hospitality sector is Edward Meadowcroft, who offers significant expertise in drafting and negotiating, hotel management and franchise agreements, joint ventures, acquisitions, and disposals.

Well-placed to leverage the support of the firm’s corporate, tax, securitisation and structured finance practice groups, Paul Hastings LLP regularly handles cross-border real estate transactions. Michael James spearheads the team and has considerable experience advising on investments pertaining to commercial, industrial, office, residential and senior living assets. Stephen Nicolas acts on corporate real estate mandates, including joint ventures and management agreements, while Edward Meadowcroft and Matthew Peters are noted for their capability in handling cross-border investment matters.