Andrew Banton > CMS > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Praised by clients for being ‘extremely trustworthy’, the department at CMS counts global investors, tech corporations, and fund managers amongst its key roster of clients. Acting across the retail, life sciences, data centre, and logistics industries, the team is proficient in real estate finance, development projects, indirect investment, and real estate funds. The experienced Marie Scott is lauded for her work in data centre development, while John Cumpson concentrates on mixed-use developments and landlord and tenant matters, and Andrew Banton offers expertise in commercial property work, often advising on occupational office portfolios and restructurings. Jules Needleman is a key contact for corporate occupiers on London headquarters transactions, and Mark Heighton is noted for handling office premises work, particularly in the higher education sector.

CMS covers a broad range of asset classes in the development space, advising on healthcare, student accommodation, mixed-use, office, and leisure development matters. The team has seen rapid growth in recent times, with five lateral hires at partner level. Paul Paling and Melanie Hughes joined from Michelmores LLP in April 2023, Michael Buchanan joined from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in July 2023, Barry Edgar moved from Dentons in October 2023, and Rebecca Moore, who shifted from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner in January 2024. The enlarged practice, containing the likes of Ciaran Carvalho, is led by Marie Scott, Andrew Banton, John Cumpson and Chris Rae. Scott is well-versed in transactional matters regarding areas of increased interest, including data centres and logistics, whilst Banton regularly supports Hong Kong- and China-based investors. Caroline Maude and Barry Morris specialise in office developments. Mark Heighton, on the other hand, excels in the life sciences, build-to-rent and senior living sectors. Chris Oakley lends his insight into regeneration and joint venture projects to clients. Leilah Rawle is an expert on energy-related developments. Scott Curtis and Irfaan Khaliq were promoted to partner in April 2023.

CMS advises clients on portfolio and single asset transactions across a broad spectrum of sectors, including the office, logistics, life sciences and residential sectors. The practice, led by Marie Scott, John Cumpson, Andrew Banton and Chris Rae, has recently seen major growth. In April 2023, Paul Paling and Melanie Hughes joined from Michelmores LLP; in July 2023, Michael Buchanan joined from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP; in October 2023, Barry Edgar joined from Dentons; and in January 2024, Rebecca Moore joined from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. Caroline Maude advises on office and mixed-use investments. Alan Crawford is well-versed in assisting Middle Eastern investors in their UK investments. Amit Unadkat assists international clients in inward investments into Europe. Leilah Rawle has especial energy expertise. Amanda Howard is another key name in the practice. In April 2023, Scott Curtis and Irfaan Khaliq were promoted to partner. Ciaran Carvalho left the practice in April 2024.