Ms Lisa Austen > Child & Child > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Ms Lisa Austen

Work Department

Real Estate

Position

Partner in the Real Estate Department.

I joined the Firm in September 2014 and I have continuously been developing my practice, expanding my contacts and honing relationships with both clients and my colleagues.

Some consider me as a ‘hybrid solicitor’ given that I practice in both residential and commercial property transactions. My career began, for the first 5 years, predominately dealing with commercial property transactions and subsequently I developed my practice over the last 13 years to include residential property transactions simply because I thoroughly enjoy having such a varied caseload which is interesting and keeps me on my toes; and I enjoy the challenge of keeping up to date with legal updates and developments in both fields. The skills I have acquired over the years dealing with such a wide variety of work gives me the ability to “think outside the box” and achieve a swift resolution to issues which often arise during the course of any transaction. For my clients with businesses, commercial premises and residential property portfolios, I am considered a ‘one stop shop’ for all their property transaction needs!

As a solicitor, I endeavour to pre-empt and anticipate any potential issues that may arise and be raised by the other party’s solicitors during the transaction so as to pave the way for a smooth and speedy exchange of contracts.  Such a pro-active approach on part of a solicitor is certainly not typical practice and, in my opinion, sets me apart from a large number of our competitors.

My clients range considerably from first time buyers, investors, secured lenders, small businesses, companies and small-scale property developers converting houses or offices into residential apartments. Whilst I have developed my residential practice to have a specific focus on dealing with ultra and high net worth clients, and high value residential property transactions within Central London, I do not shy away from working with clients selling or purchasing for more modest sums or properties located outside of Central London. All my clients are very valued and receive the same high level of service from me.

I do consider that I provide a bespoke legal service tailored to the needs of each client, I enjoy taking the time to speak to my clients and getting to know them in order that I can tailor my service to their specific needs and I am known for providing a “hand-holding” service to some of my clients who require it. A long-standing client of mine emailed me this week to say “I love your enthusiasm my dear Lisa, I feel that I can do anything with you by my side. You are a priceless friend to me.” It is messages like this that give me such satisfaction in my role helping and empowering others to achieve what they desire.

Not only do I take satisfaction from helping my clients, I understand that I have become a well-respected role-model within my team, supervising and assisting others with complex issues/transactions and seen as someone with great experience, knowledge and technical expertise, considered a good source for a “second opinion”- it’s great to be part of such a well-rounded team who support one another to achieve great things on a daily basis!

Career

2023 to date – Partner at Child & Child

2019 to 2023 – Senior Associate at Child & Child

2014 to 2019 – Associate at Child & Child

2013 to 2014 – Associate at Leon Kaye Solicitors

2010 to 2013 – Paralegal, Trainee and NQ Solicitor at WT Law Solicitors

Languages

English

Memberships

The Law Society

Education

LPC at College of Law (Distinction)

University of Kent at Canterbury (Law, LLB Hons 2:1)

Leisure

Walking, reading and spending time with my family