Ian Painter > Clifford Chance LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

The ‘highly responsive, commercial, and friendly’ corporate occupiers practice at Clifford Chance LLP remains at the forefront of the field, frequently handling complex and large-scale transactions. Acting for both landlords and occupiers, the group advises on the termination and assignment of lease arrangements, lease negotiations, and pre-lettings. Drawing from its corporate and finance expertise, the team benefits from a steady pipeline of banking sector and corporate clients. Nigel Howorth oversees the department and focuses on planning and property development, primarily within the energy and renewables space. Angela Kearns is reputed for her involvement in high-value real estate and infrastructure transactions, often in the film studio and logistics sectors, while the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Ian Painter advises investors on major developments in London, particularly within the healthcare market. Matt Taylor handles real estate investment transactions globally, whereas Alis Pay advises international investors on pan-European real estate portfolio transactions. Ben Redding acts for corporate occupiers on their global headquarters relocation, and James Law advises on real estate finance.

Clifford Chance LLP maintains a broad specialisation in complex developments across asset classes, and is particularly strong in the office and residential spaces. The firm is also well-equipped to handle major regeneration schemes and infrastructure-related projects, including over-station developments. Its clients include developers, landlords, investors, asset managers and occupiers. Nigel Howorth, who has experience in regeneration and redevelopment schemes that are often linked to infrastructure projects, leads the practice. Angela Kearns is experienced in a wide array of development subsectors, recently advising on matters in the logistics, digital infrastructure, data centre and life sciences sectors. Ian Painter adds insight into pre-let, joint venture, disposal and forward funding issues.

Noted for its ability ‘to provide consistent and seamless real estate coverage’ across all major European countries, Clifford Chance LLP maintains an international real estate investment expertise, advising global investors on their investment and joint venture matters. The firm has seen recent activity in the primary office and logistics sectors. Nigel Howorth oversees the practice, containing the likes of Adrian Levy, and Alis Pay, a specialist in cross-border property portfolio transactions. Ian Painter is experienced in pre-lets and joint ventures. Angela Kearns advises on alternative assets, including film studio, logistics, data centre and life sciences assets.

A key port of call for various iconic hotels and market-leading pensions funds, Clifford Chance LLP leverages its vast experience across real estate, finance and restructuring to advise on complex projects in the leisure sector, regularly handling large refinancings, lease and development agreements, acquisitions, and disposals. Global real estate co-chair Alis Pay advises on commercial real estate transactions including direct and indirect acquisitions and disposals, development, forward fundings, solvent and insolvent restructurings and real estate financings. Sarah Thomas specialises in commercial and corporate real estate and hotel-related transactions including hotel operating agreements. Andrew Carnegie  is noted for his expertise in real estate finance, insolvency, structured finance and securitisations. Emma Matebalavu specialises in UK and European real estate financing, while Angela Kearns is noted for her focus on Japanese and inbound investment from the Asia Pacific Region. Other key figures include Barry O’Shea, a specialist real estate finance, and Ian Painter, who advises on all aspects of complex mixed use developments.