Freeths LLP is well-positioned in the market to advise a diverse client base, spanning from the care sector to housebuilding, on an impressive range of transactions and projects within the area. As the national head of real estate, Darren Williamson combines institutional fund management and portfolio transactions knowledge with comprehensive commercial development expertise. A pillar of the firm’s work is within the care sector, where Jon Smart is a key name in care home development; Smart also offers experience in property finance and retail development. Acting for housebuilders, developers, and housing associations, amongst others, Patrick Adie takes on large residential-led schemes, mixed-use developments, and investment transactions. Elsewhere in the team, James Hart is sought out for his complex development scheme expertise, Guy Winfield heads the Nottingham office, and Atiyya Khaliq handles a varied stream of general commercial property matters, with a specialism in corporate real estate portfolio acquisitions and disposals.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘I work with the Freeths Nottingham office, my key commercial relationship being with partner Jon Smart. Jon and his team's key strengths that perhaps make them stand out from the other firms are their confidence in convictions.’

  • ‘I enjoy working with Jon Smart, partner at the Nottingham office. Jon's passionate about winning work, enjoys the story behind a case, and cares about win-win outcomes, both for the clients and his firm. He adds a different perspective at times, and even with challenging cases, considers the value the hurdles overcome often provide.’

  • ‘Strong and clear advice delivered in a very understandable fashion.’

  • ‘James Hart has been fantastic on three complex deals.’

  • 'They are an intrinsic part of my business and I trust their advice implicitly. Across the board, they are responsive and strong communicators. They have a very strong and commercially minded leadership which filters through the team.'

  • 'Patrick Adie is our client Partner lead and is the reason I initially employed Freeths as my main advisor. He is incredibly proficient, pragmatic, commercially-minded and diligent. I am always confident that Patrick's advice is in line with my philosophies and business strategy. '

Key clients

  • Barratt Redrow Plc
  • Bellway Plc
  • Vistry Group Plc
  • Taylor Wimpey Plc
  • Halfords
  • Keepmoat Homes
  • Harworth Group Plc
  • EG Group (Euro Garages)
  • Tarmac
  • Chancerygate
  • Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company
  • Travis Perkins group

Work highlights

Acted for EG On the Move Limited on the completion of the separation of EG On the Move and the EG Group following the sale of Euro Garages Limited to Asda Stores.
Acted for Barratt Redrow Plc on the acquisition of phases 2 and 3a at Pickford Gate, Coventry.
Acted for Bellway plc on a consortium collaboration agreement for the Langley Sustainable Urban Extension of c5500 homes plus community facilities and infrastructure, including the formation of a Project Infrastructure Company for the delivery of c£300m-worth of infrastructure.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

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Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

Darren Williamson; Guy Winfield; James Hart; Patrick Adie

Other key lawyers

Atiyya Khaliq; Jon Smart