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 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.’
- '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. '
- 'The team at Freeths is a commercial, client focused team. I always feel its a partnership and they are personally invested in the business.'
- 'Atiyya in particularly leads the team so well. She had a great grasp on what is done but is not shy in delegating out work. It provides a great overall service that I think is unparalleled.'
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
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Leading partners
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Practice head
Darren Williamson; Guy Winfield; James Hart; Patrick Adie
Other key lawyers
Atiyya Khaliq; Jon Smart