The practice at Macfarlanes LLP is well-regarded by clients for its ‘unwavering commitment to client service’. Its workload is formed of high-value and frequently cross-jurisdictional matters, including portfolio management, joint ventures, fund and property acquisitions, sales, and financing. The team is co-led by corporate and M&A practitioner Justin Hope and specialist in real estate Victoria Hills, who joined the team in October 2024. Noteworthy names include ’standout’ practitioner Will Hedges, real estate finance specialist Laura Bretherton, and commercial real estate specialist Nick Barnes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The main strength is the people and the team. Macfarlanes stands out for its exceptional blend of technical excellence, commercial awareness, and a truly collaborative culture. The firm’s multidisciplinary teams work seamlessly across departments, offering clients a level of integrated advice that is both strategic and deeply informed.'

  • 'What distinguishes Macfarlanes is its consistent ability to deliver bespoke, high-quality solutions on complex, often cross-border matters, while maintaining a personal and partner-led service that clients highly value.'

  • 'Breadth and depth, combined with a strong emphasis on continuity and long-term client relationships, which ensures that Macfarlanes not only meets but often anticipates client needs. The firm is also at the forefront of innovation.'

  • ‘The individuals at Macfarlanes are consistently impressive not only for their legal expertise, but for their intellectual curiosity, commercial insight, and unwavering commitment to client service. What truly sets them apart is their ability to combine deep technical knowledge with practical, solution-oriented advice—always delivered with clarity, confidence, and discretion.'

  • 'Unlike competitors who may take a more transactional or siloed approach, Macfarlanes' lawyers invest the time to understand the broader context of each matter, often anticipating challenges and opportunities before they arise. Their responsiveness and availability are second-to-none, and clients can always count on them to be both highly engaged and thoroughly prepared.'

  • 'Professionalism, humility, and a genuine collaborative spirit. They listen actively, adapt quickly, and remain focused on achieving the best outcomes, not just the legally sound ones, but the one that makes the most sense for the client’s wider goals. These are individuals you can rely on, trust deeply, and enjoy working with, even in the most high-pressure situations.’

Key clients

  • Alchemy Special Opportunities
  • Cedar Capital Partners Limited
  • Claridge’s Hotel Limited
  • EQ Hotels Limited
  • EQ Group
  • Ritz Hotel (London)
  • Rocco Forte Hotels
  • The Berkeley Hotel Limited
  • The Connaught Hotel Limited
  • Twenty14 Holdings
  • Waldorf Astoria, Doha
  • Westmont Hospitality Group

Work highlights

Advised Cedar Capital Partners on the recapitalization of European Lifesyle Hotel Portfolio with Ares Management.
Advised Alchemy in connection with a €92m financing of a joint venture established between Alchemy and STEP Partners to acquire a portfolio of hotels in Belgium.
Advised a private equity firm on the acquisition of Amber Taverns by one of its advised funds.

Practice head

Justin Hope; Victoria Hills

Other key lawyers

Howard Corney; Laura Bretherton; Will Hedges; Nick Barnes; Colin Morgan