Noted for its strength in sizeable leasing and office transactions, Taylor Wessing LLP is knowledgeable on data centre and logistics assets. Chris Turley and Paul Lawrence jointly lead the practice, and Turley is vastly experienced in real estate financing. Lawrence is highly proficient in the sale and acquisition of trophy assets, while Mark Rajbenbach handles leasing matters. Leona Ahmed assists institutional investors from Asia and the Middle East, Matthew Swainston is skilled at landlord and tenant transactions, and Victoria Butcher is reputed in the leisure sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘This is a team with exceptionally high standards of work ethic and commerciality. They are user-friendly, consistently available, and able to break down the most complex matters into clear, digestible advice. There is a deep level of resource from trainee to partner.’
- ‘They are available when needed, and each team member is an excellent lawyer in their own right. They collaborate effectively as a team, and their delivery in terms of technical skill, commercial awareness, and speed is unmatched.’
- ‘The partners are personable, experienced, and professional, with the ability to explain complex issues in layman’s terms. They are strong but commercial negotiators on detailed legal points.’
- ‘Matthew Swainston is a class act: commercial, deeply knowledgeable about the market, and consistently delivers. That he is easy to get along with and has a sense of humour are added bonuses that help ease the pressure of high-stakes work.’
- ‘Matthew Swainston is my main contact, and I highly recommend him.’
- ‘Mark Rajbenbach is an exceptional lawyer who combines extremely high intellect and work ethic with practical, commercial advice.’
Key clients
- Invesco Real Estate
- BGO
- Fortress Investment Group
- Canada Life
- EQT Real Estate
- Cain International
- Kamco Invest
- London & Regional
- MARK
- CC Land
- Crosstree Real Estate Partners
Work highlights
Advising Invesco Real Estate on the establishment of a £500m joint venture with UK-based developer Simten.
Advising Canada Life on various transactions relating to its UK property portfolio, with an aggregate value of over £400m in 2024.
Advised LabTech Investments on its sale of 90 High Holborn to Greycoat for £180 million.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Mark Rajbenbach
Matthew Swainston
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Victoria Butcher
Practice head
Chris Turley; Paul Lawrence
Other key lawyers
Mark Rajbenbach; Leona Ahmed; Matthew Swainston; Victoria Butcher