A&O Shearman is especially strong in cross-border investments, particularly between the US and UK. The firm is experienced in an array of traditional and alternative asset classes, from office and retail to senior living and logistics. The practice is led by Christopher Woolf, who advises private equity funds and institutional investors on their real estate matters. Nick Saner is an expert on the acquisition and disposal of offshore property holding structures. Emma Willoughby regularly advises on financing matters for real estate investors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A strong team, in a great firm, offering reliable advice.’

  • ‘Nick Saner is strong and reliable.’

  • ‘Nick Saner show creativity and commerciality.’

Key clients

  • Quadrant Estates
  • Supermarket Income REIT
  • Cofinimmo SA
  • Evans Randall
  • Kennedy Wilson
  • Mapletree
  • Nuveen
  • Orion Capital Managers
  • Oxford Properties
  • Westbrook

Work highlights

Advised Supermarket Income REIT on its investment into the Dragon and Highbury securitisation structure which was secured against a portfolio of 26 Sainsbury’s supermarkets in 2020 and 2022.
Acted on the acquisition and redevelopment of the building known as Panorama St Pauls, being the former BT building in the City of London, and the subsequent letting on a full pre-let basis of the building to HSBC Plc for use as HSBC’s new global headquarters.

Lawyers

Leading partners

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

Christopher Woolf

Next generation partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Nick Saner
Emma Willoughby

Practice head

Christopher Woolf

Other key lawyers

Nick Saner; Emma Willoughby; Lucy Goodwin