Corporate Governance
United Kingdom
19 August 2025
Macfarlanes LLP's real estate finance offering is distinguished by its ability to draw upon the firm’s wider real estate, construction, and funds practices, providing a comprehensive service to lenders and borrowers. The practice is headed by Laura Bretherton, who specialises in financing development projects. The team also benefits from the senior expertise of seasoned lawyer Colin Morgan, who regularly handles high-value refinancing mandates. The practice’s ability to advise on complex matters is enhanced by head of the restructuring and insolvency group Jat Bains, who specialises in debt finance work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The quality of the lawyers at all levels is very high, while this remains very partner-led. Teams are kept tight and this maximises efficiency.’
‘Laura Bretherton is a good technical lawyer who instils confidence; she gets the job done with minimum fuss and resources matters at the right levels.’
‘Excellent team with a commercial mindset and a team that instil confidence with their knowledge and expertise.’
‘Macfarlanes has an excellent Property Finance department. Colin Morgan and his team are highly knowledgeable and provide a very user-friendly service.’
‘The MacFarlanes REF team is at the cutting edge of the market and consists of first class practitioners.’
‘They are professional and courteous and are a pleasure to work with. Laura Bretherton and Colin Morgan are standouts and leaders in their field.'
Key clients
- Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Limited Partnership
- Supermarket Income REIT PLC
- Hillwood
- Brookfield
- Realstar
- Alchemy Special Opportunities
Work highlights
Advised Brookfield and the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Limited Partnership on a new facility to refinance the costs of acquisition and development of the bespoke Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre at the Harwell Campus in Oxford.
Advised SUPR on securing further unsecured facilities from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.
Advised Hillwood on the financing from Fortwell Capital (managed by Cain International) for its development of a super-prime logistics park at Crewe.
Practice head
Laura Bretherton
Other key lawyers
Colin Morgan; Jat Bains