Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s real estate finance practice is geared towards complex financing transactions involving sophisticated real estate assets, from commercial skyscrapers and logistic developments, to large-scale residential properties. The team’s expertise covers a wide range of structures, including senior and mezzanine finance, for a domestic and international client base of global banks, asset managers, and real estate investment managers. The practice is headed by Naveen Vijh, a partner with deep sector expertise. The team’s work for leading debt funds is a key strength, with Benedict West and Gordon McMillan both active on large-scale residential refinancings. Payam Yoseflavi is a key contact for complex financing structures. Claire Watson retired in December 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The team not only has a deep understanding of complex financing structures—including senior, mezzanine, and development finance—but also a nuanced grasp of the law and market considerations, which makes them exceptional trusted advisers. They have great bandwidth and the ability to deal with the most challenging timelines or complex multi-jurisdictional transactions.'

  • 'Payam Yoseflavi is a rare find who has an excellent ability to bridge the gap between legal rigour and client objectives. A true expert in the law who is also a strategic thinker and understands commercial drivers, he has a very collaborative and affable manner.'

  • 'The team is one of the strongest in the City for REF work as it focuses solely on this area. This gives them the edge in having in-depth knowledge of the REF market. They have a balanced practice representing both lenders and borrowers, which gives them a well-rounded perspective and enables them to anticipate and negotiate positions effectively from either side. Most importantly, they are really lovely and easy to deal with.'

  • 'Payam Yoseflavi is a great practitioner operating at the very top level, working for both lenders and borrowers. As such, he is able to provide targeted, commercial, and strategic advice backed up by many years of transactional experience.'

  • 'This is our go-to law firm for high-value financings. Payam Yoseflavi and his team operate at the top tier and offer a fantastic personal service. All team members are experts in their field and always deliver.'

  • 'BCLP are a safe pair of hands and I can always count on them to execute our deals in an efficient, commercial, and no-fuss way. When asking for instructions, they always give a view themselves, which makes them stand out from other firms. They are communicative, quick to respond, and able to adapt to challenging deadlines.'

  • 'Payam Yoseflavi is well regarded in the market and within the team itself. He is genuinely nice to deal with, he knows his stuff, and is quick and sensible at resolving any issues that arise.'

  • 'The team’s depth of expertise in property finance was evident throughout our recent transaction. Their proactive and collaborative attitude was particularly helpful in navigating complexities and ensuring tight timelines were adhered to without compromising on quality.''Payam Yoseflavi is an excellent partner - he is thoughtful, knowledgeable and has been exceptional for us across a range of transactions. I can always trust Payam to get the job done.'

  • 'Sam Burke is always a pleasure to work with - he is diligent, dedicated, efficient and across the detail.'

Key clients

  • NatWest
  • Tristan
  • Citibank
  • Ares
  • Northwood Investors
  • Platform_
  • Henderson Park
  • Sixth Street Partners
  • OCM
  • Burstone
  • Aviva Investors
  • Cheyne Capital
  • Natixis
  • Precis Advisory
  • Helaba
  • Kendall Square Asset Management
  • HSBC
  • Barclays
  • KKR
  • HighBrook

Work highlights

Advised Burstone on its strategic partnership with Blackstone for its €1.1bn pan-European logistics portfolio and financing of the same.
Advising Henderson Park on a NAV facility and a €900m development facility arranged by Blackstone.
Advised Aviva Investors on the refinance and major restructure of a circa £1bn high-value debt secured against real estate assets.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Naveen Vijh

Next Generation Partners

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

Practice head

Naveen Vijh

Other key lawyers

Gordon McMillan; Payam Yoseflavi; Benedict West