Corporate Governance
United Kingdom
19 August 2025
Macfarlanes LLP is sought after by institutions, investors, developers, and occupiers on a varied stream of advisory and contentious work. Mark Lawrence oversees the team, regularly advising on fire safety and cladding disputes, while Douglas Wass is familiar with arbitration and litigation within office, residential, and industrial projects. Eloise Illingworth acts on a broad caseload, including rights of light work, break notices, and contested lease renewals, and Harry O’Reilly acts on building safety disputes. Andy Mather is another key name in the group.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A fab team with real strength in depth - known for acting in technically and legally complex real estate disputes (in particular relating to development work) as well as core real estate work including telecommunications. They are real strategic thinkers and deliver practical, effective advice.’
‘A highly respected and very experienced firm, with excellent strength and depth.’
‘This is a firm at the very top of its league when it comes to property litigation. It handles high-value and complex legal disputes with ease and never fails to instil a sense of confidence in clients and other advisors alike. They really are the best of the best in this sphere.’
‘Mark Lawrence and Doug Wass are standout partners. They are available, commercial, clever and a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Macfarlanes acts in technically and legally complex real estate disputes, and are strategic and practical thinkers. Their team has both strength and depth.’
‘The individuals I worked with in property litigation were highly motivated, incredibly diligent and very approachable. They approached their work in a precise and well-structured manner. They were very easy to get along with. ’
Key clients
- Industrial Property Investment Fund
- Omnicom
- Stanhope PLC
- St James Group Limited (Berkeley Group)
- Redvesev Limited
- Legal and General Assurance (Pensions Management) Limited
- Dunlossit Trustees Limited
- Whitewood
- Dobbies Garden Centres Limited
- St William Homes LLP (Berkeley Group)
- Reassure Limited
- Evelyn Partners
Work highlights
Advising the tenant, Redvesev Limited, in lease renewal proceedings in relation to the timing of the imposition of a landlord’s redevelopment break clause.
Acted for Whitewood Media Village Limited Partners in responding to Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Limited’s application for a long term Code agreement at its premises at the BBC Building in White City.
Advise IPIF in relation to all contentious matters arising out of the Fund’s portfolio of industrial properties, which are let to commercial tenants.
Practice head
Mark Lawrence
Other key lawyers
Douglas Wass; Eloise Illingworth; Harry O'Reilly; Andy Mather