Farrer & Co is a key advisor to private banks on complex residential property matters, with a practice noted for its ability to handle non-standard transactions such as auction sales and receivership issues. This specialist capability is part of a wider offering that covers high-value acquisitions, development, and refinancings for both residential and rural estates, all of which is overseen by practice head Hugh Wigzell. The practice’s seniority and strategic importance within the firm are further demonstrated by Laura Conduit, who heads the firm’s wider property department, and Laurie Horwood, who leverages his experience in high-value, complex work. The practice is further strengthened by Annabel Dean, who is the go-to for complex SPV deals and share purchase transactions, and Edmund Fetherston-Dilke, who is well-versed in both high-end residential and rural property matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Work Department
Property
Position
Laura is an expert transactional lawyer working on some of the fastest paced and highest value residential property sales and purchases in the Prime and Super Prime London and country house markets. She advises individuals, families and developers and acts for clients buying their first home as well as experienced investors. She also acts as separate representation for lenders on property finance matters. Laura has an excellent track record for delivering quality advice and exchanging transactions under time pressure. Laura’s network spans agents, surveyors, architects, bankers, mortgage brokers and beyond and she curates a team for her clients where needed. Laura has a collaborative style and approaches transactions with a solutions-focussed attitude.
Career
Partner 2017 - Present
Education
Bristol University (LLB); Sheffield University (LPC)
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Farrer & Co have a strong reputation within the Prime and Super-Prime residential market. Their attention to detail and professional competence ensures property transactions progress smoothly. The firm took a leading role in establishing the implications of the Building Safety Act 2022, demonstrating a significant depth of knowledge in communicating this critical legislation to their clients.’ ‘The individuals at Farrer & Co combine legal precision with commercial awareness and a calm authority, bringing clear judgement to every stage of the process. Laura Conduit is skilled at handling complexity and finding strategic solutions. Annabel Dean is thoughtful, responsive, and able to simplify complex matters. Edmund Fetherston-Dilke has significant experience with complex and rural property matters.' ‘When a transaction is complex, international, involves trust structures, or requires discretion, I turn to Farrer & Co. They are legally sharp and trusted, acting for my most distinguished clients. Their ability to handle nuance with calm authority sets them apart. Hugh Wigzell is astute and professional, while Laura Conduit is consistent and reliable. The wider team reflects this same standard: focused, discreet, and commercially sound.’ ‘Farrer & Co’s residential property team operates at the top end of the market, reflecting their experience in prime transactions. Their advice is precise, strategic, and commercially aware, which is critical for clients navigating complex, high-value purchases. They are responsive, well-connected, and work well with agents, buying advisers, and family offices to maintain momentum. Senior lawyers remain actively involved, providing a sense of oversight.’ ‘I have worked with Farrer & Co for 20 years. They have a strong and diverse team at all levels. I find their attention to detail and diligent approach to be a key strength, which matches my own approach to matters. They are responsive to points raised in my survey reports and will strive to obtain the further information requested.’ ‘Laura Conduit, Hugh Wigzell, Laurie Horwood, and Edmund Fetherston-Dilke all stand out for being sharp but also down-to-earth. They provide advice that is not just technically sound, but also practical and usable. Laura is particularly strong at maintaining a calm grip on complex situations.’ 'We are frequently asked for recommendations, and Farrer & Co is on our list. They have a 'can-do' attitude and deliver practical advice on property-related matters. The team is consistently strong.’ ‘I have dealt with Laura Conduit from the time she was newly qualified to now being head of residential, and I am consistently impressed by her 'no-nonsense' approach to transactions.’