Bishop & Sewell LLP has a residential property practice that covers all aspects of the sector, including the acquisition of prime and super-prime central London properties and country homes. The team is also a key advisor to lenders across a broad spectrum of property transactions and has considerable strength in high-value leasehold purchases. The practice’s deep expertise is reflected in its key practitioners: Thom Wilkinson primarily assists national and international high-net-worth individuals, while Ossie Swaine specialises in the sale and purchase of high-value freehold and leasehold interests in central London. The firm also has a strong landlord and tenant offering, co-led by Mark Chick, with Chris Macartney bringing specialist expertise in enfranchisement cases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘We have used Bishop & Sewell's services since 2017 and have been happy with their team throughout. They have been successful in straightening out complicated matters and are clear in their explanations and advice.’
- ‘Mark Chick is almost always available, is clear and concise in his advice, and is very easy to speak to.’
- ‘Good, reliable service.’
- ‘They are a good team who are available at the other end of the phone to discuss any challenges during the conveyancing process.’
- ‘The team has a very personal touch. They combine good technical ability with an easy manner. Their communication is excellent.’
- 'In my experience, the team at B&S Residential Property display a broad range of expertise. This has allowed them to offer services beyond standard property conveyance to myself and fellow residents in communal developments. The complexities of leasehold versus freehold and common ownership of land within a gated development are very topical areas of contention where legal advice is essential.'
- 'A well organised professional service provider. Queries and answers delivered in an understanding and simple fashion. The science of conveyancing delivered in a friendly manner which the lay person can understand.'
- 'Bishop & Sewell is one of the leading teams of solicitors in the leasehold enfranchisement sector. They respond to enquiries efficiently and effectively.'
- 'Charles Davidson is intelligent and extremely knowledgeable in his practice area. He approaches matters in a pragmatic way and is able to cut through complex issues with ease.'
- 'Mark Chick heads the enfranchisement team and is one of the leading solicitors in the sector, giving sound advice and a valuable service.'
Key clients
- Jordan International Bank
- Waverley Borough Council
- Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners Ltd
- Guaranty Trust Bank
Work highlights
Acted for a client in the sale of freehold, headlease, and seventh and eighth floor flat within a landmark theatre building in WC2.
Acted for a client, who had carried out substantial alterations and knocked down an internal wall to create one large flat, in the sale of two flats in W11.
Acted for a client in the purchase of a large freehold house, where the seller’s long-established (and substantial) rights of way and parking at the rear of the property were not legal recorded or recognised on the title.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Ossie Swaine; Mark Chick; Thom Wilkinson
Other key lawyers
Chris Macartney; Charles Davidson