Shoosmiths LLP centres its Manchester-based practice on real estate finance transactions, advising various funds, PE investors, mezzanine lenders and local authorities on the lender side, while also counselling several high-profile property developers and corporates on the borrower side. Liz Sweeney leads the practice and has extensive banking and finance expertise across real estate development projects, including student accommodation, built-to-rent, leisure, office and healthcare developments. The team houses a strong associate bench comprising of Alice Casey, Sam Jadhav, Hannah Tinsley and Saima Rasool, who continue to be active on real estate finance transactions. The team was strengthened in January 2025 with the addition of Alex Yeramian from DLA Piper, who brings expertise in leveraged finance, acquisition finance and corporate lending and joins the team as a partner.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Very proactive & client friendly.'
- 'Very professional & proactive.'
- 'Clear, concise and commercial legal advice. Shoosmiths is always excellent at communicating and keeping projects on track. They provide sound legal advice but also advise us on the market positions they are seeing on certain topics so that we can better consider and understand the requests of lenders.'
- 'Liz Sweeney is brilliant. She always leads the transaction teams from the front, available as required and visible in all processes. Supported by Sam Jadhav and Alice Casey, you always know that you are going to be working with a strong team that is commercially aware and can run projects competently.'
Key clients
- Renaker
- Select Property Group
- Vita Ventures
- Together Commercial Finance
- Aviva Investors
- Kellen Homes
- The Co-operative Bank
- Birchwood Real Estate
- Moorfield Group
Work highlights
Advised Renaker on their £120m development finance facility from Greater Manchester Combined Authority for the development of Contour, Great Jackson Street and Trinity Islands, Manchester.
Advised Aviva Investors in respect of their multi-tranche £55.9m term loan development and investment facilities agreement with HSBC UK Bank plc.
Advised Santander on multiple loans worth £37.39m to DS Properties in respect of properties based in Derry, Northern Ireland and Doncaster, England.
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Alex Yeramian
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
Liz Sweeney
Other key lawyers
Alice Casey; Sam Jadhav; Hannah Tinsley; Saima Rasool; Alex Yeramian