The commercial property offering at Freeths LLP has a strong reputation for its abilities handling high-value work, including significant sales and acquisitions, disposals and notably assisting banks on financing aspects of real estate, which is ‘great communicator’ Joei Chung’s area of specialism. The team's varied client roster features notable names, including Aldi Stores Limited and Santander UK. The ‘commercially astute’ Andrew Nichol and ’outstanding property partner’ Luke Hopkins head the practice, which was bolstered in July 2023 with the arrival of Alrashid Elgattani, who joined from Gregory Abrams Davidson LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘An extremely knowledgeable and capable real estate team with a diverse skillset across varying asset and transaction types.’
‘Luke Hopkins is an outstanding property partner, able to quickly simplify and prioritise key commercial points in order to make transactions happen. His passion and drive to deliver for clients is clear at all times.'
'Joei Chung is highly experienced, a great communicator, and excels on a range of property transactions.’
‘Very good company structure from top to bottom and always available when required; very knowledgeable and if they can't answer a specific and unique enquiry, they'll find someone who can. An all-round excellent service.’
‘The Liverpool team provide a depth of service and knowledge which rivals any top tier London-based legal practice and more. They have never failed to excel and continue to innovate and exceed expectations.’
‘I have been working with Andrew Nichol for over 15 years and he continues to provide the most commercially astute advice and work that gets deals done. He doesn't make mountains out of mole hills and cuts through the waffle always working well with the other side.’
'From the outset of our collaboration, it became evident that Luke Hopkins possesses an innate ability to dissect and navigate the intricate landscapes of commercial real estate with remarkable ease and efficiency. His approach is both methodical and innovative, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of optimal solutions for even the most challenging scenarios.’
Key clients
- Aldi Stores Limited
- Unity Trust Bank plc
- Lloyds Bank plc
- Handelsbanken plc
- Ahli United Bank (UK)
- Santander UK plc
- Streambank plc
- Trophy Homes Limited
- Nicholson Group
- Shape Land & Property
Work highlights
- Acting for the JSM Group in respect of multiple acquisitions of well-known retail and leisure buildings within Liverpool and Chester together with refinances and asset management related matters with a deal value in excess of £30m.
- Acting for Harworth Group plc on the sale of 6 strategic business parks with a total value in excess of £70m.
- Acting for Unity Trust Bank plc, an award winning independent commercial bank, in respect of over 60 completions in 2023 as the Bank’s preferred national supplier assisting them in advancing over £100m of lending.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Joei Chung
Practice head
Andrew Nichol; Luke Hopkins
Other key lawyers
Joei Chung; Alrashid Elgattani