DLA Piper‘s practice has a strong reputation for its capabilities handling the breadth of high-value commercial real estate cases. Mark Beardwood’s workload includes advising his roster of clients on major developments and regeneration schemes. Richard Thompson acts for pension fund clients and others on acquisitions and disposals, with a particular focus on the office, retail, industrial, and logistics sectors – areas in which Richard Ascroft also specialises. The group is helmed by Alison Mills who has significant experience assisting clients in the student accommodation sector, amongst others. Liverpool’s Lauren Turner advises on all aspects of industrial, office and retail portfolios. All team members split their time between Manchester and Liverpool.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The teams strengths are their individuals. They each have a strong knowledge base and are happy to discuss the challenging issues.'
- 'They provide robust and well-reasoned advice and they turn around work promptly and definitely.'
- 'They're friendly, personable and generally a pleasure to work with.’
‘A stable, inclusive and gender diverse team.'
'All team members are approachable, efficient and get on with the task at hand. We enjoy working with them and like the fact that team members can work in our office occasionally.'
‘Alison Mills, Richard Thompson and Richard Ascroft are all highly knowledgeable, approachable and client-focused.’
Key clients
- Picton Property Income Limited
- Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited
- Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
- Greater Manchester Pension Fund
- Ares Management
- ABB
- Elan Homes Holdings Limited
- 4th Industrial (UK) Limited Partnership
- TPG Europe
Work highlights
Advised Picton in relation to the sale of the £29m multi-let Angel Gate office scheme.
Acted on behalf of Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited in the sale of 3-6 Gracechurch Street for circa £38.5m.
Advised ABB on land acquisition and development of a greenfield facility at Fairham Business Park, Nottingham including providing comprehensive planning and construction advice.
Lawyers
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Practice head
Alison Mills
Other key lawyers
Richard Thompson; Richard Ascroft; Lauren Turner; Mark Beardwood; Sophie Stewart; Claire Henderson; Melissa Cookson