Hill Dickinson LLP remains a trusted adviser on property development, investment transactions, and matters across the logistics, retail and local authority sectors. The team recently strengthened its offering with the arrival of Mark Gaffney from Squire Patton Boggs in October 2024, adding significant experience in development and regeneration work. Team head Darren Hamer advises clients on property investments and portfolio management. Peter Winnard offers specialist expertise in structuring disposals, schemes and funding arrangements involving the public sector. Chris Johnston plays a key role in the firm’s banking-related work, providing vital property finance advice to a range of lender clients. Jon Pearson-Basudev also comes recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Work Department
Real Estate
Position
Partner
Career
1991-1993 Trainee Solicitor, Cobbetts
1993 – 1995 Associate, Dibb Lupton Broomhead (now DLA Piper)
1995 – 2001 Associate, Addleshaw Booth (now Addleshaw Goddard)
2001- 2015 Partner, Eversheds LLP
2015 – 2017 Partner, Nabarro LLP (one of the five, original founding Partners of Nabarro Manchester)
2017 – 2021 Partner, CMS (following the merger of Nabarro, Olswang and CMS)
Memberships
The Law Society
Education
1986-1989 University of Hull, Modern History, 2:1
1989 – 1991 College of Law, York, CPE and Law Society Finals, Honours
Content supplied by Hill Dickinson LLP
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Hill Dickinson excels in building long-term relationships. Their team is diverse, accessible, and consistently delivers high-quality legal advice. They’re responsive to queries and committed to strengthening client relationships.’ ‘Jim Purves manages our relationship with fairness and honesty, always going the extra mile to maintain strong service delivery. Darren Hamer is exceptionally responsive and clear in his advice.' ‘Josh Pearson stands out as an incredibly talented, proactive and hardworking property solicitor. He consistently meets tight deadlines, manages expectations effectively, and provides thoughtful, commercial advice. His ability to steer complex deals while supporting all parties involved makes him a trusted partner we rely on time and again.’ ‘Hill Dickinson is the best legal firm we’ve worked with – personal, hardworking, and collaborative. They treat every transaction as a team effort and consistently exceed expectations.’
Key clients
- Biz-Parks Blossom Iron Developments Brownfield Land Holdings Cityheart Developments Co-operative Group Cynergy Bank DHL Eliza Yard Developments EP Properties First-Step Group Flour Developments Fox Brothers Group FSG Southway Ryebank Developments Genus Glass Developments Gordon Moon Properties Gresham House Hesham Hurstwood Holdings Jersey Wharf Developments Landcare Legacie Developments Lloyds Banking Group Loom Holdings Lookers Motor Group M20 Property Group North West Legal Consortium Northern Developments Northern Group NPL Group Oddfellows Friendly Society Peel Group Placefirst Salford City Council Selbourne Group Seneca Property Sheffield Mutual Friendly Society Silk Glass Developments Stockport County FC Union Co-Living The Cutting Room Vita Group Whitehaven Developments
Work highlights
Advised Seneca Property on the acquisition of a significant Manchester City Centre office building.