Shepherd and Wedderburn advises on major developments, investments, and acquisitions, and is particularly well-regarded for its expertise in housebuilding mandates. Practice co-head Andrew Hall is an expert in residential property development, representing housebuilders and landowners in site transactions. Fellow co-head David Mitchell focuses on office, retail, and mixed-use projects, frequently acting for major UK REITs and institutional investment funds. Scott Ritchie brings additional expertise in developments, leasing, asset management, and real estate transactions. The group was strengthened by the promotions of Emma Guthrie and George McKinlay to partner in May 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent multi-discipline practice with strengths in all sectors. Focused and driven individuals without ego - including when dealing with their opposite solicitor firms in transactions. Excellent negotiation skills; professional and user-friendly manner across all disciplines.'
‘Commercially astute. A pragmatic and proactive approach to problem-solving. Attentive and responsive. Conscious of commercial timescales and sensitivities.’
‘Their sectoral knowledge is excellent. The partner availability is excellent. The understanding of client requirements and challenges is excellent and their willingness to work as an extension of our team is unstinting and hugely appreciated.’
‘Judith Stephenson has a deep understanding of our client requirements and the sector we operate in. We find her breadth of exposure in this space incredibly valuable. Judith and her team are incredibly responsive.’
Key clients
- British Land plc
- Parabola
- BlackRock
- Tilstone/Warehouse REIT
- CBREGI UK Property Fund
- Miller Homes
- LondonMetric
- Clydeport
- BAE Systems
- Taylor Wimpey
Work highlights
Acted for Parabola on the conditional sale of a large development site at Edinburgh Park, Edinburgh to AEG Europe - the owners of the iconic venue The O2 in London which is seeking planning approval for an 8,500-capacity arena in the heart of Edinburgh Park.
Advised LondonMetric on all Scottish real estate aspects of the acquisition of LXi REIT comprising circa 350 properties across the UK (29 in Scotland) to create the UK’s 4th largest REIT with a combined portfolio value of over £6bn.
Advised BAE on all elements of its multi-million pound Bishopton development, a privately-funded brownfield regeneration project.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Andrew Hall; David Mitchell
Other key lawyers
Scott Ritchie; Emma Guthrie; George McKinlay; Judith Stephenson