The ‘high-quality team’ at CMS excels in advising on real estate matters across multiple sectors including public, energy, student accommodation and office developments. Paul Carter oversees the group and frequently assists institutional investors with development funding mandates. Allan Wernham specialises in retail development and investment, particularly focusing on major regeneration projects. Darina Kerr provides advice on all aspects of commercial property transactions, including development, acquisitions, and disposals. Barry Edgar joined the firm from Dentons in September 2023,
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team are strong. They immediately respond to instructions, and deliver the result that the Fund has asked of them.’
‘A high-quality team that is responsive, instinctive, precise, hard-working and responsible. Their advice is to be relied upon.’
‘The team is extremely responsive and helpful and have taken it upon themselves to know our business inside out.’
‘Barry Edgar takes a real interest in our business and seeks to work with us hand in hand to bring deals to a conclusion.’
‘The collaborative approach allows CMS to stand out as a very approachable team to work with. They are proactive and relaxed in their approach which makes them stand out from other firms.’
‘They provide clear and informed counsel and have supported the business in a very steady, calm and knowledgeable way. Chris Rae and Rebecca McGladrigan have been excellent.’
Key clients
- Nuveen Real Estate N
- Landsec
- Statkraft UK Limited
- University of Glasgow
- NewRiver REIT
- Mineflow Investments Ltd.
- Henderson Park
- Nuveen Real Estate
- Pension Insurance Corporation plc
- Anglo Scandinavian Estates 7 LLP (c/o Commercial Estates
Work highlights
Advised Nuveen Real Estate on the St James Quarter, a £1bil retail development in Edinburgh.
Advised Statkraft on the property aspects of their acquisition of the project companies developing the 72 megawatt Beaw Field Wind Farm and the 48 megawatt Mossy Hill Wind Farm under development in Shetland.
Advised NewRiver on the sale of three Scottish Retail Parks (one in Aberdeen and two in Inverness) for £62mil to US investors.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Paul Carter
Other key lawyers
Allan Wernham; Darina Kerr; Barry Edgar; Chris Rae; Rebecca McGladrigan