Standing out for its ‘extensive experience and deep understanding’ across industry segments, the real estate practice at Shoosmiths LLP is highly sought-after among leading domestic and multinational clients. Owing to her regulatory and commercial expertise, particularly in the rail and industrial spaces, team head Joanne McGuinness is regularly entrusted on large-scale portfolio management, acquisitions, and disposals. Specialising in residential and mixed-use assets, Sara Hampson acts for leading developers and promotors on promotion agreements and contracts for the purchase of sites. Mehar Patel brings a property finance, investment, and development focus, counting leading multinational banks and investment firms among his clients. A specialist in the office and infrastructure spaces, Jess Ready leads in negotiating high-value lease agreements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Shoosmiths stands out for its extensive experience and deep understanding of the rail industry. The team has this past year successfully handled complex negotiations and agreements, demonstrating its expertise in navigating the industry's regulatory framework and its longstanding industry connections.'
'The team's ability to secure crucial agreements has delivered significant value to us.’
'The team is not only capable at their jobs but also friendly and professional, making them a joy to work with.’
‘Joanne McGuinness is a standout individual in the rail regulation space and has played a pivotal role in leading projects over a number of years. Her knowledge of regulatory processes has been instrumental in getting an important deal across the line.'
‘Jess Ready is responsive and possesses a great knowledge of our business.’
'Jess Ready is effective at making sure every detail is covered.'
Key clients
- Cavendish Education Group
- National Air Traffic Services (NATS) Limited
- Roke Manor Limited
- Barratt Developments Limited
- William Lacey Group Limited
- Telefonica UK Limited
- Hitachi Rail Limited
- The Hamleys Group
- Wolverhampton City Council
- Thurrock Borough Council
- The Estate Office Shoreditch
- Almacantar Limited
Work highlights
Advising Telefonica UK Limited on the management of its retail property portfolio.
Acting for a high street lender on a new loan against a 16-acre housing development project for 250 houses.
Advising a strategic land promoter in relation to a land promotion agreement with a collaboration of landowners, regarding a site with potential for over 2000 dwellings
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation lawyers
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Joanne McGuinness
Other key lawyers
Mehar Patel; Sara Hampson; Jess Ready; Katrina Spolander