
Freeths LLP manages commercial development work for a broad range of corporate clients, including national operators in the logistics and industrial sectors. The team is frequently engaged by life sciences and healthcare sector clients, providing guidance on HQ relocations, development projects, financings, planning issues and licensing matters. Patrick Whetter heads the practice and is noted for his experience of advising commercial property operators, while Philip Gray focuses on the property aspects of corporate mergers, acquisitions and disposals. Laura Brown and Kelly Sawyer are also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Freeths LLP turn things around quickly,’
- ‘Kelly Sawyer has attention to detail and speed, which are key within the acquisition process. Philip Gray is approachable and easy to do business with.’
- ‘Philip Gray and Kelly Sawyer are a fantastic team. They understand proportionality, give clear and helpful advice. They are my go-to lawyers for all commercial property matters and always will be. They are simply the best.'
- ‘They are exemplary.’
- ‘The property team at Freeths is responsive and supportive, knows our industry and business well and appreciates the challenges we face as an organisation.'
- ‘Philip Gray and Kelly Sawyer are both outstanding - their understanding of our portfolio and industry sector is very valuable to our organisation. They are always responsive and supportive, explaining legal terms in everyday language well, and it is fantastic to work with them.’
Key clients
- Mercedes-Benz Cars UK Limited
- Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited
- Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains Limited
- Micheldever Tyre Services Limited t/a Protyre
- Oxford University Press
- Perspectum
- Dogs Trust
- Clasado Research Services Limited
- Feefo Holdings Limited
- First Touch Games Limited
- Idverde Limited
- Stine Goya
Work highlights
Advised Micheldever Tyre Services Ltd on the portfolio management of its circa 250 sites.
Advised Oxcon/J Curtis & Son on the joint disposal of a prime industrial estate inside the Oxford ring road for an undisclosed sum.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Next generation Partners
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.
Kelly Sawyer
Practice head
Patrick Whetter
Other key lawyers
Philip Gray; Laura Brown; Kelly Sawyer

