Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s real estate regulatory, planning, and zoning practice is knowledgeable of property transactions. Philip Hecht is experienced in the hospitality sector, Farida Sadiq is a planning and zoning specialist, Hannah Gohar handles leasing, and Zofia Bernard is a key contact for sub-developers on mixed-use developments.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'I would not hesitate to recommend Philip Hecht. I value his responsiveness, hands on approach, and the quality of his advice, which whilst being of a high legal standard is also very commercial.'
- 'Chris Beaumont-McQuillan has demonstrated total reliability, excellent judgment, and clear, concise drafting. He communicates clearly with all parties, inspires confidence with investors and lenders alike, and consistently adds value beyond the strict legal brief. In a market crowded with technically capable lawyers, Chris stands out as someone who genuinely facilitates deals rather than slowing them down. That’s a rare quality, and we consider him a trusted advisor.'
- 'Chris Beaumont-McQuillan is a standout legal advisor in the real estate transactions space. His technical command is first-rate, but what sets Chris apart is his commercial clarity and calmness under pressure. He understands what matters in a deal, knows when to hold the line and when to find practical compromises, and is unflappable even in fast-moving or politically sensitive situations.'
- 'The team led by Chris Beaumont-McQuillan stands out for its deep sectoral expertise in complex real estate transactions, particularly in the purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) space.'
- 'Response times are key when advising a business operating in a fast moving and dynamic sector and I would (and have) recommend BCLP to other companies in the UAE.'
- 'BCLP have an excellent team based in Abu Dhabi, they have excellent knowledge of the real estate sector and apply a highly commercial approach to advice and transactions generally. The partners are very responsive and allocate work to their team as appropriate, whilst maintaining a close watching brief.'
- 'They are professional and work to meet our requirements.'
- 'What distinguishes the practice is not just technical legal ability, which is excellent, but a rare combination of commercial pragmatism, speed, and responsiveness.'
Key clients
- Skyports AREIT
Work highlights
Advising a AREIT on its UAE property portfolio, including the AED 280 million sale of commercial office tower in Dubai.
Advising Skyports on its deal with the Dubai RTA for the introduction of eVTOL taxi services in the Dubai Emirate, and subsequent expansion plans in the UAE.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Zofia Bernard
Hannah Gohar
Farida Sadiq
Other key lawyers
Philip Hecht; Farida Sadiq; Hannah Gohar; Zofia Bernard