Leveraging the expertise of a large core commercial property team, as well as the firm’s in-house roster of property professionals which includes quantity surveyors, Blake Morgan LLP is well-positioned to advise stakeholders on commercial property projects in the private, public and third sectors. Team head James Egan often takes the lead on high-profile and complex mandates, and the ‘gifted and highly experienced’ Louise Howells excels in handling commercial property work within the social housing field, regularly advising Wales and increasingly England-based housing associations. Nigel Griffiths continues to act for longstanding client Canary Wharf Group on its retail portfolio, work he handles alongside Daniela Smith, who also excels at advising on development transactions for both public and private sector organisations. Geoff Reed retired in April 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘This is a highly skilled, experienced and motivated team which is exceptional.'
- 'Louise Howells is truly gifted and highly experienced. Her focus for getting the best for her clients is unshakable.'
‘Louise Howells is highly skilled and experienced. Her wealth of knowledge is profound and her solutions focused attitude, professionalism and diligence is one to aspire to regardless of your line of work.'
'Helpful, pragmatic and commercially aware. The team works hard to get deals done.'
'Daniela Smith provides clear and consistent advice, and always leads by example.'
Key clients
- Canary Wharf Group Plc
- Welsh Government
- Cardiff Parkway Developments Limited
- Cardiff University
- NHS Wales
- Royal National Institute for Blind People
- Symrise Limited
- Newport City Homes Housing Association Limited
- HSBC
- HyHaul
- Cardiff and Vale College
- ClwydAlyn Housing Limited
Work highlights
Continued portfolio management and new leases/re-gears for Canary Wharf Group, owners of the Canary Wharf Estate.
Advised Teneo on the property aspects of the Cazoo insolvency including the negotiation of the assignment or surrender of many of the showroom, garage and storage leases across the UK.
Acting for Linc-Cymru Housing Association Limited in the acquisition of the New Forge Public House Oakdale for the development of affordable housing.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
James Egan
Other key lawyers
Louise Howells; Daniela Smith; Nigel Griffiths; Philip Jardine; Dawn Smith; Charlotte Whitehead; Natalie Lawley; Claire Wilde; Elen Crockett; Rhiannon Peploe-Williams