Deploying a sector-focused, multi-disciplinary approach, the Gowling WLG team has vast expertise in real estate development and investment matters, alongside housing litigation cases relating to breaches of contract and race discrimination. The department leverages the in-depth knowledge from across the firm’s pensions, construction and planning divisions, to provide bespoke advice to REITs and local authorities. From Birmingham, Jacqueline Knox and Sally Farrall co-head the practice, with the former specialising in housing management issues, whilst the latter is an expert on the development side. Richard Beckingsale is knowledgeable on regeneration initiatives, while both Gemma Courtenay and Senay Nihat are also noted as key.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Gowling team are responsive, pragmatic and commercial in their approach. They field a diverse and energised team. We have great access to the team that do the deals, and they are always available, push transactions forward, have a great attention to detail and make our legal work pleasurable!’
‘Jacqueline Knox (partner) brings technical expertise and responsiveness. Gemma Courtney (associate): professionalism, commercialism, responsiveness, dedication to the client.’
Key clients
- Sanctuary Housing Group
- Metropolitan Thames Valley
- Clarion Housing Group
- London and Quadrant
- Bournville Village Trust
- TP Impact Housing
- London Borough of Barnet
- LaSalle Investment Management
- BAE Systems Pension Funds Trustees Limited
- Coal Pension Properties Ltd
Work highlights
Advised Sanctuary Housing Association on its acquisition of the troubled Swan Housing Association, which closed in February 2023, and continue to act in relation to numerous matters flowing from the acquisition.
Advised Vistry on one of the largest new build residential investment transactions on record involving the sale and development by Vistry of 2,915 residential units across 70 development sites nationally.
Advised Legal & General Affordable Housing on a complex conditional shared ownership funding initiative framework agreement with BDW Trading Limited, pursuant to which L&G have contracted to acquire 251 homes to be delivered on a shared ownership basis across over 30 development sites.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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
Jacqueline Knox; Sally Farrall
Other key lawyers
Richard Beckingsale; Gemma Courtenay