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England - West Midlands • Real estate
3

Social housing

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Shakespeare Martineau LLP

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Overseeing a wide range of transactions for the development and regeneration of land, the ‘exceptionally competent and patient’ Shakespeare Martineau LLP’s practice is knowledgeable on all aspects of building contracts and planning agreements. In Stratford, Louise Drew leads the social housing division, specialising in mixed-tenure schemes, and Emma Joy Smith focuses on disposal programmes. Rachel Gwynne left the practice in November 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘SHMA are exceptionally competent and patient and have an outstanding grasp of the legal matters we refer to them. Their expertise in handling complex litigation cases and proficiency in navigating procedural issues have been game-changers for us.'

  • 'What truly sets them apart is their deep understanding of our business and industry and the time they take to understand our needs.’

  • ‘Natalie Walford, Habib Khan, Bukola Obadun-Craigs & Gary Ekpenyoung are amazing to work with. They have successfully managed intricate litigation and provided strategic advice on complex litigation showcasing their ability to handle the nuances and balancing acts with remarkable ease.'

  • 'Working with these individuals and their associates is an absolute pleasure. Their responsiveness and attention to detail, especially in urgent matters, have made a significant difference. They are always there when we need them, and their dedication is truly commendable.’

  • ‘We use Shakespeare's for advice and support on leasehold, service charge and shared ownership matters. We are also working with them on a major stock securitisation exercise. They have significant knowledge and experience in these areas and have been very helpful with a range of operational matters, including preparations for a recent First Tier Tribunal and service charge debt recovery. I find them responsive to requests and pragmatic in their approach (which I appreciate). Shakespeare's is keen to develop long-term partnerships and have supported some of our customer and corporate events with sponsorship and, more importantly, attendance.’

  • ‘Gary Ekpenyoung and Natalie Walford: provide help and support with leasehold and service charge matters. Both provide realistic and pragmatic help and support both in writing and in-person. This has been particularly appreciated with our recent First Tier Tribunal.'

Key clients

  • The ExtraCare Charitable Trust
  • Platform Housing Group
  • Orbit Group
  • Longhurst Group
  • Walsall Housing Group
  • Nottingham Community Housing Group
  • Wythenshawe Community Housing
  • Notting Hill Genesis
  • The Field Lane Foundation
  • Stonewater Group
  • One Manchester
  • Two Rivers
  • Magenta Living
  • Regenda Group
  • Accent Group
  • Trent & Dove

Work highlights

Acted for Orbit Group in the disposal of 250 tenanted homes to B3 Living, another registered provider.
Overseeing a single unit disposal programme consisting of c100 properties to be completed within a 12 month period, once sales agreed by an agent on behalf of Nottingham Community Housing Association Limited.
Advised Walsall Housing Group in relation to a key infrastructure agreement with Hyperoptic Broadband.

Practice head

Louise Drew; Emma Joy Smith; Bukola Obadun-Craigs; Gary Ekpenyoung; Grant Docherty; Rhys Wyborn

Other key lawyers

Anita Rasaratnam; Stewart Freeman; Vicci Faulkner