Shoosmiths LLP offers a comprehensive range of commercial real estate and risk management services to national and local clients, with a recent focus on development disputes, particularly in residential, build-to-rent, and student development projects. The ‘analytical and commercially minded’ team leader, Richard Symonds, brings extensive experience in real estate litigation and risk management, with particular expertise in the living, hotel, and leisure sectors, as well as complex fire safety issues related to tall buildings. Richard Cressall joined the firm from Gordons in September 2024, alongside associate Nick Wilcock. Cressall is an expert in all areas of property law, including dilapidations, lease regears, consent to alienation and alterations, and real estate-related insolvencies. Another key member, Tom Freeman, advises major corporate occupiers on uncontested lease renewals and vacant possession matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Richard Symonds is analytical and commercial minded and delivers great client outcomes.'
- 'The team is very friendly, helpful and provide great advice to resolve matters.'
- 'They are a good-sized firm with expertise in property litigation. Tom Freeman is excellent. Hard-working, efficient and very knowledgeable. One of the best property law solicitors out of the dozens I've worked with.'
- ‘Richard Cressall is one of the brightest property litigators in the country. Always a pleasure to deal with. He puts the client 1st, 2nd and 3rd and is great at finding commercially sensible solutions.'
Key clients
- Asda
- Invesco
- Muse Developments
- Travelodge Hotels Limited
Work highlights
Advised Travelodge Hotels Limited on a range of property litigation issues, including asset management, contractual matters, and building safety, with a notable highlight being a dispute with a landlord over unsafe works that led to hotel closure and a claim for substantial losses.
Advised Extra MSA Group on a range of disputes arising from their investment and development portfolio, including contractual issues, adverse possession, prescription, asset management, restrictive covenants, insolvency, and breach of user provisions.
Advised The Moorfield Group on development constraints and risk management, including rights of light mitigation, pre-emption risks, covenant and easement issues, vacant possession, and deal structuring.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Richard Cressall
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Tom Freeman
Practice head
Richard Symonds
Other key lawyers
Richard Cressall; Tom Freeman; Rebecca Walsh; Jasmine Cracknell; Nick Wilcock