CMS‘s lawyers demonstrate proficiency in overage and valuation, telecoms, rights of light, residential property, and building safety issues. The firm also maintains robust activity in asset management for institutional landlords. Department head Martin Garner also leads the Electronic Communications Code team, where he handles relevant matters relating to developing and securing possession. Sarah Pope acts for retail and industrial clients on asset management, while Ben Rayner is a key advisor to landlord and tenant clients on their commercial property matters. Simone Ketchell retired in 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Stand out is Ben Rayner. He always provides excellent pragmatic advice and understands our business and what is important to us.
- Always provide prompt, pragmatic advice; always available, approachable, and adapts their advice having regard to your own knowledge on the subject.
- The team has a cross-section of expertise in Property and is able to meet all needs from Residential L&T to Telecoms law, with leaders in each field conducting the work. The team is friendly and down to earth, while being recognized across the industry as a force to be reckoned with.
- Martin Garner. Second to none in client care, responsiveness, and depth of knowledge in property law. One of the nicest litigators, but capable of taking down giants.
- Martin Garner stands out: he is experienced and provides clear, practical advice.
- High-quality property litigation practice providing cost-effective service.
Key clients
- Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited
- Aberdeen Standard Investments
- Columbia Threadneedle Investments
- CBRE Global Investors
- NewRiver
- SEGRO Group
- Mileway
- The Crown Estate
- Land Securities
- BBC Pension Trust
- Hammerson
- Costco
Work highlights
Advising Oxford & City Holdings Limited on the flagship regeneration of 33 Cavendish Square, Central London – with an estimated post development value of £1.6 billion.
Advising a consortium of international investors in connection with a £30 million promote dispute.
Advised on asset management for large-scale institutional clients such as The Crown Estate, SEGRO, Land Securities, CBRE, Mileway, The BBC Pension Trust and Columbia Threadneedle.
Practice head
Martin Garner
Other key lawyers
Sarah Pope; Ben Rayner