A&O Shearman’s funds and asset management group sits as part of a globally integrated team and, as such, is well placed to advise on the full gamut of issues pertaining to cross-border real estate, private equity, infrastructure, credit and sovereign wealth funds. With asset management, tax and regulatory practitioners in-house, the firm provides a rounded approach to real estate funds mandates, acting for some of the top funds in the market on the establishment of open-ended and closed-ended vehicles, joint ventures and co-investments. Matt Huggett heads the team and advises alternative investment fund managers on public and private funds and related regulatory matters, while Nick Williams is a name for fund establishment, joint ventures, secondaries and restructurings. Dominic Von Wulffen is another key practitioner who focuses on regulatory and structuring matters, while Emma Danforth is recommended for real estate and debt investments. In October 2022, Pavel Shevtsov retired and moved into a consultancy role, and Paul Sampson left for Kirkland & Ellis International LLP.
Real estate funds in London
A&O Shearman
Practice head(s):
Matt Huggett
Other key lawyers:
Emma Danforth; Christina Pope; Olivia Butcher; Nick Williams; Dominic von Wulffen
Testimonials
‘Responsive and fun to work with.’
‘Emma Danforth and Alexander Barry make a great team. They are a young team but very experienced and have a great way of helping deals through without aggravating the other side on difficult points.’
‘Deeply knowledgeable, fully committed to our business and able to draw on a global team to deliver seamless service.’
‘Matt Huggett continues to provide fantastic service – smart, responsive and able to handle all aspects of fund work.’
‘The A&O team was engaged as our Fund Counsel and demonstrated utmost professionalism from the start. Nuveen has worked with A&O for many years, and repeat business has been testament to their responsiveness, proactivity, commercial awareness and general pleasant attitude to partner with.’
‘The team we work with possesses an approachable and friendly attitude, and demonstrate precision with all advice and recommendations given. They always have time to explain intricacies and explain concepts which are not necessarily easy to follow for those from a non-legal background. The real difference is having a commercial mind. Stand out examples are Dominic Von Wulffen and Zoe Chui in the London office.’
‘The Funds team at A&O are fantastic. They have a very comprehensive understanding of our business which gives them an edge in providing advice. They are also very commercial, providing suggestions and solutions to legal issues which are both practical and robust. The team has great depth of knowledge and is very responsive.’
‘Dominic Von Wulffen, Matt Huggett – exceptional knowledge, and commercial acumen.’
Key clients
Nuveen Real Estate
Hines
Aviva Investors
Tishman Speyer
DWS Asset Management
Goodman
Schroders
MARK
Blackbrook Capital
M&G
Cain International
Corestate
Birchwood Real Estate Capital
Work highlights
Clifford Chance LLP
The private funds group at Clifford Chance LLP is very active in the real estate space, acting for top domestic and international clients on all legal, tax and regulatory issues related to real estate investment funds. It is well placed to handle cross-border mandates by virtue of its large international network, and has a strong debt funds practice, which focuses on senior debt, mezzanine and other subordinated credit matters, among other areas. Gerard Saviola and Alexandra Davidson jointly head the team, with Saviola acting for institutional and boutique sponsors in Europe, Africa and developing markets. Alexander Chester advises on fund formation, secondary transactions, restructurings and co-investments, while Jonathan Bray is experienced in both closed-ended and open-ended private funds, club funds and secondaries. Lily Marcel is another key practitioner, who is recommended for real estate and sustainability-focused funds.
Practice head(s):
Gerard Saviola; Alexandra Davidson
Other key lawyers:
Lily Marcel; Alexander Chester; Jonathan Bray; Vishal Mashru
Testimonials
‘Gerard Saviola and his team are simply fantastic.’
‘Unique market knowledge – they see a huge amount of fund activity and give wide insight into the market and terms both for LPs and GPs.’
‘Gerard Saviola ��� superb market knowledge and insight.’
‘Jonathan Bray – hard-working and gets things done.’
Key clients
BentallGreenOak
Ares Management Limited
CBRE Investment Management
M&G Investment Management Limited
DRC Savills Investment Management LLP
Hillwood Investment Properties
AIG
Macquarie Asset Management
DWS
EQT Exeter
Work highlights
- Advising BentallGreenOak on simultaneous fundraisings of all UK and EU debt mandates across their platform.
- Advising Ares on its first European open-ended real estate debt funds.
- Advised CBRE Investment Management with respect to the launch of its flagship EMEA logistics platform.
CMS
Leaning on its large global network for support, the funds and indirect real assets team at CMS is adept at handling multi-jurisdictional real estate fund formation work under the leadership of Amanda Howard. Drawing on the strength of its tax, regulatory, real estate, finance and ESG practice groups, the firm acts for top real estate funds, asset managers, sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors, with standout expertise in sustainable investment strategies. Howard is a key name for private funds, indirect real assets, structured real estate transactions and joint ventures, and acts for big ticket fund managers, while Darren Stolzenberg handles the full life cycle of UK and global real assets transactions, and Victoria Henry is noted for her capabilities in indirect real estate matters. Patrick Groves focuses on real assets, debt, infrastructure and sustainable investments, while William Lawrence is experienced in the launch of open-ended and closed-ended UK and European real estate funds.
Practice head(s):
Amanda Howard
Other key lawyers:
Darren Stolzenberg; Victoria Henry; Patrick Groves; Justin Coaley; William Lawrence
Testimonials
‘The investment fund formation team for real estate from CMS UK is for me the first in class.’
‘The team is amazing, from partner to junior.’
‘Top in knowledge, top in delivery, top in everything that could be important.’
‘For me, the best team and law firm in the market.’
‘Darren Stolzenberg is a role model; top in knowledge, top in leadership, top in guidance of the team.’
‘William Lawrence is the best senior I’ve ever met; top in knowledge, top in delivery.’
Key clients
AIMCo
APG
Aviva Investors
Government Pension Investment Fund (Japan)
Nuveen
PATRIZIA
Principal Global Investors
QuadReal
Savills IM
Schroders
Tristan Capital Partners
UBS Asset Management
Work highlights
- Advised Orchard Street on the launch of its inaugural UK-focused impact real estate fund, targeting total equity commitments from institutional investors of £400m.
- Advised UBS on the launch of its UK life sciences fund, with a targeted gross development value of £2.5bn.
- Advised Tristan Capital Partners on the launch and closings of its European Property Investors Special Opportunities 6 (EPISO 6), the latest fund in its pan-European value add / opportunistic series.
Goodwin
The real estate investment funds team at Goodwin is well placed to handle cross-border funds matters by virtue of its global network, which fields dedicated practitioners across Europe, including in the key jurisdictions of London, Paris, Luxembourg and Frankfurt. The group is led by Justin Cornelius, with Cornelius being a name for unlisted closed- and open-ended real estate funds, joint ventures and M&A. David Evans acts for investment banks, family offices, hedge funds and private equity managers on UK and pan-European funds. Other key practitioners include Bhargavi Mudakavi, who was promoted to partner in October 2022, and Niall Dickson. The group was recently bolstered by the arrival of Jacqueline Eaves and Andrew Henderson, who joined from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP, and Macfarlanes LLP respectively. Since publication, Samantha Lake Coghlan and Eric Lim left the firm.
Practice head(s):
Justin Cornelius
Other key lawyers:
David Evans; Adnan Bhaiji; Bhargavi Mudakavi; Jacqueline Eaves; Andrew Henderson; Niall Dickson
Testimonials
‘Goodwin have a good reach across the RE funds sector and so understand the market and its evolution.’
‘Justin Cornelius is a long term stand out advisor for us. His knowledge of the market and of our firm’s capabilities and the ability to communicate to all the team regardless of topic is impressive.’
Key clients
NREP
Patron
Frogmore
Kennedy Wilson
Slate Asset Management
Cabot Properties
Ares Management
BentallGreenOak
Nuveen
Clearbell
Work highlights
- Advised leading pan-Nordic real estate investment manager, NREP on the establishment and fundraising of their open-ended core/core-plus real estate fund, Income+.
- Advising Kennedy Wilson on the formation of its second programmatic joint venture to acquire and manage urban logistics properties in the UK, Ireland and Spain, targeting a total portfolio of $1.5bn.
- Advised on the establishment and fundraising of Clearbell Capital Partners IV LP, the fourth in the series of value-add and opportunistic funds targeting investments in the UK.
Kirkland & Ellis International LLP
The investment funds group at Kirkland & Ellis International LLP, which continues to go from strength to strength, was bolstered in late 2022 by the arrival of Louisa Cobbe from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner and Paul Sampson from A&O Shearman. In early 2023, the bench grew further with the arrival of Catherine Gokah from Ashurst. The team, which is led by Jonathan Tadd and new joiner Sampson, includes six partners dedicated to real estate funds work, and draws on the strength of its global network for support on cross-border matters. Key areas of focus include open-ended and closed-ended funds, continuation funds, co-investments and joint venture structures across all real estate asset classes. Tadd is experienced in domestic and international investment funds matters, while Sampson acts for top-tier clients on the structuring, formation and operation of real estate funds. Cobbe acts for both sponsors and investors on a range of funds matters, while Alan Skerritt, another key practitioner, handles fund formations and co-investments. Benjamin Harding is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Tadd; Paul Sampson
Other key lawyers:
Alan Skerritt; Benjamin Harding; Carolina Barry-Laso; Louisa Cobbe; Catherine Gokah
Testimonials
‘Very innovative team with detailed market insights. Definitely one of the best teams within PE.’
‘Jonathan Tadd is very skilled and he has an amazing team of very capable advisers.’
Linklaters LLP
The investment funds practice at Linklaters LLP is led by Matthew Keogh, and acts for top sponsor and investor clients on cross-jurisdictional funds, with particular experience of pan-European real estate funds. It continues to see an uptick in the ESG funds space and sustainability issues pertaining to real estate funds, as well as advising on the structuring, formation, taxation and regulation of all types of alternative investment funds. Keogh is experienced in open-ended real estate, private equity, credit and impact funds and is supported by Rahul Manvatkar, who handles transactional and advisory work relating to open- and closed-ended investment funds, both onshore and offshore. Clare Baker is another key practitioner, who is recommended for structuring, marketing and establishment of funds. At the more junior end of the team, Ben Jennings, Julia Vergauwen and Gareth Crimp are especially recommended. Jennings advises on real estate and private equity funds and venture capital, Vergauwen is a key contact for ESG work, and Crimp handles transactional and regulatory matters.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Keogh
Other key lawyers:
Rahul Manvatkar; Clare Baker; Julia Vergauwen; Ben Jennings; Gareth Crimp
Testimonials
‘Matt Keogh is very commercial and understand practicalities of legal positions. Very responsive and hands-on’
‘Ben Jennings has excellent knowledge on market terms. Very responsive and hands-on.’
‘Broad team with deep knowledge of the market across strategies.’
Key clients
Aermont Capital
Ardian
Barings
CBRE Investment Management
Cerberus
Hines
LaSalle Investment Management
NZ Super Fund (Investor practice)
Prologis
Work highlights
- Advised Aermont on the establishment and fundraise of their fifth-generation opportunistic real estate fund, Aermont Capital Real Estate Fund V, targeting investments within Europe.
- Advised Aermont Capital on the establishment of PGV SCSp, a long-term vehicle created to acquire and grow Pinewood Group.
- Acted as fund counsel with respect to Barings Real Estate European Value Add Fund II.
Baker McKenzie
The investment funds team at Baker McKenzie, led by James Burdett, offers strong expertise in private equity real estate matters, acting for high-profile real estate fund sponsors, institutional investors and financial institutions on structurings, co-investments and direct investments. Leaning on support from its global network and in-house tax and regulatory specialists, the firm provides a solid all-round approach to cross-border fund issues in a broad range of real estate asset classes. Burdett acts for sponsors on fund formations and also institutional investors on investment programmes, while Mark Simpson is a name for financial services regulatory matters. Caitlin McErlane is a key practitioner, who acts for fund and asset managers on regulatory issues and ESG matters.
Practice head(s):
James Burdett
Other key lawyers:
Caitlin McErlane; Mark Simpson
Key clients
Edmond de Rothschild/Orox Europe
Polus Capital Management
Government Pension Fund of Thailand
Government of Singapore Investment Corporation
The Townsend Group
The Olayan Group
Invesco Real Estate
Harwood Capital
Oddysean Capital
Crestline Real Estate
Mapletree Investments
Quadrum Global
Equinix
Aroundtown SA
Goldman Sachs Real Estate Investments
Arcus Infrastructure Partners
Gaw Capital Partners
Fattal Hotels
Work highlights
- Advised an institutional investor on its participation in a limited partnership joint venture fund alongside Lendlease and TCorp for the £809m acquisition of 21 Moorfields, London from Land Securities.
- Assisting Invesco Real Estate Management in successfully obtaining FCA recognition of an overseas fund structure under Section 272 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
- Advising Arcus Infrastructure Partners in relation to the acquisition of an 85% stake in European Data Hub.
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Led by Steven Cowins, Greenberg Traurig, LLP stands out in the market for its large and dedicated real estate investment funds team which acts for top fund managers on the full gamut of investment strategies. As a US-headquartered firm, it is able to provide clients with strong links to North American capital sources and draws on support from the firm’s tax and regulatory practitioners as it advises on funds matters. Cowins handles fund establishments, joint ventures, structured acquisitions and dispositions, and other investment matters. He is supported by Marc Snell, who is recommended for co-investment structures, segregated mandates and club arrangements. Tom Dear acts for fund managers, investors and financial institutions on fund formations and structuring issues, while Tim Dolan - who joined from Reed Smith LLP in January 2023 - brings regulatory expertise to the team.
Practice head(s):
Steven Cowins
Other key lawyers:
Tom Dear; Marc Snell; Chris Coyle; Charles Case; Tim Dolan
Testimonials
‘The team are well respected in the real estate funds industry and know pretty much all the main players – which is very helpful for introductions.’
‘Very good understanding of client goals and quick to respond with solutions.’
Key clients
Europa Capital
Precede Capital Partners (formerly Précis Capital Partners)
Valor Real Estate Partners
BlackRock
Macquarie / PLP
Revcap
Heitman
Westwind Capital
QSix Real Estate Finance
Paloma Capital
NREP
Vengrove Real Estate Management
EDGE
Stories
Mitheridge
PATRIZIA (formerly Rockspring)
JR Capital
M3 Capital Partners
Greater Manchester Pension Fund
Lifestyle Hospitality Capital
Work highlights
- Advising BlackRock on the establishment of a life sciences vehicle valued at over £1bn.
- Advising Precede Capital Partners on the establishment of, and investment by QuadReal Property Group into, their new debt platform. The platform will target the deployment of circa £1bn in real estate debt investments in the United Kingdom over the coming years.
- Advising Valor Real Estate Partners on the establishment of a new separate account with large North American capital source focused on the European logistics sector.
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Well placed to advise on cross-border issues by virtue of its large global network, Hogan Lovells International LLP handles the full range of closed-ended and open-ended real estate funds matters. Practice head Nicholas Holman is experienced in a broad range of funds matters, including private equity funds, infrastructure funds, private credit funds, secondaries, co-investments, real estate funds and venture funds. He is supported by Sian Owles, who is recommended for joint ventures and club deal terms, as well as fund structuring, restructuring and investments. Amelia Stawpert - who was promoted to partner in January 2023 - acts for issuers, sponsors and investors on both listed and private funds, while counsel James Alder advises on the establishment, structuring, regulation and marketing of funds.
Practice head(s):
Nicholas Holman
Other key lawyers:
Sian Owles; James Alder; Amelia Stawpert
Testimonials
‘Nick Holman leads a highly accomplished and approachable team which is always able to quickly adapt and react to deal/client changes, regulatory updates and tax-led structuring requirements.’
‘Nick Holman is a highly accomplished partner who has the ability to distil and explain highly complex matters in a succinct and digestible manner.’
Key clients
M&G Real Estate
Columbia Threadneedle Investments
abrdn (formerly Aberdeen Standard Investments)
Innagreen Investments
Numis Securities
NTM Capital
Work highlights
- Advised M&G Real Estate on the launch of its flagship open-ended European Living Fund, focused on the residential sector and valued at €578m.
- Advised abrdn Investcorp Infrastructure Partners on the launch of their latest concession infrastructure investment vehicle, domiciled in the Abu Dhabi Global Market.
- Advised Innagreen Investments on the launch of its new global renewable energy fund, seeking to raise $1bn in investor commitments with an initial commitment of $150m investment from Morrison & Co.
Jones Day
Led by John MacGarty and Alistair Grant, the private equity team at Jones Day is very active in the real estate funds space, advising clients on fund formations and secondaries, as well as all issues pertaining to the capital raising market. MacGarty acts for sponsors on private equity and real estate fund formation transactions, while Grant advises on UK and European real estate transactions, financings and other investment matters. Aidan Lawes is a name to note for fund structuring, regulatory and marketing advice, while Hannah Rose is recommended for the formation, structuring and operation of funds, drawing on her experience as an M&A lawyer to provide support on transactional matters. Christopher Slack - who brings strong international experience to the team - relocated to London from the firm’s Singapore office and was promoted to partner in January 2023.
Practice head(s):
John MacGarty; Alistair Grant
Other key lawyers:
Hannah Rose; Aiden Lawes; Christopher Slack
Testimonials
‘The team has a broad base of experience in real estate funds as well as non-real estate funds so they have a great appreciation of the distinguishing characteristics of real estate funds which is helpful when dealing with investors who may be less familiar with real estate funds. They work seamlessly with the real estate, regulatory and tax teams as well as the international Jones Day network where necessary.’
‘Hannah Rose is a real talent. She is technically excellent and always commercial and pragmatic. She goes above and beyond to get to a great result for the client.’
‘Strong knowledge of the industry and market terms for relevant contracts/transactions.’
‘Responsive and practical.’
Key clients
Pantheon Ventures
Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC
True Capital Ltd
Goodstone Living Limited
Delancey
DWS
Summix Capital
Work highlights
Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP
‘Incredibly helpful from both a legal and commercial perspective’, Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP’s private funds group focuses on several key asset classes: private equity; real assets, including infrastructure, impact and sustainability; and credit. Practice head Ed Gander has over 25 years of experience in fundraising, and is supported by James Sargent, who acts for global fund managers on the establishment and operation of funds, co-investment platforms and on GP-led secondaries. James Bromley acts for fund managers and investors on GP-stake transactions and GP-led secondaries, while Jacquelyn Volpe, who was promoted to partner in January 2023, handles the formation, structuring and negotiation of funds. Eddie Carter joined as counsel from Linklaters LLP in November 2022.
Practice head(s):
Ed Gander
Other key lawyers:
James Bromley; James Sargent, Marloes Zaman; Jacqueline Volpe; Eddie Carter
Testimonials
‘Solid on the technical aspects of funds, and they act for a wide range of fund managers, so they are able to advise us on best practices and the direction of travel in the market.’
‘Weil’s advice in all cases was incredibly helpful from both a legal and commercial perspective.’
‘James Sargent is a very good lawyer. His legal and industry knowledge is excellent, his commercial acumen is strong, and he explains complex matters, simply.’
‘The team we have worked with (led by James Sargent) has great knowledge of the sector and an exceptional understanding of how to translate this into what a client wants/ thinks is most important, both at a legal and commercial level, which is very rare to find.’
‘They deliver very high-quality work on time and can adapt to the situation as required – you can trust that they have always thought through the situation in the documents.’
‘James Sargent and Marloes Zaman are both exceptional at their roles.’
Key clients
Actis
Astarte
M&G Catalyst
ARA
Brookfield
Victory
InfraRed
Octopus
Revetas
Union
Yoo
CapMan
Castleforge
PATRIZIA
Work highlights
- Advising ARA Active Real Estate Fund V on the establishment and fundraising of ARA’s flagship €750m target European value-add real estate fundraising.
- Advising Union concurrently as international counsel for Union Real Estate on the restructuring and re-domiciliation of Union Real Estate Fund II and the launch of Union Real Estate Fund IV.
- Advising Revetas Fund IV on the establishment and fundraising of Revetas’ flagship private equity real estate fund.
Ashurst
Ashurst’s investment funds team is led by investment specialist Nick Goddard and draws on its large global network for support on cross-border matters, leveraging its expertise in tax, regulatory, finance and corporate transactions as it takes a cross-disciplinary approach to real estate funds mandates. Piers Warburton advises on the formation of private equity, debt, infrastructure and real estate funds, frequently working with Nicola Hopkins, who handles joint ventures and club arrangements. Catherine Gokah left for Kirkland & Ellis International LLP in February 2023.
Practice head(s):
Nick Goddard
Other key lawyers:
Piers Warburton; Nicola Hopkins
Key clients
Oxford Properties
Savills Investment Management
Vestas Investment Management
Tritax Management LLP
Work highlights
- Advised Vestas Investment Management on all aspects, including the framework arrangements, of the establishment of the Vestas European Strategic Allocation Logistics Fund II.
- Advised Savills Investment Management on the establishment Savills IM Asia Pacific Income and Growth Fund III, a closed-ended real estate fund investing primarily in core-plus, income producing assets targeting the office/logistics/industrial, residential and retail sections within the Asia Pacific region.
- Advising a real estate investment company on the establishment of the €2.5bn European Supply Chain Infrastructure Fund.
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Enjoying longstanding relationships with high-profile real estate investment managers and asset managers, both domestically and internationally, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is active in traditional and alternative asset classes. Kieran Saunders, who heads the practice, acts for fund managers, GPs, institutions and global investors on equity investments in funds and joint ventures. Chris Beaumont McQuillan joined from Reed Smith LLP in February 2023, while Luke Mines joined from Morrison Foerster a month later. In Summer 2022, Louisa Cobbe left for Kirkland & Ellis International LLP. In October of the same year, Kate Binedell left for DLA Piper.
Practice head(s):
Kieran Saunders
Other key lawyers:
Chris Beaumont McQuillan; Luke Mines
Testimonials
‘Good sector and product knowledge.’
‘Commercial and pragmatic when providing advice.’
‘Very responsive. Know how we think and work accordingly, which saves time and money for all concerned.’
Key clients
Goldman Sachs
LaSalle
Henderson Park
AXA
Tristan Capital Partners
BlackRock
Federated Hermes Property Unit Trust
Aviva Investors
Long Harbour
Northwood
Work highlights
- Advised Edge Technology on the joint venture and management arrangements with Goldman Sachs in respect of a landmark London Bridge development.
- Advised Grosvenor Properties on the joint venture and management arrangements with Mitsui Fudosan in respect of the transformation of South Molton Triangle, London.
- Advised Tristan Capital on the acquisition, joint venture and management arrangements in relation to the Point A Hotel portfolio.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper’s investment management and funds team was bolstered throughout 2022, with the arrival of Kate Binedell and a number of juniors – including Nileena Premchand – from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. This continues the firm’s efforts to broaden its skill set – bolstering its in-house tax, regulatory and real estate offering – and its expansion into GP-led funds. James O’Donnell, who heads the practice, is well versed in closed and open-ended private equity, real estate, credit and infrastructure funds, while Binedell brings similar expertise to the team as well as experience in club deals, co-investments, and joint ventures. Jonathan Powling advises on establishments and structurings for primary and secondary investments, often with cross-border aspects. Sam Whittaker - who was promoted to partner in May 2023 - is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
James O’Donnell
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Powling; Sam Whittaker; Kate Binedell; Nileena Premchand
Testimonials
‘Sam Whittaker has an excellent work ethic, is highly knowledgeable and responsive, and readily available to address points of concern.’
‘Sam Whittaker delivers a high-quality service efficiently.’
Key clients
Harrison Street Real Estate
Harbert Management Corporation
LaSalle Investment Management
Longfellow Real Estate Partners
PGIM Real Estate
RTP Global
Waypoint Asset Management
Moda Living
PATRIZIA AG
Work highlights
- Advising Longfellow Real Estate Partners on the structuring, establishment, and terms of a £1.5bn real estate investment platform alongside Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments, one of Canada’s largest pension investment managers) and Norges Bank Investment Management (“NBIM”), including seeding of £200m Capital Park, Cambridge.
- Advising Harrison Street Real Estate on the structuring, marketing, and launch of Harrison Street European Property Partners III, SLP RAIF and its parallel vehicles.
Gowling WLG
Sitting within the firm’s wider corporate offering, the real estate funds team at Gowling WLG has recently undergone some structural changes, with the stepping down of former practice head Nick Heather into an advisory role. The practice is now led by Birmingham-based Sharon Ayres, and Micky Yang, who joined the London office from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP in April 2022. The national practice advises on both listed and private real estate funds, and offers strong ancillary support in more general real estate matters. Ayres has over 30 years of experience in a wide range of investment funds matters, while Yang brings expertise in investment and development joint ventures. Oliver Riley, another key practitioner, is a key contact for the formation, structuring and reorganising of onshore and offshore closed-ended funds. James Breffit joined the Birmingham office as a legal director, arriving from Greenberg Traurig, LLP in May 2022. All named lawyers are based in London unless noted otherwise.
Practice head(s):
Sharon Ayres; Micky Yang
Other key lawyers:
Kristian Rogers; Oliver Riley; John Reed; Nick Heather; James Breffit
Testimonials
‘Kris Rogers is very experienced , gives good and wise advice, and I have huge confidence in him.’
Key clients
Empiric Student Property Plc
Abrdn European Logistics Income Plc (formerly Aberdeen Standard European Logistics Income Plc)
Bricklane London REIT Plc
Bricklane Residential REIT Plc
Foresight Sustainable Forestry Company Plc
Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust Plc
Urban Logistics REIT Plc
AEW UK REIT Plc
Royal London
M&G Real Estate
University Superannuation Scheme
Goodman UK Partnership LP Fund
St Modwen
NFU Mutual
ICG
Reassure
Hyde Group
Abrdn
Castlepoint Shopping Centre LP
BEIS ( the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy)
DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs)
FCDO (the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
Thomas White Oxford
HS2
Transport for London
Development Guarantee Group Ltd (“DGG”)
L&G Modular
L&G Affordable
Taylor Wimpey
CBRE
Triple Point Social Housing REIT plc
Thales Pension Scheme
Pension Protection Fund
Local Government Pension Scheme Panel
Lincoln Property Company
Work highlights
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
A number of investment managers, pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds turn to Herbert Smith Freehills LLP for its capbilities in big-ticket real estate-oriented fund matters. Key names to note include asset management specialist Stephen Newby handles private fund structuring and formation work across various asset classes, with recent real estate-focused highlights including the establishment of multi-asset private equity real estate funds.
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Newby; Jonathan Blake; Nigel Farr
Key clients
abrdn
AEW Europe
Argent
AXA Investment Managers – Real Estate
Cabot Square Capital
Canada Life
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB)
Chelsfield
Hammerson
Hermes Investment Management
Hermes Real Estate Investment Management
Hines Interests Limited Partnership
Lendlease
Local Pensions Partnership Investments
Moorfield Group Limited
Orchard Street Investment Management
Oxford Properties
PSP
Gravis Capital
Shuaa Capital
Signature Group
Sustainable Development Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Moorfield Group on the establishment of Moorfield Real Estate Fund V.
- Advised Moorfield Group on a loan co-investment into one of their existing investments – Audley retirement villages.
- Advised on the sale of 50% interest in the £1bn+ Long Harbour BTR fund to Cadillac Fairview.
Macfarlanes LLP
Following the retirement of former practice head Alex Amos in early 2023, the real estate funds practice at Macfarlanes LLP, which sits as part of the firm’s wider investment management group offering, is now led by Harriet Miller. The team continues to act for investment management firms, investors and service providers on the formation, marketing and operation of all types of private funds. Miller has strong international experience, having previously practised in New York. She handles structuring and fundraising matters and is part of the firm’s private funds ESG group. Key practitioner Andrew Hughes is recommended for real estate transactions, including investments and the disposal of assets. Stephen Ross joined the firm from Sidley Austin LLP in January 2023.
Practice head(s):
Harriet Miller; Stephen Ross
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Hughes; Robert Porter
Testimonials
‘A very commercial team that has strong, in-depth knowledge of the UK and European markets.’
‘Harriet Miller is excellent at advising clients in a commercial and flexible manner.’
‘Stephen Robinson’s experience in the Venture Capital industry is second to none.’
‘We appreciate their friendly, client-centric approach to all matters.’
Key clients
Brydell Partners
Ergo Real Estate
Venn Partners
Cale Street
NatWest Group Pension Fund
Signal Capital
Octopus Investments
Work highlights
- Advised on the establishment of Venn European Commercial Real Estate Debt Fund II which reached its target by raising commitments in excess of €400m.
- Advised Brydell on its Series 3 fundraise.
Osborne Clarke LLP
Led by Bristol’s Tim Simmonds, Osborne Clarke LLP‘s financial institutions group specialises in real estate, secondaries and private equity funds and covers all real estate asset classes. The team is very active in the market and continues to advise domestic and international clients on a strong pipeline of launches and fund raisings, with a focus on impact funds and ESG strategies. Simmonds acts for institutional managers, property fund managers and institutional investors, and is supported by Alison Riddle, who is strong in the alternative assets space and advises on the formation and management of funds. Senior associate Oliver Darvill is experienced in both onshore and offshore jurisdictions and is a name for ESG and sustainability issues.
Practice head(s):
Tim Simmonds
Other key lawyers:
Alison Riddle; Oliver Darvill
Testimonials
‘Great expertise and value for money. Stick to their fee quotes in circumstances when other firms might not.’
‘Tim Simmonds – Very responsive and helpful.’
‘I think it’s as simple as ease of doing business, market knowledge, straight-forward structuring advice and cost.’
‘Alison Riddle – great to deal with and well connected.’
‘User friendly, always makes time to be available.’
Key clients
abdrn (Aberdeen Standard)
Addington Capital LLP
AMPYR Solar Europe GP LLP
Barwood Capital
ARA Europe
Big Society Capital
Bridges Fund Management
Brunel Pension Partnership Limited
CBRE Global Investors
Centerbridge
Cording Real Estate Group
Deutsche Bank (DWS)
Elwood Capital
Fiera Real Estate
Hawthorn Residential Fund
Hilltop Credit Partners
InfraRed
Marchmont Investment Management
Merseyside Pension Fund
Newcore Capital
Packaged Living
Patrizia AG
PGIM Limited
Urban Splash
2E Capital Management
Work highlights
- Advising Bridges Fund Management on the £350m launch of their fifth Property Alternatives Fund (having acted on all of their previous funds).
- Advising Fiera Real Estate on the launch of their new logistics development fund, which is targeting commitments of £300m.
- Advising Newcore Capital on the launch of its fifth Newcore Strategic Situations Fund, which invests in UK real estate assets linked to social infrastructure.
Addleshaw Goddard
Led by Daniel Woolston and Jan Grüter, the investment management group at Addleshaw Goddard is active in the lower and mid-market, acting for emerging private fund GPs in the real estate, private equity, infrastructure and debt spaces. Woolston is a name to note for structured investments, funds and joint ventures, while Grüter heads the private funds offering, advising on fund formations and regulatory issues. Former practice head Lee Shankland left the firm in June 2022 to act as a consultant for a PERE business, while in July of the same year, Simon Pollock joined from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Woolston; Jan Grüter
Other key lawyers:
Aiden McConville; Daniel Woolston; Liam Diggins; Simon Pollock
Testimonials
‘The AG funds team are the go-to firm for mid-market/start-up RE and PE funds.’
‘A strong all round real estate and finance firm.’
‘Very responsive and knowledgeable team.’
‘The go-to firm for mid-market/start-up RE and PE funds.’
Key clients
Bridges Fund Management Limited
New Forests Pty Limited
Hakluyt Capital
Agathos| Management LLP
AS Equity Partners
Pension Protection Fund
The National LGPS Framework
Cirrus Inns
Magnetar Financial (UK) LLP
Angelo Gordon
British International Investment
Goddess Gaia Ventures
NBS Ventures
YFM Private Equity
Warrington Borough Council
Par Equity
Ecotree
Northtree Investment Management Limited
Actis| LLP
Federated Hermes Limited
Ares Management
Q Investment Partners Pte Ltd.
Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF)
Work highlights
- Advised New Forests Pty on the formation of the African Forestry Impact Platform, a Singapore VCC fund, cornerstoned by global development finance institutions, investing in commercial forestry projects in Africa, and targeting $500m in commitments.
- Advised emerging real estate GP Northtree Investment Management, on its ongoing fundraise for a fund investing in UK commercial real estate with successful closing in 2022 and target commitments of £150m.
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP acts for sponsors and asset managers on the structuring, formation and marketing of investment funds across the real estate, renewable energy, private equity, social infrastructure and credit asset classes. Practice head Michael Newell is a key name for establishing and reorganising onshore and offshore collective investment vehicles. Newell is supported by Jack Kelly, who was promoted to special counsel in January 2023. The practice was bolstered in December 2022 by the arrival of Alix Prentice from King & Wood Mallesons .
Practice head(s):
Michael Newell
Other key lawyers:
Jack Kelly; Alix Prentice
Testimonials
‘Michael Newell has supported us for five years now and helped us launch three investment funds – he is second to none.’
‘Michael Newell’s breadth of knowledge and depth are exceptional. Very happy with his advice.’
‘We work with Jack Kelly and Mike Newell who are both very knowledgeable and responsive.’
‘Jack Kelly is an exceptional professional, very results oriented and always nice to work with.’
Key clients
ReSI Capital Management Limited
Residential Secure Income PLC
Civitas Investment Management Limited
Gresham House Asset Management Limited
Residential Secure Income PLC
Schroder Real Estate Investment Management Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Residential Secure Income PLC on its £20m equity raise pursuant to a Placing and a Retail Offer, and its Admission to the Official List and trading on the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market for Listed Securities.
- Advised ReSI Capital Management Limited on the second close of Gresham House Residential Secure Income LP, an English real estate fund.
Latham & Watkins
Featuring both James McCrory and Nick Benson, the funds team at Latham & Watkins advises high-profile clients on fund formations, joint ventures and strategic partnerships, acting for investors in relation to their investments into private funds. Counsel Clare Scott is a key name to note for global fundraising, capital deployment, operational matters and secondary transactions.
Other key lawyers:
James McCrory; Nick Benson; Clare Scott
Key clients
LaSalle
IFM Investors
Chimera Capital
VSQ Capital II
OMERS Infrastructure
OMERS Capital Markets
Azimut Alternative Capital Partners
Flashpoint Venture Capital
I Squared Capital
Flashpoint Venture Capital
Work highlights
Ropes & Gray LLP
Ropes & Gray LLP provides a full-service offering in the real estate funds space and acts for high-profile clients on fund formations, transactions, raisings, restructurings, joint ventures and secondaries. Tom Alabaster, who heads the EMEA funds practice, handles the structuring, marketing and operation of private funds, many of which are cross-border in nature. Strong support is provided by Emily Brown, who acts for private equity, real asset and venture capital sponsors on fundraisings and investments.
Practice head(s):
Tom Alabaster
Other key lawyers:
Emily Brown
Key clients
CBRE
Nuveen
Round Hill Capital
NTR
Work highlights
Stephenson Harwood
Stephenson Harwood’s practice is led by veteran practitioner William Saunders, who acts for investment trusts, offshore funds and investment managers on investments into real estate assets and on the structuring and launch of investment vehicles. The team also advises on the acquisition and disposal of assets for investment vehicles. Alex Haynes is recommended for the formation and reorganisation of funds, as well as fundraising. Nick Horton was promoted to partner in May 2022.
Practice head(s):
William Saunders
Other key lawyers:
Alex Haynes; Carolyn Hall; Nick Horton
Testimonials
‘Good experience and strength in-depth.’
‘William Saunders is exceptionally bright and a commercial.’
Key clients
LXi REIT
Panmure Gordon
Jefferies International
Immobel Capital Partners
Schroders Capital UK Real Estate Fund
M&G Real Estate
Rynda Healthcare
Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust
BentallGreenOak/Mission Street
Magnetar Capital
Gravis Capital Management
Longmead Capital
Scape UK Management
Firethorn Trust
Tristan Capital Partners
Work highlights
- Advised Immobel Capital Partners on the establishment of its first Green Office Impact Fund and on the acquisition of the Fund’s first UK ‘office park’ real estate asset, valued at £110m.