Drawing superlative praise from clients, the ‘outstanding, well-led, and well-resourced‘ Burges Salmon LLP fields a deep team who are routinely instructed by high-profile occupiers, local authorities and public sector bodies on big-ticket mandates. The wider group is chaired by Richard Read, an ‘outstanding commercial property lawyer‘ who succeeded Paul Browne as practice head in May 2023. Philip Beer – highly experienced in redevelopment and regeneration projects – advises leading rail and real estate companies on major ventures, while transactional specialist Richard Clark’s recent engagements include high-value site developments and acquisitions for all manner of corporate clients. Ross Polkinghorne, who heads up the real estate sector team, is also well-versed in big-ticket regeneration projects, as well as in new mixed-use, industrial, and education sector developments. Amy Simpson is noted for her public sector acumen.
Commercial property: Bristol in South West
Burges Salmon LLP
Practice head(s):
Richard Read
Other key lawyers:
Euan Bremner; Philip Beer; Richard Clark; Ross Polkinghorne; Amy Simpson
Testimonials
‘The commercial property team is outstanding, well-led, well-resourced and very capable. The team has an excellent knowledge base and considerable experience. They are able to take a commercial perspective and give well-considered advice.’
‘Richard Read is an outstanding commercial property lawyer and relationship partner.’
Key clients
Translink
Greater London Authority
YTL Developments
ENGIE
St Modwen
University of Bristol
Transport for London/Docklands Light Railway
UK Atomic Energy Authority
The Worshipful Company of Leathersellers
Beauty Pie
HM Revenue & Customs
Ordnance Survey
Linmere
DAC Beachcroft LLP
Acting for a strong roster of public sector bodies, healthcare groups, housebuilders, and retailers, the team at DAC Beachcroft LLP regularly advises on high-value mixed-use developments, planning deals, and retail lettings. Nick Knapman, who also heads up the team’s dispute resolution offering, is well-versed in both contentious and strategic property work. Julitta Yates is adept in all manner of landlord and tenant issues, assisting a host of retail landlords with various lettings, upsizes, and renewal-based instructions. Frances Keenan spearheads the team’s residential development offering, while health and social care lead Stan Campbell acts for a range of public and private sector clients on various commercial property matters. Anne Holden specialises in development work.
Practice head(s):
Nick Knapman
Other key lawyers:
Ben Thornycroft; Julitta Yates; Frances Keenan; Stan Campbell; Anne Holden
Key clients
Unibail Rodamco Westfield
Countryside Partnerships
Lendlease
Landsec
Elysium Healthcare
Taylor Wimpey
Longacre Rengen Everleigh
Department for Education
Work highlights
- Acting for Taylor Wimpey on the acquisition of a 44 hectare site at Cribbs Causeway from multiple landowners for a mixed-use development.
- Instructed by Elysium Healthcare on the property elements of the disposal of the Elysium Healthcare group by its private equity owner BC Partners to Ramsay Health.
- Acting for Landsec as landlord on lettings at Bluewater Kent, Trinity Leeds and Southside Wandsworth.
Osborne Clarke LLP
Steered by projects, real estate, and finance practice head Michelle McGurl, the ‘industry leading’ Osborne Clarke LLP is turned to by numerous leading national investors, developers, contractors and lenders for its expertise in all manner of residential and commercial developments. David North is noted for his expertise in student accommodation matters, working with a litany of developers on high-value corporate deals. A number of global investors turn to international real estate sector head Ian Wilkinson for his capabilities in acquisition and development work, while Colin Stratton is a key port of call for the firm’s residential developer clients. Also specialising in residential development, the ‘outstanding’ Steve Schofield serves as relationship partner to various major housebuilders, who turn to him for strategic and transactional support. Other names to note include Adam Hayward, recommended for his broad transactional practice, and Joanna Risdale, whose recent engagements include logistics acquisitions and big-ticket joint ventures.
Practice head(s):
Michelle McGurl
Other key lawyers:
David North; Ian Wilkinson; Colin Stratton; Steve Schofield; Adam Hayward; Joanna Risdale
Testimonials
‘The team are exceptionally adept at communicating across a range of knowledge and experience levels. They are excellent at focussing on the key commercial points for decision makers, turning the pages and walking through the strategy with managers and explaining the process to junior members of staff. They are collaborative, personable, clear and feedback from my team is that they always feel supported and never condescended to by OC. Industry leading, in my view.’
‘Steve Schofield is an outstanding partner that we work with on Option and Hybrid Agreements, in addition the freehold acquisitions. Steve is fundamentally a decent human being, who is responsive, hard-working, clear in his advice, quick to secure external support where required and keeps up with the fast pace we are looking for. ‘
Key clients
CBRE Investment Management
Warehouse REIT
AEG Presents Limited
British Land
Cubex, Packaged Living and Fiera Real Estate
Mirastar
Vistry Group
St Modwen Properties
Countryside Properties PLC (now Countryside Partnerships PLC)
BDW Trading Limited
Argent
Taylor Wimpey
Places for People
Unite Students
Cornerstone
Greystar
PGIM
DTZ Investors
Crest Nicholson
Work highlights
- Advising Countryside Properties (UK) Limited and Sovereign Housing Partnerships Limited on their a 365-acre New Eastern Villages expansion.
- Advising British Land across all their asset classes including Logistics, Living and Retail.
- Advising BDW in relation to Project Zero, a plot disposal and estate management documentation venture.
Ashfords LLP
Rated by clients for its ‘excellent, practical advice', the team at Ashfords LLP – which is especially well-versed in franchising work – maintains a strong position across the social housing, hospitality, SIPP & SSAS, and residential sectors. The Bristol group is led by Andrew Worley, an experienced partner whose capabilities are concentrated in retail leasing and restaurant franchising work. Kate Topp specialises in residential development matters, including acquisitions and joint ventures, while Isabelle Clement maintains an active housing sector practice, working with various providers on land and unit transactions. Ian Ramsay Tompkins is also noted for his experience in residential matters, acting for both developers and landowners on all manner of deals.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Worley
Other key lawyers:
Kate Topp; Ian Ramsay Tomkins; Isabelle Clement; Ben Tarrant
Testimonials
‘Good knowledge. Well-organised.’
‘Personable and flexible.’
‘The partners genuinely have an interest in the business, and provide regular updates to ensure we continue to work effectively. The team is very approachable and practical in application, ensuring the right measure are in place for any potential risk and cases complete timely. All of this stands them above other firms and enables us to confidently drive our business forward knowing they’re alongside us all the way.’
‘Ben Tarrant is extremely knowledge and provides clear advice when required.’
‘Attention to detail and speedy responses on projects. They provide excellent, practical advice to legal problems.’
‘Ashfords are always responsive. Kate Topp and Ian Ramsay Tompkins are exceptional.’
Key clients
David Wilson Homes South West
Barratt Bristol
Loungers Group
Crest Nicholson Operations Limited
Wainhomes Severn Valley Limited
Wichelstowe LLP (this is our JV of Barratt and Swindon Borough Council)
Vistry Homes Limited
Aster Group
Stonewater Limited
Sovereign Housing Association Limited
VIVID
LiveWest Homes Limited
Subway
Cornerstone Housing
Stonewater Limited
Bicester Heritage
London Borough of Wandsworth
Brick by Brick Croydon Limited
UK Storage Company (SW) Limited
HFL Group Limited
Curo
Curtis Banks
Taco Bell
Miss Millies Fried Chicken
Starbucks
Compass Children’s Homes
Lloyds Bank
Handelsbanken
Immersive Labs
Natwest Bank
Monmouthshire Building Society
Home Farm Trust
Cedar Care Homes
Aspris Children’s Services
Work highlights
- Continuing to advise Loungers on their 400 + site property portfolio and advised on the acquisition of its first round of investment properties in the roll-out of the new ‘Brightside’ road side diner brand.
- Acting as an approved firm of panel solicitors for Curtis Banks Group Plc, assisting them with the purchase of commercial properties into a members SIPP or SSAS plan, grant of leases to tenants and disposals of properties.
- Acting for a large housebuilder in the purchase of development land, consented for the delivery of circa 250 homes.
Bevan Brittan LLP
Helmed by national department head Mark Calverley, Bevan Brittan LLP‘s ‘excellent sector knowledge‘ makes them a strong choice for a range of public and private sector clients, including government panels and health trusts. David Hobbs spearheads the firm’s estate management offering, working with leading non-profits and public sector bodies on regeneration projects and investment acquisitions. Beyond his health sector expertise, David Wardle is routinely turned to by local authorities and registered providers for assistance with housing and regeneration schemes, particularly in London and the South East. Rob Harrison spearheads the team's relationship with NHS Property Services Limited, as well as a number of independent health sector operators, while Alison Buckingham runs the social housing offering in the region. Other names to note include Jessica Church, who heads up the housing finance practice.
Practice head(s):
Mark Calverley
Other key lawyers:
David Hobbs; David Wardle; Rob Harrison; Alison Buckingham; Jessica Church
Testimonials
‘Excellent sector knowledge, happy to discuss different billing structures, willing to arrange meetings between clients with similar issues.’
‘David Hobbs is an excellent client partner who thinks about issues and willing to assist in making connections between clients.’
Key clients
Portsmouth City Council
North Somerset Council
London Borough of Sutton
Buckinghamshire Council
The Trustees of Thornbury Grammar School Foundation
ForHousing Limited
Saxon Weald
North Central London ICS and Whittington Health NHS Trust
NHS Property Services Limited
Welsh Government, Welsh Local Authorities and Welsh Further Education Institutions
Canal & River Trust
Royal Borough of Greenwich
Manchester City Council
The Historic Buildings And Monuments Commission For England (Historic England/English Heritage)
Sovereign Housing Association Limited
Boom Power Limited
Work highlights
- Advised NHS Property Services on the management of its £4.5 billion NHS Estate.
- Advised Welsh Government on its £1.5 billion Welsh Education Partnership, designed to deliver new infrastructure for up to 30 new schools and colleges across Wales.
- Advised Canal & River Trust on the management of its £500 million estate.
Freeths LLP
In addition to acting for a host of local authorities across the South East and South West, Freeths LLP is regularly instructed by a number of utilities companies and developers, who turn to the team for its capabilities in mixed-use developments, regeneration schemes, and infrastructure ventures. Practice head Duncan Tringham is an ‘outstanding‘ real estate partner whose wide-ranging practice covers regeneration schemes and mixed-use developments, both for public and private sector clients. Daniel Cuthbert, who heads up the regional real estate litigation practice, is noted for his telecoms infrastructure acumen, while Michael Bray handles an array of projects in the transport and energy sectors – an area in which Emilie Criddle is also well-versed. Tom Allen, who joined the team from Bates Wells in January 2022, maintains a broad commercial property practice.
Practice head(s):
Duncan Tringham; Adam Watson
Other key lawyers:
Dan Cuthbert; Michael Bray; Emilie Criddle; Tom Allen
Testimonials
‘The individuals are brilliant, but they also quickly and effortlessly combine to act in concert when required to provide synchronised and mutually reinforcing advice.’
‘Duncan Tringham is outstanding, and great to work with. You can always rely on him to keep everyone on track and to maintain the momentum on a deal. He has an unerring ability to quickly get to the nexus of the issue, to add insight based on extensive experience, and to shift the focus from the problem to the solution.’
‘Duncan is pragmatic, professional and proactive. He is an integral part of the team delivering a very large and complex project.’
‘They have remained steadfastly approachable, dedicated and committed to providing the best service that they can with their team of specialist advisors. Their ability to collaborate with changing technical support teams, council leadership changes and a dynamic political and economic environment has been second to none.’
‘Duncan Tringham has been an outstanding character and member of the team. He has a particular approach to managing the client with absolute tact and diplomacy. He is, without a shadow of doubt, a most capable partner.’
Key clients
West of England Combined Authority
The Cornwall Council
Exeter City Council
Plymouth City Council
South Somerset District Council
Walsall Borough Council
Leicester City Council
Rushmoor Borough Council
The London Borough of Hackney
The London Borough of Enfield
The London Borough of Brent
The West London Alliance (7 London Boroughs)
Yorkshire Water
Bristol Airport
Luton Airport
Kent Police Authority
Harworth Estates
SmartParc Group
PEC Parkfield
Copas Group
Plymouth Energy Community
Clean Earth Energy
Photovolt Development Partners
RE Property Developments
Work highlights
- Advising Cornwall Council on the £450 million Langarth Garden Village development scheme.
- Advising Yorkshire Water on a digital infrastructure project which involves the roll-out of a telecoms infrastructure backhaul network in water pipes through a joint venture with Comms World.
- Advising Photovolt on its proposed Botley West solar development scheme.
TLT
Led by national group head Maria Connolly – who also chairs the firm’s cross-disciplinary Future Energy team – TLT is well-regarded for its capabilities in corporate real estate work, advising on premises leasing, deeds of easement, and developments. Julia Lucas, who heads up the firm’s leisure, food, and drink team, works with numerous retailers and pub chains on acquisitions and phased developments. Matthew Grimwood specialises in clean energy property transactions, while former senior partner Andrew Glynn is noted for his public sector expertise. Other names to note include the leisure sector-focused Julian Mant, and James Webb, a key contact for retail property matters. David Meecham joined the practice from Pinsent Masons LLP in November 2022, strengthening the team’s position in public sector-driven work.
Practice head(s):
Maria Connolly
Other key lawyers:
Julia Lucas; Matthew Grimwood; Andrew Glynn; Julian Mant; James Webb; David Meecham; Andrew Harper
Testimonials
‘Efficient ways of working, good team strength in depth, always willing to discuss fees and billing arrangements.’
‘Julian Mant has very good knowledge of the sector and the issues facing it, leads his team well.’
‘Andrew Harper is thorough, detailed, and commercial.’
‘Partners run the work, which means it’s well-run and efficient, and they charge sensible prices.’
‘Good quality people who work hard to ensure things move forward quickly.’
Key clients
BBC
Greene King
WH Smiths
Punch Pubs
Ecotricity
London Borough of Ealing
TUI Travel
Eagle One
Green Investment Group and Enso Energy joint venture
Imperial Brands
Work highlights
- Appointed by Regis Supercuts on an exclusive basis to undertake all UK real estate work for the parent company of UK Hairdressers t/a Regis Salons/Supercuts.
- Advised Equorium Property Company on the sale of Jaeger Headquarters at Wigmore Street, London.
- Advised PG Group on the share and asset purchases of a series of residential development sites in Bristol, Poole and Weston-Super-Mare over the last 12 months.
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP’s real estate practice is noted for its capabilities in redevelopments, mid-market transactions, and portfolio management, regularly acting for retailers, healthcare trusts, and telecom providers, among other clients. The practice is jointly chaired by several partners; Katherine Douglas, who heads up the operational property real estate team; Simon Hughes, who leads the energy and natural resources real estate offering; and Fiona O’Kane, who heads up the Bristol office. Andrew Harding, noted for his focus on real estate investment and development projects, works with a host of public and private sector clients – particularly within the infrastructure, hospitality and leisure sectors. Briony Holland is recommended for her work in the energy, retail, and rail spaces.
Practice head(s):
Katherine Douglas; Simon Hughes; Fiona O’Kane
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Harding; Briony Holland
Key clients
Majestic Wine Warehouses Limited
Renewable Energy Systems Limited
Vattenfall
Post Office Limited
RWE
Bristol City Council
Ashfield Land Limited
RO Group
South Gloucestershire District Council
REG Windpower Limited
Bristol City Council
The Ministry of Justice Estates Directorate
The Ministry of Defence
National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC
MBNL
Miller Knoll
Get Living
Hyndburn Council
Work highlights
- Supported Bristol City Council in negotiating and finalising a conditional agreement for lease with Legal and General (L&G) for the first phase of the redevelopment of Temple Island, Bristol.
- Advising the Ministry of Defence on a multitude of matters, from the grant and acquisition of leases for offices, nurseries, land for military exercises, aircraft simulators and police/fire stations on the various military bases throughout the UK.
- Acting for Majestic Wine as sole provider in connection with their real estate portfolio.
Clarke Willmott LLP
Led by Simon Day – a specialist in landlord and tenant work – Clarke Willmott LLP is instructed by various housebuilders and developers for assistance in transactions, commercial developments, and plot sales, among other matters. Philip Thompson heads up the team’s housebuilder sector, while Karl Brown focuses on development transactions and land sales to social housing associations. Other key names to note include Laurence Lacey, whose broad experience sees him advising both public and private sector clients on multi-million-pound developments and acquisitions. The ‘brilliant‘ Sarah Mogford and Amanda French joined the practice in early 2022, arriving from Lewis Silkin and Neal Bertram Legal Services Limited trading as Bertram Fairbanks, respectively.
Practice head(s):
Simon Day
Other key lawyers:
Philip Thompson; Karl Brown; Amanda French; Sarah Mogford; Amanda French; Laurence Lacey
Testimonials
‘Sarah Mogford and her team are brilliant. She has a full understanding of legal and commercial risk and is able to advise succinctly and accurately. Her understanding of the law is top-notch, and her ability to distil issues down to what truly matters is extremely helpful. I would recommend her repeatedly to those looking for counsel in the area.’
‘They always put the client’s interests first.’
‘Laurence Lacey is an excellent client care partner. He always gets back to you and ensures issues are sorted out.’
Key clients
BDW Trading Limited
Stonewater Limited
Homes England
Cornwall Council
Mapeley Steps
Motability Operations
Letchworth Garden City Heritage Fund
Work highlights
- Acting for national housebuilder BDW Trading (Barratt) across their portfolio, and more recently on their Tewkesbury 460+ dwelling development.
- Re-appointed to the Homes England panel to assist across their development portfolio, including a recent £100 million Drummond Park matter.
- Acted for Mapeley Steps , most recently on the disposal of their HMRC building portfolio across the UK.
Foot Anstey
Well regarded by clients, the ‘very knowledgeable' team at Foot Anstey acts for clients across the developer, retailer, financial services, and energy sectors. The team is led by the Exeter-based Richard Sutton, a specialist in development work. Imam Qazi is noted for his Islamic finance acumen, while Kutahya Cherry – who was promoted to partner in January 2023 – maintains a renewable energy sector-focused practice. Other key figures include Mark Li, a transport and energy property specialist, whose recent engagements include cross-border acquisitions and portfolio management matters. Stuart Cleak left the practice in July 2022 to pursue freelance opportunities. All named lawyers are based in Bristol unless stated otherwise.
Practice head(s):
Richard Sutton
Other key lawyers:
Imam Qazi; Kutahya Cherry; Mark Li; Kate Dawe
Testimonials
‘Very knowledgeable and easy to deal with. Always proactive in dealing with transactions, with a common sense and commercially realistic approach to issues.’
Key clients
Riyad Bank, London Branch
ABC International Bank plc
BSR (British Solar Renewables)
GRIDSERVE
EDF Energy (including EDF Renewables/Pivot Power, EDF Thermal & Generation and EDF Nuclear New Build (Hinkley Point C & Sizewell C)
Work highlights
- Advised Riyad Bank on their single largest shariah-compatible financing deal.
Thrings LLP
Thrings LLP's real estate practice is frequently engaged for assistance with secured lending, investment, and corporate occupier work, including multi-million-pound transactions. Robert Barnes – a specialist in property finance and commercial developments – heads up the Bristol-based team, advising on sales and leases for various regional clients. Alastair Wallworth and Rebecca Dixon jointly chair the practice’s residential development team, while Caitlin Mills is noted for her broad practice, with recent engagements including investment acquisitions for clients in the agricultural industry.
Practice head(s):
Ben Jones; Robert Barnes
Other key lawyers:
Alistair Wallworth; Rebecca Dixon; Caitlin Mills
Key clients
Renrod
Newland Homes Limited
Curo Enterprises Limited
Airtanker
Spire House Developments Limited
Baylis Estates Limited
Blue Cedar Homes
Forgerock Limited
Teleperformance Limited
Essilor Limited
Tileflair Limited
HSBC Bank Plc
National Westminster Bank Plc
MLN (Land And Properties) Limited
Candid Insurance Services Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Baylis Ventures Limited on the sale of a car dealership investment at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol.