Devonshires Solicitors LLP

This highly regarded City firm has strengths in housing, development, commercial litigation, projects work, corporate services, real estate, banking, and private client matters, as well as expanding practices in services to care, providers and regulators.

The firm: Based in the City of London for over 150 years, Devonshires is a leading practice providing high-quality, accessible and value-for-money services to domestic and international clients, including developers, local authorities, housing associations and financial services firms. The practice focuses on building strong, long-lasting relationships in order to achieve outstanding results based on practical advice. The foundation of its success is its commitment to people, both its own and those working for its clients. The firm ensures its staff have access to high-quality training and fosters ‘one to one’ connections between its solicitors and clients.

Devonshires is committed to delivering its services in a socially responsible way. Their partners, staff, clients, and charities continue to demonstrate goodwill, generosity, and dedication to their Corporate Social Responsibility schemes that they operate. Last year, several of their partners and staff volunteered to give up their time to support their four chosen charities and donated £40,000. The firm was also re-awarded the Gold Clean City Award with special commendation by the City of London Clean City Awards Scheme.

Types of work undertaken: The firm acts on a broad range of matters including projects, property and real estate, securitisation, construction, housing management, commercial litigation, employment, banking, corporate work, and governance. It has a notable specialism in advising companies that interface with the private sector, including construction, facilities management, and public/private joint ventures. The practice is a leader in social housing, including working on many development projects nationwide and helping to draft legislation. The firm is active in financial advice for commercial property, corporate finance, and private equity projects. Advice is given to local authorities and other public bodies on constitutional, commercial, and operational matters. Cutting-edge services are supplied in regulatory matters, including solicitor interventions and run-offs for the Law Society/Solicitors Regulation Authority, and advice to the Homes and Communities Agency on social housing. A cross-departmental team advises on all aspects of care, including building care homes, safeguarding issues, reviewing CQC inspection reports, preparing challenges to warning notices, and dealing with inquests. Private client expertise includes conveyancing, employment, and professional negligence. Devonshires will maintain its successful policy of gradual, prudent growth by promotion from within and strategic lateral hires, in order to further strengthen the services it offers clients.