Howes Percival LLP  has 'a very strong team with strong breadth of knowledge'. Norwich-based head of banking Joanna Nicholls specialises in real estate finance, having developed strong relationships with numerous large commercial banks and private funders. She has an established track record in financing investments in the leisure and tourism sector. The 'quite exceptional' Tessa Haskey, who leads the real estate group from Norwich, 'always finds a way to get any deal over the line with her pragmatic approach'. Cambridge-based Michaela Henson advised Mortar Investment Group on the financing of a £5m portfolio of buy-to-let properties.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A very strong team excellently led by Tessa Haskey. Strong breadth of knowledge with specialism in trust work which has been very helpful this year. The practice's key strength remains being always accessible and having a strong reputation locally.’

  • ‘I have to call out Tessa Haskey who is quite exceptional. A real solutioniser and always finds a way to get any deal over the line with her pragmatic approach whilst retaining the bank's best interests to heart. Always available and approachable which is a real skill in itself. A clear leader and Howes Percival's flagship commercial property lawyer.’

  • ‘Quality firm in East Anglia. We have used the Cambridge Office for banking work and have clients who use them for lease work generally.’

  • ‘We have dealt with Elizabeth Thomas on a couple of matters and have used her to cover off some legal questions when looking to formulate a deal with clients. She is prompt and provides a good level of overview and is very happy to provide quotations for work and is keen to work with the bank in the medium term.’

Key clients

  • RQ Capital Limited
  • HSBC UK Bank plc
  • Lloyds Bank plc
  • Barclays Bank plc
  • Santander UK Plc
  • Handelsbanken Plc
  • National Westminster Bank plc
  • Bank of Scotland plc
  • The Property Investor Partnership Limited
  • Cambridge and Counties Bank plc
  • HSBC Asset Finance (UK) Ltd
  • Coutts and Company

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Joanna Nicholls

Other key lawyers

Tessa Haskey, Elizabeth Thomas, Michaela Henson