Tees Law climbs the ranking this year having invested heavily to build its commercial property team, which is led by James Dowson in Saffron Walden and new recruit Sarah Coates in Cambridge, who joined from Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP in late 2023. The local team exhibits 'good depth of expertise' and is sought after by landowners, developers, landlords and tenants. It is also active in renewable energy projects. Senior associate Alex Waples ‘goes the extra mile' and handles commercial and agricultural property transactions. 'Large enough to have a presence small enough to care', note clients.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The client care is exceptional. All of our questions are answered efficiently and effectively. We have total trust in the advice.’

  • ‘Alex Waples also goes the extra mile, his expertise shines through. We know that his advice is always cost-effective. We cannot fault the service.’

  • ‘James Dowson is efficient and has a practical professional way to help move transactions on efficiently. Always quick to respond ’

  • ‘Staff are friendly and approachable. The service we have received has been prompt, efficient and well communicated at a reasonable price. The staff who have dealt with our slightly complex transactions have been extremely knowledgeable and easy to talk to. Would recommend.’

  • ‘We have worked with Sarah Coates for several years. She is extremely professional and knowledgeable and nothing seems to faze her. Her communication is clear and timely and she, or one of her team, is always 'on the case'. We have always felt we could trust her advice and that she does her utmost best for her clients.’

  • ‘Sarah Coates is fantastic, she understands our requirements and tailors her approach to meet these.’

Key clients

  • Hilltop Credit Partners
  • Vindis Group Limited
  • RCG Construction Limited
  • Blues Property
  • BE Warehousing and Transport Limited
  • Tao family
  • M&D Developments Limited
  • S.T.A.N. Developments Limited
  • Audley End Estates
  • Middleditch

Work highlights

  • Acting for Vindis Group Limited on a residential development joint venture within Cambridge.
  • Acting for M&D Developments Limited on the acquisition of a large former school site owned by a Diocesan Board of Finance for residential development.
  • Acted on behalf of Russell Smith Farms in connection with a consortium purchase of the Chrishall Grange Farm purchase. The overall purchase included in excess of 1,000 acres of land, buildings and dwellings and was a key transaction in the Cambridgeshire region.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
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.

Sarah Coates, James Dowson

Other key lawyers

Alex Waples, Charlotte Hamilton