Birketts LLP is known for commercially-focused and City-quality advice at very competitive prices'. The firm has a deep bench of talent in Cambridge led by strategic land expert Kath Herbert, who brings to bear 'extraordinary depth of experience'. Simon Keen handles all aspects of commercial development and is 'truly expert in his field'. He acts for News Corp UK & Ireland Limited in all its property activity in England and Wales, including matters concerning its London headquarters. Up-and-coming partners Dwight Patten, Claudia Haisman-Green and Helen Stewart are recognised experts in advising landowners, developers and promoters on major projects. Gavin Acheson and the 'knowledgeable and tenacious' Gemma Goddard lead the real estate investment team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team, particularly Gavin Acheson and Andrew Shepherdson, have the ideal mix of deep and broad knowledge and expertise, as well as knowing when to be conciliatory AND when to be aggressive in negotiations. To my experience they have total mastery of their field of practice.’
‘Gavin Acheson taught me so very much about the intricacies of UK real estate law and Andrew Shepherdson was the ideal sherpa for navigating the process. I would leap at the opportunity to work with them and this firm again.’
‘Very high quality, commercially-focused and City-quality advice at very competitive prices.’
‘Simon Keen is absolutely excellent. Incredibly responsive, great judgment, and truly expert in his field. Very happy to stick his neck out and give a clear view which always has the business's objectives front and centre.'
‘The team leader Gemma Goddard is an excellent communicator and will always make herself available. The team have a deep knowledge of property law and can direct to other legal departments within Birketts if necessary. The company uses the very latest technology to simplify processes where they can which helps speed up the transaction element of the process. I often meet with the team to discuss projects we are delivering to make sure the team resources are in place when required. The relationship is long term and the service provided is fantastic.’
‘Kath Herbert has extraordinary depth of experience in strategic land matters which really help create a clear picture for all parties involved. Gemma Goddard is highly experienced in Pre-Let, Pre-sale, investment sale, lease renewal, landlord and tenant work and is always looking for the most straightforward solution to complex issues. Richard Pearce undertakes more transactional work but acts swiftly and updates regularly. ’
‘The team is extremely knowledgeable, very competent with an eye for the appropriate detail and extremely responsive to this client's requirements.’
‘Both Gemma Goddard and Julia Harlock are knowledgeable and tenacious. They understand how we, as a client, function, e.g the ever-changing set of deadlines imposed by our respective customers and stakeholders and therefore flexible and proactive just as we require all our strategic partners to be.’
Key clients
- London Borough of Lewisham
- London Borough of Newham
- Uttlesford District Council
- Church Commissioners for England
- Welbeck Strategic Land
- News Corporation
- Evercore Partners International LLP
- Caterham Cars
- Pigeon
- Melrose & Morgan
- Radial
- Anglia Ruskin University
- TT Group
- Jesus College Oxford
- Grovemere Property
- Bathurst Development
- MM Flowers
- This Land
- Cambridge Power
- Wyboston Lakes
Work highlights
- Advised the Church Commissioners for England on all aspects of the negotiation and implementation of several joint venture arrangements for the delivery of residential and commercial development across their strategic land portfolio.
- Advised Anglia Ruskin University on all property aspects of their strategically important merger with Writtle University College involving a 170 acre site and significant enhancements to the University’s overall educational offering.
- Advising News UK on their commercial property in England and Wales, including in particular on the management of their London HQ and a complex transaction to facilitate the exit of one subtenant and the entry of another into the building.
Lawyers
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Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
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Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Katherine (Kath) Herbert