Linklaters LLP

Linklaters LLP continues to attract major real estate fund mandates with its expert knowledge and international capabilities. The team’s enviable client list comprises top-tier real estate sponsors and significant investors across various sectors, while sustainable real estate funds and the provision of ESG regulatory advice have been growing workstreams for the group. Matthew Keogh advises on the structuring and management of funds and accounts that invest in illiquid assets; he is also noted for his capabilities in joint ventures. Rahul Manvatkar spearheads the team’s ESG focus, regularly advising on the SFDR and other funds regulations. Clare Baker provides expert knowledge of the secondaries market, acting for numerous high-profile cornerstone investors. The Luxembourg-qualified Julia Vergauwen is noted for her deep understanding of sustainable finance regulations. Both Ben Jennings and Gareth Crimp advise on the full extent of transactional and advisory fund matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Clare Baker is extremely engaging and quick to respond to any queries. She has a very holistic view of the Real Estate landscape, particularly via a vis other LPs and products which is invaluable.'
'Julia Vergauwen has built up a very expansive knowledge and understanding of the ESG regulatory environment and is our go-to lawyer for any advice in this domain.'
‘Firm with deep and broad knowledge across Europe. For any matter arising, contacts with specialist have been established quickly.’
‘Matt Keogh and Ben Jennings have a deep knowledge of market terms as they represent both many GPs and LPs, which allows them to see market trends in real-time. Very commercial and have accepted sharing cost risks.’
‘We would specifically like to mention Tom Watkins and Gareth Crimp who provide exceptional advice and are very strong legal minds, but also pragmatic and commercial in their approach. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with them and have a great working relationship.'
‘Rahul Manvatkar and Gareth Crimp are standouts in the team, and are focused on client delivery as well as being technically strong.’
‘Clare Baker was very good at sorting through various complexities and clearly communicating these complexities as well as recommended paths forward to the deal team. Clare made it feel as though she was part of our deal team. She was extremely responsive throughout the (year-long) process.'

Key clients

Barings
Feldberg Capital
Hines
BlackRock
Aermont Capital
Clarion Europe
LaSalle Investment Management

Work highlights

Advised on the structuring and launch of ReForm Fund, targeting £300m in total commitments.
Acting as fund counsel concerning Hines Asia Property Partners, an open-ended core+ real estate fund.
Acting as fund counsel for Barings European Core Property Fund, an open-ended, evergreen core real estate fund.