Reputed for its ‘exemplary service’, the corporate occupier’s team at Norton Rose Fulbright counts investors, developers, and institutional landlords amongst its key roster of clients, particularly within the hospitality, logistics, and industrial sectors. The group handles the negotiation of commercial leases, pre-letting negotiations, lease restructuring and refurbishment contracts, often working in tandem with the firm’s corporate, finance, and tax disciplines. David Hawkins oversees the offering and covers real estate development and investment, mainly for international investors. Dan Wagerfield concentrates on large-scale development and regeneration projects, primarily in Asia, while Wasim Khan advises domestic and global clients on major office relocations. Charlie Pinkerton specialises in key headquarters moves, whereas ’exceptional partner’ Louisa Roe is lauded for her work in complex leasing transactions and real estate investment. Helen Finnis advises occupiers across the retail and energy fields, and Peter Lewis covers investment acquisition and disposals and property finance transactions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Very good partner-led team, excellent commerciality.'

  • ‘The key strength to the team is their pragmatic approach to difficult situations.’

  • ‘Louisa Roe is an exceptional partner. Her pragmatic approach, combined with her personable demeanor and efficient work ethic, sets her apart in the legal field.'

  • ‘The partners we have dealt with have been extremely professional, responsive, friendly and have fully understood our needs. They always make themselves available and have worked well with our other advisors (real estate agents, architects etc.). They have always proven to be far more efficient than the lawyers working for other parties to the transactions they have helped us with.’

  • ‘Despite being one of the big firms, I have had exemplary service for clients even on smaller matters that some might not pay much attention to. A great attitude and practical approach to problem solving.’

  • 'All of our requests and dealings have been handled in an extremely efficient and professional manner. I would highly recommend Norton Rose Fulbright.’
  • ‘The team is very capable, experts in their field, very commercial, great project management skills and able to see across all aspects of a deal beyond specialism.'

  • ‘Louisa Roe is exceptional. Extremely personable, a great negotiator, hugely commercial, great collaboration across other teams.’

Key clients

  • Yorkshire County Cricket Club
  • AIP Asset Management
  • Dorrington
  • Brit Group Services
  • Terrae Novo
  • Canterbury Christ Church University
  • First Abu Dhabi Bank
  • Paragon 28
  • Kimberly-Clark
  • Royex Real Estate Investments
  • Exane
  • DP World London Gateway
  • Caleus Capital Investors
  • Bank of Montreal
  • VF Corporation
  • Civitas Social Housing
  • Korn Ferry International
  • WELPUT
  • SOFAZ (State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan)
  • Olympia London
  • Toronto-Dominion Bank
  • Ashby Capital
  • Barnard’s Inn Unit Trust
  • Prudential
  • Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
  • Europa Capital/Hobart Partners
  • BMW Group
  • Commerz Real
  • Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate Partners and Global Asset Management
  • ING Bank NV
  • Westfield Specialty
  • The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association
  • McGill and Partners
  • Seamus Mulligan

Work highlights

  • Advised Olympus Property Holdings on the £1.5bn redevelopment project at Olympia London, on the pre-letting arrangements, existing occupational leases, and various operational matters.
  • Advised WELPUT on the acquisition, lettings, financing, and management matters at six buildings within its London real estate portfolio.
  • Advised BMW on its UK-wide operational real estate portfolio.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

David Hawkins

Other key lawyers

Dan Wagerfield, Wasim Khan, Charlie Pinkerton, Louisa Roe, Helen Finnis, Peter Lewis