The ‘highly responsive, commercial, and friendly’ corporate occupiers practice at Clifford Chance LLP remains at the forefront of the field, frequently handling complex and large-scale transactions. Acting for both landlords and occupiers, the group advises on the termination and assignment of lease arrangements, lease negotiations, and pre-lettings. Drawing from its corporate and finance expertise, the team benefits from a steady pipeline of banking sector and corporate clients. Nigel Howorth oversees the department and focuses on planning and property development, primarily within the energy and renewables space. Angela Kearns is reputed for her involvement in high-value real estate and infrastructure transactions, often in the film studio and logistics sectors, while the ’extremely knowledgeable’ Ian Painter advises investors on major developments in London, particularly within the healthcare market. Matt Taylor handles real estate investment transactions globally, whereas Alis Pay advises international investors on pan-European real estate portfolio transactions. Ben Redding acts for corporate occupiers on their global headquarters relocation, and James Law advises on real estate finance.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very efficient, partner-led team. Very good ability to focus on commercial issues.’
‘Ian Painter works tirelessly to get the job done.'
‘We were very impressed with the team's knowledgeable, pragmatic and timely advice.’
‘Ian Painter was great to work with throughout the entire transaction.’
‘Ian and his team are the most effective solicitors I have used in my real estate career. The team is highly responsive, commercial and friendly.’
‘Ian Painter is extremely knowledgeable and provides succinct advice.’
Key clients
- Aldau Development
- Angelo Gordon
- Apollo Global Management
- Art-Invest
- AshbyCapital
- AXA IM
- Battersea Power Station Development Company
- BentallGreenOak
- Blackstone
- Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
- Canary Wharf Group
- Castleforge
- CK Asset Holdings
- Coin Street Community Builders
- Corinthia Hotels
- EQT Exeter
- GIC
- Global Switch
- GLP
- Hammerson plc
- Helical plc
- Hondo Enterprises
- JP Morgan Asset Management
- KKR
- Legal & General
- MEAG
- Melrose Capital
- Mirastar
- Mitsubishi Estate
- Mitsui Fudosan
- Mubadala
- NorthWest Healthcare Properties REIT
- Nuveen Real Estate
- Partners Group
- PIMCO
- PIMCO Prime Real Estate (formerly Allianz Real Estate)
- Prologis
- Reevo Capital
- Rothesay Life Plc
- Sadler's Wells
- STACK EMEA
- The Ridgeback Group
Work highlights
- Advised Ashby Capital and Helical on the letting of The JJ Mack Building at 33 Charterhouse Street to J. Sainsbury for use as their new London headquarters.
- Advised Adobe on the pre-letting of its new headquarters at Reading International Business Park.
- Advising Sadler’s Wells in connection with the development and leasing of Sadler’s Wells East, a new dance theatre constructed on the Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Park by the London Legacy Development Corporation.
Lawyers
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Leading associates
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Practice head
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Nigel Howorth