England - London • Real estate

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

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Praised for its ‘deep expertise across the real estate spectrum’, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is particularly well-versed in big-ticket real estate transactions. With know-how of asset management, development, financing and leasing, practice head Jeremy Walden advises overseas clients with first time UK investments. Donald Rowlands is well-placed to assist clients with the corporate, property and taxation aspects of acquiring and disposing property, while Nick Turner leads the corporate occupiers space and caters to joint venture transactions, mixed-use developments and pre-letting transactions. Simon Elliot is often engaged in financing as well as landlord and tenant matters and Julian Pollock is sought out by inbound investors. Richard Forsdyke and Will Turnbull are geared for significant multi-phased development projects and head of the corporate real estate team Paul Chases is well-informed on development joint ventures. Shona Grey and Alex Wright are noted for their prowess in private equity transactions and Sebastian Taylor, as well as Kathyrn Coveney, were both promoted to partner in May 2022.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'A top-tier real estate practice, who bring excellence to everything they do. They are capable of handling any top drawer real estate transaction.’

  • ‘One-stop shop for complex development work. The quality of lawyers is excellent.’

  • ‘Will Turnbull is always professional, very responsive and co-ordinates the team to deliver a quality product within the deadlines required.’

  • 'They are technically excellent and the quality of work/advice is second to none. This is combined with an excellent commercial understanding of the development sector and a can-do approach.'

  • ‘John Gordon stands out for his ability to spot problems on the horizon and provide quick solutions to ensure transactional timescales are met. He has excellent technical and negotiation skills. A highly organised individual.’

  • 'Excellent property development team.'

  • 'The team has continued to demonstrate an outstanding level of client service through ensuring the team understands their needs in great detail and providing the highest level of support in that regard.'

  • 'Jeremy Walden is closely supported by Sebastian Taylor. These two individuals have been the absolute stand-outs throughout the development.'

Key clients

  • PSP
  • CPPIB
  • Transmission Capital
  • Macquarie
  • KKR
  • Hammerson
  • LCR
  • Brookfield
  • Cain International
  • Ballymore
  • Greenland
  • Madison International
  • AEW
  • Brookfield

Work highlights

  • Advised British Land on all aspects of the Canada Water development project.
  • Advised CPPIB on a new joint venture partnership with Lendlease Group of a new 50:50 development joint venture partnership.
  • Advised The Madison Square Garden Company on the proposed development of MSG Sphere London.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Next Generation Partners

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Jeremy Walden

Other key lawyers

Donald Rowlands, Nicholas Turner, Simon Elliott, Julian Pollock, Richard Forsdyke, Will Turnbull, Paul Chases, Shona Grey, Alex Wright, Sebastian Taylor, Kathyrn Coveney, Ben Elkington, Lucas Barrans