The team at CMS routinely acts for its varied client roster, which notably includes Manchester City Council, Mayfield Development Partnerships and Goldman Sachs, on the full gamut of matters. The ‘excellent' team, praised for providing a 'first-rateservice’, advises on a range of high-value projects, including large-scale developments, portfolio asset management, and significant acquisitions and disposals. The 'outstanding' Mark Haywood is an expert in mixed-use regeneration and investment. Key names within the team include Tanya Francis, who ’goes above and beyond’ for her clients and specialises in key development and regeneration projects, ‘trusted advisor’ Nathan Jansen and Stephanie Adjepong. Michael Buchanan joined the team in July 2023 from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘CMS are an excellent team which provides a first-rate service; they are attentive to the needs of the client, understand the intricacies of the deal, partnerships or critical relationships, and provide pointed and relevant advice.’
‘Nathan Jansen is an excellent and trusted advisor. He provides first-rate client service and is someone to turn to when you have a complex transaction.’
‘CMS always provide a strong and dedicated presence on projects. We have worked with this team on a substantial amount of transactions.'
- 'CMS really have proven the right choice in being our long term legal partner for our fundamental real estate matters. An incredibly diverse team with a particular focus on promoting female lawyers which is incredibly refreshing in our industry!’
‘Tanya Francis goes above and beyond and selects a good team to work on the various projects. Always available to discuss matters and ensures follow through.’
‘CMS are uniquely placed in the North West market to deliver vary large, complex, forward-funded annuity grade transactions. ’
‘Mark Haywood is an outstanding lawyer who leads his team with distinction. He is commercial, sensible and driven to find solutions to deliver transactions. His ability to coordinate a transaction from both an internal and external perspective has huge client value.'
‘Nathan Jansen and Stephanie Adjepong are noteworthy.’
Key clients
- Sainsbury’s
- Mayfield Development Partnership
- Arrow Capital Partners
- Manchester Airport Group
- Genr8 Developments
- Far East Consortium
- Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
- Cerberus European Investments LLC
- Barings Real Estate Asset Management
- Tristan Capital
Work highlights
- Advised McLaren Property on its successful appointment as developer of the transformation York Central redevelopment scheme, valued at around £2.5bn.
- Advised Pensions Insurance Corporation on the £268m forward funding of No. 2 Ruskin Square.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Mark Haywood
Other key lawyers
Nathan Jansen; Tanya Francis; Stephanie Adjepong; Michael Buchanan; Tim Williams; Dave Lawson