Often collaborating with other core practice groups, including banking and construction, the ‘very knowledgeable, professional and accessible’ team at Hugh James remains a very popular choice among a balanced mix of public and private sector stakeholders across a wide array of commercial property matters. Team head Peter Hurn is a very well-known figure in the market and continues to advise an impressive roster of housebuilders on residential development projects, as well as advising developers on renewables matters. In the social housing sector, Caroline O’Flaherty provides ’a very comprehensive, considered and constructive service’ to a multitude of Wales-based housing associations (as well as a growing number in England) on their property needs. Leveraging her broader planning expertise, senior associate Shelley Thomas is also a key member of the team and regularly advises on large-scale residential and mixed-use projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Very knowledgeable, professional and accessible.'
- 'The team is responsive, committed, well regarded in our sector, agile and willing to help often at the drop of a hat.'
- 'Individuals always go the extra mile, they are aware of the time pressures we work towards, and always think ahead to ensure we meet them.'
- 'Caroline O’Flaherty provides a very comprehensive, considered and constructive service.'
Key clients
- WRU
- Pobl
- Coleg Gwent
- Bellway
- Great Point Studios
- BDW Trading (Barratt Homes) Limited
- Brackley Investments
- Platform Housing Group
- ICCW
- Cardiff and Vale Local Health Board
Work highlights
- Advised Great Point Studios on its multimillion-pound freehold acquisition of the former Pinewood Studios in Wentloog from the Welsh government.
- Appointed to the newly refreshed nationwide legal panel for Barratt, dealing with all land acquisitions and providing a full service from heads of terms stage, through acquisition, site setup and ongoing management arrangements to the onward disposal of plots and social housing land, as well as negotiating strategic land options.
- Advising Cardiff City Council in relation to its multimillion-pound regeneration project at Channel View, Grangetown, Cardiff.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Shelley Thomas
Hugh JamesLeading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Caroline O’Flaherty
Hugh JamesPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Peter Hurn