Drawing upon ‘good strength-in-depth’ at both partner and associate level, the ’knowledgeable’ team at Blake Morgan LLP provides ‘a results-focused service’ to a balanced mix of stakeholders in the private, third and public sectors across a range of commercial property matters. Here, clients also benefit from access to the firm’s own in-house quantity surveyors, ensuring it is able to provide a full “cradle to grave” offering. Team head James Egan provides ’advice in a clear and simple way’, including to local Welsh health boards and GP practices on their property needs. Nigel Griffiths has vast experience in the market, particularly in the context of retail leasing and development work where he continues to advise long-term client Canary Wharf Group on the management of its retail portfolio. Daniela Smith is also key to the Canary Wharf Group relationship, as well as handling a considerable amount of work for corporate occupiers. Other key members of the team include Louise Howells, who ‘provides commercial and practical advice’ on social housing-related commercial property matters, and Dawn Smith, who is ’truly exceptional’ at handling development and regeneration projects. Geoff Reed retired from the partnership to become a consultant in 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The knowledgeable team provides a results-focused service.'
  • 'They have good strength-in-depth and provide excellent legal advice.'
  • 'The team goes the extra mile for their clients.'
  • 'It is a highly skilled and experienced team with commercial acumen developed through engagement with the market which is translated into the legal advice received.'
  • 'James Egan provides advice in a clear and simple way.'
  • 'Louise Howells provides commercial and practical advice.'
  • 'Dawn Smith is truly exceptional.'
  • 'Louise Howells and Claire Wilde are both excellent.'

Key clients

  • Canary Wharf Group Plc
  • Welsh Government
  • Cardiff Parkway Developments Limited
  • Cardiff University
  • NHS Wales
  • The Royal National Institute for Blind People
  • Symrise Limited
  • Newport City Homes Housing Association Limited
  • HSBC
  • Linc-Cymru Housing Association
  • Cardiff and Vale College
  • ClwydAlyn Housing Limited
  • Swansea University
  • Transport for Wales
  • Short Bros (Developments) Limited
  • Pobl Group
  • Rock Up Limited
  • Clarion Housing Group Limited
  • Elemento Group Limited
  • Vale of Glamorgan Methodist Church

Work highlights

  • Continued portfolio management and new leases/re-gears for long-standing client Canary Wharf Group, owners of the Canary Wharf Estate.
  • Acting for Trapoc Ltd in its acquisition of a car park site in Corby which consisted of approximately 33 acres for development.
  • Acting for Wales & West Housing Ltd in the restructure and refinancing of existing security and property securitisation in respect of uncharged properties to ensure that monies can be drawn down to facilitate further development and investment in property stock. Completion has not yet taken place but the properties are now 'security ready'.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

James Egan

Other key lawyers

Nigel Griffiths, Philip Jardine, Louise Howells, Daniela Smith, Dawn Smith, Charlotte Whitehead, Natalie Lawley, Claire Wilde, Elen Crockett, Rhiannon Peploe-Williams