Shoosmiths LLP stands out due to its expertise in the living sector, where the firm frequently advises institutional investors and real estate funds on strategic land and property acquisitions, lease renewals and negotiations, and regeneration projects. Practice head Simon Meek is a key name for investment and development issues. Build-to-Rent expert Judy Fawcett is well-regarded for her expertise in care home and retirement living development projects, areas in which Edell Asquez is also knowledgeable. Phil Gregory joined the firm in May 2023 from Gateley Legal, and James Speed joined from DWF, bolstering the firm's offering in the industrial and logistics sectors.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very knowledge of their specific sector (Commercial Property) The team and always available and accessible and we regularly use their file sharing platform for both internal and external use as required.’
‘The team at Shoosmiths are a first-rate team with the breadth and depth of expertise ensuring that we have the best in class at our disposal. The nature of our business means that we are constantly working to deadlines; whatever the challenge, Shoosmiths are always able to ensure that resources are applied to ensure that such deadlines are consistently met. We have worked with the team for many years and regularly engage directly with other lawyers representing large firms.’
‘Edell Asquez and Helen Bridgeman are two outstanding and senior members of the property team, and their work ethic filters down to the wider team who are without exception the most capable in their respective fields.’
‘The people and the availability they provide is what makes the team great - this level of service is seen across the entire of the Shoosmith's team I have had to deal with. The team is incredibly approachable, have an incredible attention to detail and always take the time to explain things very carefully.’
‘As mentioned above, it's the attention to detail, their approachability and their openness to explain things without rushing.’
‘On the matters the team have worked on for us over recent months, all those involved have been pro-active, prompt and commercial in their approach. The size and breath of team (in the Leeds office) is impressive, and it is comforting that all specialisms are covered under one roof, whether that be transactional, planning, litigation or construction. The use of technology and collaboration is impressive.’
‘Phil Gregory has always been and continues to be commercial, pro-active and user friendly in his approach both with ourselves and other parties involved in our transactions. He always tries to take a sensible line on negotiations and navigates a way through complex and challenging issues.’
Key clients
- Moorfield Real Estate Fund
- Vistry
- Extra MSA Group
- Commercial Development Projects
- Allied London
- Norman Place (Reading) LLP
- Torsion Care
- GEM Imports Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Moorfield Real Estate Fund on the purchase of a development site next to Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester and the forward funding of a major 4-block residential build-to-rent development with public realm, of a gross development value of £120m.
- Advised Torsion Care on new site acquisitions for care home developments, including at Wakefield, Bingley, Bromsgrove, Chesterfield, Durham, Otley and Brighouse.
- Advised Extra MSA Group on the acquisition of 40 acres of land at Junction 11 of the M62 at Birchwood, Warrington for a rare development of a new Motorway Services Area, including a state-of-the-art facilities building, 100-bedroom hotel, fuel filling station and electric charging hub.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Simon Meek