Shoosmiths LLP primarily handles non-contentious construction work across a broad range of real estate types including residential, later living and student accommodation properties, hotels and offices. The team often drafts and negotiates construction documentation as part of large development projects alongside the firm's nationwide real estate department. Rick Atha leads the practice and has recently been involved in a significant buy-to-rent development in central Manchester for Moorfield Group Limited. Christine Burrows is also noted.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team are very user friendly, break things down into manageable pieces which they explain with ease and are always very proactive.’

  • ‘They are just great people to work with - we have built up a relationship with over a number of years, and we would not want to break out from that. In particular Christine Burrows and Helen Bridgman.’

  • ‘My experience is with the Construction team. They are extremely pragmatic and responsive to the project requirements and issues.’

  • ‘Shoosmiths have a good spread of different levels of experience that work well together and allow work to be carried out cost effectively.’

  • ‘Rick Atha is very knowledgeable and pushes hard for his clients.’

  • ‘The people and the availability they provide is what makes the team great - this level of service is seen across the entire 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.’

  • ‘It's the attention to detail, their approachability and their openness to explain things without rushing. Rick Atha provides incredible comfort. He is fully into the detail and thinks outside the box - I wouldn't want anyone else looking through the construction documents!’

  • ‘We work with a great team at Shoosmiths who are experienced in the sector. They are proactive and work with us collaboratively to ensure we get the best results.’

Key clients

  • Moorfield Group Limited
  • Apollo Management International LLP
  • Hudd Student Living Limited
  • Deansgate SOF Alliance/Starwood Group Limited
  • The Other House
  • Akoya (part of Feldberg Capital GMBH)
  • Leftfield Logistics Limited
  • Tanglewood Care Services Limited/Origin Care Homes
  • Harworth Estates Investments
  • Cinnamon Care Capital Limited
  • INGKA Centres Services AB
  • Gilltown Limited & Barnwell Gate Limited
  • National Westminster Bank plc
  • Travelodge Hotels Limited
  • Travel Sector Property Limited
  • Newcastle United Football
  • IKEA Properties Investments Limited
  • The Third Space Group Limited
  • Packaged Living/Fiera Real Estate
  • Extra MSA Group Limited
  • Peugeot Motor Group
  • Highwood Residential Limited
  • Prime (UK) Developments Limited
  • Cinos Limited
  • Welborne Land Limited
  • Northwood Investors
  • ReForm Fund Limited Partnership (part of Feldberg Capital GMBH)

Work highlights

  • Advised Moorfield on the forward funding of a new £100m 440-unit PRS development at the former Kellogg’s site in central Manchester (Trafford).
  • Acted for an institutional investor/pension fund in relation to its investment in single family housing schemes in the build to rent sector.
  • Advised Apollo Management International LLP (and its security agent) on providing finance to Cain International in relation to the property and construction aspects of a £500m PBSA deal across five major UK university cities, including Leeds.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Rick Atha

Other key lawyers

Christine Burrows, Helen Bridgman