Birketts LLP further added to the depth of its Cambridge commercial property team in 2022 with the hire of Simon Keen from Hogan Lovells International LLP, who has become the firm’s main public sector property partner, and is highly experienced in the acquisition, promotion and disposal of strategic land. The practice is led by strategic land expert Kath Herbert, who recently worked with up-and-coming partner Dwight Patten to advise local landowners on the disposal of a £33m plot in the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. 'The all round expertise on commercial property matters is exceptional‘, remarked a client. Claudia Haisman-Green and newly promoted partner Helen Stewart also handle complex strategic land and development matters for landowners and developers. Gavin Acheson and Gemma Goddard lead the real estate investment team. Jeremy Stanton is a key adviser on clean energy projects.

HCR Hewitsons, which climbs the ranking this year, is a leading adviser to developers, landowners, high-tech and bio-tech sector companies, real estate investors, landlords, tenants and promoters. Practice head James Simpson, who is known for ‘exceptional quality of work and consistently high level of engagement‘, has seen the practice grow with the hire of Helen Mutucumarana from Mishcon de Reya LLP, who brings extensive experience in transactions in the life sciences, technology, biotechnology, media, retail, manufacturing, charity and engineering sectors. Ceri Riddell, who acts for acts for landowners, promoters and developers of both residential and commercial land, rounds out the strong group. Susanne Hinde departed for Howes Percival LLP in April 2023.

Howes Percival LLP‘s Cambridge based practice is replete with talent, not least practice head Michaela Henson, who is regarded as one of the region’s foremost advisers on strategic land development. Jonathan Greenhalgh stands out for his expertise in complex development work, while Steven Beach is an expert in commercial property investment matters. Newly promoted partner Elizabeth Thomas focuses on the education,  commercial investment and development sectors, while ‘extremely helpful and diligent‘ senior associate Scott Smith is a key adviser to occupational clients, property developers and landowners. Clients remark upon ‘a good quality all-round team that is always ready to respond to ever-changing client needs’. Susanne Hinde joined from HCR Hewitsons in April 2023.

The practice at Mills & Reeve LLP in Cambridge ‘provides City of London law firm expertise' with a strong group led by real estate investment specialist Charles Staveley an Richard Noble, who advises on projects in the not-for-profit sector. Michelle Cookson handles complex investment and development projects, while life sciences real estate adviser Vincenzo Maggio assists investors and life sciences occupiers. Christine De Ferrars Green focuses on strategic development projects, and Nick Finlayson-Brown handles investment and development work for UK and overseas clients. Providing ‘commercially astute' advice, principal associate Christopher Pike frequently assists with portfolio management. Praised by clients for being ‘exceptionally hardworking' and 'personable', principal associates Laura Ludlow and Tom Nash focus on education matters and strategic land deals respectively.

Described by clients as being 'thoughtful, compassionate, considerate‘, the team at Mishcon de Reya LLP handles a broad range of issues, including strategic land and energy transactions, in addition to office leasing and management. Helen Mutucumarana departed the practice in January 2023, leaving James Slinger, who is ‘extremely knowledgeable, a very prudent negotiator and problem solver', as the sole head of the practice. Newly promoted partner Elliot Wilson is ‘hardworking', primarily advising on renewable energy projects and land promotion. 'Outstanding' managing associate Keven Fehmi is adept at handling landlord and tenant matters.

Ashtons Legal has a single commercial property practice across its office network in East Anglia, and the Cambridge office is home to a strong bench of partners. ‘Diplomatic, helpful and flexible‘ head of real estate Magnus McManus frequently acts for Cambridge colleges and private investors. Sheila Small focuses on residential and commercial development matters, while Charlotte Vallins ,who ‘provides expertise in a constructive manner', specialises in commercial landlord and tenant matters, advising clients on investment and operational portfolios. Senior associate Rhian Brook is an experienced adviser on landlord and tenant matters and occupied portfolios.

BDB Pitmans stands out for its ‘personable approach', handling a diverse range of matters concerning institutional investment and operational property portfolios. The practice is led by Simon Burson, who frequently advises institutional clients and occupiers. Senior associate Joe Taylor handles purchases, sales, and real estate finance, and legal director Katy Klingopulos specialises in real estate development, primarily advising on site acquisition and development funding issues. The firm manages the property portfolios of clients such as Harrods and Kurt Geiger, as well as handling institutional investment mandates for the likes of Eskmuir Properties and Munich Re.

The commercial property group at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is ‘knowledgeable, engaging, focused and experienced‘. ‘Diligent, commercially minded, responsive and proactive‘ managing associate Giorgia Clements frequently advises property investors; and associate Joanna Wilde, who joined from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, contributes her broad knowledge of commercial property transactions, in addition to landlord and tenant matters. Former practice head Sarah Coates left the team in July 2023.

Barr Ellison LLP continues to build its presence in the Cambridge market, with experienced partner and practice head Kelly Peck building capacity in the practice’s junior ranks. The group is known for ‘exceptional communication, a pragmatic approach to risk, and clear willingness to signal when a term is unacceptable‘. The ‘calm and efficient‘ Peck manages numerous property portfolios, as well as handling commercial acquisitions and refinancing projects. Associate Lucy Harrison is the key contact for the firm’s Cambridge University College clients.

Tees Law is ‘thoroughly professional outfit in all aspects‘, and in 2022 the firm handled numerous strategic promotion and hybrid agreements, not only in the Eastern region, but also further afield. The practice is led from Saffron Walden,  Senior associate Alex Waples ‘has a keen eye for detail‘ and is notable for acquisitions and disposals of agricultural land, as well as renewable energy developments. Associate Piers Woods is praised for development agreements, site acquisitions and financing, infrastructure project work and utility easements.