Best known for advising on big ticket real estate matters, Ashurst's full service offering in the development, investment and corporate occupier space makes the firm a top choice for clients. The group is frequently instructed on large scale development and regeneration schemes and has a strong pipeline of work in the logistics, BTR and life sciences sectors; Henry Moss leads on BTR / private rented sector work while Richard Vernon specialises in life sciences and hotels. The team has a strong international focus; David Jones is an expert on inbound inward investment from South Korea and the wider team regularly advises on deals in the UK and Europe, with particular expertise in global joint ventures and M&A. Global projects and real estate co-head Sarah Sivyour assists a diverse range of clients, including investors from the US and Singapore. Melanie Jordan heads the UK real estate team that includes Tim Regis and Jamie Chapman, an expert in major infrastructure and regeneration projects, including renewable energy transactions. The group’s extensive corporate occupier offering includes the acquisition and leasing of HQ buildings, portfolio management and lay-out construction advice, amongst others.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner ‘s impressive and diverse real estate offering ranges from day-to-day asset management to complex high-value regeneration projects. Its client base consists of domestic and international clients and covers both traditional and alternative asset classes. In the residential investment and development market, the group remains at the forefront of the BTR sector, with Andrew Yates continuing to lead in this area. Practice co-head Chris de Pury, Chris Rowe, and Liana Hewson have been heavily involved in advising on sustainable developments while Matthew Peel focuses on transactions in the healthcare and senior living sectors. Elsewhere, Claire Milton advises on lettings and corporate real estate deals. Co-head Sam Narula‘s experience includes investment work for private equity funds and HNWIs while Celia Berg has a strong student accommodation practice. Alan Wight, Robert MacGregor, Emma La Wita and Juliet Thomas are part of the corporate occupier team that is known for handling high-value pre-letting transactions.

International firm CMS houses a ‘hugely knowledgeable and experienced’ UK real estate team, which is lead by Ciaran Carvalho. Carvalho is an ‘exceptionally good negotiator’ and serves an extensive range of international and domestic investors and developers which include Blackstone and Angelo Gordon & Co. On the development side of the practice, Mark Heighton principally focuses on residential and mixed use development projects, with an emphasis on BTR and senior living, while Barry Morris and Chris Oakley specialise in office developments in the City of London. Oakley also contributes his transactional experience in the retail, and industrial sectors. Leilah Rawle focuses on energy and infrastructure projects and networks. Has extensive experience advising on the real estate aspects of renewable energy projects and land portfolios. On the investment front, Amanda Howard is a key contact and heads the funds and indirect real assets group, whilst Caroline Maude spcialises in matters concerning the acquisition and disposal of offices and mixed use investments.  Alan Crawford supports the team with his particular focus on acting for opportunity funds and on fast paced transactions. The corporate occupiers side of the practice serves a number of lucrative clients such as TikTok, UCL, and Hogan Lovells. Andrew Banton, leads the China and Hong Kong inward investment team and acts for various occupiers in the retail, office, and leisure sectors with an emphasis on US corporates. Marie Scott is ‘focused, practical and experienced’ and leads transactions covering a variety of assets which include self-storage and data centres, and advises on occupiers, investment, and development matters, while Jules Needleman specialises in HQ lettings and provides ‘unparalleled support’ to clients.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is well known for its expert handling of big-ticket real estate transactions. It has a strong track record acting for key players across the global property sector, including investors, developers, SWFs and private equity funds. Jeremy Walden chairs the UK and EMEA real estate practice, regularly working with investors to complete first investments and joint ventures in these regions. The group has significant expertise in major development and regeneration projects, with Donald Rowlands and Richard Forsdyke being the key contacts. Elsewhere, the team is highly active advising on large leasing transactions, including pre-lets; Nick Turner leads the corporate occupiers practice and also focuses on developments that interact with rail and underground assets. Shona Grey advises on high profile corporate acquisitions and disposals while Julian Pollock ‘s diverse practice includes advising inbound investors, particularly those from Asia. Paul Chases maintains a strong reputation in handling corporate real estate matters.

Addleshaw Goddard is particularly active in major city regeneration schemes, acting for some of London’s biggest developers. It also represents several overseas investors, particularly from Asia and the Middle East; Leona Ahmed is the key contact for cross-border real estate matters. The team continues to be instructed on alternative asset classes, with divisional managing partner Adrian Collins specialising in BTR and student accommodation while Rachel Orton is an expert in the senior living and healthcare sectors. Practice head Iain Hindhaugh‘s wide range of expertise includes international inbound investment, listed UK PropCos, logistics as well as acting for corporate occupiers. Chris Cartwright  co-heads the corporate occupiers team in London.

Magic circle firm Allen & Overy LLP's real estate practice assists a wide range of international investors, developers of complex redevelopment projects, and financial institutions. Christopher Woolf is the global head of real estate at the firm, with over 20 years’ experience in advising private equity and sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, public bodies, and family offices; Over the last decade, Woolf has advised on over £15bn worth of investment transactions spanning across the Europe and the UK. Nick Saner provides expertise in commercial real estate transactions relating to the acquisition and disposal of offshore property holding structures, and has deep experience in advising sponsors on renewable energy projects. Emma Willoughby handles direct and indirect property sales and purchases, as well as lettings and landlord and tenant matters. Hayden Cameron was promoted to partner in May 2021 and has a particular focus on indirect real estate investments and the establishment of real estate joint ventures.

Clifford Chance LLP has a strong track record in complex real estate developments and is particularly well known for its City and Canary Wharf headquarter projects. Other areas of expertise include mixed-use, urban regeneration and infrastructure projects as well as corporate real estate acquisition and joint venture work. The group demonstrates significant cross-border expertise with Angela Kearns focusing on inbound investment work from the APAC region, particularly from Japan, while Mark Payne and Alis Pay assist international investors on a range of deals, including pan-European portfolio transactions. Elsewhere, the group has impressive credentials for acting on major HQ transactions for both occupiers and landlords and is involved in several secondary market lettings. Matt Taylor has experience in largescale landlord/tenant matters, with an emphasis acting on the tenant-side. Head of London real estate Nigel Howorth has a strong energy-related practice that includes advising on power station developments. Ian Painter is also recommended.

The ‘exceptional’ commercial property team at global firm DLA Piper is highly regarded for advising on complex living, office, pharmaceutical, and logistics development projects. Jonathan Northey leads the development side of the London practice, and specialises in complex multi-party development agreements and all parts of the development process, whilst senior associate Hayley Russell-White focuses on housing, mixed-use schemes, hotel and leisure, and healthcare projects. On the investment and corporate occupiers front, James Knox leads with over 30 years’ experience in acting for sovereign wealth and investment funds, private equity investors, and family offices both domestically, and in Europe. Key members of the team for investment also include William Naunton, who acts for a variety of fund managers and insitutional investors, and Bonnie Calnan with her wealth of experience in multidisciplinary private equity and investment transactions. For the corporate occupiers side of the practice, Paul Jayson, who has a special interest in sustainability strategy and leads the firm’s green real estate team, is a key contact. Senior associate Nicholas Haringman contributes his experience in advising institutional investors, pension funds, and retailers on a broad range of commercial real estate matters.

Eversheds Sutherland's London real estate team - which offers an 'unusual combination of technical competence and commercial realism' - is led by the hugely experienced Bruce Dear. He fronts a 'very strong occupier advisory team' which acts for a raft of household name clients, including major tech companies. On the investment front, the team handles complex and high-profile transactions, covering acquisitions and joint ventures for clients from a range of sectors, including financial services, office providers, student accomodation, pension funds and many more. The highly regarded Tom Goldsmith has a track record of work on complex, mixed-use development projects and large-scale portfolio purchases and is seen as 'a very strong technical lawyer with excellent project management skills.' Nicholas Bartlett heads up the real estate investment team and also leads the firm's living sub-group, while Lee Jackson plays a key role in the firm's private capital real estate business.

The team at US firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher serves a variety of clients on all aspects of commercial real estate with an emphasis on corporate and investment property acquisitions and disposals, development, financing, and joint ventures. Practice head Alan Samson is ‘seasoned and measured‘ with over 25 years’ experience in commercial real estate; since the onset of the financial crisis, Samson’s practice has focused on the acquisition of real estate loan portfolios from financial institutions, debt restructurings, and recapitalisations. Claibourne Harrison is ‘meticulous, quick-thinking and thorough‘ with his experience in advising domestic and international clients on a spectrum of corporate and private equity transactions as well as M&A. Jeremy Kenley has expertise in all aspects of real estate private equity, including debt funds and acquisitions.

Gowling WLG uses its global reach to serve a wide range of domestic and overseas property investors, which include insitutional investors and REITS, developers, occupiers, and regeneration authorities. Chris Hunt heads the real estate sector team; his areas of expertise include sizeable retail expansion programmes and distribution premises for retailers. Richard Bate has 30 years’ experience of acquisitions and disposals of large-scale consortium developments and strategic land, whilst Nick Mumby is known for advising on complex development projects for family run developers, institutional investors, and international private equity firms. On the corporate occupiers front, Helen Emmerson leads the team and advises clients on leasing regarding a variety of projects such as supermarkets and retail, to life science labs and offices.

Hogan Lovells International LLP deploys its international strength and presence to act for an impressive overseas investors and major landowners, advising on the full life cycle of investment transactions and properties. The global real estate practice is headed by Daniel Norris, who specialises in direct and indirect investment transactions, asset management, and student housing. Oliver Chamberlain is head of the UK real estate practice; his expertise covers all aspects of commercial real estate and he represents lucrative clients such as the BBC, M&G Real Estate, and British Land, whilst former practice head Jackie Newstead can draw on many years of expertise in advising retailers and hoteliers on acquisitions and disposals, management arrangements, and financings. Gill McGreevy is particularly knowledgeable in areas relating to regeneration and development relating to energy projects, retail, and institutional investment. Dion Panambalana contributes his focus on mixed-use urban and non-urban developments and regeneration, structured sales, and leasebacks to the team.

The ‘affable and extremely capable’ team at Jones Day has demonstrable experience in handling the full gamut of ‘sophisticated, complicated and cross-border transactions’, from disposals and acquisitions to fund formations, joint ventures and financing matters. With notable expertise in the office, retail and logistics sectors, high-value developments and regeneration schemes take up a large proportion of the practice’s workload. The US firm’s London real estate team is jointly led by Anna Cartwright, who has considerable experience in private equity and M&A transactions, and David Smith, who is a key contact for mandates arising out of the student accommodation and build-to-rent sectors. Ryan Hill was promoted to partner in January 2022 and Laura Pembridge focuses on domestic and international private equity real estate matters, while John Crowley advises on developments and infrastructure projects.

‘The top-class team’ at Linklaters LLP advises its roster of clients, including domestic and international developers and investors, on big-ticket transactions, including M&A and distressed real estate mandates, as well as high-value regeneration and development projects. Praised as a ‘a steady and knowledgeable guiding force’, global practice head Andy Bruce leads the London-based real estate team and handles acquisition, disposal and financing matters, while senior partner Martin Elliott is the practice’s key contact for development projects. Senior partner Patrick Plant has considerable experience advising investors, developers, lenders and tenants on the full gamut of real estate property mandates in the UK, and Tom Watkins focuses on real estate M&A transactions.

Macfarlanes LLP acts for clients across the logistics and life sciences sectors on redevelopment and urban regeneration projects, and has demonstrable experience in cross-border commercial and residential property transactions, including mandates pertaining to build-to-rent, private rented sector and student accommodation. ‘First-class practitioner’ Anthony Burnett-Scott, who advises on mixed-use developments, jointly leads the real estate practice alongside ‘affable partner’ Clare Breeze, who acts for international investors in commercial property and financing matters, as well as joint ventures. In the corporate occupier space, the practice acts for professional services, retail and media occupiers on relocation projects, acquisition of new premises, disposal of excess space and management of existing premises. Well-placed to advise on the real estate aspects of high-value corporate transactions, the team’s workload relating to private equity real estate continues to grow.

Praised for its ‘breadth of talent and experience’, Mayer Brown International LLP is no stranger to big-ticket real estate transactions, as demonstrated by its advice to Cabot Properties on the sale of its logistics portfolio to Blackstone Real Estate, led by head of development Caroline Humble. ‘Invaluable’ Chris Harvey spearheads the firm’s UK and European real estate team and is the ‘go-to partner in the London market for Asian investors, who are looking to do substantial, complicated deals’. Simon Price is noted for his expertise in the hospitality sector and advises on corporate real estate transactions, joint ventures, acquisitions and high-profile lettings, while Iain Roberts handles headquarter relocations, post-property acquisition leasing transactions, as well as mixed-use development projects. Other key members of the team include head of corporate real estate Anita Jones, experienced practitioner Joe Conder, who joined from Goodwin in early 2021, and managing partner Jeremy Clay. The practice has demonstrable experience across the office, retail, residential, logistics, student accommodation and co-living sectors.

Mishcon de Reya LLP’s commercial real estate group leverages the expertise of the firm’s property disputes, planning, construction, tax and finance teams to handle high-value, multi-jurisdictional transactions and projects. Praised for its ‘high degree of integrity, thoughtfulness and collaboration’, the practice is noted for its expertise in the build-to-rent, student accommodation and senior living sectors. Team leader Stephen Hughes advises on portfolio acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, as well as regeneration projects, while Edward Hughes-Power handles investment sales and acquisitions in the alternative residential sector. Other key members of the team include Simon Hart, Nick Minkoff and Ian Paul, while Lee Foxcroft joined the firm from Slaughter and May in March 2022.

Pinsent Masons LLP's London-based real estate practice has demonstrable experience in high value investment transactions across the logistics, office and alternative residential sectors, and acts for local authorities on high-profile regeneration projects. Noted for her expertise in the hotel and leisure sectors, Claire Hughes leads the team and has considerable experience in investments and mixed-use development schemes, while ‘exceptional partner’ Mike Reid also focuses on development schemes, as well as joint ventures, pre-letting and letting matters. Other key members of the team include Richard Lloyd, who handles real estate projects with significant development components, and ‘outstanding’ Natalie Harris, who focuses on housing, student accommodation and build to rent projects.

Praised for its ‘exceptional dedication to serving the client at any time, on any matter’, international firm Taylor Wessing LLP’s real estate team has demonstrable experience in big-ticket transactions, regularly involving cross-border elements, and has been particularly in advising on investments arising out of the logistics sector. Large-scale residential and mixed-use development projects take up a large proportion of the practice’s workload, as well as lease renewals and regears, and major letting matters. Paul Lawrence leads the firm’s international and UK real estate group, and Mark Rajbenbach, who is commended for his ‘uncompromising approach to detail and results’, advises on hotel portfolio sales and purchases, leasebacks and management agreements. Keith Barnett is a key contact for corporate occupier matters and Matthew Swainston handles joint ventures, in addition to landlord and tenant transactions, while Alan Evans focuses on sales and leasebacks, as well as portfolio acquisitions.

Multinational firm Baker McKenzie‘s commercial property practice is headed by Justin Salkeld, who has a wealth of experience in operational and investment real estate matters; Salkeld consistently advises banks and borrowers on financing and development, in addition to investors and operators regarding hotel transactions. The team’s ‘incredible range and depth of expertise’ includes Ben Farnell, who advises tenants, domestic and multinational corporates, and foreign governments on a full spectrum of real estate matters regarding investment, planning, and development requirements; and Stefanie Price, who forms a key part of the firm's corporate occupier practice with her focus on landlord and tenant law, and the real estate features of corporate transactions. The firm’s corporate occupier practice focuses on acting for blue chip clients such as global corporates, as well as retail clients on portfolio rationalisations, and leasing matters.

Led by Lee Medlock, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP offers a ‘one-stop-shop’ service for a mix of investors, commercial developers and corporate occupiers. The group handles complex mixed-use schemes, with particular expertise in joint venture and partnership agreements. The team demonstrates considerable strength in both the logistics and life sciences sectors, with Eddie Richards and Suzi Gatward focusing on the former, while Louise Ward concentrates on the latter. Robin Grove and Alexander Gold are the key names for development work, specialising in regeneration schemes. Sarah Morley leads the office occupiers practice at the firm and focuses on headquarters moves and the rationalisation of space.

Multinational firm Dentons advises a host of international investors from as far afield as South Korea, India, the US, and Luxembourg, drawing on its large, cross-border real estate network. The firm is active in the alternative assets and BTR sectors, as well as the senior living market and student accomodation, all of which national real estate practice head Deepa Deb has a particular focus in. Rob Thompson is head of the national and Middle East real estate practice and uses his 'deep knowledge' to advise banks, private equity funds, and listed and non-listed property companies, in addition to large corporates which operate in the office, hotels, logistics, retail, and high-end residential sectors. Alex Coulter  focuses on investment, development, and lease negotiations in the logistics, retail, and office sectors, while associate Carla Revelo has 'excellent attention to detail' and extensive expertise in high-value development projects and investment portfolios.

US firm Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP's real estate practice advises a host of blue-chip, transatlantic clients on transactional real estate mandates. Darren Rogers leads the team and focuses on advising clients which include sovereign wealth funds and private equity firms, on capital markets transactions, major City of London lettings, and joint ventures. The team's varied experience means they are able to advise clients on all asset classes which include the growing trend of secondary co-invest transactions. Patrick Williams advises transatlantic investors on matters concerning life-sciences, retail, offices, and living real estate matters, such as Brookfield Asset Management.

The London commercial property investment team at US firm Goodwin is known for handling complex real estate transactions and cross-border investment work. The team collaborates with the firm's finance, funds, tax, and regulatory practices to advise clients on the full life-cycle of a deal. James Spence and Martin Smith co-head the practice; Spence specialises in advising stakeholders on high value real estate investments and M&A transactions, while Smith's expertise is acting on asset and corporate SPV transactions. Chair of Goodwin's European offices David Evans specialises in fund restructuring and represents investment banks, hedge funds, and other investors. Justin Cornelius' expertise lies in the establishment and operation of real estate funds and joint ventures. 

The London real estate team at US firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP provides a one-stop shop for investment fund clients in addition to developers and charities. Danielle Martin has extensive experience in the private equity real estate space, with an emphasis on restructurings, investment sales, and purchases. Martin co-heads the practice with Matthew James Priday, whose expertise covers the breadth of commerical real estate, and includes investments sales and purchases as well as development projects. The firm also works on a variety of schemes which include redevelopment and logistics, and joint ventures. Daniyal Ansari joined the team from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner in March 2022.

K&L Gates LLP ‘can be relied upon to deliver sound advice across a broad range of real estate property matters’ and its ‘breadth of knowledge and experience means the team is able to act as a one-stop-shop‘ to its roster of clients in the fashion, retail, finance, logistics and technology sectors. Head of the London-based real estate team Christian Major and of counsel Steven Cox, who notably acts for clients in the leisure sector, are key contacts for corporate occupier matters, often involving an international element, while Wayne Smith advises institutional investors on acquisitions, disposals and portfolio management. Tim Webb has experience in acting for multinational corporations and domestic real estate companies across Europe, South East Asia, Brazil and China on real estate private equity matters, as well as institutional investments and development projects. ‘Intuitive’ Emma Maher and special counsel Chiara Del Frate are key contacts in the team.

Praised as ‘diligent’ and ‘always hungry for deals’, specialist commercial real estate firm Maples Teesdale LLP provides a partner-led, ‘seamless service’ to its client roster, ranging from institutional investors and property developers to UK-based construction companies, international occupiers and global law firms. Declan Power handles forward funding and purchases matters, as well as joint ventures and development agreements, arising out of the retail, mixed-use and industrial sectors, while Roger Thornton is a key contact for investment transactions, including high-value sales and purchases. Neil Sagoo acts for occupiers in headquarters and other business-critical relocations, while Katherine Watts focuses on both corporate occupier and landowner matters.

The ‘exceptionally talented team’ at Norton Rose Fulbright has demonstrable experience in energy, infrastructure and other long-term development projects, as well as social housing investment mandates and leverages its international network to advise on complex cross-border real estate matters. UK practice leader and leading Islamic finance specialist Wasim Khan has experience in acting for developers and banks in relation to waste to energy schemes, in addition to renewable energy and power projects, while global head of real estate Dan Wagerfield handles mixed-use developments and outbound capital from Asia. Louisa Roe, who was promoted to partner in January 2022, is praised as a ‘tour de force’ when acting for both landlords and tenants in leasing transactions, while Charlie Pinkerton advises on office and headquarter relocations. David Hawkins focuses on mixed-use developments and David Sinclair handles a range of projects in the office, hotel and infrastructure sectors.

Paul Hastings LLP’s London-based real estate practice can leverage the expertise of the wider firm’s corporate, finance and tax teams to advise on big-ticket investment transactions, often involving an underlying corporate element. Noted for its demonstrable experience in hotel purchases, the team’s workload also includes structured acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, fund investments and financing mandates. Michael James leads the practice and focuses on cross-border transactions involving multiple European jurisdictions, while Stephen Nicolas, who was promoted to partner in July 2022, focuses on corporate real estate matters. Other key members of the team include associates Edward Meadowcroft and Matthew Peters.

The ‘knowledgeable and responsive’ team at Reed Smith LLP has demonstrable experience in large-scale portfolio acquisitions and disposals, sales and leasebacks, auction deals, as well as mixed-use and commercial developments. Noted for its expertise in the hospitality and alternative residential sectors, the London practice, which is led by global head of real estate Jimmy Theodorou, is well-placed to collaborate with the firm’s offices globally to handle multi-jurisdictional matters. ‘Outstanding partner’ Nick Harris handles mixed-use development projects, while Andrew Jenkinson ‘provides clear, commercial advice on the most complex of issues’ pertaining to portfolio transactions. Other key members of the team include Brigid North and Chris Beaumont-McQuillan, who focuses on corporate real estate deals.

Noted for its expertise in big-ticket, private equity transactions, the London real estate team at US firm Ropes & Gray LLP ‘has a unique, proactive and entrepreneurial ability in complex, cross-border joint ventures’, in addition to corporate sales and purchases, and large-scale development projects. Counting debt and sovereign wealth funds, endowments, operating partners and family offices among its key roster of clients, the team is led by David Seymour, who has experience across all types of real estate assets, including logistics and industrial, offices, data centres and life sciences. Will Bryant was promoted to partner in November 2021 and advises on a range of direct and indirect investment structures and transactions.

Simmons & Simmons’ workload includes a wide variety of high value investment transactions and development projects, pertaining to skyscrapers, retail centres, alternative living, office buildings and industrial warehouses and logistics premises. Led by John Kelsey, who has demonstrable experience in real estate finance matters, the team counts joint ventures and corporate wrapper deals in its workload and is noted for its active asset management practice. Other key members of the team include Ali Crosthwaite, who advises on inbound investments into the UK and Europe, and Matthew Hooton, who handles corporate wrapped real estate mandates. Former head of Stephenson Harwood’s real estate practice, Jonathon Wilkes, joined the firm in June 2022.

Slaughter and May advises on all aspects of large-scale development projects, particularly in the sports sector, where the ‘excellent real estate team’ has demonstrable experience in major stadia mandates. In the corporate occupier space, high-profile headquarters relocations take up a large proportion of the practice’s workload - the team is notably well-regarded for its work for other major law firms. The team is well-placed to leverage the expertise of the firm’s corporate and tax groups to handle all forms of direct and indirect investments, particularly portfolio transactions, often involving a cross-border element. Jane Edwarde leads the team and has considerable experience in sports-related projects, such as advising Everton Football Club on the development of its 52,000-seat stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. John Nevin has a ‘marvellous talent for distilling the key points’ when advising on acquisitions, developments and letting matters, while ‘exceptional’ senior counsel Simon Bartle is another key member of the team.

The full-service real estate practice at Trowers & Hamlins LLP has ‘a broad range of expertise across the development lifecycle, from site acquisitions and planning to construction and delivery’ and has demonstrable experience in acting for local authorities on large-scale redevelopment and regeneration schemes. With an active inward investment practice, particularly from the Far East and Middle East, the team is also noted for its capability in the mixed-use, office, retail, hotel and leisure sectors. Tonia Secker leads the practice, as well as the firm’s affordable housing group, and Rebecca Wardle acts for both private and public sector clients in residential development and regeneration projects, with particular expertise in student accommodation and build to rent mandates. Tom Calnan joined the team from McDermott Will & Emery LLP in April 2021 and focuses on private equity real estate matters.

Praised for its ‘diligent attention to detail, personal relationship management and depth of experience across the team’, City firm Wedlake Bell LLP acts for a wide range of domestic and international corporate buyers and funds in investment transactions. Led by David De Maupeou, the real estate group is noted for its capability in residential development projects, as well as mixed-use and business park schemes, with Kim Lalli being a key contact in this space, particularly for housebuilders and healthcare providers. David Roberts has considerable experience in investments arising out of the retail and logistics sectors, while Sarah Blunn and Suzanne Gill, who is commended for her ‘razor sharp mind’, are key contacts for corporate occupier matters.

White & Case LLP’s multifaceted team handles high-value investment transactions, in addition to real estate M&A and finance mandates, most of which often involve cross-border elements on account of the firm’s international footprint. The practice also acts for private equity clients and sovereign wealth funds on digital real estate matters, an area in which team leader James Dodsworth ‘brings exceptional experience’ too. Victoria Landsbert advises on acquisitions and disposals, as well as real estate finance mandates; other key members of the team include James Johnson and James Pullen.

Boodle Hatfield LLP‘s real estate practice is known for advising a variety of private capital clients, which include family offices, private funds, and overseas investors; Simon Williams leads the team; he has a keen interest in the retail and office market and significant experience advising hotel owners on investment and development projects. The firm’s fortes include advising on the financing, development, asset management, and disposal of mixed-use and residential developments and investments, while co-working spaces and serviced offices continue to be an area of growth. Caroline King has long-standing experience in real estate transactions across multiple sectors which include residential build-to-rent, senior living, hotels and retail, and industrial.

The national real estate practice at Burges Salmon LLP is spread across Bristol and London and serves clients on a full spectrum of matters, from large-scale infrastructure projects to headquarters relocations. Richard Clark leads the real estate sector group, advises private and public sector clients, which include Transport for London, The Crown Estate, and John Lewis Partnership. Paul Browne contributes to the development and investment side of the practice, regularly acting for banks as well as lenders wherever the matter concerns real estate assets; Browne has particular expertise in the real estate side of the nuclear industry and also advises multi-national organisations and institutions. Richard Read advises UK and international investment funds and companies, and global corporates. experience in offices, retail, and industrial asset classes with an emphasis on student accommodation, hotels, and leisure. Ross Polkinghorne is passionate about sustainable real estate and has a great deal of experience in sustainable regeneration schemes.

Clyde & Co's real estate practice is recognised for the full range of service it offers and the longstanding client relationships the team builds. The practice is co-headed by Will Deeprose, who focuses on residential led mixed-use development, retail, and trade park projects, and acts for public sector entities; and Graeme Taylor, who has over 25 years’ experience of advising a spectrum of clients, which include domestic and international institutional investors, development companies, charities, and high net worth individuals. The firm also has notable strength in build to rent schemes as well as regeneration projects and retail.

Specialist real estate firm Davitt Jones Bould works nationally under the leadership of Madeleine Davitt, who has a stellar reputation for her work on lucrative public sector projects such as the new Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park, and the London 2012 Olympics, in addition to her advice to local authorities. The firm has a strong performance record in advising on corporate occupiers and development matters for important landmarks including the development of a new Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre at Victoria Gardens, and Fujifilm’s new headquarters. The firm is benefiting from the experience brought by new members of the team, which include: John Condliffe from Hogan Lovells International LLP;  John Adams from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP; Michelle Powell from Wedlake Bell LLP; and Tina Durani from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP.

The ‘genuinely passionate‘ commercial real estate team at DWF advises a host of public and private sector clients, which include multinational businesses and the Welsh Government. The investment team regulardly advises on large-scale transactions, such as portfolio acquisitions and disposals. James Froud handles complex investment transactions and asset mangement matters, an area in which senior associate Oliver Lovett has expertise. Mark Shepherd has extensive experience in direct and indirect real estate investment and joint venture arrangements.

The Farrer & Co team is well known for its mid-market work as well as its legacy developments with landowners; clients consider the group to be ‘pioneers’ in this space. Elsewhere, it has seen an increase in instruction from US backed private equity firms looking to invest in development projects in the UK, particularly in TV and film studio productions. Practice head Mark Gauguier handles both development and investment work, with specific expertise in handling large scale urban developments. Henry Stevens  specialises in development transactions and portfolio management relating to institutions and estates, while senior associate Barbara Beasley focuses on institutional investment, including forward funding and purchases.

The ‘incredible, smart, and skilled’ real estate team at Fladgate LLP assists a host of clients with their commercial property needs from a single office in London. Practice head Stephen Lewis acts for family offices, banks, offshore and onshore private investors, with a particular focus on the retail and leisure sectors. Gideon Dabby-Joory advises a range of clients, which include private funds and institutional investors, on urban markets; corporate occupiers on expansion programmes and headqaurters relocations; and often acts for providers of shared office space and retail occupiers. Dabby-Joory and Alan Karsberg  are key to the corporate occupiers side of the practice; Karsberg is particularly adept in advising on complex portfolio transactions, sales and leasebacks, as well as landlord and tenant work. Kirsty Corkum  joined the team from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner and contributes over 25 years’ experience in providing advice on mixed-use and urban development projects for developers, investors, landlords, and tenants.

Mills & Reeve LLP advises its roster of clients on acquisitions and disposals, in addition to handling portfolio management work, and continues to see an increase in alternative asset investment, including life sciences, student accommodation, senior living and higher education. Charles Staveley, who divides his time between the firm’s London and Cambridge offices, leads the investment practice and acts for institutional pension funds, management houses, family offices and property investors. The development team, which is spearheaded by London-based Orla O’Sullivan and Michael Giess, and Cambridge-based Christine De Ferrars Green, has demonstrable experience in asset-specific development projects, as well as regeneration mandates.

The real estate practice at Osborne Clarke LLP frequently collaborates with the wider firm’s construction, litigation, planning and finance teams to handle development and regeneration projects arising out of the logistics, mixed-use and alternative residential sectors. Noted for its capability in mid-market mandates, the team’s workload includes investment transactions, leasing matters and joint ventures. Practice leader Louise Cartwright advises on portfolio deals, corporate wrapper acquisitions and real estate finance mandates, while Richard Wilkinson has experience in joint ventures, corporate real estate transactions and headquarters relocations.

US firm Sidley Austin LLP continues to consolidate its position in the London real estate market; handling big-ticket deals covering a wide range of real estate assets, including hotels, logistics, retail and leisure, alternative residential and offices, among others. Practice co-leader Lyndsey Laverack has considerable experience in forward purchase and funding transactions, as well as acting for private equity funds on their investments into real estate assets, while team co-leader Jade Williams-Adedeji handles sales and acquisitions, landlord and tenant matters and portfolio management. Emilie Stewart, who ‘takes no prisoners in negotiations’, and Paul Dunbar joined the team from Vinson & Elkins LLP in August 2021.

Elite US firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP notably acts for private equity real estate funds, including The Blackstone Group, on big-ticket domestic and cross-border investment transactions, ranging from M&A, joint ventures and portfolio deals to developments, leasing work and structured financing matters. Praised as a ‘brilliant partner to handle multi-jurisdictional deals’, practice leader Wheatly MacNamara focuses on real estate acquisitions, dispositions and joint ventures in the private equity arena. The team leverages the firm's wider expertise in corporate real estate, banking finance, M&A and private funds to act for its roster of clients.

Based across offices in Tunbridge Wells and London, Cripps serves a host of clients which include developers and housebuilders, banks, and real estate investors. Stephen Hedley heads the overall real estate practice at the firm, while Jason Tann leads the commercial real estate team and advises landed estates, property companies, private high net worth investors, and offshore investors. Corporate occupiers remains one of the core areas of focus in the firm. Led by Oliver Morris, who has over 20 years’ experience in advising clients on large-scale head office relocations in the professional services, financial services, advertising media, and technology sectors, the team also advises occupiers on domestic and international expansions, negotiating new lease terms, disputes, and relocations.

The real estate team at DAC Beachcroft LLP is an 'excellent blend of professional, experienced and approachable', and advises a varied client base across the retail, leisure, health, hotel, offices, and government sectors; the firm's strengths also include advising on Shari'ah compliant financing. Practice head Robert Lee has over 35 years' experience in advising clients across the residential development sector, large regeneration projects, and joint ventures. Charlotte Wilson is 'an outstanding solicitor' with a deep knowledge of the negotiation and implementation of complex acquisition agreements, strategic land matters, and development partnerships with public sector landowners. The firm often serves international and domestic investors, as well as a number of NHS Trusts. On the corporate occupiers front, the firm assists lucrative clients such as L'Oréal and Hard Rock Cafe on a diverse portfolio of retail shops, hairdressing academies, and the acquisition of freehold interests.

Hamlins LLP ‘s ‘professional and efficient‘ real estate practice offers clients expert advice on a full range of commercial property matters, which include developments, leasing, and management, as well as complex structuring and lending issues. Practice head Mark Hurst  has almost 25 years’ experience in managing large portfolio transactions and representing fully listed PLCs, high net worth individuals, and offshore funds. Joseph Holder  advises funds, institutional investors, and substantial family offices across a whole range of commercial real estate transactions; Holder contributes his deep experience in residential investment practice.

Following the acquisition of Memery Crystal (part of RBG Legal Services) by RBG Holdings in April 2021, the real estate team welcomed ‘standout partner’ John Aynsley, who now leads the practice, and Matthew Hind from sister brand and dispute resolution specialist firm, Rosenblatt, in December 2021. Daniel Abrahams handles acquisitions and disposals, as well as development projects, pre-letting issues and financing transactions, while Nicola Kravitz is noted for her expertise in the retail sector. Other key members of the team include Alastair Moss and Victoria Lowe.

Real estate investment transactions make up a large proportion of Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP’s workload, as well as high-value development projects, office relocations, leasing negotiations and distressed property matters. James Nadin leads the team and has demonstrable experience in portfolio acquisitions and disposals, while James McNeilly focuses on long income real estate mandates and consultant Simon Allan has considerable experience in handling large-scale high-value development and infrastructure projects.