The sizeable team at Allen & Overy LLP is ‘unrivalled in real estate finance‘ and highly adept at handling the entire spectrum of debt products for sponsors and lenders, including investment and development, syndicated loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity and structured finance. A large volume of its work is cross-border in nature, with European development finance mandates and portfolio transactions being key strengths. Its clients roster includes investment banks, German mortgage banks, insurance companies, retail and commercial banks, real estate debt funds, US mortgage REITS and Sovereign Wealth Funds. The ‘exceptional’ Mark Manson-Bahr is head of the global real estate finance practice, and is extremely skilled at handling both European and UK-based transactions for a range of banks and private equity funds. Simon Roberts acts for both banks and borrowers, with expertise in advising banks on large-scale real estate loan portfolio transactions. David Oppenheimer has a ‘wealth of experience‘ and a thriving pan-European practice, and Peter Mailer is also recognised as an asset to the team. David Varne was promoted to partner in May 2021.

Clifford Chance LLP’s thriving real estate finance group advises a wide range of clients, including lenders, sponsors, investors and borrowers, on large and complex UK-based and cross-border real estate transactions. Barry O’Shea leads the team and has a thriving pan-European practice, advising both lenders and borrowers on restructurings, acquisitions and structured debt. ‘Seasoned partner‘ Andrew Carnegie has expertise in real estate finance and arrangements, insolvency matters, structured finance and securitisation, especially regarding cross-border work and hotel assets. Praised as ‘fantastic’, Emma Matebalavu sits as co-head of the firm’s global financial market group and is experienced in UK and European financing, including CRE loan portfolio sales and loan on loan financings, and commercial mortgage-backed security (CMBS) transactions. Laura Smallcombe is especially strong in handling structured real estate debt products, and Claire Fawcett, who was promoted to partner in May 2022, acts for both sponsors and lenders across a range of real estate financial transactions. Will Sutton joined the team from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in January 2022, whilst Jane Cheong Tung Sing has taken up a general counsel role.

Ashurst is praised for having ‘good expertise across all facets of real estate financings’, and the team handles a very broad range of asset classes, including data centres, science parks, retail, residential, student accommodation, hotel and industrial properties. Multi-jurisdictional transactions are within the group’s strong capabilities due to the firm’s presence across Europe, especially regarding development finance, derivative financing, and loan on loan mandates for both lenders and borrowers. Ruth Harris and Sarah Watkinson jointly lead the team; Harris stepped down from her role as managing partner, but is still very active in advising debt funds, life funds and banks, as well as borrowers, and Watkinson has expertise in development and structured finance, hybrid financing and overseas investment transactions. Senior associates Sarah Winter, Kate Davies and Stuart Blacklock are also of note. Jessica Jenner joined Linklaters in June 2022.

The real estate finance group at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner handles high-profile and complex work, and is aided by the firm’s strong planning and construction departments, as well as its Manchester and Southampton offices. At the helm of the department is ‘stand-out partner‘ Naveen Vijh, who is highly adept at acting for a wide range of clients, including banks, financial institutions, and corporate and public borrowers on acquisition, development and structured finance mandates. Claire Watson acts across the credit spectrum, handling senior and mezzanine debt, investment and development finance, and restructuring and distressed debt transactions. She also has particular strengths in the student accommodation arena. Other notable names include Gordon McMillan, who has a strong focus on debt financings secured on real estate in the UK and Europe, advising both lenders and sponsors, and Payam Yoseflavi, who is experienced in handling the financing of a range of assets, including offices, residential developments, hotels, logistics, retirement living and retail, as well as conducting islamic finance transactions. Daniyal Ansari joined Greenberg Traurig, LLP in March 2022.

The ‘incredibly knowledgeable‘ team at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher represents investors and lenders, especially from the US, in European real estate finance transactions, including loan portfolio acquisitions and distressed asset mandates. Alan Samson co-chairs the firm’s global real estate practice, and he supports clients on corporate and investment property acquisitions and disposals, acquisition financing matters and joint ventures. The ‘brilliant’ Robert Carr acts for investment banks, private equity funds and other alternative lenders and has particular expertise in representing private equity sponsors on borrowing transactions, as well as loan originations, debt trades and restructurings. Ben Myers is also a notable name, alongside English, Irish and New York qualified lawyer Greg Campbell.

The well-established real estate finance team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is highly adept at handling ‘the most complex of deals’ across the UK and Europe involving restructurings, investments and insolvencies. The reputable Simon Chadney leads the department and advises borrowers, lenders and other creditors on secured and unsecured lending transactions, debt restructurings and insolvencies. Gary Hommell is managing partner of the firm’s UK, US and European finance practice. The ‘incredibly smart‘ Chris Mann is also notable for his work on senior and mezzanine financings.

Hogan Lovells International LLP boasts ‘one of the most talented real estate finance teams‘ in London, and has a well-established, broad client base consisting of private equity and debt funds, banks, listed property companies, family offices, and entrepreneurs. The team adeptly handles restructurings, loan-on-loan matters, loan purchases, development finance and acquisition finance mandates domestically and across Europe. Andrew Flemming heads the team and is praised as ‘an outstanding business partner‘; Flemming acts for both borrowers and lenders, and especially new market entrants. The firm is also home to Jo Solomon, who acts for institutional investors and private equity funds on development finance matters, and Katie Gill, who’s practice has an emphasis on acquisition and cross-border finance.

Andrew Barker chairs the real estate finance practice at Jones Day with a thriving practice, supporting senior and mezzanine lenders, as well as equity investors. The wider team is highly adept at handling complex London-based development projects, and large scale domestic and pan-European disposals and acquisitions, advising global financial institutions, issuers, borrowers, funds, and asset managers. Fund and mezzanine financings are also particular areas of strength for the group. Emily Stew handles domestic and cross-border real estate finance transactions, representing private equity funds, alternative capital providers and corporate borrowers. Luke Johnson and Matt Trafford are also notable team members.

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP has gained a reputation for supporting private equity firms on their real estate finance transactions, from acquisitions and developments to restructurings and disposals across a wide range of asset classes, including data centres, healthcare, logistics, hotels and leisure, office, residential, and student accommodation. The ‘highly knowledgeable‘ Jonathan Birks leads the team with a strong practice, advising private equity and credit fund clients on restructurings, distressed investing and loan origination. Kazik Michalski also has a thriving practice for private equity clients and skilfully handles cross-border mandates. Usman Khan joined the firm from Paul Hastings LLP in September 2021.

The real estate finance team at Linklaters LLP ‘is one of the best in the market‘ and advises on high-value, structured transactions domestically and across Europe, especially on matters regarding property restructuring and insolvency mandates. The team is jointly led by the ‘beyond technically excellent‘ Scott Simpson and Philip Gore; Simpson specialises in pan-European deals for banks, debt funds and private equity sponsors, and Gore has an active practice advising lenders on development financing mandates and mezzanine-level portfolio transactions. Previous co-leader of the team Steve Smith left the firm in 2021 to take up a real estate consultant role. Managing associate James Godfrey is fluent in English and French, and advises clients on a wide range of property finance mandates. Jessica Jenner joined the team from Ashurst in early 2022.

Mayer Brown International LLP’s ‘excellent’ real estate finance practice acts for both lenders and borrowers on bilateral and syndicated facilities across the UK and Europe. Alongside a growing private equity practice, large portfolio financings and loan originations are also within the group’s strong capabilities. The team is led by Andrew Hepner and David O’Connor; Hepner is experienced in structured finance real estate finance transactions, and O’Connor has a strong loan origination and real estate capital markets practice. Charles Malpass continues to bolster the firm’s ability to advise funds and financial institutions, and Andrew Crotty handles debt portfolio acquisition financings in the residential, healthcare, retail and leisure and office sectors. Senior associate Annabel Ersser is also notable and focuses on structured real estate finance for lenders and borrowers.

‘The breadth and depth of expertise of the real estate finance practice’ at Paul Hastings LLP ‘is one of the best in London'. The team acts for lenders, borrowers and sponsors in three core areas: debt origination, complex structured joint ventures and funds, and CMBS in the UK and continental Europe. The ‘exceptionally strong’ Miles Flynn chairs the group and acts for alternative lenders on loan origination and loan-on-loan finance transactions. Sierra Taylor has extensive experience in acting for European and international investment funds, investment managers, banks and corporate clients, and Christina Olliver is also a notable team member.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a reputable and expanding real estate finance practice, handling a range of domestic and cross-border acquisitions and refinancing mandates. The team is well-known for acting for major private equity real estate funds, including Blackstone and KKR. Tom Lloyd is head of the team with particularly expertise in sponsor-driven real estate investment, and Edward Hampson is also a key member of the real estate finance practice. James Esterkin joined the team in June 2022 from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP; Esterkin’s practice focuses on complex cross-border acquisition and development financing, non-performing loans, and restructuring real estate-related secured debt.

Since the start of 2022, Zoe Maurer has been leading the real estate finance team at Addleshaw Goddard, and she handles mandates for both lenders and borrowers regarding investment and development finance across a range of asset classes, including hotels and leisure, offices, retail, and industrial and residential housing. Previous team leader Steve Mackie is still an active member of the group, with extensive experience in real estate-backed finance, social housing finance work, and student accommodation mandates. Sarah Egbu specialises in hotel finance, whilst Paul Salsbury is a member of the firm’s cross-border real estate group, and thus has expertise handling both UK-based and pan-European real estate finance. Zak Ikponmwosa is skilled at handling work involving multiple debt issues and cross-border matters, and Ian Kyno was promoted to partner in May 2022.

Baker McKenzie‘s ‘deeply commercial‘ real estate finance team supports investors, developers, lenders and owners on equity investments and acquisitions, debt financing, real estate, tax and regulatory requirements. Practice head Sebastien Marcelin-Rice has extensive experience in the hotel sector and has mandates spanning across Europe. Oliver Jefferies joined the team from Stephenson Harwood in July 2021 and bolsters the team’s pan-European offering, handling cross-border senior and mezzanine structures and restructuring mandates. Senior associate Lisa Aspden-Li is also notable, with experience advising lenders and sponsors on office buildings, shopping centres, hotels, built-to-rent properties and student housing.

The real estate finance team at the ‘outstanding firm‘ CMS is highly skilled in handling large UK-based and pan-European portfolio deals for both lenders and borrowers in the housebuilding, logistics, hotels, hospitality and leisure, office and care home sectors. Clive Swillman is head of the practice, and both him and Simon Johnston are strong in development and structured finance. Andrew Besser acts for lenders and large property companies across the UK and Europe, and Ian McGarr is also notable as head of the firm’s global hotels and leisure finance group. Mike Delaney is adept at advising clients on cross-border mandates, and the ‘excellent’ Josie Hearnden supports clients on senior and mezzanine inter creditor loans, and has a particular specialism in the hotel and healthcare sectors.

The London team at Dechert LLP works closely with the firm’s European offices to support lenders and clients in the financial market on cross-border real estate finance transactions. Aparna Sehgal leads the European structured finance and real estate group and has expertise in complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions. She is praised as ‘a very experienced lawyer, especially on complex asset-backed financings’ and John McGrath is strong in structured finance matters. Richard Pugh joined from the Bank of America in April 2022 with strength in advising on commercial mortgage-backed securitisations, and the team has also grown at the associate level. Sarah Smith joined Baker McKenzie in February 2022.

Dentons advises major financial institutions, private banks, and borrowers on domestic and cross-border real estate finance transactions; it therefore benefits from the firm’s global presence. The team is co-led by Simon Tweedle, who advises funders and borrowers on investment and development finance mandates across office, retail, residential, hotel, care home, student accommodation and shopping centres asset classes, and James Irvine, who is strong in restructuring mandates and the hotel sector. Similarly, Simon Masri also has expertise in hotel investments, and Marc Gilston joined the team from TLT in May 2021.

DLA Piper‘s ‘broad and experienced‘ real estate finance team is well-known for acting on complex and cross-border transactions, especially regarding sport stadium finance. Toby Barker heads up the practice with expertise in leveraged finance and cross-border mandates, and he is increasingly active regarding green loan financings. Paul Gray has a strong focus on structured real estate finance on a pan-European level, with a specialism in the sports sector. Christopher Chan is also a notable name, advising borrowers and lenders on investment and development financing matters on a wide range of asset classes, including  hotels and leisure, commercial, retail, residential and student accommodation. David Trott joined from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in May 2021 to lead the firm’s international finance, projects and restructuring group, and Lewis Gaut was promoted to the partnership in May 2022.

The real estate finance team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has a strong practice, advising both lenders and borrowers on UK and pan-European mandates; the firm’s international presence is an asset on cross-border deals. The team is particularly noted for its development finance expertise. Simon Mead is praised as ‘an extremely experienced finance lawyer‘ and he heads the department, which is also home to Robert Ludwig, who advises banks and debt funds on senior and mezzanine transactions, and Chris Brooks, who has a strong pan-European practice. Sheena Wells and Jane Allen are also notable names.

The real estate finance group at Latham & Watkins is praised for providing ‘technical and commercial expertise at the highest level’. The team advises investment banks, specialist real estate lenders, financing syndicates, borrowers and investment trusts on complex and multi-jurisdictional real estate finance matters in the UK and across Europe. In particular, the group is adept at handling mezzanine loan financings, commercial mortgage-backed securities and non-performing loan portfolio financing matters. The ‘highly commercial‘ Jeremy A Trinder leads the practice with expertise in a wide range of matters, including advising lenders and sponsors on leverage and structured finance matters. Quentin A Gwyer has a thriving pan-European practice involving the equity and debt elements of transactions, and counsel James Beeson is skilled in cross-border acquisition and development financing mandates.

Macfarlanes LLP‘s real estate finance team is led by the ‘brilliant lawyer‘ Colin Morgan, who advises senior and mezzanine lenders, borrowers and developers on property investment and development, as does Laura Bretherton. The group is adept at handling high-value and complex transactions and LIBOR transitions for lenders and borrowers, often involving the private rented sect, build-to-rent and hotels. Sustainable lending is also an increasing focus of the group. Christine Dowdall, Clare Breeze and Jatinder Bains are also key team members.

Norton Rose Fulbright has a global footprint with 58 international offices, and the London team is therefore well placed to undertake cross-border mandates for major banks and sponsors. It handles senior debt financings, mezzanine structures, development financing, and large-scale mixed-use regeneration projects. Dan Kennedy and Sarah Cullen jointly lead the ‘strong real estate finance practice’; Kennedy is strong in the aforementioned development and regeneration financing projects, and Cullen has a broad practice, advising on office, residential, retail, logistics, and student accommodation asset classes. Jennie Dorsaint has expertise in acting for lenders, arrangers, investors, administrators and debt funds.

Reed Smith LLP represents lenders and borrowers on a wide range of domestic and cross-border real estate finance mandates, including private equity real estate funds and CMBS transactions. Kamal Arulvel leads the group with expertise in investment and development finance, and other core group members include Angelina Soon and Jason Richardson, who are both strong in structured finance, and Iain Balkwill, who has substantial experience in securitisation matters. Francisca Sepúlveda joined Mishcon de Reya LLP in September 2021.

The real estate finance team at Taylor Wessing LLP is praised by clients as a ‘one-stop shop’. It advises a wide array of sponsors and lenders on domestic and pan-European senior, mezzanine and preferred equity lending deals. Martin Yells  sits at the helm of the practice, which is also home to Heather Buttle, who advises banks, insurance companies, mezzanine lenders, developers and property companies across various asset classes and jurisdictions, with a strong focus on the residential sector and student accommodation. Jonathan Marks adeptly handles development, acquisition and refinancing transactions, Gareth Lawson supports UK, European and US financial institutions, and Amar Ali is particularly skilled in structured real estate finance.

White & Case LLP‘s ‘technically excellent‘ real estate finance practice advises clients across a range of mandates, from loan origination and syndications, to acquisitions, loan-on-loan financings and CMBS matters. March 2022 saw the opening of a new office in Luxembourg, which will continue to bolster the group’s European offering. Co-practice head Jeffrey Rubinoff is praised as ‘indomitable and hugely experienced’ and has a thriving and broad ranging practice, advising private equity houses, sovereign wealth funds, private property investors, banks and mezzanine debt funds. Justin Jowitt also co-leads the department having joined the firm in June 2021 from Paul Hastings LLP alongside associate Paul Oumade-Singh in October 2021. Other notable names include Victoria Landsbert, who handles acquisition and disposals, and Sudhir Nair, who has strengths in distressed investments and restructurings.

Fieldfisher ‘s ‘extremely experienced and knowledgeable’ real estate finance group has a growing pan-European offering and handles deals involving hotels, care homes, student accommodation, ground rent portfolios and PRS assets. The team has developed expertise in predominantly acting for debt funds, as well as domestic and international banks and borrowers. Philip Abbott heads up the practice and advises lenders and borrowers on investment and development financing mandates in the UK. Christian Francis, Jayne Backett and Iain Thomas are also notable team members.

Fladgate LLP is highly adept at advising borrowers and lenders on acquisitions of loan portfolios and development financing matters. Sectors of focus for the group include hotels, restaurants, retail and healthcare. Kim McMurray chairs the practice with expertise across the spectrum of real estate finance matters, handling a range of asset classes, including student accommodation, care homes, and data centres. The group is also home to Daniel Polden and Gary Smith, who both advise domestic and overseas clients, and Jenny Sargeant, who expertly handles development mandates.

Goodwin ‘demonstrates strength in depth‘ and has particular experience in debt-related transactions, mezzanine financing and CMBS loans both. Practice head Paul Lyons advises borrowers and lenders, and the ‘strong hire‘ Richard Semple and Geoff O’Dea are also notable team members.

Gowling WLG handles ‘complex and structured property investment and development transactions’ for clearing banks, debt funds and alternative lenders, overseas banks and borrower funds. In particular, the group has been active in development finance mandates in the private rented sector, build to rent, student accommodation, data centres, mixed residential use, and hotels. Nick Turner heads up the practice, acting for some of the group’s major debt funds and mezzanine lenders. Jon Lent joined Squire Patton Boggs  in June 2021.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP has an increasing focus on acting for alternative lenders, and has strong real estate finance capabilities across the UK and Europe. The team includes the ‘exceptionally strong‘ Partha Pal, who acts for both lenders and borrowers across the entire spectrum of property finance mandates, especially securitisation and structured finance transactions in the commercial real estate space. Daniyal Ansari joined the firm in March 2022 from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, bolstering the team’s pan-European offering. Gary Bellingham left for Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath in January 2023, and Emma Menzies also left the firm in 2023.

Mishcon de Reya LLP‘s real estate finance team is led by Nick Strutt, who advises banks, financial institutions, funds, developers and investors on development, investment and structured financing matters. Strutt is also praised by clients for his ‘exceptional knowledge and experience'. The team supports both lenders and borrowers equally on a range of transactions, and is home to Raji Bartlett and the ‘very knowledgable’ Francisca Sepúlveda, who are strong in the syndicated finance space. Sarah Spurling is also a key team member and acts on enforcements and restructurings.

Osborne Clarke LLP has a full service offering with an increasing focus on ESG and sustainable loans for banks, alternative lenders, borrowers, and investors. Sectors of focus for the team include retail, logistics, student accommodation, retirement living, standard residential and build-to-rent, as well as the hotel sector. Nick Padget chairs the real estate finance group and Madeleine Clark leads the banking and finance team. Padget’s practice focuses on high-value portfolio transactions, and Clark frequently advises on cross-border investment and development deals. Jason Lawrance is also of note, advising clients on restructuring matters.

Pinsent Masons LLP‘s real estate finance group acts for a range of lenders, including UK clearing banks, international lenders, insurance companies and debt funds. The team is highly adept at handling asset management mandates, as well as complex development and structuring work, and green finance deals. William Oliver heads up the practice and acts for both lenders and borrowers. Frances Mallender is also a name of note and supports clients with senior debt, investment and development finance, and restructurings in the hotel, student accommodation, and healthcare sectors. Lyndsey Mitchell was promoted to senior associate in May 2022 and Meherzad Bilimoria to legal director.

Slaughter and May is increasingly active in sustainable financing mandates, in addition to handling acquisitions, restructurings and amendments in the hotel, student accommodation and residential spaces. Matthew Tobin heads up the practice, and Caroline Phillips advises clients across a range of real estate finance matters, including securitisation mandates and acquisition finance in the insurance, property, chemicals and energy sectors. Kevin Howes was promoted to the partnership in May 2022.

Stephenson Harwood‘s property finance team acts on a range of investment and development financing mandates for lenders, borrowers, and other related stakeholders across the full range of asset classes. The practice is also strong in supporting overseas investors on their in-bound acquisition and development of UK property. James Linforth heads up the group and acts for lenders and borrowers on development and acquisition financings. Paul Hayward-Surry has strong relationship with lenders in the commercial real estate and hotel and leisure sectors, Jonathan Proctor handles mandates with a cross-border element, and George Vaughton advises banks and non-bank lenders on syndicated finance matters.

Alston & Bird LLP has a broad client base, including domestic, Asian and US banks, debt funds and alternative lenders, as well as borrowers, investors, facility agents, and trustees. The team handles the acquisition, investment and development of offices, retail and industrial parks, hotels, student accommodation, and residential properties across the UK and Europe. Andrew Petersen and James Spencer jointly lead the practice; Peterson is strong in real estate private equity and private debt matters, and Spencer advises clients on development and structured finance transactions. Senior associate Thomas Dunn is another name of note, and he acts for banks, private equity firms, financial institutions, arrangers, and bond issuers.

Bird & Bird LLP‘s real estate finance team benefits from the firm’s international presence; with offices situated across Asia and Europe enabling the London team to undertake domestic and cross-border mandates often involving senior, mezzanine and preferential equity structures. Whilst the team has experience advising on a wide range of asset classes, it is particularly notable in the hotel sector, as well as advising clients on data centres and logistic assets. It is also strong on inbound real estate investment. Practice head James Salford has extensive expertise in the hotel finance sector and Jonathan Baker is a notable name.

Brecher LLP advises both lenders and developers, including alternative lenders and disrupters, and developers and family offices, on syndicated, senior and mezzanine loans for hotels and student accommodation projects. Richard Gilchrist leads the property finance group alongside the head of secured lending, Michelle Brown, and the head of banking, Redmond Byrne. Gilchrist advises on acquisition and development finance transactions in the residential, mixed use, student, and retirement living sectors and Byrne advises lenders and borrowers on residential developments. Charles Bezzant is skilled in development projects.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP acts for lenders and borrowers on property finance transactions across a wide array of sectors, including healthcare, student accommodation, logistics, residential, data centres and commercial real estate. The team also has particular strengths in handling structured private wealth transactions. Paul Kay leads the team with expertise in debt and equity financing, structured finance, asset-based lending, and securitisations, and Daniel Sullivan is also strong in the structured finance space. Jon Bond is notable for having ‘a top-level understanding of legal and commercial issues'.

Chris Lenton chairs the real estate finance group at Clyde & Co with particular expertise in mixed-use developments. The practice is highly adept at handling debt finance, as well as development finance, acquisitions, onshore and offshore investment mandates, and Islamic finance. The team has capabilities in cross-border Shari’ah compliant transactions, and with offices across the UK, the team also has a strong national presence. Adil Hussain leads the Islamic finance practice from Dubai, and Annabelle Redman is a notable team member, advising domestic and international investors. Norman Fraser joined the firm in 2021 from REN Legal.

DWF‘s real estate team is well-known for advising clearing banks, and is increasingly acting for alternative banks and non-bank lenders on residential and commercial development funding and portfolio matters, especially in the student accommodation, hotel and leisure spaces. The team additionally benefits from the firm’s strong national presence. Simon Elphick heads up the real estate team whilst Brendan Slack leads the banking side for the national real estate team. Simon Sharp joined the firm from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner in November 2021 to jointly lead the banking team.

The real estate finance group at Farrer & Co is highly adept at advising commercial lenders and private banks, as well as real estate funds, high-net-worth individuals, developers, and charities. The group assists these clients with investment and development finance mandates. Martin Blake heads the practice with a thriving practice involving commercial and residential property finance transactions and development and acquisition financing. Other notable members include Bethan Waters, who focuses on the banking side of transactions; Simon Graham, who advises both borrowers and lenders; and Marc Glancy, who is strong in secured lending matters.

Freeths LLP predominantly acts for borrower investment and development companies, private equity and infrastructure funds, and lenders. The team is strong in handling debt finance in the healthcare and student accommodation sectors, as well as mixed-use and residential development projects. Richard Williams leads the team and has particular expertise in mezzanine and development finance matters, and Chris Freeston heads the firm’s national banking and finance team, and is active in real estate finance projects. Ed Hall‘s practice focuses on development and regeneration projects, acting for alternative lenders as well as clearing banks.

Hill Dickinson LLP‘s real estate finance practice is led by Jim Garton, who has particular expertise in the development of hotels and leisure arenas. The team is supported by the firm’s national and international offices, and advises both lenders and borrowers on development finance mandates which can involve cross-border elements. Sectors of strength for the group include energy, logistics, transport, retail, healthcare, financial services and hotels and leisure. Richard Taylor and senior associate Emma McIntosh are also of note.

Howard Kennedy LLP acts for investors, developers and commercial lenders across a broad range of real estate finance matters, including senior and mezzanine debt, investment and development finance, and bridging finance. The team also handles a variety of asset classes, from office, logistics, retail and hotels to student accommodation. Steve Clinning is head of the banking and real estate finance team; Nada Jarnaz leads the banking team and also has a thriving Islamic finance practice; and Marcus Jamson is head of structured finance. Recently promoted legal director Hannah Place is also of note with a strong insolvency law background.

The real estate finance team at Ropes & Gray is led by David Seymour and Sam Norris and handles high-end transactions for a range of clients, especially portfolio financings and loan repurchase structures with international elements. Will Bryant was promoted to partner during the review period and Andrew Baker joined the team in August 2021 from Brown Rudnick LLP and has wide-ranging expertise, from development financings and infrastructure acquisition deals, to hotel and residential financings and real estate backed debt capital market structures.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP has a growing private sector real estate finance offering, which includes both lenders and borrowers. The team is particularly adept at handling social housing finance and public sector finance, as well as transactions involving assets in the healthcare, hotels and leisure, student accommodation and logistics sectors. Adrian Carter sits at the helm of the department, which is also home to property finance specialist Eddie O’Hanrahan, who advises developers, sponsors, funds and offshore trusts on domestic and cross-border transactions, especially regarding development finance. Banking and finance lawyer Katharine Lewis is also of note, and supports clients on Shari’ah complaint transactions.

The real estate finance team at Blake Morgan LLP is adept at handling development finance, secured and portfolio lending and agricultural finance. The group is on a number of panels for UK clearing banks, as well as retail and investment banks and private banks. Tony Coyne leads the practice with a strong emphasis on secured lending, acting for banks, public and private sector clients, and individuals based in the Far East. Sophie Shaladi has a growing Islamic finance practice, and the group offers clients Shariah-compliant finance facilities.

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP advises both lenders and corporate clients on UK and pan-European real estate finance matters involving a range of asset classes, including hotels, commercial and residential building complexes, and healthcare and logistics centres. Duncan Hubbard leads the team and is strong in single asset transactions and international development portfolios. Associates William Lo and Livia Li are also key team members.

Druces LLP is well-known for undertaking Sharia-compliant financing matters for clients, and also acts for syndicators of investment property. The team additionally handles bespoke transactions for banks and other lenders. Christopher Axford and senior associate Antony Cotton jointly lead the real estate finance practice and both have strengths in Islamic financing. Suzanne Middleton Lindsley is also notable in the development finance space, acting for international banks, funds, syndicates and high-net-worth individuals.

Commercial, investment, development and residential finance are core areas of focus for the real estate finance team at Edwin Coe LLP. The group acts for private banks, specialist lenders, and European banks, as well as high-net-worth individuals, private equity funds and family offices on the borrower side. Practice head Stephen Brower supports banks on development finance mandates and advises on loans to high-net-worth individuals. Dual qualified in England and Wales and Scotland, Joanne McIvor has expertise in acting for a wide range of lenders. James Walton and senior associate Neil Flynn joined the team from Rosling King in 2021.

GSC Solicitors LLP is active in refinancing mandates for clients in the retail, hospitality and care home sectors, as well as for high-net-worth individuals with extensive residential portfolios. Peter Belcher sits at the helm of the practice, advising on acquisition and development finance matters. Matthew Phillips is also of note for his work in secured lending for fast food franchise owners and commercial tenants.

Hamlins LLP‘s real estate finance team has a broad client base, acting for high-street banks, niche lenders, opportunistic funds, and developers, as well as high-net-worth individuals and family offices. The team also handles development financing of a wide range of asset classes, including student accommodation, hotels, and high end residential developments and apartments. Russian and English speaking Aselle Djumabaeva-Wood chairs the group and specialises in secured lending, acting for banks, property investors and developers. She also practises law in the Kyrgyz Republic.

K&L Gates LLP‘s team is adept at handling structured real estate finance transactions and CMBS deals. The practice is well-positioned to handle cross-border deals, with offices situated in the UK, Germany, France and Italy. Richard Hardwick is head of the group with substantial experience handling development finance transactions for financial parties, sponsors and borrowers. Promoted to partner in March 2022, Michael Anderson is also recommended for syndication and restructuring of real estate debt, acting for both lenders and borrowers.

Maples Teesdale LLP is a specialist real estate firm acting for major banks, debt funds, and alternative lenders on investment and development deals involving retail, office, hotels, student accommodation, PRS and industrial assets. The ‘exceptional’ Rohan Campbell leads the team, advising lenders and borrowers on a range of mandates, and Zoe Miller is also a notable team member.

Memery Crystal (part of RBG Legal Services) has a growing development finance offering, and advises clients on leveraged, syndicated, and high-yield financing matters. Matthew Lindsay is head of the practice with expertise in structured and mezzanine financing. Other notable team members include Rumit Nanji, who has experience in bridging and second charge lending, and William Heywood, who was promoted to partner in May 2021 and acts for a wide range of lenders.

Shoosmiths LLP handles investment and development, bilateral and syndicated, domestic and offshore and senior and mezzanine transactions across student accommodation, PRS, residential development, leisure, logistics, and retail. It acts for the UK clearing banks, senior debt funds, mezzanine lenders, local authorities, investment funds, and alternative and bridging lenders, as well as investors and developers on the borrower side. Based in London and Manchester, Liz Sweeney leads the team with substantial expertise in hotels, further education, and care homes. Chris Mills joined the firm from Osborne Clarke LLP in early 2022, while Tim McNamara joined CMS in January 2022.

Sidley Austin LLP‘s real estate finance team has ‘excellent technical skills‘ and Emilie Stewart is strong on cross-border transactions and is praised as ‘a highly skilled technical lawyer’.

Teacher Stern LLP‘s team focuses on bilateral, syndicated and peer-to-peer facilities involving developments and property portfolios for borrowers and lenders. Islamic commodity finance transactions is also an area of strength for the group. Practice head Phil Berry specialises in finance, but additionally has expertise in construction, insolvency and enforcement matters. Claire Gibson is also noted.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP  acts for UK clearing banks, alternative banks, and borrowers on development and investment loans regarding leisure centres, retail, trade parks and student accommodation. Charlie Reid leads the practice, while other notable individuals include Nicola Giddens and Will Fraser; Giddens, who has almost 20 years' experience, advises predominantly UK-based lenders, and Fraser assists clients investing into the UK.

Thanks to a period of notable growth for the firm, Acuity Law recently expanded its national offering with the recruitment of Christopher Agius into the firm's Cardiff base alongside the addition of several associate-level names into the London office. The firm is a key name for lender clients and handles a range of investment and development financing mandates; it is also growing its borrower client base, particularly in the healthcare sector. Sam Clarke leads the practice from London, which also fields Edward Finley, Beverley Jones and James Kilgour.

Bates Wells has notable expertise in acting in the charity and social enterprise sectors, and the team handles development finance projects regarding social housing, care homes, education and housing associations. Mark Traynor is head of the practice, and Malcolm Headley and finance lawyer Patrick Keown are also names of note.

Boodle Hatfield LLP‘s real estate finance team is strong in residential development and hotel financing mandates, as well as Sharia financing. The group acts for both lenders and borrowers, including high-net-worth individuals, privately-owned firms and private banks. Jonathan Hyndman leads the team after joining the team in December 2021 from Rosling King, and Rajeev Joshi is notable for his work in the hotel sector. Adam Chamberlain departed for Knights plc in July 2021.

The real estate finance team at DKLM Solicitors is jointly led by Rupika Dawda, Mohi Uddin and Philip Li. The practice supports high-net-worth  individuals and families, as well as domestic owner-managed businesses and commercial clients. The team handles refinancings, acquisitions and development financing mandates, especially for bridging finance companies.

Glovers Solicitors LLP‘s property finance group predominantly acts for lenders on residential development finance mandates, as well as restructurings and disposals. Darran Smith is head of the practice, acting for banks on a range of matters, whilst John Mills advises clients on funding residential and mixed-use UK developments. Liza Lam-Kee and Philip Mundy are also notable this area.

The real estate finance practice at gunnercooke LLP has continued to grow over recent years with several partner hires, including Daniel Fireman from Howard Kennedy LLP in April 2021. The team acts for lenders and borrowers, including clearing banks, alternative lenders, and developers, on property investment and development finance mandates in the residential, office and hotel sectors. Matthew East, Conor Downey and Russell Dellar are other notable members of the team.

Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP is skilled in acting for offshore corporate structures, financial institutions and high-net-worth individuals, and the team handles portfolio refinancings, mezzanine loans and Islamic financing matters. The team is jointly led by John O’Callaghan and Paul Cain, who deals with high value commercial and residential properties and their acquisition and development. Associate Simon Lawrence is strong in the investment and development of hotel assets, and Sarah Hung is also strong in property finance.

Alexander Edwards leads the finance team whilst Ann Ebberson and Peter Lewis head up the real estate practice at Rosling King. The group is adept at acting for lenders and borrowers, including private banks, debt funds and commercial lenders, as well as investors, developers and sponsors. In particular, the team handles the development of student accommodation, hotels, commercial buildings, and residential properties. Ryan D'Souza joined the group in June 2022 from Laytons LLP. In late 2021, Jonathan Hyndman left to join Boodle Hatfield LLP and Alexander Pelopidas joined Newmanor Law.

Islamic finance is a core offering of the team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP, especially regarding residential developments. London and Birmingham-based Mohammed Saqub leads the department and specialises in Islamic financing, as well as handling commercial and residential property investment and development transactions. Legal director Andrew Stevens is also a key member of the team, advising clients on large syndicated deals and restructurings.

The real estate finance team at Thomson Snell & Passmore, which is based in Tunbridge Wells, acts for senior debt lenders, as well as mezzanine and short term lenders, on development and acquisition financing, and loan and portfolio refinancing matters. The team also acts for high-net-worth individuals and corporate borrowers. Richard Ellard leads the team, and Matthew Grogan and Laura Keatley are also of note.