Real Estate: £150 million and above
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 1
About
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
Real estate is a priority sector for Herbert Smith Freehills. We understand the need for joined-up advice across all of the disciplines that have to come together on any transaction or project.
Our real estate team acts for the sector’s key players on their most significant transactions and projects. We assist on all aspects of the investment life cycle from corporate and tax structuring, fund formation and joint ventures, through to asset acquisition, planning and construction, asset management, disputes and ultimate disposal.
Our real estate sector specialists support clients on all types of transactions and projects from single assets to multi-jurisdictional portfolio deals and urban regeneration projects, across all asset classes including offices, logistics, retail, build to rent, hotels & leisure, infrastructure and energy. In a rapidly evolving world, we also help clients navigate their way through ESG, technology and data issues as they impact their real estate interests.
We are recognised as one of the leading real estate practices in the United Kingdom. We have twelve real estate partners based in our London office. They work alongside an additional eleven partners providing dedicated corporate, finance, planning, construction, tax support and litigation and are ably assisted by a team of 82 associates.
Chambers Review
The real estate group at Herbert Smith Freehills is widely recognised as a market leader and is experienced in all aspects of property work. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, including institutional investors, leading developers and public sector bodies, and has been instructed on many high-value and high-profile deals in the market, as well as handling major urban regeneration work. The team is notable for its ability to complete structured transactions that feature a blend of corporate, finance and land issues.
Work Highlights
- Herbert Smith Freehills advised Pinebridge Benson Ellioton all aspects, including the acquisition, of the proposed development of The Mark in the City of London.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Herbert Smith Freehills has a huge depth of experience giving real-time market knowledge on deals and market practice."
"HSF are well organised, pro-active and responsive, organising weekly meetings, setting out clear and detailed timetables for our objectives to be met and going the extra mile to meet our requirements."
"HSF is a trusted and loyal adviser who provides us with excellent service and always brings in the relevant internal expert depending on the requirements of the situation."
"They provide comprehensive and expert advice and have in-depth knowledge on the latest deals in the market, enabling them to advise on the best negotiating positions."
"Herbert Smith Freehills has a huge depth of experience giving real-time market knowledge on deals and market practice."
"HSF are well organised, pro-active and responsive, organising weekly meetings, setting out clear and detailed timetables for our objectives to be met and going the extra mile to meet our requirements."
"HSF is a trusted and loyal adviser who provides us with excellent service and always brings in the relevant internal expert depending on the requirements of the situation."
"They provide comprehensive and expert advice and have in-depth knowledge on the latest deals in the market, enabling them to advise on the best negotiating positions."
Notable Practitioners
Ian Cox is a well-regarded figure in the London market. He has deep expertise in property investment, including strategic portfolio transactions, financing and corporate structuring.
Donald Rowlands maintains an excellent reputation in the London real estate market. He has extensive experience advising on complex transactions concerning the development, acquisition and leasing of prime real estate, including both single assets and large development sites.
"Donald is extremely able and experienced in all aspects of a transaction."
"Donald is very good; he is one of the top people operating in the sector."
Jeremy Walden regularly advises on urban regeneration schemes as well as handling big-ticket transactions concerning single assets and property portfolios. He represents investors, ranging from family offices to sovereign wealth funds, along with developers and corporate occupiers.
"Jeremy is a great relationship partner. He is approachable, knowledgeable and always helpful."
Richard Forsdyke has deep experience advising clients on a wide range of big-ticket real estate transactions, development projects and financing matters. He advises an impressive client base that includes both domestic and overseas investors and developers.
"No real estate problem is too great for Richard to solve."
David Rosen advises on high-value real estate transactions for a wide range of clients, including developers, private equity investors and corporate occupiers. He is skilled at handling real estate investment matters as well as advising on high-profile regeneration and transport redevelopment schemes.
"David is a relentlessly hard-working and efficient real estate lawyer."
Nicholas Turner is experienced in a wide array of real estate transactions, with a particular focus on high-value corporate occupier work and development matters. He often advises on high-profile mixed-use and rail-related redevelopment schemes in London.
"Nicholas provides excellent commercial advice and is a brilliant negotiator. He also sees the business side of any negotiation and how that is impacted by legal aspects."
Ranked Lawyers at
Herbert Smith Freehills
London (Firms)
Members
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
Carolyn Milligan
Julian Pollock
Head of Department
Nicholas Turner
Paul Chases
Shona Grey