Ranking tables
Real Estate Finance | UK
UK-wide
Rankings overview for Departments
Band 2
Band 3
Band 4
Band 5
Band 1
Band 2
- Andrew D Barker Jones Day11 Years Ranked
- Andrew J Flemming Hogan Lovells17 Years Ranked
- Claire Watson Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP20 Years Ranked
- David Oppenheimer A&O Shearman7 Years Ranked
- Emily Stew Jones Day10 Years Ranked
- Jonathan Birks Kirkland & Ellis International LLP6 Years Ranked
- Justin Jowitt White & Case LLP14 Years Ranked
- Robert Carr Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP9 Years Ranked
- Sarah Cullen Norton Rose Fulbright11 Years Ranked
- Simon Chadney Herbert Smith Freehills18 Years Ranked
- Simon Johnson Freshfields18 Years Ranked
- Tom Lloyd Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP7 Years Ranked
- Simon MeadEversheds Sutherland
Band 3
- Clive Swillman CMS14 Years Ranked
- Gary Hommel Herbert Smith Freehills20 Years Ranked
- Heather Buttle Taylor Wessing LLP5 Years Ranked
- James Linforth Stephenson Harwood LLP12 Years Ranked
- Jeffrey Rubinoff White & Case LLP17 Years Ranked
- Jessica Jenner Linklaters8 Years Ranked
- Mark Waghorn Simmons & Simmons LLP23 Years Ranked
- Naveen Vijh Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP15 Years Ranked
- Sarah Watkinson Ashurst16 Years Ranked
- Toby Barker DLA Piper LLP12 Years Ranked
- William Oliver Pinsent Masons10 Years Ranked
Band 4
- Chris Chan DLA Piper LLP3 Years Ranked
- Christopher Mann Herbert Smith Freehills3 Years Ranked
- Colin Morgan Macfarlanes LLP11 Years Ranked
- Dan Kennedy Norton Rose Fulbright10 Years Ranked
- David Varne A&O Shearman3 Years Ranked
- Emma Matebalavu Clifford Chance LLP11 Years Ranked
- Francisca Sepúlveda Addleshaw Goddard LLP5 Years Ranked
- Gordon McMillan Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP5 Years Ranked
- Jeremy Trinder Latham & Watkins1 Years Ranked
- Jo Solomon Hogan Lovells17 Years Ranked
- Jonathan Marks Taylor Wessing LLP13 Years Ranked
- Kazik Michalski Kirkland & Ellis International LLP2 Years Ranked
- Laura Bretherton Macfarlanes LLP3 Years Ranked
- Laura Smallcombe Clifford Chance LLP4 Years Ranked
- Madeleine Clark Osborne Clarke LLP10 Years Ranked
- Miles Flynn Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP6 Years Ranked
- Nick Turner Gowling WLG (UK) LLP25 Years Ranked
- Paul Lyons Goodwin19 Years Ranked
- Payam Yoseflavi Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP7 Years Ranked
- Philip Gore Linklaters5 Years Ranked
- Sebastien Marcelin-Rice Baker McKenzie4 Years Ranked
- Simon Johnston CMS18 Years Ranked
- Simon Tweedle Dentons10 Years Ranked
Band 5
- Andrew Hepner Mayer Brown International LLP3 Years Ranked
- Andrew Petersen Alston & Bird LLP13 Years Ranked
- Christian Francis Fieldfisher11 Years Ranked
- David O'Connor Mayer Brown International LLP11 Years Ranked
- Helen Hagan Simmons & Simmons LLP4 Years Ranked
- James Salford Bird & Bird6 Years Ranked
- Jayne Backett Fieldfisher3 Years Ranked
- Jennie Dorsaint Norton Rose Fulbright1 Years Ranked
- Jonathan Lent Squire Patton Boggs10 Years Ranked
- Kamal Arulvel Simmons & Simmons LLP2 Years Ranked
- Luke D. Johnson Jones Day2 Years Ranked
- Matthew Trafford Jones Day2 Years Ranked
- Nick Strutt Mishcon de Reya LLP11 Years Ranked
- Paul Gray DLA Piper LLP7 Years Ranked
- Peter Mailer A&O Shearman1 Years Ranked
- Quentin Gwyer Latham & Watkins1 Years Ranked
- Sarah Egbu Addleshaw Goddard LLP2 Years Ranked
- Zak Ikponmwosa Addleshaw Goddard LLP2 Years Ranked
- Zoe Maurer Addleshaw Goddard LLP1 Years Ranked
- Robert LudwigEversheds Sutherland
All Departments profiles
Band 1
1 A&O ShearmanReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 1 | 2 Years RankedA&O Shearman continues to stand out as one of the top real estate finance teams in the country. The firm demonstrates impressive capabilities acting for both lenders and sponsors on complex matters, including investments and restructurings. The team acts for an impressive array of clients ranging from major banks and debt funds to insurance companies. It handles a broad caseload of property financings, domestically and internationally.1 Clifford Chance LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 1 | 2 Years RankedClifford Chance LLP has a multifaceted and market-leading real estate finance team. The team regularly works with leading banks and financial institutions on a variety of matters including mezzanine finance, development finance and CMBS. The firm is adept at handling cross-border and multi-jurisdictional matters. It is particularly proficient in the financing of major hospitality assets.
Band 2
2 AshurstReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 2 | 2 Years RankedAshurst possesses a highly specialised team of property finance experts who work closely with major investors. The firm draws expertise from its sizeable banking group to offer a one-stop shop for clients. It offers broad knowledge of all levels of debt financing, as well as hybrid and derivatives financing and real estate capital markets deals. The firm's capabilities include cross-jurisdictional real estate matters.2 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 2 | 2 Years RankedBryan Cave Leighton Paisner has a high-calibre team of finance lawyers regularly working with domestic and international clients. The firm offers a deep bench of experts and the capacity to work with both sponsors and high-profile lenders. It is also experienced in borrower-side representation, and particularly in high-profile acquisition financings. The firm augments its capabilities by drawing on strengths in planning, construction and real estate to provide a full service to clients.2 Herbert Smith FreehillsReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 2 | 2 Years RankedHerbert Smith Freehills has an esteemed property finance team with an impressive number of prominent lender clients and additional capability in borrower-side work. The team acts for an enviable client base which includes major banks, investment funds and insurance companies. The firm regularly handles mezzanine and senior debt facilities and development finance transactions.2 Jones DayReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 2 | 2 Years RankedJones Day acts for a long list of leading investor and borrower clients. It is adept at handling a wide range of property finance matters, including investment loans, portfolio transactions and development financings. The firm is accomplished at office, student accommodation and logistics financing. It regularly handles financing work across multiple European jurisdictions, in addition to fielding a strong domestic practice.2 LinklatersReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 2 | 2 Years RankedLinklaters has a well-resourced practice with an emphasis on complex cross-border finance transactions. The firm enjoys longstanding relationships with major lenders and borrowers. It often handles acquisition and development finance, as well as restructuring, senior debt and mezzanine transactions. Linklaters offers clients a comprehensive service, with complementary strengths in banking and tax.
Band 3
3 Addleshaw Goddard LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 3 | 2 Years RankedAddleshaw Goddard acts for an impressive roster of clients that includes many of the leading clearing banks as well as German and Islamic banks. The firm's client base also includes alternative lenders, funds and insurers, and increasingly acts for borrowers. The team is active across a wide range of complex real estate matters, including development and acquisition financing. It exhibits strong hotel finance capabilities.3 CMSReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 3 | 2 Years RankedCMS is notable for its impressive array of borrower and lender clients. The team displays great skill in advising institutional investors, managing complex real estate structures and cross-border property portfolio transactions. The firm's areas of focus include development finance and restructurings. It is experienced across a range of asset classes.3 DLA Piper LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 3 | 2 Years RankedDLA Piper is a well-reputed property finance team that works closely with a range of top lenders. The firm also regularly provides counsel to international borrowers looking to do business in the UK. The team advises on the full spectrum of real estate finance, including intercreditor arrangements. It provides counsel across a wide array of asset classes, including hotels, student accommodation properties and sports venues. The team is supported by a diverse suite of departments including finance, corporate and tax.3 Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 3 | 2 Years RankedGibson, Dunn & Crutcher acts on the full range of property finance matters, frequently representing investors and funds based in the USA, the Middle East and Europe. The firm's particular areas of expertise include debt products, loan-on-loan transactions, restructurings and acquisition finance. It is well-regarded for its work with borrowers and sponsors. The team advises on the financing of properties across a range of asset classes including residential and commercial properties.3 Hogan LovellsReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 3 | 2 Years RankedHogan Lovells provides a comprehensive property finance service to both domestic and international clients, drawing on its strengths in complementary areas such as investment funds and tax. The firm acts for a variety of major banks and other large lenders in addition to borrowers. It is experienced in handling the financing for a range of real estate projects, including residential, commercial and hotel developments.3 Kirkland & Ellis International LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 3 | 2 Years RankedKirkland & Ellis has a strong practice experienced in acting on high-value transactions across a range of asset classes spanning data centres, hospitality and retail. It fields a team with expertise in all aspects of real estate finance such as mezzanine financing, acquisitions and debt facilities. The firm has an impressive roster of private equity clients. It is well-positioned to advise on cross-border matters.3 Simmons & Simmons LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 3 | 2 Years RankedSimmons & Simmons has a skilled team of industry experts with links to key financial institutions, debt funds and private equity funds. The firm demonstrates an impressive knowledge of finance documentation and lending transactions. It acts on financing transactions pertaining to a wide array of development projects including retail, housing and office properties. The team has a notable capital markets practice which bolsters the real estate finance group. It is able to handle international matters, supported by a global network of offices.3 Taylor Wessing LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 3 | 2 Years RankedTaylor Wessing offers commercial financing advice to a range of borrowers, sponsors and lenders. The firm is noteworthy for the depth of the team and its work on national and international matters. The team offers expertise in Islamic finance and mezzanine finance structures. Its clients are well served by the firm's complementary strengths in construction, planning and tax.
Band 4
4 DentonsReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 4 | 2 Years RankedDentons has a versatile team that prides itself on its ability to handle major European financings. The firm undertakes numerous bilateral and syndicated lending projects on behalf of banks, corporate borrowers and financial institutions. The team advises on the financing aspects of a range of real estate transactions, from high-profile trophy assets to retail and hospitality portfolios. It draws on strengths in environmental and construction law, among other areas, to provide a full service to clients.4 Macfarlanes LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 4 | 2 Years RankedMacfarlanes offers extensive experience in handling high-value transactions and managing multilayered property finance deals. The firm is instructed by a number of prominent lenders and borrowers across a range of industries. Its industry sector expertise covers student accommodation and hotels. The team's expertise in real estate finance is bolstered by complementary strengths in tax and corporate matters.4 Mayer Brown International LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 4 | 2 Years RankedMayer Brown has a well-reputed team noted for its strength in CMBS and portfolio financing. The firm regularly handles complex multi-jurisdictional transactions on behalf of international investors. The team is adept at both lender and borrower representation, with a notable emphasis on acting for banks and financial institutions.4 Norton Rose FulbrightReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 4 | 2 Years RankedNorton Rose Fulbright continues to draw on its deep bench to provide a complete financing service. The firm has a strong track record of providing financing advice on major real estate acquisitions and development projects. The team offers expertise in the structuring of property finance via operating corporates, among other matters. Its client base includes well-known banks, fund managers and property developers.4 Stephenson Harwood LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 4 | 2 Years RankedStephenson Harwood is a comprehensive practice concentrating on portfolio finance matters and a range of other high-value transactions. The team acts for major banks and other financial institutions and also has a strong borrower-side client base. The firm has impressive international capabilities, with notable experience advising Asian companies on UK property financings and acquisitions.4 White & Case LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 4 | 2 Years RankedWhite & Case has wide-ranging expertise in real estate finance including debt investment, loan-on-loan financing and mezzanine financing matters. The team is skilled at acting for clients in a number of sectors including student accommodation, hospitality and retail, with notable expertise in data centre financings. The firm regularly advises clients that include investors and financial institutions on cross-border matters.
Band 5
5 FreshfieldsReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 5 | 2 Years RankedFreshfields houses an accomplished team that frequently takes on high-profile cross-border and domestic deals involving a variety of asset classes. The team advises a diverse client base of lenders and borrowers, including investment firms, leading banks and real estate companies. The firm's areas of expertise include new lending, restructuring, mezzanine loans and development finance. It is also known for its substantial real estate debt investment practice.5 Paul Hastings (Europe) LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 5 | 2 Years RankedPaul Hastings LLP has a sophisticated finance group with deep-rooted expertise in CMBS and complex structured financings. The team regularly handles joint venture financings and securitisations, among a range of other property finance transactions. Its clients include pension funds, financial institutions and developers. The firm is capable of handling transactions with an international component.5 Pinsent MasonsReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 5 | 2 Years RankedPinsent Masons maintains close relationships with a number of prominent UK clearing banks and advises on numerous company financings and loan portfolio purchases. It is experienced in financing transactions pertaining to various property developments and acquisitions, including hotels, student accommodation and residential properties. Its client base also includes borrowers.5 Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 5 | 1 Years RankedSimpson Thacher & Bartlett has a particularly strong reputation for its work advising private equity real estate funds, amongst its broader client base. The firm has vast experience on pan-European transactions, as well as UK-focused matters. The team regularly handles the financings for a variety of real estate portfolios, including residential and hotel developments.
Band 6
6 Baker McKenzieReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 6 | 2 Years RankedBaker McKenzie is highlighted for its expertise spanning a broad range of domestic and cross-border real estate financing transactions. It is frequently sought after by banks and private equity firms, among other financial institutions. The team has wide-ranging sector experience, including handling mandates in the retail, hotel and logistics sectors.6 Burges Salmon LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 6 | 1 Years RankedBurges Salmon is recognised for its diverse real estate finance practice. The firm has particular expertise in housing, hotels and student accommodation related matters. The team capably advises banks, borrowers and lenders on UK and cross-border matters.6 FieldfisherReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 6 | 2 Years RankedFieldfisher advises both lenders and borrowers on complex real estate transactions. It counts major banks and property developers among its client base. The team is active on financing transactions involving care home and hotel properties. The firm is able to provide a full service to clients, with notable additional strengths in corporate and tax matters.6 Gowling WLG (UK) LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 6 | 2 Years RankedGowling WLG (UK) specialises in acting for major banks, including UK clearing banks. The firm is also notable for its extensive experience acting on behalf of borrower-side clients, particularly with regard to refinancings and development financing. The team regularly handles mezzanine debt matters and development transactions, among other complex finance issues. It is an established name in the market with regard to debt funds and work with alternative lenders. The team is experienced in handling matters in the residential and retail sectors, among others.6 Greenberg Traurig, LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 6 | 1 Years RankedGreenberg Traurig is an experienced real estate finance shop and acts on matters across the UK and Europe. The firm is particularly adept as counsel for lenders and borrowers and covers a wide-range of real estate asset types. The team possesses notable proficiency acting on securitisations and structured financings.6 Mishcon de Reya LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 6 | 2 Years RankedMishcon de Reya works with a range of equity funds, investors and major banks, among other clients. The team is also adept at borrower-side representation. The firm is equipped to handle a multitude of high-value real estate finance transactions, with a particular emphasis on acquisition and development financing.6 Osborne Clarke LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 6 | 2 Years RankedOsborne Clarke represents a wide variety of borrowers as well as major UK banks. The team advises on development financings and syndicated debt deals, among other matters. The firm is active on complex multi-jurisdictional transactions.6 Reed Smith LLPReal Estate Finance2025 | Band 6 | 2 Years RankedReed Smith LLP offers broad property finance expertise, including the management of loan portfolios and CMBS transactions. The team advises on all manner of real estate financings, from secured loans to sale-and-leaseback structures. The firm is noted for its representation of borrowers and is increasingly active on behalf of lenders. It has notable international capabilities, with extensive experience handling pan-European transactions.