At the apex of the development market, Ashurst covers the gamut of work within the sector. Its experience includes acquisitions and disposals, planning, joint ventures, structuring, and financing. Major mixed-use property projects and regeneration schemes fall within the firm’s expertise, as do town centre and infrastructure developments. The team is jointly led by Richard Vernon, whose speciality is ESG and sustainability work, David Jones and Sarah Sivyour. Tim Regis is a key member of the practice, advising clients on complex joint ventures and regeneration schemes. Henry Moss furthers the firm’s regeneration strength, supporting developers, investors, lenders, and public authorities on their projects. Focusing on logistics and build-to-rent matters, Melanie Jordan is adept at advising clients in matters across the country. Matthew Loader and Lucy Pilgrim are two key associates in the team. Loader, who has experience in both Australia and the UK, advises on industrial and residential development, whilst Pilgrim centres her practice on joint ventures, development transactions and infrastructure projects.

‘A leader in their field’, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s expertise in real estate asset classes is diverse with experience in a range of alternative asset classes, including student accommodation, build-to-rent, logistics, and senior living. The firm is also well-versed in mixed-use developments, combining residential, office, retail, and leisure spaces. Nazir Dewji and Samant Narula oversee the practice, which contains Ruth Miller, a specialist in mixed-use development transactions advising developers and landowners. Chris Rowe is another noted name, whose recent experience includes assistance in regeneration schemes and pre-letting transactions. Liana Hewson has a particular focus on major developments and schemes relating to long-term infrastructure projects. Alan Twine advises his clients, which include developers, corporate occupiers, investors and joint venture partners, along the full life-cycle of their development projects. Mateen Khan is another key name, experienced in the development of large, high-end office spaces. Daniel Burnard and Janany Kathirgamanathan made partner in early 2024.

Clifford Chance LLP maintains a broad specialisation in complex developments across asset classes, and is particularly strong in the office and residential spaces. The firm is also well-equipped to handle major regeneration schemes and infrastructure-related projects, including over-station developments. Its clients include developers, landlords, investors, asset managers and occupiers. Nigel Howorth, who has experience in regeneration and redevelopment schemes that are often linked to infrastructure projects, leads the practice. Angela Kearns is experienced in a wide array of development subsectors, recently advising on matters in the logistics, digital infrastructure, data centre and life sciences sectors. Ian Painter adds insight into pre-let, joint venture, disposal and forward funding issues. When necessary, Marianne Toghill advises on construction-related questions arising in development matters.

CMS covers a broad range of asset classes in the development space, advising on healthcare, student accommodation, mixed-use, office, and leisure development matters. The team has seen rapid growth in recent times, with five lateral hires at partner level. Paul Paling and Melanie Hughes joined from Michelmores LLP in April 2023, Michael Buchanan joined from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in July 2023, Barry Edgar moved from Dentons in October 2023, and Rebecca Moore, who shifted from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner in January 2024. The enlarged practice, containing the likes of Ciaran Carvalho, is led by Marie Scott, Andrew Banton, John Cumpson and Chris Rae. Scott is well-versed in transactional matters regarding areas of increased interest, including data centres and logistics, whilst Banton regularly supports Hong Kong- and China-based investors. Caroline Maude and Barry Morris specialise in office developments. Mark Heighton, on the other hand, excels in the life sciences, build-to-rent and senior living sectors. Chris Oakley lends his insight into regeneration and joint venture projects to clients. Leilah Rawle is an expert on energy-related developments. Scott Curtis and Irfaan Khaliq were promoted to partner in April 2023.

Utilising a ‘well-honed structure’ to deliver for its clients, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is able to advise along the entire life cycle of the development process, from funding to disposals. Major domestic and international investors and developers approach the firm for assistance on major regeneration schemes and mixed-use development projects. The firm is also regularly consulted by major public authorities on infrastructure-related projects. Jeremy Walden's recent engagements include London regeneration schemes and redevelopment-focused advisory work. Donald Rowlands is an expert in mixed-use developments as well as pre-let and refinancing matters, whilst Richard Forsdyke is well-versed in student accommodation matters. Julian Pollock is regularly instructed by government bodies, investors and property companies on their office, retail, logistics and residential projects. Paul Chases advises clients on developments connected to infrastructure, including over-station developments.

Hogan Lovells International LLP advises a range of clients, such as developers, funds and public sector bodies, on development and regeneration schemes. The firm is well-versed in a broad spread of asset classes, including leisure, office, retail, logistics and residential. Mathew Ditchburn spearheads the practice alongside Daniel Norris, who is well-versed in shopping centre-related matters. Oliver Chamberlain is a noted practice member, whose recent experience includes senior living development assistance. Jackie Newstead advises broadly, but has a particular niche in the hotel asset class. Gill McGreevy is knowledgeable in energy and retail projects, whilst Dion Panambalana focuses on the mixed-use development space, both urban and non-urban. Nicholas Roberts is another key name, advising offices, retail and energy developments.

Regularly active for public sector bodies, Burges Salmon LLP is sought after for its experience in regeneration schemes and developments connected to transport projects. The firm also maintains particular strength in mixed-use developments with a large residential element, and is well-versed in advising on developments with sustainable strategies. Leading the team, and based between London and Bristol, are Ross Polkinghorne, an expert in sustainable developments; Philip Beer, whose recent experience includes advising on a number of redevelopments; and Gary Solomon, who assists clients with planning issues. Richard Clark is a key member of the team, who brings expertise in mixed-use and energy asset developments. Amy Simpson is regularly approached by local and national public bodies. Jessica Garner is experienced in large regeneration schemes.

Drawing on talent from offices across the UK, DLA Piper advises clients on a wide range of developments and regeneration schemes. The firm is experienced across asset classes, including mixed-use, retail and office, but has seen particular activity in build-to-rent developments within the residential sector. Jonathan Northey, who is experienced along the entire life-cycle of development projects, and residential specialist Andrew Yates jointly lead the practice. Omer Maroof maintains a specialism in office developments alongside his broad practice. Paul Jayson advises clients on senior living and life sciences matters. Hayley Russell-White is another key name within the practice. In October 2023, Rob O’Hanrahan left the practice.

Implementing its broader real estate expertise in construction, planning and housing, Gowling WLG supports clients through the full life cycle of their projects, from planning to disposal. The firm is experienced in a wide array of traditional and alternative asset classes, including luxury offices, logistics and life sciences. It is also adept in town centre regeneration schemes. Chris Hunt leads the practice, which is able to draw on talent from London, Birmingham and Leeds. Dan Gwilliam is a key member of the practice whose experience includes retail and office developments. Felicity Lindsay is regularly consulted by public authorities on their matters. Nick Mumby adds his mixed-use specialism to the firm’s repertoire. Kate Cunningham is well-versed in transport-related development projects. In May 2023, Anjali Bancroft and Tom Baines were promoted to partner.

Jones Day regularly advises clients on the full spectrum of development work, including joint venture agreements, asset protection agreements, lease arrangements, and disposals. When necessary, the firm may also draw on its planning and construction teams to support its clients. The firm is well-versed in development projects across Europe and has particular expertise in the residential and logistics spaces. Anna Cartwright and David Smith spearhead the practice. Smith is experienced in student accommodation and build-to-rent projects. Matthew Peel is regularly sought after by developers, lenders and investment managers. John Crowley adds his specialism in construction to development matters, whilst Ryan Hill’s expertise covers the residential, logistics and office spaces. Kirsty Rogerson is another key name in the team, advising on developments from cradle to grave.

Macfarlanes LLP is able to deploy its multidisciplinary practice, containing planning, construction and tax experts, to ensure that ‘matters are covered in one’. With broad expertise in traditional and alternative asset classes, the firm is particularly adept at handling build-to-rent, hospital, industrial and life sciences developments. Clare Breeze is the practice lead, who regularly advises institutions, private clients and family offices. Dan Marriott is well-acquainted with retail and office developments, and Nick Barnes handles mixed-use and life sciences matters. Andrew Hughes is noted for his joint venture assistance. Sindhuja Shriananda has recent experience in film studio developments. Dominic Cunliffe and Tom Pedder retired in April 2023, whilst Steven Pitchford left the firm in August 2023.

Norton Rose Fulbright is experienced in advising clients on their complex and long-term development projects, especially those in the mixed-use and infrastructure-related spaces. The firm is also sought after for its aptitude in handling assets in the sports and renewable energy industries, in addition to its strength in the student accommodation sector. David Hawkins oversees the practice, handling mixed-use developments for international investors. Islamic finance specialist Wasm Khan is a key name in the team, experienced across a wide array of asset classes. Dan Wagerfield specialises in renewable energy projects. Charles Pinkerton and Helen Finnis are well-versed in residential matters, whilst Juliette Kelly’s experience includes office and infrastructure. Louisa Roe provides clarity on complex leasing arrangements.

Slaughter and May supports household-name clients in their development and redevelopment projects. In addition to experience in mixed-use, leisure and residential assets, the firm handles data centre and sports developments, including stadia. It is further able to draw on planning, construction, financing and environmental experts when needed from its wider pool of practitioners as issues arise during a project’s lifespan. Jane Edwarde, experienced in large scale development projects, heads the practice. John Nevin handles major mixed-use matters. Simon Bartle and Mark Gulliford further complement the practice, adding experience in sports and retail matters.

Providing ‘seamless collaboration between various departments’, Taylor Wessing LLP supplements its development expertise with specialists in corporate, finance, tax, planning and construction issues. The firm is regularly approached by clients for support in projects concerning logistics, industrial, mixed-use and leisure assets. It is also well-versed in developing brownfield sites and is adept at advising on purpose-built student accommodation. Paul Lawrence oversees the team, which contains Leona Ahmed, who is experienced in handling joint ventures for investors from Asia and the Middle East. Matthew Swainston advises financial institutions, government bodies and banks regularly. Another noted member is Paul Leamy, who covers residential and leisure projects. Chris Turley is acquainted with retail, office and leisure developments. Other key names include Chris Komodromou, experience in leisure schemes, and Sarah Bolton, expert in logistics and office sector matters. Georgina Watt was promoted to partner in May 2023.

A&O Shearman covers a broad range of development matters in traditional and alternative spaces, but is particularly strong in matters pertaining to offices and their related construction, planning, letting and financing issues. The firm also sees regular instructions in the logistics and energy space and often advises clients on redevelopments of brownfield sites. The practice is led by Christopher Woolf, who advises private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds and public bodies frequently. Nick Saner is central to the firm’s strength in primary offices, whilst Hayden Cameron is well-versed in cross-border matters. Emma Willoughby is another key name with a broad range of asset classes experience.

With offices across Europe and Asia, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is well-placed to assist clients on their cross-border development matters. Government bodies, regulators, investors and developers regularly approach the firm for support. Areas of recent strength include renewable energy, leisure and residential developments. Led by leisure expert Lee Medlock, the team includes specialists in a range of asset classes, such as mixed-use specialist Suzi Gatward, life sciences specialist Louise Ward and logistics expert Eddie Richards. Also of note are Robin Grove and Alexander Gold, who provide experience with regeneration schemes. Emma Carter joined the firm from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in November 2023.

Clyde & Co acts for clients along the full life cycle of their development projects, with recent experience assisting in office, residential and logistics developments. The firm has particular strength in providing advice on rights of light concerns and energy strategies for its clients. The practice is led by Will Deeprose, who focuses on residential-led mixed-use projects, and Annabelle Redman, experienced in purpose-built student accommodation and senior living projects. John Pearce is key to the firm’s expertise in regeneration projects. Daniel Keys adds knowledge in commercial developments, while Graeme Taylor is well-versed in logistics and residential matters. Laura Oliver handles the acquisitions, disposals and lettings of development sites.

Davitt Jones Bould is a boutique real estate firm experienced in providing its clients, which regularly include public bodies, on their development and regeneration schemes. Its expertise covers the full life cycle of a development project. The firm is well-versed in alternative asset classes, including affordable housing and film studio developments. The team is led by Peter Allinson, Madeleine Davitt and John Condliffe. Melanie Greer-Walker is a veteran in office development, whilst Philippa Hipwell often advises healthcare clients. The firm has seen sizable growth in the past year, with a number of new partners joining: Namita Maktar and Sandy Munroe joined in January 2024 from an in-house position and Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP respectively; Paul Davies joined in February 2024 from Harper James; and Stephanie Robinson joined in November 2023 from Bird & Bird LLP.

Dentons has a broad experience of asset class developments, including logistics, office, life science, industrial and retail. Within the residential sector, the firm is particularly adept at handling build-to-rent and senior living projects. Rob Thompson leads the team, and is active advising property companies, private equity houses, real estate funds and family offices. Two names central to the practice are Simon Masri and Laura Gowing, who specialise in the hotels and leisure sectors. Andrew Henderson is a veteran at providing joint venture support.

With a ‘seamless ability to call on other team members with specialist knowledge’, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP aids clients with all aspects of development and regeneration projects, including site acquisition, master development agreements, and financing. The firm is especially strong in the residential space, with experience in senior living and build-to-rent schemes. Mukhtiar Tanda, expert in infrastructure-led urban regeneration, and Balraj Birdi lead the practice in London. The practice is further supported by lawyers across cities in the UK, providing regional support to clients as and when needed. Dave Newstone is another key name, advising public bodies and private organisations alike.

Farrer & Co utilises its specialist expertise to enhance its advice to clients on development matters, particularly within the education, charities and estates sectors. It has also seen recent activity in film studio development advice. The firm is well-versed in advising on all aspects of design-led community developments and legacy projects, including the planning, construction and management matters. The practice is led by Kate Corke and contains Mark Gauguier, experienced in legacy and film studio developments. Strong in development transactions and portfolio management, Henry Stevens is a key name within the team. Sarah Aggarwal specialises in advising charities and high net worth individuals. Barbara Beasley was promoted to partner in May 2023. In September 2023, Clare Reddy joined as partner from Lewis Silkin.

Fladgate LLP assists clients through every facet of a development project, from its site acquisition and building to its pre-letting and disposal. The firm is particularly experienced in securing financing for developments. Its asset class expertise includes the retail and leisure spaces, and the firm is well-versed in the growing film studio development sector. Stephen Lewis, with a focus on retail and leisure, leads the team. Kirsty Corkum is well-versed in complex pre-lets and developments for a range of clients. Gideon Dabby-Joory supports funds, institutional investors, property companies and family businesses. Matthew Williams operates in the living and mixed-use space, whilst Simon Kanter is a veteran retail and office adviser.

Linklaters LLP assists a broad suite of clients in their developments and regeneration schemes, including many international companies based in Europe, Asia, America and Australia. The firm’s wider expertise allows it to provide auxiliary support on wider issues that arise during the project life cycle, from tax to financing to environment. Andy Bruce heads the practice and is experienced in joint venture support. Siobhan Burton is another key name, recently versed in developments in the hotel and build-to-rent spaces. Patrick Plant is an expert in office and headquarter developments, whilst Matthew Plaskow covers retail, hotels and logistics. In 2023, Martin Elliott  retired from practice.

A real estate boutique, Maples Teesdale LLP is highly experienced in advising on the development process for its clientele, which includes real estate companies, asset managers and companies in other sectors looking for advice on their site developments. The firm is well-versed in office, life sciences, logistics and retail assets, especially where sustainability considerations arise. Declan Power oversees the practice. The team includes noted members such as Sam Nichols and Neil Sagoo, a specialist in office matters. Katherine Watts is experienced in leisure and hotel matters, whilst Charles Elgood, who was promoted to partner in 2023, advises on retail asset acquisitions and management. Chris Wilkinson retired in October 2023.

Mayer Brown International LLP employs its broader advisory practice to assist clients on finance, tax, environmental, planning and construction issues as they arise in relation to developments. The firm has seen especial strength in primary office developments recently. The firm is also equipped to handle logistics and residential matters, including where they involve cross-border considerations. Experienced in advising Asian and European investors entering the UK market, Chris Harvey oversees the practice alongside Andrew Hepner. Jeremy Clay is a central name to the team, advising on structured developments. Caroline Humble and Iain Roberts are office space experts.

Providing an ‘excellent all round legal service’, Mishcon de Reya LLP compliments its development and regeneration scheme practice with planning, construction, tax, finance and corporate support from its other specialist teams as and when required. The firm is strong in life sciences and residential matters, particularly build-to-rent and purpose-built student accommodation projects. Regeneration project-expert Stephen Hughes leads the team which contains the likes of Simon Hart who supports notable property management companies and developers. Edward Hughes-Power adds to the firm’s strength in alternative residential matters. Anju Suneja is another key name in the practice.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP acts for investors, developers, local authorities and government departments in their development and regeneration schemes. Where necessary, it is able to draw on talent to advise on any planning, constructions and environment issues that may arise during a project’s lifetime. The firm has recently shown particular strength in the life sciences, senior living and build-to-rent asset classes. The team is led by Suzanne Benson, who is based in Manchester, and Kyle Holling. Rebecca Wardle is experienced in joint venture support, while Andy Barnard is a veteran in regeneration scheme matters. Mixed-use specialist Patrick Morris and build-to-rent expert Lizzie Pillinger are other key members of the practice. Jessica Arczynski was made partner in July 2023 alongside Shahliza Chaudary. In January 2024, Katie Dyer left the practice, with Lucy Doran and Katie Todd exiting the following February. Adrian Leavey has also made his departure from the firm.

Winckworth Sherwood LLP specialises in advising clients on regeneration schemes, especially for developers. The firm is well-versed in the full life-cycle of development projects, including construction and planning matters, and regularly assists clients in complicated joint venture agreements. Spearheading the practice is Francesco Ferrari, who advises house-builders, developers, funds and registered providers. Andrew Bedford is a mixed-use and residential veteran, while Shree Hindocha advises retailers and restaurateurs on their matters. James Corbett and Elizabeth Pipe are experienced in site acquisitions and disposals. Another key name is Alan Duncan, who regularly advises on the funding of new schemes.

Baker McKenzie assists clients across the gamut of property development, including financing, planning, construction and disposals support. The firm is experienced in a range of asset classes, seeing recent activity in the office space. Justin Salkeld oversees the practice, and has a specialisation in hotel asset developments. Ben Farnell is a key name, knowledgeable in planning matters, as is Stefanie Price, a real estate transaction expert. Jack Rubin and Hugo Jay contribute real estate finance expertise.

With offices split between Bristol and London, Bevan Brittan LLP is able to assist its clients, which includes local authorities, NHS trusts and private healthcare providers. The firm is particularly well-versed in redevelopments within the healthcare and social care sectors. It is also experienced in regeneration projects. Mark Calverley leads the team, which includes Ian Caplan and regeneration specialist Steven Smith. Mark Paget Skelin is regularly instructed by NHS trusts, whilst Sarah Skuse acts for developers, funders and investors frequently.

Boodle Hatfield LLP provides clients with a comprehensive service, with particular strength in site acquisition and disposal matters. The firm advises on rights of light matters and is familiar with developments in the office and hotel sectors. Andrew Wilmot-Smith leads the practice, advising family offices and landed estates. Rajeev Joshi is an expert in the hotel sector. Sophie Henwood has a focus on sustainability practices in commercial property. David Rawlence, experienced in office sector matters, was made partner in May 2023. In February 2024, Naomi Heathcote joined the practice from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP. Caroline King and Simon Williams have left the firm.

Collyer Bristow LLP is well-versed in advising investors and developers on residential and mixed-use developments, acting along the entire life cycle of such projects. The firm is experienced in site acquisition, planning, finance, construction and disposal. The practice is headed by Michael Grace. Alex O’Connor is noted for his experience in the build-to-rent asset class. Dan McCarron is a residential-led development expert. In September 2023, Adrian Bingham, Ian Chappell, George Georgiou and Mino Themistocli joined from Ince & Co.

DAC Beachcroft LLP advises developers, investors and local authorities on their developments, redevelopments and regenerations schemes. With particular strength in senior living assets, the firm is experienced in a range of sectors, including residential, health, retail, office and mixed-use. The practice is overseen by Alison Key in Manchester. Charlotte Wilson is a key name with a focus on residential matters. Helen Murcott advises both domestic and international investors on their development projects. Andrew Boulton is a mixed-use specialist. In September 2023, Steven Pitchford joined the practice from Macfarlanes LLP.

Forsters LLP assists clients across a wide range of asset classes, including office, logistics, residential, retail and mixed-use. Its residential experience includes alternative assets such as purpose-built student accommodation and senior living. The firm regularly advises on site acquisition and disposals, as well as forward funding matters. Industrial and logistics specialists Magnus Hassett and Victoria Towers lead the practice. Katherine Ekers is an expert on rights to light matters. Rowan Ledwidge is experienced in student accommodation developments.

A one-stop shop, Greenberg Traurig, LLP advises clients on all facets of development projects, including acquisition, planning, tax, construction, finance, pre-letting and disposal matters. The firm handles a range of asset classes, from self-storage and logistics to senior living and build-to-rent. The practice is led by Danielle Martin, who is well-versed in portfolio sales and restructurings, and Matthew Priday, who is an expert in logistics and leisure projects. Within the team, Carol Hopper advises clients on data centre developments, and Steven Cowins acts on life sciences matters. Ashia Adams was made partner in March 2024.

K&L Gates LLP advises institutional investors, family offices, specialist developers, and asset managers on their development projects. The firm utilises its broad specialisation, with experts in tax, construction, financing and planning, to enhance its advice. Christian Major is the practice head. Tim Webb advises on funding and construction work. Emma Maher, experienced in structuring, financing and development delivery, is a key name in the practice. Christopher Swallow is adept at advising on alternative asset classes, whilst Joanna Williams is an expert in the office sector. Neil Logan Green left the practice in March 2023.

Pinsent Masons LLP advises many notable companies within the development field, including developers, investors and asset managers. The firm is accustomed to alternative residential asset class support, with experience in student accommodation, build-to-rent, senior living and affordable housing matters. Claire Hughes, an expert in hotel matters, leads the team. Mike Reid is adept in the financing and disposal of development assets. Anthony Newton bolsters the alternatives expertise at the firm.

‘With strength in depth’, Reed Smith LLP is able to draw on specialists in finance, environmental and planning matters to enhance its development advice. The firm is especially strong in development matters within the hotels and leisure space, with broader experience in office and retail matters. Advising high net worth individuals and family offices, Jimmy Theodorou leads the team. Andrew Jenkinson is well-versed in substantial transactions. Nav Sahota aids clients in the hotel and leisure sectors. Other key names include Nick Harris and the ‘outstanding’ Brigid North.

Simmons & Simmons covers the spectrum of real estate asset developments, but with particular strength in the life sciences, office and logistics spaces. In addition, the firm regularly advises clients on pre-letting and financing aspects of development projects. The team is led by John Kelsey and includes Ali Crosthwaite, a specialist in residential and retail schemes. Matthew Hooton advises on site assemblies, options, pre-lets and forward funding. Jonathon Wilkes focuses on development management and joint ventures. In February 2024, Barry Gross joined the team from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner.

Steptoe UK LLP is experienced in a range of development sectors including, healthcare, senior living, logistics and mixed-use. The firm frequently advises on site acquisition, construction and planning aspects of its clients’ projects. Matthew Farmer leads the practice, focusing on logistics schemes. Simon Collis is a key name, often instructed by national and international clients. Andrew Miles advises on the entire life cycle of development projects. Samuel Kelly left the practice in December 2023.

With specialists across finance, planning, disputes, construction and tax, Wedlake Bell LLP advises clients on the gamut of development issues. The firm has a particular specialism in site acquisitions and disposals. David de Maupeou, a specialist in central London office space work, spearheads the practice. Suzanne Gill focuses her own practice on retail and hospitality projects. Rachel Walbourn is familiar with residential development matters.

Cripps advises clients on a diverse range of developments, such as life science, residential, commercial and mixed-use projects. The firm is particularly skilled at providing planning and construction advice. Oliver Morris heads the team alongside Nitej Davda, a construction and litigation specialist. Fellow construction specialist James Lee adds strength to the team, as does Kay Evans, who focuses on the residential and mixed-use sectors. In October 2023, Jason Tann left the practice.

Howard Kennedy LLP is well-versed in providing support in the residential, energy, data centre and mixed-use sectors. The firm has particular strength in providing planning, purchase, and finance support for its clients. The practice is led by Kate Woodgate and Charles Maxwell. David Philips is experienced in residential and mixed-use site purchases. Astrid Stanley is adept at student accommodation matters. Huseyin Huseyin joined from Harold Benjamin Solicitors in April 2023, and Jason Tann joined from Cripps in October 2023.

Payne Hicks Beach LLP advises clients from international property companies to homeowners, with particular strength in advising private investors in their development site acquisitions. The team is led by Emma Copestake, a residential property expert. Within the team, Marisa Beccarelli advises on commercial property acquisitions, disposals and management, whilst Andrea Yiakoumetti advises companies and individuals on their property concerns. Penny Miller is another noted practitioner. Peter Lamb joined the practice from Withers LLP in June 2024 following Andrew Berry’s departure in August 2023.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is well-versed in providing planning support to its clients for their development sites, including advising on s106 agreement negotiations. The firm is particularly active in developments connected to major infrastructure projects. James Nadin, who is experienced in development funding, acquisitions and disposals, heads the team. Alison Lewis is an expert on mixed-use developments. Greg Phillips is accustomed to rail-related developments. In July 2023, Andrew Mellor and James Gooch joined from Shakespeare Martineau LLP.

Sharpe Pritchard LLP utilises its specialist regeneration practice to advise councils and other public bodies on the development aspects of their various schemes, with key strength in development agreement advice. Jo Pickering spearheads the team, with experience in housing-led and mixed-use schemes. Gemma Duncan is well-versed in regeneration scheme support, whilst Lillee Reid-Hunt consolidates the firm’s infrastructure expertise. James Nelson is experienced in residential and office projects. Niki Constantinou is another key name working on regeneration matters.

The team at Squire Patton Boggs maintains a ‘wide-ranging technical skill set’, experienced in an array of industries, from energy to leisure to manufacturing. Andrew Sprake, who works on town centre regeneration projects, and Bradley Silver, a specialist in healthcare projects, oversee the practice. Patrick Ryan is well-versed in purpose-built student accommodation.

Stephenson Harwood advises on a broad spread of asset class developments, seeing recent activity in the office, logistics and hotels space. The firm is well-versed in financing and disposal matters for its clients. Simon Brading, experienced in forward funding transactions, spearheads the team. Catriona Berman is an office and hotels expert. Stephen Laud handles redevelopments and portfolio disposals. David Sinclair acts on building and infrastructure developments. In April 2023, Alexander Chadwick was promoted to partner.

Travers Smith LLP regularly advises clients on development transactions, as well as leasing and finance matters. The firm is particularly well-versed in the senior living space. The team is led by Emma Pereira, who frequently advises real estate funds. Within the team, Alex Millar focuses on regeneration projects, whilst Sarah Walker specialises in senior living projects.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP advises clients along the full life-cycle of development projects, with specialists in planning, construction, financing, disposals and leasing ready to assist. The firm is familiar with greenfield and brownfield site developments, be they in the office, retail, logistics or mixed-use sectors. Gary Ritter leads the practice, and is an expert in the renewables space. Joining from DWF in November 2023, Deepa Deb is a key team member, focusing on traditional and alternative residential assets. Barry Hembling adds construction experience.