DLA Piper‘s practice has a strong reputation for its capabilities handling the breadth of high-value commercial real estate cases. Mark Beardwood‘s workload includes advising his roster of clients on major developments and regeneration schemes. Richard Thompson acts for pension fund clients and others on acquisitions and disposals, with a particular focus on the office, retail, industrial, and logistics sectors – areas in which Richard Ascroft also specialises. The group is helmed by Alison Mills who has significant experience assisting clients in the student accommodation sector, amongst others. Liverpool’s Lauren Turner advises on all aspects of industrial, office and retail portfolios. All team members split their time between Manchester and Liverpool.

The team at Hill Dickinson LLP advises a broad range of prominent clients, particularly in the retail and transport sectors, on complex and large-scale commercial property matters, including high-value investment, development, and regeneration projects – an area led by Graham Archibald. The group is also active in real estate finance and construction-related work. Claire Cosgrove is regularly trusted by renowned retail clients across the full range of commercial property mandates, while Rebecca Wakefield has a specialism in health sector-related real estate work. ‘Class-act’ Rachael Allen‘s practice includes acting for developers and logistics occupiers in development agreements and day-to-day matters, respectively. Alex McCann leads the team and has expertise handling significant property investment and development matters.

The group at Brabners LLP, noted for its ‘broad and very strong skillset’, has well-established capabilities assisting its clientele in the management of significant property portfolios, as well as in a range of transactions including acquisitions and disposals. Further, it has experience in large-scale and high-value regeneration and development projects, particularly in the housing and retail sectors. Luke Taylor handles these substantial development projects, while Becky Spears‘ workload includes advising both landlords and tenants in commercial lease transactions. Helen Brown is also a name to note, as is Rebecca McDonald. The trio helming the practice are investment and property management specialist Richard Roberts, Iain Gamble, and Manchester's Roy Barry. Usha Sharma departed the team in December 2024.

The team at CMS is well-placed to assist its sector-spanning client list across the full spectrum of commercial property matters, in both transactional and advisory contexts. Its workload includes advising on industrial asset deals and assisting clients with high-value and large-scale disposals, acquisitions and takeovers. Furthermore, large-scale urban regeneration projects, such as the £2.5bn rebuild of the centre of the City of York, and advising on carbon neutral housing developments, are key areas of focus for the team. Abby Dry, who handles complex asset management, heads up the practice alongside Mark Haywood who is based in Manchester. April 2025-promoted partner and ‘great lawyer’ Matt Barnes is recommended, as is Neil Lacey who has particular capabilities managing retail assets.

DWF‘s Liverpool-based practice is headed up by Julie Simms, who advises on high-value real estate developments spanning large-scale housing, construction, and regeneration projects. She supports clients throughout the project lifecycle, from strategic planning to execution. Co-head Helen Thomas is equipped to handle matters spanning sectors from manufacturing to consumer. Property transactions form a significant portion Joseph White's work.

The team at Freeths LLP is recognised for its strong real estate offering, regularly advising banking clients on real estate finance and investment management matters tied to high-value acquisitions and residential developments. The practice also demonstrates sector expertise across retail, hospitality, and leisure. Andrew Nichol has a ‘proven track-record of getting deals over the line’ and co-leads the team with Luke Hopkins. Georgia Mitchell is a key name for real estate finance advice. Joei Chung is also recommended.

The group at Weightmans LLP assists its portfolio of clients, particularly in the energy, public and education sectors, amongst others, on the breadth of commercial property matters. Matthew Williamson has expertise in warehousing and logistics matters, while Rose Moss has experience advising on transactions relating to environmentally sensitive sites. ‘Good negotiator’ Janice Weatherly oversees the offering alongside Andrea Steventon who assists owners, investors and developers on acquisitions, disposals, and development schemes. Clive Bleasdale is also recommended.

DTM Legal LLP assists its broad client base across an array of property development matters. Experienced property litigator Anna Duffy oversees the team and has assisted with disputes ranging from dilapidation, break notice and forfeiture cases, to contentious lease renewals and service charge contentions. Isabel Rial specialises in development, financing, lease agreement and investment matters, while Tony Parry has transactional, landlord and tenant expertise.

A prominent feature of MSB Solicitors Ltd‘s workload is advising lending groups on the financing aspects of commercial property transactions of considerable value. Bradley Armstrong has experience assisting with land acquisition and development projects, which is also an area of specialism of Neil Kelly. Jack Medlicott has expertise in commercial property and secured lending matters, while Darren Barwick is considered ‘first-class’ by clients. The four co-head the offering.