Top 10 Elite London Lawyers Shaping the £150m+ Real Estate Industry

London stands as one of the world’s finance, economic and trade meccas, boasting a staggering real estate market with sales above £150 million being a part of the norm. This vibrant market has given rise to a cadre of distinguished lawyers lending their legal expertise to this highly dynamic, valuable, and complex industry. Here we shine a spotlight on some of the leading lawyers in the area handling these pinnacle transactions.

This selection of lawyers is not only known for their deep understanding of real estate transactions but also for their negotiative prowess, intricate knowledge of property law, and their intrinsic understanding of the frequently shifting London property scene. They represent some of London’s most respected firms and are often the trusted advisors to a roster of high-profile clients providing specialist advice for domestic and international matters.

Each of these esteemed lawyers contributes to their individual firms’ touted reputations and the overall strength of London’s legal landscape, lending their expertise to ensure the smooth execution of every transaction. Here are some of the most prominent lawyers mastering the realm of real estate transactions valued at £150 million and above.

Robert MacGregor, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP

As the senior partner for EMEA at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, Robert MacGregor deals with a wide array of real estate transactions and development projects, assisting his clients with the management of domestic and international investment portfolios.

David Rosen, Herbert Smith Freehills

Primarily assisting developers, private equity investors and corporate occupiers, David Rosen utilises his seasoned expertise to handle high-value real estate investment matters with an additional focus on high-profile regeneration and transport redevelopment schemes.

Sarah Sivyour, Ashurst

Sarah Sivyour is noted for advising on the acquisition and redevelopment of high-value London properties. Currently serving as the global co-head for projects and real estate at Ashurst, she coordinates complex corporate real estate deals necessitating associated tax, funding and restructuring advice aside from managing large portfolio transactions.

James Dodsworth, White & Case LLP

James Dodsworth, the global head of real estate at White & Case, advises on acquisitions, leases and disposals involving commercial real estate assets with a unique specialisation in transactions involving data centres.

Anthony Burnett-Scott, Macfarlanes LLP

Anthony Burnett-Scott, the head of the real estate group at Macfarlanes, has a deep knowledge of the development market, focusing specifically on mixed-use schemes and urban regeneration. He represents developers, investors and joint ventures in major transactions tied to various projects.

Stefanie Price, Baker McKenzie

Stefanie Price is recognised for handling high-value real estate transactions for a range of clients. She has gained considerable experience by engaging with various asset classes, including prime office space, student accommodation, and logistics sites.

Bruce Dear, Eversheds Sutherland

Bruce Dear serves as the head of real estate in Eversheds Sutherland’s London office. His superior skills have earned him a reputation as a go-to advisor for high-profile corporate occupiers seeking major letting and pre-letting negotiations. Dear also lends his expertise to investors on asset management.

Clare Breeze, Macfarlanes LLP

Clare Breeze is known for her comprehensive advisory role for international investors and real estate joint ventures on development matters, demonstrating notable proficiency in the build-to-rent sector and mixed-use schemes. She also handles high-value commercial leasing mandates.

Darren Rogers, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP

Darren Rogers, as Fried Frank’s European head of real estate, acts predominantly on real estate investment transactions, including those of significant cross-border deals.

Franc Peña, Clifford Chance LLP

Franc Peña lends his advice on a range of asset classes relating to real estate investment and development transactions including private rental, student accommodation and office buildings – and all this extends to the acquisition and disposal of substantial property portfolios.