DEPARTMENT PROFILE

Acuity Law

Real Estate

3 ranked lawyers

Band 1

Wales

UK 2022 View ranking table

chambers review

department information

Ranked Lawyers

Chambers Review

Chambers Research is conducted by 200 Research Analysts, across 200 jurisdictions and provides nearly 6,000 rankings tables. Annually we collect hundreds of thousands of responses from clients, the majority via in-depth interview. Learn more about our methodology.

What the team is known for

Standout real estate team representing a diverse array of clients nationwide. Demonstrates particular strength in major development work, from large city centre regeneration schemes to energy and infrastructure projects. Regularly advises both public and private sector organisations, and provides expertise in areas including build-to-rent and social housing, educational facilities and renewable energy projects.

Strengths

"It’s the best all-round law firm I have dealt with outside London,” says a client, who also notes: “The lawyers’ commercial awareness means they understand what is important in land and property transactions."

“I cannot sing their praises enough,” reports another client, adding: “The advice they give is second to none and everyone we work with is brilliant. They are adaptable and flexible, with a collaborative approach.”

"The firm has a wide range of expertise on which we can call, along with committed professionals prepared to go the extra mile to support transactions," says one interviewee.

Work highlights

Acted for Wrexham Council in a joint venture development agreement with the Welsh government, Owain Glyndwr University and London and Continental Railways concerning land in the centre of Wrexham with the potential for mixed-use redevelopment.

Notable practitioners

Gareth Baker has expertise in a wide range of real estate transactions, including acquisitions, disposals and development matters. He often advises on complex urban regeneration schemes and also has experience with industrial and automotive sites.

Jonathan Geen is recognised in the market for his impressive real estate expertise. He frequently handles high-end commercial development matters, including major city centre redevelopment schemes, as well as advising on property joint ventures.
"Jonathan is consistently impressive in terms of his breadth of knowledge and ability to give very specific advice." "He is very knowledgeable and good at complicated development work."

Stephen Morris advises both residential and commercial developers on major real estate projects in Wales and around the UK. He also has notable expertise in handling the sale of investment portfolios.
"Stephen is very knowledgeable and knows our business."

Department Information

This content is provided by Acuity Law.

Overview

Recognised in the market for its 'entrepreneurial approach', which recently manifested itself through the firm's merger in mid-2018 with London-based corporate, finance and property boutique Maple & Black, Acuity Law continues to provide a 'very professional and pragmatic' service to lenders and developers on local and UK-wide projects. Rightacres remains the team's cornerstone client, and in light of its involvement in the majority of the major developments in central Cardiff over recent years, continues to keep the team extremely busy on the development front. Gareth Baker has been at the forefront of the firm's work for Rightacres on its regeneration scheme in Cardiff's Central Square, and alongside the 'superb' Jonathan Geen is currently advising the developer on the £100m mixed-use development for the construction of the Interchange Building in Central Square. The 'responsive and helpful' Damien Cann has also been pivotal to the aforementioned mandate, given his expertise and cutting-edge knowledge of innovative funding arrangements to facilitate such a deal. As well as his local work, Stephen Morris has also been particularly active advising on projects outside of Wales, including in relation to a significant mixed housing scheme in London.