Department profile
Birketts LLP

Real Estate

UK Guide 2026 : East Anglia


Birketts LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Birketts LLP

We have one of the best regarded and largest dedicated property teams within any firm outside London, numbering over 100 specialists.

It is involved with all aspects of the construction and property industry and our work ranges from handling specific property and related transactions to advising on the property issues that arise in commercial transactions.

Our property lawyers are particularly experienced in dealing with development and investment, planning, secured lending, landlord and tenant, agricultural and residential property matters.

Commercial real estate acquisitions are often dealt with in the broader context of major transactions such as company acquisitions or re-organisations. Our team works closely with the firm's specialist corporate team to ensure that our clients are given the best possible advice appropriate to each transaction.

Our lawyers come from a range of backgrounds, including major City practices, other major national and regional firms, industry and local government and include individuals with construction, planning and commercial expertise. The depth and range of expertise means the team can work together in major and complex transactions on cost effective terms, providing our clients with true value for money.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate - East Anglia

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Birketts is well known for its established practice and strength across the region, with offices in Ipswich, Norwich, Chelmsford and Cambridge. The team is respected for its considerable experience working with both public and private sector clients on high-value residential and commercial developments and acquisitions, with additional specialisation in strategic land schemes. Birketts is frequently involved in property transactions relating to the utilities, pharmaceutical, ecclesiastical and retail sectors.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Birketts assisted Holkham Estate with the acquisition of six caravan parks within a larger corporate transaction.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team are highly personable and extremely thorough in their approach. We like their manner in dealing with tricky, complex transactions.

    Real Estate respondentUK
  • The department is very efficient, easy to get on with and proactive. They understand our business and our objectives well.

    Real Estate respondentUK
  • We appreciate their technical knowledge, experience and client focus. The team has a focus on finding solutions and a good understanding of commercial awareness.

    Real Estate respondentUK
  • The team are very knowledgeable, attentive and willing to go the extra mile.

    Real Estate respondentUK
  • We know that the advice is to be relied upon and they keep us up to date with legal changes and case law throughout the year.

    Real Estate respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Eminent PractitionersChris Schwer
    Eminent PractitionersChris Schwer

    Chris Schwer

    Chris Schwer heads the property division at Birketts and also sits on the firm's partnership board. Based in Ipswich, his experience includes acting for residential and commercial property developers on land acquisitions, joint venture agreements and portfolio management.
    • Chris is a very capable lawyer who has earned his stripes.

      Real Estate respondentUK
  • Band 4Gemma Goddard
    Band 4Gemma Goddard

    Gemma Goddard

    Gemma Goddard co-leads the firm's real estate team in Cambridge and has experience with leading high-profile projects including land acquisitions for significant urban developments, as well as acting for corporates on property management and title reports.

    • Gemma is very grounded and straight-talking. She is capable of delivering complexity in an understandable way, making our options clear and giving really good advice.

      Real Estate respondentUK
    • Gemma is outstanding in all areas and supports us exceptionally well.

      Real Estate respondentUK
  • Band 4Melissa Loucas
    Band 4Melissa Loucas

    Melissa Loucas

    Melissa Loucas leads the property team in Norwich and has a notable focus on property matters related to the retail sector and the motor industry.
    • She is a good, sensible lawyer.

      Real Estate respondentUK
  • Band 4Paul Squire
    Band 4Paul Squire

    Paul Squire

    Paul is a partner at Birketts who specialises in larger-scale investment acquisitions and disposals. He advises across the commercial property spectrum for institutional, corporate and developer clients.

    • Paul is very efficient and hard-working, with strong attention to detail. He has an excellent understanding of our thought processes and knows how to run complex transactions.

      Real Estate respondentUK
  • Associates to watchRosanna Clarke
    Associates to watchRosanna Clarke

    Rosanna Clarke

    Rosanna Clarke regularly advises on commercial property matters to a broad range of clients, including landowners, investors, promoters, landlords and tenants.

    • Rosanna is a very professional and knowledgeable individual.

      Real Estate respondentUK
    • She is an excellent lawyer. She is knowledgeable, responsive and a pleasure to work with.

      Real Estate respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Birketts LLP (5)

East Anglia

Members

Provided by Birketts LLP

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