Department profile
Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Real Estate

UK Guide 2026 : Northern Ireland


Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Rankings

About

Provided by Cleaver Fulton Rankin

The Property team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin is led by Director, Joe Marley. The team has extensive experience in all aspects of non-contentious commercial property matters in Northern Ireland.

The team specialise in sales and purchases of freehold and leasehold properties in the retail, office, warehousing, entertainment and leisure, telecoms and charity sectors; acting for landlords and tenants in the granting, taking and surrendering of commercial leases; mortgage/Re-mortgage transactions; advising on the Business Tenancies (NI) Order 1996, including applications to the Lands Tribunal of Northern Ireland and all aspects of landlord and tenant law; acting for Administrators/Receivers in the sale of commercial properties; acting for investment funds in the acquisition and ongoing management of commercial schemes and dilapidation.

Cleaver Fulton Rankin’s Property team is best known for acting for some of Northern Ireland’s biggest property clients and was one of the first firms in Northern Ireland to establish a specialised commercial real estate team.

The team also has a broad and growing non-contentious construction practice and currently advises prominent developers, professionals and contractors on issues relating to contractual documentation, appointments and collateral warranties in both the public and private sector.

Industries (21)

  • Real Estate
  • Retail
  • Real Estate Finance
  • Commercial & Professional Services
  • Private Clients / Individuals
  • Travel & Leisure
  • Utilities
  • Banks
  • Charities / Not for Profit
  • Construction & Materials
  • Energy
  • Education
  • Financial Services
  • Food & Drink Producers
  • Government
  • Health Care
  • Aerospace & Defence
  • Automobiles & Parts
  • Sports
  • Technology, Hardware & Electronics
  • Telecommunications

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate - Northern Ireland

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For
Cleaver Fulton Rankin has a full-service practice offering clients a broad array of expertise in both the development and investment spheres. It regularly acts for clients on significant commercial property transactions, with additional expertise in residential development site acquisitions. The firm is regarded for its capabilities in the retail, hospitality and mining sectors.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Cleaver Fulton Rankin assisted Brikie Properties with the acquisition of retail property investments in Boucher Road, Belfast.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The partners are very well resourced, with demonstrable talent at all levels.

    Real Estate respondentUK
  • The law firm is really well resourced with very talented lawyers, which allows them to properly resource transactions, from the most complex to the more routine matters.

    Real Estate respondentUK
  • The staff has a range of skills and experience.

    Real Estate respondentUK
  • The lawyers have provided our business with sound advice and guidance during complex real estate transactions.

    Real Estate respondentUK
  • The lawyers know what is important to their clients from a commercial standpoint in addition to their legal requirements.

    Real Estate respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Joe Marley
    Band 2Joe Marley

    Joe Marley

    Joe Marley is head of the real estate department, with particular expertise in property matters involving the retail and energy sectors. He handles a wide range of work including acquisitions, disposals, lease renewals and portfolio management.
    • Joe is the pre-eminent commercial real estate lawyer in Northern Ireland. He is consistently excellent.

      Real Estate respondentUK
    • Joe adds real-world value to clients on transactions. He is an exceptional lawyer.

      Real Estate respondentUK
    • Joe Marley is a standout lawyer and among a very small band of genuinely elite commercial real estate solicitors in Northern Ireland.

      Real Estate respondentUK
  • Band 4Patrick O'Hanlon
    Band 4Patrick O'Hanlon

    Patrick O'Hanlon

    Patrick O'Hanlon is an experienced director in the firm's commercial real estate department. He is well equipped to advise clients on a range of property matters including development, acquisitions and disposals, and asset management.

    • Patrick gives clear commercial advice in a concise way.

      Real Estate respondentUK
    • We appreciate his individual advice and attention as he goes above and beyond on many occasions.

      Real Estate respondentUK
    • Patrick O'Hanlon makes a very complex transaction seem a lot less complicated.

      Real Estate respondentUK
    • Patrick is an exceptional real estate lawyer.

      Real Estate respondentUK
    • He is a straight talker and is always willing to talk matters through over the phone. He is also a great sounding board for commercial concerns and objectives.

      Real Estate respondentUK
  • Up and ComingMichael Boyce
    Up and ComingMichael Boyce

    Michael Boyce

    Michael Boyce has significant experience aiding with a wide range of commercial real estate matters, including property portfolio, lease agreements, licensing and site disposal matters.

    • Michael provides excellent professional service and responsiveness.

      Real Estate respondentUK
    • Michael provides concise advice on a range of matters across complex real estate portfolios.

      Real Estate respondentUK
    • We continue to instruct Michael Boyce due to his responsiveness and commercial awareness, both of which are very strong.

      Real Estate respondentUK
    • Michael is personable and can relate to clients well.

      Real Estate respondentUK
  • Associates to watchShane Conlan
    Associates to watchShane Conlan

    Shane Conlan

    Shane Conlan is an associate director at Cleaver Fulton Rankin. He advises clients from both the public and private sectors on all real estate matters.

    • I enjoy working with Shane Conlan and have no complaints about the service he provides. I would recommend him with confidence.

      Real Estate respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Cleaver Fulton Rankin (4)

Northern Ireland

Members

Provided by Cleaver Fulton Rankin

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