Sophie is a Trainee Solicitor undertaking her first seat in our Real Estate team.
Prior to her training contract Sophie assisted Shabina in our Residential Property team as well as managing the department’s post completion division and therefore has a particular familiarity in dealings concerning HM Land Registry and submissions relating to unregistered land.
New rankings
Naim Qureshi, Senior Associate, Family & Divorce
Naim Qureshi has a great deal of expertise advising on financial remedy proceedings post-divorce. He has experience advising high net worth clients, including on matters involving overseas assets.
‘I have no doubt that Naim’s supportive and collaborative approach led to my achieving a good outcome.’
‘Naim Qureshi has a very calming presence in cases. He is unflappable and very personable with clients.’
‘Naim is tenacious when he needs to be, and his client-handling skills are very good.’
Corporate M&A
Blaser Mills is well known for its high-calibre corporate offering, which routinely sees it acting on domestic and cross-border transactions. The firm’s broad industry focus includes deals in the sports, technology and insurance spaces, among others.
‘Blaser Mills Law’s attention to business matters and focus on clients’ needs are two key strengths. The team always understood complex deal structures and we felt supported throughout the process.’
‘The firm has great experience and knowledge when assisting with transactions. They provide a very efficient service and great, simple explanations, along with very quick responses.’
‘Blaser Mills Law possess deep knowledge and experience, which enables them to provide us with comprehensive and insightful legal counsel. This expertise is not only broad but also nuanced.’
Litigation
Blaser Mills Law offers considerable expertise in litigation throughout a variety of sectors including biomedicine, retail and transportation. The department is often chosen by clients for disputes with cross-border aspects and have worked on data protection, insolvency, product liability and breach of contract disputes.
‘Blaser Mills Law is always able to assist and always on-hand.’
‘The team has a remarkable breadth and depth of knowledge, provides excellent customer service and very fast responses.’
‘Blaser Mills is always very prompt with advice and coming back on matters – they’re good at maintaining momentum within a project.’
Maintained rankings
Edward Lee, Partner & Head, Corporate
Edward Lee is head of Blaser Mills Law’s corporate and commercial department. He offers extensive experience in M&A transactions and often handles cross-border mandates, including tech sector matters.
‘Edward has outstanding experience and knowledge.’
‘Edward is experienced and knowledgeable. I felt well informed and guided by him.’
‘Edward is a very capable individual and well suited to managing a multi-jurisdictional transaction. His negotiation style is calm and effective. You feel you are in a safe pair of hands.’
Noel Deans, Partner & Head, Employment
Noel Deans is head of the employment team at Blaser Mills. He is notable for his work on contentious employment matters, and he advises both individual claimants and employers.
‘Noel’s experience and advice is amazing.’
‘Noel is impressive in all aspects and provides clear advice based on the facts he has at hand.’
‘He is strategic, focused, clear and dedicated.’
Lucinda Holliday, Partner & Head, Family & Divorce
Lucinda Holliday leads the family and divorce team at Blaser Mills. She assists clients with both the financial and child care aspects of divorce and separation, including high net worth cases.
‘Lucinda Holliday is absolutely brilliant. She is responsive and empathetic, knowledgeable and tactically astute. Her advice is excellent and always geared towards the client’s goals.’
‘Lucinda is thoroughly professional, a wonderful communicator and very responsive to her clients’ needs.’
‘Lucinda completely understood my situation, offered the right solutions and guided me through an incredibly tough process.’
Ben Langley, Consultant, Crime
Ben Langley is a consultant at Blaser Mills Law in High Wycombe. He acts for clients in motoring offences, including driving without insurance, speeding and drink driving offences. He also has experience representing professionals under investigation for criminal acts.
“Ben is on top of the brief, clear with instructions and very client-friendly.”
Real Estate
Blaser Mills has a strong commercial property team offering advice on a range of matters, including the acquisition and disposal of development property, commercial lease matters and securitisation transactions. It advises a broad client base, ranging from small family-owned businesses to large house builders and property development companies.
‘Blaser Mills Law has an excellent team with a broad range of expertise and experience.’
‘The team’s ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters is very strong.’
Family & Divorce
Blaser Mills advises high net worth individuals on intricate financial remedy matters from its offices in High Wycombe, Marlow and Amersham. The firm is experienced in acting in cases where assets in dispute include portfolios of properties and pensions, as well as those involving trusts. The team offers further expertise in drafting prenuptial agreements. It also assists with private children law matters and non-molestation proceedings.
‘Blaser Mills had great experience in the way to approach the situation, which at times was difficult. They were sympathetic and understanding.’
‘Blaser Mills were very efficient, prompt with communication and professional at all times.’
Congratulations to all of those involved!
For more detailed information about the rankings and to explore the full directory, please visit the Chambers UK website. Congratulations to all those recognised in the 2024 Chambers UK legal directory and thank you to our clients for their feedback and time.
Our team of highly experienced team of lawyers bring that know-how of the Real Estate Finance sector to close deals quicker and provide swift pragmatic commercial solutions.
Get in touch with Louise Benning on 020 3814 2020 or email realestate@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.
Our team advises on all aspects of Real Estate Finance including acquisitions, development, restructuring and re-finance projects.
Our experience includes advising in traditional sectors such as retail, investment, hotels, residential, industrial as well as alternative areas .
We work with banks, financial institutions, institutional funds, private funds, developers, borrowers and investors.
Our specialist lawyers are focussed on advising on Real Estate Finance, with a particular niche in Development, Care home and the hotelier industry. We have in-depth experience of the Real Estate Sector which provides us a competitive advantage when advising our clients across all asset classes.
We take a creative approach to Real Estate Finance by looking for every opportunity to tailor our approach to maximise value for you.
Get in touch with Louise Benning on 020 3814 2020 or email realestate@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.
Our highly respected lawyers have vast experience in this area and will help you maximise the value of your property transactions with an emphasis on providing a personal service.
Get in touch with Louise Benning on 020 3814 2020 or email realestate@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.
Our team assists landlords and tenants to navigate the legal complexities of letting or taking commercial real estate.
We operate across the UK but with particular experience and focus on the City, West End and the Thames Valley. We manage the complete spectrum of commercial lettings ranging from small offices to large scale, flagship HQ offices and everything in between.
We work with owners and occupiers on new or existing premises as well as acting for both landlord and tenants on portfolio management and property advisory.
Landlord and Tenant transactions are often complex, prone to delay and stressful for everyone involved. Having a skilled team of real estate lawyers on your side can ensure you anticipate and mitigate any issues before they get out of hand.
Our experience of working for both landlords and tenants means that we have a broad perspective on all transactions and a practical understanding of how these transactions work, which we utilise to cut through the complexity and get the job done.
Get in touch with Louise Benning on 020 3814 2020 or email realestate@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.
Our team has the expertise, and commercial minded approach, to deliver enhanced value to your project.
Get in touch with Louise Benning on 020 3814 2020 or email realestate@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.
We work with clients on a wide range of matters including acquisitions, lettings, disposals and the funding of commercial Real Estate.
Our clients range from developers, publicly quoted companies, financial institutions and property funds to private investors, corporate occupiers and retailers, and property services companies. We work on complex transactions across a range of sectors, including office, care homes, hotels and co-working space.
Our extensive experience means that we are used to dealing with different structures such as unit trusts and limited partnerships. We work closely with our clients and their advisers to determine, and the implement, the best strategy for enhancing value.
We’re not like other law firms. You can call us any time and we’ll always be available to answer questions, troubleshoot and provide advice on your next big idea. We will always try to visit sites and get a first-hand understanding of your project.
We work in tandem with our clients to provide smooth and problem-free project management within your commercial environment.
Get in touch with Louise Benning on 020 3814 2020 or email realestate@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.
Our experienced team have the legal and strategic experience to help you maximise your development no matter what stage of the development cycle.
Get in touch with Louise Benning on 020 3814 2020 or email realestate@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.
We have vast experience in Real Estate development helping our clients navigate the complexities of acquiring, selling or putting together complex developments.
Our experience spans acquisitions, disposals, options and pre-emptions, site assembly, joint venture collaboration and promotion agreements. We have vast experience in compulsory purchase, as well as DCO projects and Asset Protection Agreements.
Our clients include developers, promoters, landowners and funders, with particular expertise in development finance.
Development work is complex. You need to be able to rely on a team that have extensive expertise of this area, whilst being pragmatic with their advice.
Our development knowledge means that we have advised on the full spectrum of work required to work with you on your project. From site assembly and cleaning title, to complex joint venture and development agreements, our lawyers advise across all sectors, working with you so that you can meet your strategic objectives.
Get in touch with Louise Benning on 020 3814 2020 or email realestate@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.
Having commercially minded lawyers by your side is essential. They drive the transaction to minimise risks and maximise value.
Our dedicated real estate team provides the strategic guidance you need to stay in control.
Get in touch with Louise Benning on 020 3814 2020 or email realestate@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.
We take time to understand your underlying needs and take a proactive and efficient approach to achieving your goals. From sales and acquisitions to lettings and disposal, as well as real estate disputes, our team offers comprehensive support and strategic advice.
With team members experienced in both business and law, we grasp the real-world challenges you face, first-hand.
You need real estate lawyers who recognise that the success of your transaction can profoundly impact your business. We prioritise your needs and those of your business, ensuring a cost-effective deal-completion.
We forge a trusted partnership with you, tailoring our approach to your commercial needs, challenges and objectives.
Our lawyers simplify the complexities of the process, keeping you informed at each stage. We are always available to address any questions or concerns you may have, ensuring clarity and peace of mind throughout.
Our team advises corporates, investment companies, banks and developers as well as business start-ups, family companies and private individuals.
Our clients come to us from various sectors, including:
The team’s ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters is very strong
CHAMBERS UK
Get in touch with Louise Benning on 020 3814 2020 or email realestate@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.
Sarah is a Lawyer in the Real Estate team.
Sarah is experienced in dealing with a broad range of commercial property matters. Her practice areas include plot sale sites, commercial site sales and acquisitions, development financing, landlord and tenant matters, option agreements and some residential matters.
Prior to joining Blaser Mills Law in January 2024, Sarah completed her training contract and practiced as a Lawyer in local firm offering services in commercial property transactions.
Jackie is a Senior Associate in the Real Estate and Development Team.
Jackie’s practice is diverse, and in particular she specialises in secured lending and finance, and all forms of commercial and residential property work.
Other commercial work includes undertaking high value residential and commercial transactions (sales, purchases, leases, option agreements, development), along with company asset and share sales and purchases. Jackie has extensive experience in acting for a number of banks and other lending institutions in their secured lending transactions. Over the last few years Jackie has worked with some well-known commercial banks and individual lenders as being one of their main solicitors.
Jackie has also represented a wide variety of clients in the commercial and residential property sector from small and large property investors, major PLC’s to high-net-worth individuals.
Nadeem qualified as a solicitor in 2015 and is a Senior Associate in the Real Estate Team.
Nadeem advises on a broad range of commercial property matters with an emphasis on acquisitions, disposals, landlord and tenant matters. He acts for individuals and businesses across a variety of sectors with a focus on providing commercial and pragmatic advice.
Saira is a Lawyer in the Real Estate team.
Saira is experienced in dealing with a broad range of commercial property matters. Her practice areas include purchases and sales of commercial premises, business leases and dilapidations, landlord and tenant agreements. Her experience also extends to acquisition and disposal of businesses with property elements.
Prior to joining Blaser Mills Law in early May 2023, Saira completed her training contract and practiced as a Lawyer in a small firm in London offering services in residential conveyancing and commercial property transactions.
Saira has a strong business acumen, having worked in a small firm in London developing strong personal connections in the local business community. Her first-hand experience in various practice areas lead to a host of rewarding experiences and skill set.
What is it?
In simple terms, it is a “get-out” card for the party exercising it. A means of exiting the lease prior to the official end of the term. If exercised correctly, the lease is broken and both parties walk away, free of their obligations under the lease.
Who does it benefit?
It benefits the party exercising it as they no longer need to continue to fulfill their obligations under the lease for the duration of the term. Particularly useful, for example, where a tenant is no longer able to pay the rent due to poor business. In such a scenario, they may exit early by terminating the lease on the break date (discussed further below) as opposed to being continually obliged to pay rent for the duration of the term of the lease.
Conversely, it could benefit a landlord in an instance where they have been offered a much higher rent by a new and financially more viable tenant, who wishes to take the premises sooner than the end date of the existing tenancy. The landlord may then exercise its right to break the lease on the break date thereby taking back possession of its property sooner than the end date, so that it can let it out at a higher rate, to a more financially viable tenant.
How does it come into play?
Best practice is to negotiate such a clause when negotiating other terms of the lease. It can be applicable to only the landlord, only the tenant or both parties. It can come into play at any stage of the lease term as agreed between the parties and there can be more than one break.
Often, conditions are attached to a break clause where this is exercisable by the tenant, such as, all rents must be up-to-date and the tenant must provide vacant possession upon breaking. Care must be taken when reviewing such conditions whether acting for the landlord or tenant.
These conditions should not be taken lightly and should always be reviewed by an expert as some conditions may be drafted deliberately widely, leaving the complying party in a vulnerable position where compliance can be subjective. For example, a condition may be that the tenant must have complied with “all its obligations under the lease”. A landlord not wanting the tenant to break may rely on this condition and refuse to allow the tenant to break due to it not having complied with the clause that states “the windows to be cleaned as often as necessary”. Whether or not a window is clean is subjective but this shows how something as simple as cleaning a window, can become the deciding factor as to whether or not a tenant may effectively exercise their right to break.
Types of Break Clauses
A break clause may sometimes be exercised at any time after a certain date. This is often referred to as “rolling break”.
Quite often, a break may only be exercised on a fixed date or dates. This is often referred to as a “fixed break”.
Implications of getting it wrong
Careful consideration should be given when drafting and/or reviewing such clauses as an error can lead to a break clause being invalid resulting in the party being unable to exit at the desired sooner date.
It is also imperative, that a notice to exercise a break clause is drafted correctly and served in the correct time and manner, in order for it to be validly served.
The case of Siemens Hearing Instruments Ltd v Friends Life Ltd [2014] 2 P&CR 5 illustrates just how important it is to word the break notice in the required explicit form. In this case, the Court held that the break notice served, was invalid as it failed to express the exact wording of the break clause and should have explicitly stated that it was served under section 4(2) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.
Today’s market
Given the uncertainty in today’s property market, it may be more essential that ever before to ensure you’ve got this clause right. Exiting at precisely the right time may determine whether or not your business will survive!
Louise oversees a team that includes specialist lawyers in Real Estate, Residential Development and Property Litigation. Louise’s expertise lies in Residential development.
She acts for small and large scale developers, as well as property investors in acquiring development land and the related plot sales.
Louise regularly advises developers on the negotiation of site acquisitions, s106 Agreements and related plot sales, option agreements, overage agreements and conditional contracts.
