Welcome to Lawrence Stephens
Since extending restrictions on Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) and commercial evictions last month, the government has released a call for evidence on the latest commercial rent measures from landlords, tenants and all relevant stakeholders Read more…
Lawrence Stephens’ Real Estate department has acted for high-profile international investors to complete a purchase of a multi-million-pound Central London commercial property. Real Estate Director Nick Marshall led on the transaction, with the assistance of Read more…
The UK Government have announced further measures to protect businesses from insolvency and eviction up until 30 June 2021. The measures that have been extended include: Winding-Up Petitions: Temporary changes to the Corporate Insolvency and Read more…
We’re thrilled to announce that Indre Johnston has joined Lawrence Stephens as a Senior Associate in our growing Real Estate Finance & Banking team. Indre Johnston is an experienced real estate finance and banking solicitor; Read more…
We are pleased to announce that Steven Bernstein, Senior Director in Lawrence Stephens’ Corporate & Commercial department, has carried out M&A deals for two Ansor portfolio companies to enable them to expand their business in Read more…
From 1 April 2021 it will be a statutory requirement for all landlords to carry out electrical safety tests and issue electrical safety reports to tenants for all private tenancies in England. The Electrical Safety Read more…
Following its official departure from the EU on 1 January 2021, the UK is now classified as a ‘third country’ for data protection purposes. This means that the European Commission has until 30 June 2021 Read more…
The Government has announced that it has extended the ban on commercial tenant evictions until at least 30 June 2021, in an effort to provide additional support to businesses as they begin to trade following Read more…
During last week’s budget we heard that the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) holiday would be extended until 30 June for residential properties with values up to £500,000, with a final deadline of 30 September Read more…
Yesterday’s Budget announcement from Chancellor Rishi Sunak brought some promising news for many employers, employees and organisations across the UK. We’ve summed up some of the key developments that employers need to prepare for going Read more…
Over the last several years we have become increasingly more reliant on digital platforms to manage our finances, investments and many other valuable assets. We are used to accounting for physical property in our Wills, Read more…
Remember back in 2018 when all anyone talked about was the looming enactment date of the GDPR, and the 25 May deadline was etched in your brain for months? Now, this seems like a distant Read more…
The Help to Buy Equity Loan Scheme, an initiative designed to better enable buyers to raise funds for a new residential property purchase, was first announced by the UK Government in the March 2013 Budget. Read more…
On 6 April 2021 significant changes to the government’s IR35 regime will come into effect. The IR35, also known as the off-payroll working rules (the “Rules”), govern the national insurance contributions (NIC) and income tax contributions of Read more…
We are delighted to announce that Lawrence Stephens has successfully acted for a long-term valued client to complete a £32 million property refinance against an Outer London mixed-use property. The 32 million-pound refinance was secured Read more…
Almost four years following the Grenfell Tower tragedy on 14 June 2017, the UK Government has finally announced a plan to tackle unsafe cladding in residential buildings across the UK. The obvious question is why has it Read more…
We are pleased to announce that Lawrence Stephens has completed its first deal on behalf of Recognise Bank, a recently established digital bank that specialises in SME finance. Acting for the new bank, Senior Director, Gregory Palos, Read more…
2021 will be the last year we see the LIBOR rate used in the global financial markets as we transition to the SONIA rate. But what does this mean for the syndicated and bilateral loan Read more…
The Lawrence Stephens Real Estate Finance team has again completed a multi-million-pound refinance against an extensive property portfolio for a valued client. Working within especially tight timescales, Lawrence Stephens’ Real Estate Finance solicitors acted for Read more…
What is your new year’s resolution? Being more active? Starting a new hobby? Finding a new job? Whatever it is, one New Year’s resolution we all should have in the forefront of our minds for Read more…
As we approach the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) holiday deadline on 31 March, many buyers and sellers are feeling the pressure to get their property transactions over the line to make significant tax savings Read more…
The British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association released its latest Quarterly Review last week and despite the uncertain macro-economic conditions across Europe, the Report outlines that the UK is leading European venture capital transactions Read more…
We are pleased to announce that Lawrence Stephens has been appointed to the legal panel of Recognise Bank, a new digital bank focused on providing tailored banking solutions to UK SMEs. Recognise Bank was launched Read more…
The Supreme Court has ruled that thousands of UK businesses are entitled to have claims paid for business interruption losses caused by COVID-19. In September 2000, the High Court ruled that, subject to the limitations Read more…
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is just as important as making a Will if not more; it is an essential legal mechanism which makes sure that your assets are handled by someone you trust Read more…
On 7 January 2021 the Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, announced revisions to leasehold enfranchisement laws, which come as part of the biggest proposed reforms to English Property Law in 40 years. Lease Extensions Under the Read more…
With 2020 behind us, we at Lawrence Stephens are assertively looking forward. We believe that this year will be a year of vital regrowth for so many businesses across the UK and internationally; therefore, as Read more…
We are delighted to welcome Jonah Michael to Lawrence Stephens as a Director in our expanding Real Estate team. An experienced Residential Conveyancing lawyer, Jonah has an impressive record of dealing with complex and high-value Read more…
We are pleased to announce that Lawrence Stephens has enabled leading dental laboratory business, Amalgamated Laboratory Solutions Limited, to substantially develop its assets and expand its business in the UK. Lawrence Stephens’ Senior Director, Steven Read more…
First-time buyers are able to apply for an equity loan with the new Help to Buy: Equity Loan (2021-2023) scheme from 16 December 2020. The new scheme replaces the current Help to Buy: Equity Loan Read more…
We are delighted to announce that Lawrence Stephens has acted for Aldermore Bank to complete a property refinance with a loan value of £3,955,000. Lawrence Stephens’ Secured Lending team, with Nicolas Barritt leading on the Read more…
We are pleased to announce that Lawrence Stephens has acted on behalf of high-profile international investors to complete transactions of two Central London commercial properties, each with eight-figure price tags. Working to a tight three-week Read more…
On 1st December 2020, the Insolvency Act 1986 (HMRC Debts: Priority on Insolvency) Regulations came into force. Under the Regulations, HMRC will be a secondary preferential creditor in all insolvencies commenced on or after this Read more…
We are pleased to welcome new Director Paul Wilson to our Construction team. Having most recently worked as a legal consultant for law firms and clients in the construction sector, Paul brings with him more Read more…
We are very pleased to share that Lawrence Stephens successfully acted for bridging lender Tuscan Capital, enabling them to fund an urgent £2.2m developer exit bridge in just five weeks. The high-pressure case was introduced Read more…
This month, the High Court has looked at the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 and their relevance in internal disciplinary proceedings. In Kathryn Hopkins v HMRC, the employee was Read more…
As some of you may be aware, last week was Stress Awareness Week in the UK, and it could not have arrived at a more crucial time. Amidst the reintroduction of tighter lockdown measures, it Read more…
The decision to end employment The decision to make redundancies is never one that is taken lightly, though the chance of us seeing further redundancies in the coming months seems increasingly likely. We have covered Read more…
This month, Lawrence Stephens’ Partner Gregory Palos and Trainee Solicitor Alex Duncliffe-Vines contributed to the Association of Short Term Lenders (ASTL)‘s monthly newsletter. Their joint article takes a look at how to create a more efficient Read more…
We are delighted to share the news that members of our Real Estate Finance team have successfully completed a £550,000 bridging loan financed by valued client Lendhub Limited only five days after being instructed. The Read more…
Following our previous article on this topic, the government has extended the protections available to commercial and residential tenants. This article also outlines the remedies available for landlords. FORFEITURE Section 82 of the Coronavirus Act Read more…
Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day, and thanks to the ongoing pandemic, this year could be the most important one yet. In the space of just six months, we’ve experienced a national lockdown, a huge shift Read more…
On the 31st October, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will come to an end, placing millions of UK jobs at risk. Most businesses have faced unprecedented challenges and financial hardships during the pandemic and are Read more…
Bitcoin (BTC) was born 11 years ago, and ever since, there has been much hype over this killer technology and the ways it can revolutionise various aspects of our lives. So far, we’ve seen people Read more…
Next week, corporate recovery and restructuring firm Buchler Phillips will welcome our Senior Associate Katherine Zangana as a special guest panellist on their weekly webinar series. Katherine will join host Stephen Benzikie and Marcus Gibson, founder of the SME Gibson Read more…
We are delighted to share the news that members from our Real Estate Finance, Corporate and Real Estate teams have successfully acted on a property refinance involving over 65 residential flats at Brook House, Wokingham in Berkshire, valued Read more…
From 29 August 2020, residential landlords must give at least 6 months’ notice when seeking possession under s.83 of the Housing Act 1985; s.8 and s.21 of the Housing Act 1988; and against tenants with Read more…
Over the few months, businesses across the country have been navigating the reality of operating their businesses amidst a global pandemic. Despite the efforts made to smooth the transition and encourage workers back into the Read more…
We are delighted to welcome Mark Toland to our Real Estate Finance and Commercial Real Estate teams. Mark joins Lawrence Stephens as an Associate from Wright Hassall LLP and brings with him 4 years of Read more…
We are so pleased to welcome Nick Marshall to our growing Partnership at Lawrence Stephens. He brings with him decades of formidable experience in the Real Estate Investment and Occupier sector, which has earned him industry-wide recognition as a leader in the field. Read more…
From 8 June 2020, Government Regulations (the “Regulations”) require most people travelling to the Common Travel Area (UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands) to quarantine for 14 days. What does this Read more…
The Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been a lifeline to many businesses, with 1.2 million employers claiming for employees’ wages. As the scheme begins to wind down, we go through what employers need to Read more…
COVID-19 has thrown up a whole host of problems for businesses. Government schemes – such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (the “Scheme”) – have provided some relief to employers, allowing them to continue operating Read more…
Lawrence Stephens has partnered with AI-powered identification verification platform Onfido. Given current circumstances, it is not always feasible for clients to travel to our offices to provide relevant identifying documentation. The technology allows individuals to Read more…
We are pleased to announce that our Real Estate team, led by Partner Stephen Messias and Senior Associate Nisha Saigal successfully acted on a transaction involving an exciting mixed-use development in the heart of Manchester Read more…
As the pandemic continues to affect the economy and businesses, the government has introduced a number of measures for commercial and residential tenants. Forfeiture Section 82 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 (‘the Act’) is intended Read more…
Following the announcement that Metro Bank will be celebrating their 10th Anniversary today, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity for the Bank’s key account team here at Lawrence Stephens to have a ‘virtual’ catch-up around the Read more…
In what is being described as the “biggest change to law in 200 years,” the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has this week announced that people will be able to sign wills with a witness only Read more…
The government has this week announced further changes to planning laws, this time revamping the current Use Classes order. Currently planning permission is required where there is a change of use of a property and Read more…
The new version of the CLC’s Site Operating Procedures reflected the governments easing of its guidance on lockdown which will apply from the 4 July 2020. The main change which contractors have been looking for Read more…
New Regulations require landlords to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested by a person who is qualified and competent, at least every 5 years. Landlords have to provide a copy of Read more…
Making a will is an important part of insuring your family’s financial future. Wills are legally-binding documents which provide an essential guide as to how your estate and assets should be distributed after death. This Read more…
As the Coronavirus crisis continues to affect businesses all over the country, the government has introduced a number of different measures to help protect the economy and businesses’ futures. One such measure, announced by the Read more…
The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill (“Bill”) was published on 20 May 2020. The Bill intends to provide businesses with the flexibility they need to continue to trade during the Covid-19 pandemic and ease the Read more…
The Lawrence Stephens dispute resolution team have successfully acted on behalf of two company directors applying to the High Court for permission to act as directors and members of a number of companies and Limited Read more…
As of the 13th May, the government has relaxed restrictions imposed on the property sector during the coronavirus lockdown period. Estate agents, removal companies, conveyancers, and surveyors can resume trading; buyers and surveyors can visit properties Read more…
The impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has raised a number of adverse challenges for families and individuals across the country. More than ever before, families may be in the position of needing to contest Read more…
Last week, the government announced its measures to help restart the property market after a period of deep freeze, following the UK’s measures taken to curb the spread of coronavirus. During this period, it has Read more…
Over the last few weeks, we have been helping clients – both employers and contractors – prepare their compliant Construction Design Management (Health and Safety) and Site Operating Procedures, which understandably involve enhanced COVID -19 Read more…
The impact of COVID-19 has been felt everywhere. Businesses across the country are feeling the strain, and many of us will have friends, family members and colleagues who have been furloughed through the Government’s Job Read more…
We are delighted to announce that Paul Marsh has joined the Partnership at Lawrence Stephens. Paul joined us in 2016 and quickly became an indispensable member of our Real Estate, Secured Lending and Banking team. Read more…
In this legal insight, Partner Danny Schwarz seeks to provide clarity on practical issues that building occupiers and owners have experienced, by addressing some of the most frequently asked questions he and his team have Read more…
Annual leave entitlement The Working Time Regulations 1998 (the “Regulations”) provide that workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks’ paid annual leave per year (prorated for part time employees). This is made up of a minimum Read more…
During the current COVID-19 climate with the government advising on social distancing, many people will find executing documents difficult. So, what advice should law practitioners be giving their clients to assist when executing documents? Can Read more…
Annual leave entitlement The Working Time Regulations 1998 (the “Regulations”) provide that workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks’ paid annual leave per year (pro-rated for part time employees). This is made up of a minimum Read more…
In the current lending market, many businesses are under extreme time pressure to refinance existing facilities, complete on purchases committed to before COVID-19, or secure development financing. A big proportion of these businesses are now Read more…
On 11th of March 2020 Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced in his budget that from 1st April 2021, a 2% surcharge on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) would be imposed upon non-UK resident buyers of residential Read more…
The measures taken by the UK Government to contain the spread of the coronavirus have created profound complications for the UK residential property market. Legal concerns relate to drafting contracts, financing arrangements, force majeure provisions, Read more…
Start-ups: How will Coronavirus affect your business? The Coronavirus crisis has meant that many small businesses have been forced to cease trading on a record scale. My previous article (found here) outlined some of the Read more…
Last month, businesses across the country adapted to new measures designed to curb the spread of COVID-19. Due to the continually evolving nature of the crisis, this has raised a number of questions related to employment. To offer Read more…
With businesses across the country forced to close at an alarming rate, the Government has introduced a number of emergency measures to help try to keep the UK economy afloat. The newly proposed Coronavirus Job Read more…
We are pleased to announce that the Corporate and Commercial team, led by Jeff Rubenstein, has, despite the COVID-19 virus, completed a corporate sale for the Sellers/Shareholders of ITEC Connect Ltd. ITEC has been sold to the Read more…
As more and more companies announce the closure of their construction sites, the government’ guidance remains that construction sites may stay open provided the Public Health England (PHE) guidelines, including keeping two-metres from others, can Read more…
As the UK government announces new, stricter measures to curb the spread of coronavirus, businesses across the country are preparing for a vastly different economic climate when we eventually emerge from the crisis. The effects Read more…
There was an air of inevitability with the announcement, and it is hard to argue against it. The Government announced on the 23 March that given the unprecedented strain on businesses, any tenants affected by Read more…
It is clear that Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to be a public and personal threat, creating many challenges for families and businesses worldwide. We want to reassure you that we are here to help you with Read more…
I miss Brexit. In light of the strict lockdown on 23 March 2020, the Government have implemented further concessions to assist tenants in the short-term and announced that commercial tenants who are affected by Covid-19 Read more…
If you are worried about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and what it might mean for you and any ongoing matters that you have with us, we want to reassure you that we are here to help. In Read more…
In the wake of the global COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, we consider the general legal principles that apply to commercial contracts and the implications for our clients (particularly those of commercial landlords and tenants). Unforeseeable circumstances Read more…
What does International Women’s Day mean to us? Sunday 8th March marked International Women’s Day, an event which recognises and celebrates the achievements of women around the world. All as part of the global efforts to Read more…
On the 19th December 2019, the Queen’s Speech – delivered at the opening of Parliament, set out the government’s proposed legislative policies for the forthcoming year. High up on the agenda was the issue of Read more…
For many, March is simply the start of spring but for those connected to the real estate sector it means much more than that. Each March, the biggest names in property flock to Cannes for MIPIM, the world’s Read more…
A vast number of people throughout London and the UK struggle to purchase a home and renting property has quickly become the norm. However, despite its prevalence, renting certainly does not come without its issues. Read more…
Last month, Lawrence Stephens attended the Dennis Wise in the Community’s Annual Fundraising Ball at The Savoy Hotel. Dennis Wise in the Community is a charity which works to support children and adults with disabilities. The Read more…
Today is World Mental Health Day and individuals across the world are doing their bit to raise awareness of mental health issues. The day also offers the opportunity for industries to reflect on their efforts Read more…
Lawrence Stephens Solicitors has welcomed two new Partners to their team of established legal professionals. The pair join the firm’s nine existing Partners and offer over 50 years combined legal experience. David Freedman joins the firm’s Commercial Read more…
Lawrence Stephens’ work has been in the headlines this week, following our work on the All Star Lanes rescue deal. Last week, Lawrence Stephens acted on a deal involving All Star Lanes, a chain of Read more…
Lawrence Stephens Senior Associate Hardeep Nijher will be taking part in Will Aid this November, to raise vital funds for nine of the UK’s best loved charities. Will Aid is a charity Will writing scheme Read more…
Anne Wright of Lawrence Stephens and barrister James Davison of 3PB provide practical guidance on selecting an expert witness, and advise witnesses how to behave once appointed. ‘The expert witness’s primary duty is to help Read more…
Lawrence Stephens Partners Steven Bernstein (Banking) and Avi Barr (Property) have led a team, including Craig Mullen and Milana Katz, which acted on a £25,000,000 refinance on behalf of the Lender, Alpha Property Lending. The Borrower, Abbey Healthcare Group Read more…
This week the High Court had a rare opportunity to consider some practical issues that arise when commercial leases are excluded from the Security of Tenure Provisions in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, which Read more…
Lawrence Stephens Solicitors has helped Alpha Property Lending complete a £4m development loan, within three working days of formal instruction. Avi Barr, Craig Mullen, Steven Bernstein and Milana Katz from the Secured Lending and Banking Read more…
Lawrence Stephens has helped valued client OakNorth to complete a 5 year term loan worth £10m. The multi-million pound loan saw Lawrence Stephens secure first ranking legal charges across all the sites. Partner Gregory Palos Read more…
From 1 June 2019 the Tenant Fees Act 2019 (“the Act”) will impose restrictions on fees that can be demanded from tenants of newly granted Tenancies (such as ASTS, student lettings and licences to occupy Read more…
Lawrence Stephens Real Estate Partner, Avi Barr and Senior Associate Craig Mullen recently supported multi-national logistics firm Tigers Global Logistics with its move to a major new logistics facility in Thurrock. The opening of this Read more…
Central London law firm Lawrence Stephens has helped SME finance provider Got Capital secure a multi-million pound revolving credit facility from Shawbrook Bank. Jeff Rubenstein, Company & Commercial Partner at Lawrence Stephens, acted for Got Capital to complete Read more…
Lawrence Stephens client Lendhub, a specialist bridging and development lender, has secured a loan-on-loan facility from specialist bank OakNorth. The new funding line will sit alongside clients’ proprietary funds, with the deal enabling Lendhub to Read more…
25th March, London – Lawrence Stephens assisted Whitehall Capital with the completion of a crucial bridging loan, seeing the deal through in 5 days. Lawrence Stephens acted for the privately funded specialist loan provider on Read more…
Gregory Palos, Partner, Head of Secured Lending, will be the third member of the Lawrence Stephens team in Cannes. We talked to Gregory about the prestigious event, the current property landscape and Lawrence Stephen’s partnership Read more…
Corporate and Banking Partner Steven Bernstein will also be in Cannes for MIPIM as part of the Lawrence Stephens team. We spoke to Steven about his aims for the prestigious event and what makes the Read more…
A significant decision was reached today in the High Court which will allow Landlords up and down the country to breathe a huge sigh of relief. The High Court considered a claim by the European Read more…
On 12 February 2019, the Tenant Fees Bill 2017-19 received Royal Assent and became the Tenant Fees Act 2019. The Act will come into force on 1 June 2019 for new and renewal leases and Read more…
A potential way of dealing with the lack of development land space in urban areas is not to build on land but its airspace. Anne Wright and Avi Barr discuss the construction and legal implications developers should Read more…
No area of law is static and businesses and individuals need to completely understand the latest legal developments and their implications in order to make the most of every opportunity. This week Lawrence Stephens brought Read more…
A Lawrence Stephens Partner has helped break a crowdfunding record in acting for UK savings app Chip. Partner Bradley Lee helped the UK start-up complete a record-breaking funding round on Crowdcube in December 2018, raising Read more…
The Ministry of Justice’s controversial proposal to radically increase fees for administering probate has hit another snag, as it has emerged that the government has not assessed the costs attached and the practical application of Read more…
21st January, London – Lawrence Stephens has helped Whitehall Capital complete a bridging loan worth three quarters of a million pounds for a portfolio of Birmingham flats, announced today. Lawrence Stephens helped the privately funded Read more…
The chimes at midnight this week meant more for UK non-resident investors than simply a new year – it marked the countdown to new rules coming into force on the payment of Capital Gains Tax Read more…