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Leigh Sayliss

Posted on: March 14th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

I head up the Lawrence Stephens Tax team. A versatile Chartered Tax Advisor, I pride myself on providing astute, clear-cut advice on property, corporate and employment taxes in particular.

Prior to qualifying as a lawyer, I spent 20 years as a professional engineer. My background in industry helps me bring a commercial understanding to the transactions with which I am involved. I am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) and a Chartered Engineer.

I am editor of the land-related sections of ‘Monroe and Nock on the law of Stamp Duties‘. I am Chair of the CIOT Property Taxes Committee and a member of HMRC working groups in relation to Stamp Duty Land Tax and construction matters.

Experience

  • Advising on tax aspects of a wide range of corporate sales and acquisitions
  • Advising on, and structuring, incentive arrangements for key employees
  • Advising on structuring for commercial and residential property acquisitions and property development
  • Advising on, and negotiating settlements of, disputes with HMRC

Harshita Samani

Posted on: January 15th, 2024 by Yvonne Uzoka

I am a dual-qualified solicitor with extensive experience in advising a broad range of clients, including entrepreneurs, management teams, SMEs, and mid to large private and public companies, on a wide range of corporate transactions. With a strong cross-border practice spanning the UK and India, I provide strategic, commercially focused legal advice tailored to each client’s unique goals.

I lead on all aspects of the transaction lifecycle, from due diligence and disclosure to negotiating share or asset purchase agreements all the way through to completion. My expertise includes asset and share sales and purchases, corporate reorganisations, and strategic investments across a wide range of sectors such as real estate, insurance, IT, retail, hospitality, transport, media and technology, healthcare, cryptocurrency, and aviation.

In addition to transactional work, I advise on a variety of commercial agreements, including:

  • Loan and investment agreements
  • Shareholder and joint venture agreements
  • Introducer, distribution and reseller agreements
  • SaaS and other technology-related contracts
  • Terms and conditions, internal policies, and operational procedures

This expertise includes supporting clients in the recruitment, consultancy, medical cannabis, crypto, blockchain, IT, fintech, and education sectors. I also offer comprehensive guidance on GDPR compliance, data protection strategies, and cross-border data transfer agreements, helping clients navigate complex regulatory environments with confidence.

 Experience Highlights:

  • Advising on the strategic acquisition of an FCA-regulated business in the UK
  • Lead counsel on the £200m sale of a global IT company, coordinating with overseas counsel
  • Advised on the £30m sale of a UK-based freight forwarding company
  • Managed a corporate reorganisation followed by a £20m sale of a global transport and logistics group
  • Advised a special purpose vehicle on the corporate aspects of a residential complex sale in London’s Zone 1
  • Advised a leading Paris-headquartered security and fire safety company on multiple acquisitions in the UK and Ireland
  • Advised a private equity fund on investment agreements in decarbonisation, sustainable energy, and social impact ventures

Steven Bernstein

Posted on: February 13th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I am co-founder and Managing Director of Lawrence Stephens and bring with me over 30 years of legal experience.

I have carved out my position by acting for large corporates and owner-managed businesses, as well as establishing a large client base in the regulated and non-regulated banking and secured lending market.

My main practice has evolved from corporate and commercial law to include banking and other forms of lending.  My corporate advice covers mergers and acquisitions, business acquisitions and disposals, management buy-out and buy-ins and private equity transactions.  My commercial practice largely focuses on joint venture and shareholder agreements, loan notes, and franchise agreements.

In my banking and secured lending practice, I advise regulated and unregulated lenders and borrowers who operate primarily in the real estate market in connection with loan facility agreements (including Loan Market Association documents), security documents and intercreditor deeds.

I focus, in particular, on entrepreneurs and owner-managed businesses who are looking to establish, fund, grow and ultimately exit their businesses. 

As a business owner myself, I believe my greatest asset to be an ability to understand my client’s businesses and key objectives through both an entrepreneurial and commercial lens.  My open-minded and approachable manner ensures objectives are met within the desired timeframe.  This largely comes down to my commitment to working collaboratively with clients — a feature I have taken care to embed into Lawrence Stephens’ approach.

In my spare time, I enjoy attending Spurs matches, the theatre, and have recently discovered exercise.  I have a wife and three daughters and am based in London.

Experience highlights

  • Acting for the owners of a car bodyshop repair business trading from in excess of 10 sites on the sale of their business by way of a trade sale to a competitor
  • Acting over the last 2 years on more than 50 corporate acquisitions for a large investment fund engaged in a “buy & build” strategy for the fund’s four portfolio companies, which companies are acquiring business in the following sectors: (i) dental laboratories (ii) risk and compliance, (iii) energy efficiency, and (iv) procurement
  • Acting on a £10m fundraise from Investec in order to fund the client’s acquisition strategy
  • Establishing a large number of employee share option and employee growth share schemes for businesses engaged in various sectors as a means of incentivising and retaining key staff pending an exit
  • Acting on the sale of a large number of companies engaged as property-holding single-purpose vehicles
  • Drafting a full suite of loan facilities and security documents for companies establishing as regulated and unregulated lenders in the bridging and buy-to-let markets

Isobel Moran

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I began my training with Lawrence Stephens in 2021 and qualified into the Corporate & Commercial team in January 2023.

I advise on all aspects of corporate and commercial law, including share and asset sales, acquisitions, company restructuring and shareholder agreements.  I also have some experience advising on employment contracts and settlement agreements.

I graduated from the University of Sheffield and completed my LPC LLM at BPP University in Leeds. As part of my degree, I spent a year studying in the Netherlands. Before joining Lawrence Stephens, I worked as a paralegal in real estate and was seconded to work in-house for a leading property developer.

In my free time, I enjoy exploring new restaurants, spending time with friends and family and travelling as much as possible.

Jeff Rubenstein

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

As a Director of our Corporate and Commercial department, I have over 30 years’ experience in various transactional corporate matters, from once in a lifetime sale of a business, to advising corporate clients on strategic acquisitions and expansion plans.

I lead by providing an exceptional and detail-orientated level of service which enables the deal to be done in a timely and efficient manner. 

My clients include owner-managed businesses, entrepreneurial individuals, and large corporate entities.  My work focuses primarily, but not exclusively, on the technology (including print management and IT services), recruitment, wealth management, financial services, insurance, publishing, events, engineering, manufacturing, sports and fashion sectors.  I typically work on transactions in the £1m to £35m range.  Many of my relationships with my clients span more than 20 years, demonstrating the value and importance I place on building lasting, personal connections. 

Never one to shy away from complex transactions, I like to get right to the heart of the commercial issues at play. By analysing the fine print and astutely assessing the risks, I enable my clients to remain one step ahead at all times. 

I am married and have two adult daughters and three grandsons.  When not working or spending time with my family,  I can be found supporting my local community where I volunteer for various charities and participate in fundraising activities.  I also find the time to play golf, watch football (as a long-suffering Spurs season ticket holder) and cycle.

Experience highlights 

  • Acting for HFMC Group, a leading wealth and asset management advisory business in connection with a strategic acquisition of a competitor as part of the consolidation taking place within the financial services sector
  • Advising ITEC Group in connection with the acquisition of various companies in the print management and IT services sectors as part of an international growth strategy. To include, Portrayal Limited; Time Business Systems Limited; Citrus Digital Limited; Stem Networks Limited; Reflex Digital Solution Limited; Mail A Doc Limited and Criterion IT Limited
  • Advising the shareholders of ITEC Connect Limited in connection with the sale of their UK businesses to Xerox (UK) Limited
  • Advising the shareholders of a well-known construction and infrastructure group in the UK in connection with a sale to the management team
  • Acted for GOT Capital Limited, the B2B lending business, in agreeing loan facilities with Shawbrook Bank to support the growth strategy of the company
  • Acting on the sale of a number of general insurance broker businesses as a result of consolidation taking place within the general insurance industry
  • Acting for Scutum Group UK Limited in connection with the purchase of a number of alarm maintenance and monitoring businesses in the UK

Katherine Zangana

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I am an experienced corporate solicitor with over a decade of experience working with businesses of all kinds and a particular interest in small and medium-sized businesses. I am an integral member of the firm’s Corporate and Commercial team and trusted advisor to my clients.

I have a diverse client portfolio and significant experience supporting clients with the closure of a range of deals. I act for both buyers and sellers on share and asset sales, acquisitions, restructuring/reorganisation and other corporate transactions. 

I advise clients on a wide range of commercial contract matters, from terms and conditions to shareholders’ agreements, investments, general contractual advice and other company constitutional matters across a wide range of sectors including technology, building services, procurement, compliance, hospitality, retail, media, healthcare, dental health, sport and property

When working with clients, I believe that it is crucial to get to the heart of their business needs, to understand their core sensitivities, objectives and the changes required for improved success.  Both appreciating and anticipating the commercial needs of each client is key to providing meaningful and sound legal advice.

Experience highlights 

  • Completing over 50 acquisitions for a large dental health organisation over the last four years

  • Co-running a transaction involving the sale of an online media business which was required to be completed within a few days

  • Advising a technology company on its supplier contracts, detailed shareholders’ agreement and potential investment

  • Advising multiple clients on shareholder exits, including agreements dealing with shares and employment, statutory procedure for the removal of directors and ongoing liabilities

  • Assisting an online start-up business in a full review of its existing and required legal documentation (online terms and conditions, policies, employment documentation, non-disclosure agreements) in preparation for launch and procuring investment

Lucy Cadley

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens as a trainee in 2021 and qualified into the Corporate & Commercial team in January 2023.

I advise on a range of corporate and commercial matters, which include share and asset sales, company restructurings, private equity, mergers & acquisitions and commercial contracts. I work with clients across a range of industries, including insurance, retail, media, real estate, construction and financial services. 

I hail from Norfolk and read Law at the University of Exeter before completing my LLM in Legal Practice (Solicitors) at BPP University Law School. I then worked as a paralegal at a media company before securing my training contract with Lawrence Stephens.

In my spare time, I love to travel and enjoy my sports, in particular netball and skiing.

Experience highlights 

  • Assisted in completing over 15 acquisitions for a large dental health organisation, including 10 in one month
  • Assisted in completing a €100m deal which included a corporate acquisition and a facility from a private equity provider
  • Supported a private fund with multiple acquisitions in the procurement and construction industries
  • Assisted in completing multiple acquisitions for a financial advisory company
  • Dealing with a corporate group restructure comprising 20+ companies
  • Preparing a shareholders’ agreement and new articles of association for a wealth management firm
  • Acting for for an educational consultancy firm relating to a management buy-out

Avni Patel

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens as a trainee solicitor in 2022 and qualified into the Corporate and Commercial team in September 2024.

I work on all aspects of corporate and commercial law, including share and asset sales, acquisitions, company restructuring and shareholder agreements across a range of industries.

I completed an undergraduate degree in History and Spanish at Durham University. I then went on to work in legal publishing for six years, alongside which I completed the GDL and LPC at BPP University in London.

In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, running, reading and exploring the restaurants and cafes around London.

Carla Bernstein

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens as a trainee and qualified into the Corporate and Commercial team in September 2023.

I have experience working on a range of corporate and commercial matters, including share and asset sales, mergers & acquisitions, shareholder agreements and company restructures. I have a particular interest in owner-managed businesses in the FMCG market. I enjoy assisting founders with establishing strong legal foundations and protections for their company, and then explaining and guiding them through the corporate life-cycle as they eventually prepare for an exit.

I am actively involved in building the culture of the firm, whether it be organising firm-wide social events or helping manage our in-house social and charitable initiative whereby staff are allocated to teams or ‘Houses’ and can take part in various initiatives to win House points. This initiative was born out of a desire to encourage in-person collaboration and competition through events and charity initiatives, whilst also providing a platform to recognise and award individual achievements.

Outside of my interest in law, I am a keen swimmer and movie-watcher, anything from Pixar to true crime documentaries.  I also love trying new food but admit to doing more eating than cooking!

Charlotte Hamilton

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I am an Associate in the Corporate and Commercial team.  I am interested in people and their business. Whether you are a small business just starting out, aren’t sure what should be included in a shareholders agreement or you need some advice on the terms of a commercial contract, I am interested in hearing your big ideas and helping you bring them to life.  Maybe you have been running your business for some time and are looking to raise new funding or create an employee share incentive scheme – again, I can help you achieve your business goals, wherever you may be in your journey.

I undertake a range of transactional and non-transactional corporate work including mergers and acquisitions (including for those employing buy-and build strategies), joint ventures, corporate reorganisations, commercial agreements and general company law matters. Through my earlier banking experience, I also have a deep understanding of debt and structured finance and am well-placed to advise on company and business acquisitions funded by debt.

Experience highlights
  • Acting for the Buyer of a £17m business running youth hostels. Collaborating with our commercial property team and using my skills and knowledge in corporate and finance.
  • Assisted a private fund with multiple acquisitions in the procurement, corporate accommodation and dental sectors, and provided company secretarial support to maintain a portfolio of companies.
  • Acting for OakNorth Bank plc on a £12m development loan, working together with our construction and property teams to deliver a fast streamlined service to completion.
  • Acting for a borrower in relation to a development facility provided by UTB, advising on the loan agreements, security documentation and communicating effectively with the bank and my clients to ensure a smooth process and efficient delivery to completion.

Bradley Lee

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

Having qualified in 1998, I advise corporate entities and private individuals on all areas of corporate and commercial law.

With a particular focus on owner-managed businesses, SMEs, private equity and start-ups, I act on disposals, acquisitions, joint ventures and investments across a broad range of sectors including, property, media, digital marketing, financial services, construction, beauty and cosmetics, restaurants and leisure.

I also have significant experience in drafting and negotiating a variety of commercial contracts such as shareholders’ agreements, articles of association, debentures, legal mortgages, charges over shares and agreements relating to consultancy, partnerships, share options, distribution and supply, franchises, equipment hire, licensing and loans.

In addition, I have a particular specialisation in advising on the corporate aspects of underlying property-related matters, having acted for numerous clients in this area.

I’m an avid football fan (player, spectator and FA-qualified referee) and follower of many other sports.  I’m also a cinema-goer, pub quiz enthusiast and love to travel to far-flung places.

Experience highlights 

  • Advising a serial entrepreneur in relation to various investments including technology start-up companies and property joint ventures
  • Acting for property developers in relation to various joint ventures concerned with the development of a mix of commercial and residential units within Greater London
  • Acting for buyers and sellers in respect of numerous  ‘corporate wrapper’ companies (both in the UK and offshore) where the respective company’s sole asset is property, including the sale of one such company whose sole asset was an apartment in the prestigious One Hyde Park development
  • Acting for the buyer of a series of nursing care homes in North London
  • Acting for the sellers of an owner-managed digital marketing company to a PLC

James Lyons

Posted on: February 7th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

With nearly 25 years’ experience advising on corporate transactions, I pride myself on providing the same personable and conscientious level of service to a range of clients including entrepreneurs, management teams, SMEs, private equity funds and larger private and public companies.

My expertise also extends to managing corporate elements of real estate transactions and advising not-for-profit bodies on constitutional matters. My clients operate in sectors including media, technology, manufacturing, healthcare and catering.

I advise on mergers and acquisitions, equity fundraisings, shareholders agreements and joint ventures, corporate re-organisations, director duties, corporate governance and all matters of company law.

My clients appreciate my personable nature, careful attention to detail, patience, responsiveness and commercial pragmatism. I have been ranked as a Recognised Practitioner for Corporate M&A Mid-Market (London) in Chambers and Partners.

It is important to me to develop strong relationships by combining good quality technical advice with clarity of explanation and (where possible) good humour to maintain perspective and make the process as smooth as possible for all involved.

Much of my spare time is spent acting as chauffeur to my three boys and attending to their sporting needs. When I’m not watching one son play football, managing another of my son’s football teams or walking the dog, I’ll go for a run to escape them all. I’m also a keen follower of my hometown football club Leeds United.

Experience highlights 

  • Advising on the sale of strategic land company Southern & Regional Developments Limited to Bellway PLC
  • Advising an individual business owner on the sale of his media production company OB Media Partners Limited to 42 Management & Production
  • Advising a global listed company services provider on M&A transactions including their acquisitions of catering businesses and the sale of their UK horticultural services division
  • Advising a registered care provider on its corporate acquisitions of care home providers owning and operating care homes in the Southeast
  • Advising the management team of marketing services company MM-Eye Limited on their management buy-out of the business and, subsequently, on their sale of the company to an employee-ownership trust