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Natasha Ali

Posted on: December 12th, 2024 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens as a Real Estate Finance Solicitor in 2024, following my qualification at a West End firm in 2022. I advise clients on a wide range of real estate transactions, including property acquisitions and disposals, refinancing and restructuring, secured lending, and commercial and residential mortgages. My approach centres on building strong relationships by working closely with clients to understand their unique needs and long-term objectives.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis, taking Reformer Pilates classes, and exploring new restaurants.

Experience highlights

  • Acting for a lender in providing a £9 million facility to a BVI Company that was acquiring nine off plan residential units in Central London.
  • Acting for a borrower in the acquisition of a mixed-use property using bridging finance for a sum of £1.2 million.
  • Acting for a landlord in granting a new lease for a retail unit outside of the 1954 Act and completing within a week.
  • Acting on behalf of a borrower and lender in a limited company’s restructure.
  • Acting on behalf of a landlord in granting a lease to a care home.  

     

     

Lisa Goder

Posted on: December 6th, 2024 by Natasha Cox

I am an Associate in the Real Estate Finance Department at Lawrence Stephens.

I have a wealth of experience in both commercial property and real estate finance and have acted for landlords and tenants, investors, developers and lenders on a variety of property related transactions.

My understanding of the London property market and my commitment to delivering tailored solutions for my clients have earned me a strong reputation in the legal sector.

I am recognised for my experience with complex and time sensitive transactions and my clients appreciate my practical and commercial based approach and trust in my ability to get the transaction completed swiftly and efficiently.

Experience highlights

  • Acting for a borrower on a complex £7 million purchase of a commercial site with bridging finance.
  • Acting for a borrower on the re-finance of a large portfolio of residential and mixed use properties with a value of £5 million.
  • Acting for a borrower in connection with the purchase of a residential development site for £3 million with development finance
  • Acting for a borrower in connection with the purchase of a residential development site with finance and the subsequent sale of each unit

Nicole Chi Kiu Chan

Posted on: August 15th, 2024 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

I joined Lawrence Stephens as an Associate in 2024. Experienced in high-value property transactions including new builds, freehold and leasehold purchases, sales, and refinancing transactions. 

My primary client base focuses on HNW private clients as well as overseas investors from Asia.

My background of growing up in Hong Kong and multilingual skills effectively support a diverse client base and ensure that clients receive tailored, smooth, and satisfactory conveyance transaction experience.

Experience highlights 

Acting on several prime London property purchases and sales, including:

  • £12m purchase at the Chelsea Barracks
  • £2.5m purchase in Kensington
  • £2m sale at Battersea Power Station
  • £4.2m historical freehold residential purchase
  • Purchase portfolio of 12 new build properties with a total value over £15m. 

Lucy-Jane Barnett

Posted on: June 25th, 2024 by Yvonne Uzoka

I joined the Lawrence Stephens’ Banking team in July 2024. Prior to this, I worked at a Magic Circle firm specialising in real estate finance.

I have a breadth of experience acting for large commercial banks, investment funds, property management companies and borrowers on multi-jurisdictional and UK-focused deals involving commercial real estate, including office space, BTR, hotels, retail, warehouse and logistics. I also have extensive experience working on international transactions, including various offshore jurisdictions and the many intricacies associated with these deals.

My primary focus is on secured lending transactions, including investment and development finance matters, from deal originations to refinancing and loan/property management assistance. 

Outside of the office, I love to travel, exploring different cultures and trying different cuisines, but when in London I enjoy spin classes and reading.

Stewart Reed

Posted on: June 21st, 2024 by Yvonne Uzoka

I am an associate in the Real Estate Finance department. I joined Lawrence Stephens in July 2024 but come from a broad range of experience in commercial, residential and real estate finance transactions.

I have regularly worked for lenders, domestic and international banks in high value secured lending transactions reporting on the suitability of property as financial security with values ranging from £500,000 to £75m. I also have a wealth of experience in acting for developers, landlords, tenants, corporate clients and individuals on the acquisition, sale, refinancing and letting of both residential and commercial premises.

I enjoy working through complex deals, speaking and discussing important matters directly with clients to reach a commercial conclusion.

When I am not at work, I enjoy my rugby, music, theatre, D&D and LARP.

Experience highlights 

  • Acting for an international lender as part of a wider team on the financing of the acquisition of an £75m portfolio of 14 central London properties
  • Acting for a lender on the financing of the acquisition of a large multi-phase development site with plans for circa 700 residential dwellings plus amenities

Annabel Andreou

Posted on: March 4th, 2024 by Maverick Freedlander

I joined Lawrence Stephens in March 2024 as an Associate in the Family team.

I qualified as a solicitor in August 2020 and have specialised exclusively in private family law. My practice includes advising and assisting individuals in connection with separation, divorce, parenting agreements, child arrangements, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements and domestic abuse injunctions.

I have successfully acted in Children Act 1989 cases where the child concerned has a disability, mental health challenge and/or learning difficulty. As a result, I have a good working knowledge of local paediatric services and the implementation of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Such experience also enables me to advise divorcing clients who have children with additional needs on suitable and fair outcomes in respect of matrimonial finances and property.

In divorce cases, I have represented individuals who have a ‘uniform’ pension (NHS, Metropolitan Police, teachers, etc,) and regularly advise on issues which arise in respect of pensions upon divorce.

I have experience in cases where domestic abuse is a feature and the injunctions which can be applied for if an individual requires protection. I have also successfully acted for respondents to injunction applications.

My practice includes advice and representation for unmarried couples and parents on the breakdown of a relationship and in relation to property claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996.

As a member of Resolution, I am committed to resolving disputes in a constructive and amicable way but will assist clients with a court application when a firmer approach is essential. My approach is give to clients clear and coherent advice from the start and manage their expectations throughout. I am committed to assisting clients in an ethical, compassionate, timely and cost efficient manner.

Outside of work I am keen runner and swimmer. I love spending time with my friends and family. I enjoy trying new foods and places to eat, as well as travelling.

Experience highlights 

  • Successfully acting for a mother in an internal relocation case where both children had complex medical needs
  • Successfully acting for a father in his application for a specific issue order to determine the child’s school placement (child had an EHCP and additional needs)
  • Acting for a husband in a divorce who had a large Civil Service pension which exceeded the lifetime allowance
  • Successfully acting for a father (resident in New Zealand) in establishing contact with his daughter (resident in England)
  • Successfully acting for an individual in establishing a beneficial interest in a property
  • Advising a spouse in respect of matrimonial finances and child arrangements where the parties had agreed that one party and children would relocate to the United States of America
  • Defending a non-molestation order and occupation order application

Harshita Samani

Posted on: January 15th, 2024 by Yvonne Uzoka

As a dual qualified solicitor, I work on complex and high-value transactions involving asset and share sales and purchases for a diverse range of clients. This includes leading on the due diligence and disclosure process, negotiating the terms and assisting with closing on the transactions. I have supported clients across a wide range of sectors (both in the UK and internationally) including insurance, IT, retail, hospitality, transport, agri-tech, telecommunications and aviation.

In addition to the above, my experience includes working with clients to assist them with loan agreements, investment agreements, distribution agreements, reseller agreements and other commercial contracts.

I also assist clients in drawing up commercial terms and conditions and policies for their businesses. I regularly support clients across the aviation, professional consultancy, IT and education sectors with drawing up such policies and procedures for them. In addition, I also advise my clients and support them with GDPR and data protection issues and cross-border data transfer agreements.

Experience highlights 

  • Assisted in the disclosure process of a £200m sale of an IT company with global subsidiaries in China, Brazil and the USA
  • Assisted in a £100m sale of a freight forwarding company in the UK
  • Assisted in an acquisition of a Gibraltar entity that owns assets in the UK including liaising with counsel and other advisers based in Gibraltar
  • Assisted in a corporate reorganisation followed by a £20m sale of a well-known transport and logistics company
  • Prepared and negotiated master services agreement, international data protection addenda and UK SCCS for companies within the information technology software sector
  • Prepared terms and conditions, privacy policies, cookie policies and internal data protection addenda for private jet charter companies
  • Drafting investment agreements and negotiating terms for a well-known private investment company focused on making investments in decarbonisation, sustainable energy and social impact businesses

Miran Sharif

Posted on: January 15th, 2024 by Yvonne Uzoka

I joined Lawrence Stephens as a Solicitor in 2024, bringing with me extensive experience in real estate finance. With a diverse background representing bridging lenders and borrowers ranging from first-time buyers to high net-worth individuals and property developers, I possess a deep understanding of the nuanced needs and challenges inherent in bridging, refurbishment and development loans.

I love a challenge and being able to find solutions to problems or simplifying a complex issue for a client to give them the understanding to be able to proceed with confidence as issues arise. I also adopt a pragmatic approach, working with all stakeholders involved to ensure a seamless and timely completion to the benefit of lender and borrower alike. Lender clients have also relied on me to assist them with creating and improving upon their loan documents leading to better protections for lenders and faster turnaround times leading to a more timely completion for the borrowers.

Outside of the office, I enjoy swimming, trying new foods and spending time with my family.

Experience highlights 

  • Completing a complex £2.4m bridging finance transaction involving five security properties including a dwelling house, residential flats, partially completed dwellings and a HMO which required extensive negotiations and overcoming a multitude of obstacles
  • Completing a finance transaction secured over a portfolio of 21 properties being acquired by the borrower

Angélique Richardson

Posted on: December 4th, 2023 by Yvonne Uzoka

I am an Associate in the Sports & Entertainment team at Lawrence Stephens and act for a number of clients on both contentious and non-contentious matters.

As a former athlete competing in synchronised swimming and fin swimming as well as a qualified synchronised swimming coach, I am able to bring a unique perspective to my practice. Having spent five years dealing with a high-profile, multi-million pound litigation at my previous firm, I am level-headed, tenacious and now a trusted advisor to a number of notable sporting clients in a range of sports including boxing, basketball and football.

Expertise includes:

  • Advising professional athletes on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters
  • Disputes, litigation and arbitration within sport
  • Anti-doping
  • Reputation management
  • Holistic management, strategy and career development.

I have also been appointed to  the Sport Resolutions Pro Bono service. A legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the service provides pro bono legal advice and assistance to athletes and individuals of limited financial means.

Experience highlights 

  • Acting for Chris Eubank Jr in respect of his bout and re-match against Liam Smith
  • Acting for Josh Warrington in respect of his bout with Leigh Wood
  • Acting for Joe Fournier in respect of his appeal to the Professional Boxing Association in relation to the use of an illegal elbow by opponent KSI. Secured a “no contest” decision
  • Acting for a British boxer in respect of contentious anti-doping proceedings, where we secured a rare finding of ‘non-intentional’ doping – the decision by the National Anti-Doping Panel decision can be found here
  • Acting for a martial arts coach in relation to disciplinary safeguarding proceedings
  • Advising a HNWI in respect of the purchase of a minority stake in a Premier League football club
  • Advising the administrators of Derby County Football Club on all aspects of the club’s expedited appeal against the sanction imposed by the English Football League

Joe Furze

Posted on: August 3rd, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens’ Private Wealth department as a paralegal in August 2023.

I have been practicing as a Solicitor in England and Wales since 19 April 2024, having previously practiced as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand for five years

I have experience with assisting high net worth clients with their succession planning and their internal restructurings, including advising clients in relation to trusts, wills and Powers of Attorney.

In my spare time, I enjoy keeping fit at the gym, playing video games and traveling.

William Bowyer

Posted on: August 1st, 2023 by Natasha Cox

As one of the founding members of Lawrence Stephens’ Sports, Media and Entertainment team, I am an experienced solicitor specialising in a mixture of non-contentious and contentious matters in sport. I deliver commercial and pragmatic advice for my clients and pay significant attention to the wider sporting context in which my clients sit.

I represent elite footballers, talent management and commercial agencies, drivers, golfers, sports brands, tech brands and various other stakeholders in sport and entertainment. I pride myself on truly understanding my clients and their brand (personal or commercial) in order to give accurate and pragmatic advice. I work hard to deliver positive outcomes for my clients on complex and unique legal matters and relish working with the best athletes, entertainers and brands.

I have an extensive network of professional and ancillary contacts in sport and ensure that all my clients benefit from those within my network as part of their wider advisory team.

I have also been appointed to  the Sport Resolutions Pro Bono service. A legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the service provides pro bono legal advice and assistance to athletes and individuals of limited financial means.

I am from the North West of England and now live in West London. A passionate football player, tennis player and golfer, I love playing and watching sport.

Experience highlights 

  • Advising a leading commercial agency on its representation agreement and ancillary agreements with one of the world’s top five most expensive football players
  • Successfully defending former premier league defender at The FA Contractual Dispute Tribunal against his Club
  • Advising a golfer management agency on their player’s agreement with LIV Golf
  • Preparing sponsorship, consultancy, venue and other ancillary agreement for a PGAET Challenge Tour Tournament
  • Successfully bringing Rule K Arbitration action on behalf of a leading football agency against a former client for non-payment of agency fees

Victoria McGrady

Posted on: June 9th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens from the Crown Prosecution Service where I was a Senior Crown Prosecutor working as an advocate, based in the Magistrates’ Courts and Youth Courts in Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

Prior to qualifying and working as a solicitor in the City, I worked as a teacher and lecturer of law (including criminal and contract law, torts and human rights) at universities and secondary schools/colleges for 15 years.

I am dual-qualified as both a solicitor and a teacher. While I primarily work as an associate in the Dispute Resolution team (primarily focusing on advocacy), I am also the firm’s lead on learning and development.

My experience as an advocate in court – particularly in trials – enables me to take a pragmatic and proactive approach to resolving disputes in an efficient and practical way.

Away from the office, I am happiest when spending quality time with family and friends and as much time outside as possible. As well as being a keen swimmer and walker, I also read and travel as much as time permits.