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Aadil Khan

Posted on: March 3rd, 2025 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens as an Associate in the Real Estate Finance Department in 2025, having previously worked at a busy West End firm. I have gained extensive experience in a broad range of real estate transactions including property acquisitions and disposals, secured lending, refinancing and bridging loans and including new build transactions.

My key priority is to adapt to the individual needs of my clients, by working closely with them and building a strong working relationship.  

Experience

  • Last minute instructions taken on a time-sensitive acquisition of a property requiring Islamic financing.
  • Acted for a lender on a £4 million refinance which included the restructuring of the limited company.
  • Urgent instructions acted upon for a commercial premise with the grant of lease for residential elements.
  • Represented a landlord on a mixed use building for a simultaneous grant of lease and re-mortgage of flats.
  • Acting for a lender on a £5 million refinance on a portfolio of residential properties.

Asal Safarabadi

Posted on: February 20th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

I am an Associate in the Real Estate Finance Department having joined Lawrence Stephens in February 2025. Since qualifying as a solicitor in 2021, I have gained experience in acting for leading banks and lenders in relation to commercial and residential property development and investment, refinances and property portfolio financing arrangements.

I pride myself in providing clear and concise legal advice to clients to navigate their transactions effectively whilst providing commercially focused solutions when required.

Experience

  • Acting for a lender on a £9.5million loan secured over a property acquisition on Bishops Avenue, Hampstead
  • Acting for a lender on a £8million loan secured over a hotel
  • Acting on the acquisition, planning, development and forward sale of a mix-used development with a gross development value (GDV) of £16.5million.
  • Acting for lender on numerous acquisitions, refinancing and development financing transactions over commercial property, land, residential portfolios, and hotels in high value prime locations.

Louisa Hartley

Posted on: February 17th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

I am an Associate in the Commercial Real Estate team, having joined Lawrence Stephens from Memery Crystal in February 2025.

I act for a range of clients including developers, property companies, corporate occupiers and individuals.

I have worked on a variety of commercial real estate transactions including landlord and tenant matters (acting for both landlords and tenants), acquisitions and disposals, development projects and corporate real estate.

My experience includes acting for landlords and tenants on lease negotiations, acting on acquisitions and lettings of petrol filling stations for a roadside retail operator and acting on lettings of retail and office sites for a listed house builder.

Experience

  • Acting for a listed house builder in negotiating agreements for lease, leases, rent deposit deeds and licences for alterations for various commercial units on its mixed-use development sites.
  • Acting for a listed house builder on the investment sale of commercial units at its mixed-use development site for £1.1million.
  • Acting for a roadside retail operator on the acquisition of freehold and leasehold properties for circa £19.5million.
  • Acting for a roadside retail operator with an intra-group company transfer of freehold and leasehold properties to three group companies for circa £32.6million.
  • Acting for a construction contractor specialising in cladding refurbishment in negotiating licenses to occupy in relation to office facilities and storage compounds for its cladding remediation work.

Lefteris Kallou

Posted on: January 31st, 2025 by Natasha Cox

I am an Associate within the Dispute Resolution department. I specialise in commercial litigation, director and shareholder disputes, contentious insolvency and fraud.

I have a strong track record of achieving favourable outcomes for my clients in a cost-effective manner, with many clients either returning or their professional advisers (whom I work alongside) recommending me to their clients. 

Clients want to understand where they stand early on including the risks, rewards and costs; I tailor a strategy to achieve their desired outcome whilst also advising on commercial considerations they may have overlooked. 

Prior to joining Lawrence Stephens I worked at a City boutique where I was involved in numerous matters which created case authority, and in HMRC’s Strategic Litigation department where I was involved in the £1bn Ingenious litigation.

Outside of the office I enjoy spending my time with my growing family, watching Arsenal, going to the gym and trying new restaurants. 

Experience highlights

  • Defending different categories of directors (de jure and de facto) against a liquidator’s claim for breach of duties, misfeasance, and dishonest assistance which created case law and was set for a cross-appeal before reaching a favourable settlement.
  • Pursuing bankruptcy against a solicitor under the Insolvent Partnerships Order 1994 and making a full recovery of £150,000 plus legal costs.
  • Ensuring that the construction of a significant development in Europe was not interrupted following a dispute over the validity of a payment on demand clause in a funding loan agreement (worth over £100million).
  • Concluding HMRC’s enquiry into a Research & Development tax relief claim (worth £5.5million) without amendments to my client’s tax return after sending two letters.
  • Obtaining a freezing order on behalf of liquidators against various entities in a £14million art fraud.
  • Preventing an UHNW client’s rare car collection worth over £20million being sold at auction by receivers following a default on a loan repayment.
  • Concluding the Insolvency Service’s investigations into a director’s alleged misconduct without any disqualification period being sought.
  • Obtaining a money judgment on behalf of a law firm and successfully defending a counterclaim for professional negligence following a five-day trial.
  • Acting for a defendant and obtaining a security for costs order against the claimant, striking out their claim, obtaining charging orders over the claimant’s properties, and applying for the claimant’s property be sold at auction so that the proceeds could be paid to the defendant.

Nikki Hashemi

Posted on: January 23rd, 2025 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

I joined the Real Estate Finance team in January 2025, specialising in a wide range of real estate transactions. These include secured lending, acquisitions and disposals of residential and commercial real estate, refinancing, transfer of equity and lease extensions.

Over the past seven years, I have built a reputation for managing complex caseloads with precision and  have delivered exceptional results for my clients.

I pride myself on my attention to detail, ability to work effectively under pressure, and strong commercial awareness. I am passionate about providing clear, practical advice and helping my clients achieve their goals, whether they are buying a home, refinancing a property, or navigating complex real estate legal issues.

Prior to qualifying as a solicitor, I worked as a property consultant, where I provided bespoke advice to clients and guided investors through property acquisitions. I also gained valuable insights into client management and negotiation skills during this time.

Outside of work, I enjoy attending reformer Pilates, yoga and fitness classes, skiing, spending time with family and socialising with friends.

Experience Highlights

  • Being a key member of the team acting for the lender on a £50million refinancing secured over seven properties in central London
  • Acting for client on transfer of equity and refinancing of a portfolio of eight residential properties

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.  

     

     

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.

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.

As a former elite athlete competing in synchronised swimming and fin-swimming, I am able to bring a unique perspective to my practice and my clients. Currently, I represent a number of professional athletes on high-profile boxing promotional agreements, anti-doping disputes, and multimillion-pound arbitrations, as well as providing holistic advice in relation to reputation management, strategy and career development.

As one of the UK’s leading sports lawyers, I am now a trusted advisor to a number of notable sports and entertainment clients. 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.