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Stephen Messias

Posted on: February 13th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

As a founding partner of Lawrence Stephens with over 30 years’ experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the firm in all aspects of commercial and residential real estate, as well as landlord and tenant transactions.

My clients are a sophisticated mix of property companies, individual investors, property traders and trading businesses occupying properties for the purposes of their business as well as individuals.  There’s no such thing as a typical deal.  My transactions can range from the purchase or sale of a commercial investment, the refinancing of property portfolios, commercial lettings whether acting for landlords or tenants, complex acquisitions with lease re-gear and back-to-back sale, as well as residential transactions.

My clients are largely entrepreneurial, running their own businesses and seeking sound, speedy, creative advice and input from us as their solicitor.

Whether transactions are complex, urgent or routine, I like to work with clients in a commercial and pragmatic way to ensure a satisfactory and positive outcome.  Many of my clients have been clients since day one, a testament to the quality of service and advice I strive to provide.

As a result of exceptional work ethic and dedication to my clients, I have been listed as a recommended property lawyer in the prestigious Spear’s 500 list for 2025.

Life is not all about work – I am a keen runner (half-marathons and marathons), having raised funds for various charities and an active Freemason.  I have been married to my wife, Jane, for over 30 years and we have three wonderful children, none of which are following in my footsteps by pursuing a career in law.  Maybe they’ll be clients of mine one day.

Experience highlights

  • Acting for the Epic Group of Companies as landlord on various lettings of commercial premises in various Grade A buildings around the country
  • Acting on a £31m sale of a property previously used as a waste management, recycling and skip hire site, located in North West London. The transaction was a complex and high-value sale
  • Purchase of a £13.5m apartment in Central London for a long standing HNW client
  • Purchase of a freehold investment property let to Santander, subsequent lease surrender, re-letting and refinancing of the property
  • Sale of an office campus investment for £36.7m comprising part of a larger site and the subsequent sale of the remainder of the site in various parcels
  • The purchase of a residential development site and sales of the completed units working with our construction department throughout these transactions
  • The letting of restaurant premises to a high-end restaurant operator as part of a number of lettings in a mixed-use (office, retail and restaurant) city centre development

Andrew Conway

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

Having qualified in 1995, I joined Lawrence Stephens in April 1999 and have been a Partner since July 2003.

I advise extensively in relation to contractual disputes, breach of warranty claims, employment disputes, debt recovery and enforcement, insolvency-related matters (both personal and corporate), partnership and shareholders’ disputes, professional negligence claims and all manner of property-related litigation. I am also a member of the Property Litigation Association (PLA), and the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA).

My clients include businesses, real estate investment funds, asset managers, lenders and individuals.

I am married with two sons and live in North West London. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking our two dogs, Buster and Hugo, playing golf and supporting Watford FC.

Experience highlights 

  • Advising a Premier League footballer in relation to High Court proceedings arising from a contractual dispute with his former agent
  • Obtaining injunctions against the former directors of a software development business in relation to both the theft of confidential information and the establishment of a competing business in breach of post-termination restrictive covenants
  • Advising property developers in connection with a claim for damages against their building contractors for defective works and breach of contract
  • Acting for a property trading company in relation to a disputed claim for substantial dilapidations on expiry of a lease of commercial premises
  • Advising a client in connection with claims (in both the Employment Tribunal and the High Court) against her former employer for unfair dismissal and sex and race discrimination

Craig Mullen

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

With more than 16 years PQE, I have accumulated vast experience in dealing with a full range of Commercial Real Estate and Real Estate Finance transactions. My specialisms include managing commercial landlord and tenant matters and complex, high-value acquisitions and disposals of commercial property.

Naturally approachable, friendly and client-focused, I thoroughly enjoy working with clients – whether that may be an individual or a large private limited company – to enable them to find the best possible solution to their problems and to achieve their business goals.

I have a second full-time job away from the office being the father of twin girls! I am also a keen runner, having completed several 10k and half-marathon races, as well as the 2022 London Marathon.

Experience highlights 

  • Leading a team in relation to the acquisition of a multi-let mixed use site in Hackney for an investor client.  The transaction involved several freehold and leasehold titles over four different buildings and extremely tight timescales
  • Acting for PLC company in relation to three separate asset sales in Milton Keynes of tenanted mixed use properties for a total sale price of in excess of £50m
  • Acting for three individuals forming an accountants’ partnership on their renewal lease of office space in Baker Street, London
  • Acting for a client company who purchased a multi-million-pound site in the North of England which was sublet to Sainsbury’s and other retail tenants

Danny Schwarz

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I qualified in 1998 and joined Lawrence Stephens in 2006, having previously worked in the property department of a leading City firm.  I was made a Partner in 2008 and am now Head of Commercial Real Estate. 

I deal with all aspects of commercial property investment, acquisitions and disposals, development, landlord and tenant work and property management.

I also work closely with the firm’s Corporate department on the property aspects of transactions.

The only BAFTA nominated partner within the firm, I took the scenic route to law.  Following a stint in the army and a degree in Film & Television at Tel Aviv University, I moved to the UK and worked in the film industry before qualifying as a solicitor.

I have three daughters and a son and enjoy tennis, football, music, art and motorbikes despite recently hanging up my helmet.

Experience highlights 

  • Acting for a developer on the acquisition of commercial premises, redevelopment to 25 residential flats and sale of leases
  • Acting for a retailer in the acquisition and disposal of retail properties comprising a current portfolio of over 40 shops
  • Acting for several pub groups, clubs and restaurateurs on the acquisitions and sales of high value prime location properties
  • Acting for a property investment fund on refinance of mixed-use portfolio in the value of £25m
  • Acting for freeholders of a block of flats in St Johns Wood in relation to the grant of a lease of airspace to a developer and construction agreement for the construction of two penthouse apartments on the roof of the building

David Freedman

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens as a Partner in September 2019 and contribute over 35 years of legal experience to our Real Estate/Secured Lending team.

Over the years, I have established a proactive, can-do attitude to meeting clients’ objectives and offer a level of service which, given my number of repeat clients, has clearly proven attractive.

I act for a range of leading UK specialist bridging finance lenders, providing extensive advice on property finance, landlord and tenant and commercial conveyancing matters. As well as advising on the acquisition, disposal and letting of commercial property, I have a large number of private property investors to whom I provide all types of commercial property management advice.

My clients are predominantly made up of established lenders in the bridging finance or property lending market and long standing private property investors. These range from clients with large Central London holdings to those with portfolios of shops, offices and industrial units. The variety offers a significant volume of work, but also provides the opportunity to establish close personal relationships with individual underwriters.

Lawrence Stephens’ cohort of long-suffering Spurs supporters welcomes me with wide open arms, though I also enjoys tennis, cricket and bridge, and am an avid cinema and theatre-goer.  When I’m not working, I involve myself in charity work to provide holiday opportunities to under-privileged children.

Experience highlights 

  • Acted for the sale of a private property investor in relation to the sale of a portfolio of 18 tenanted properties at a price of £5,162,500
  • Acted for the bank in relation to a loan of £1.25m secured by a mixture of first and second charges over six freehold and leasehold properties
  • Acted for the executors of an estate in relation to the sale of two linked flats in St Johns Wood for £2.65m with enquiries from both buyer’s and lender’s solicitors
  • Acting for borrower and lender in relation to 9 separate loans on a mixture of freehold and leasehold residential properties having a total loan value of £1.7m

Gareth Hughes

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I’m an experienced private client lawyer with more than 20 years’ experience in acting to protect and preserve my clients’ wealth and assets.

My clients include high-net-worth-individuals (both domiciled in the UK and of non-domiciled status). I regularly advise on estate and tax planning, the preparation of complex wills and the creation and administration of trusts.  I also act for clients in preparing both UK and US wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, draft declarations of trust, make applications to the Court of Protection and manage a full range of probate matters.

When not working, I have a passion for travel and adventure, and enjoy experiencing different cultures around the world.  I also enjoy running, swimming and am a keen rugby fan.

Experience highlights 

  • Advising on a cross-border tax and estate planning for a US individual resident in the UK, with net assets exceeding £50m
  • Supported on the administration of a multi-jurisdictional estate with assets exceeding £75m
  • Acting as lead Trustee for a multi-million pound discretionary will trust, managing complex family relationships and needs
  • Acting as sole attorney under a Lasting Power of Attorney for property & financial Affairs for a UHNW individual

Glen Bayliss

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I  joined Lawrence Stephens Solicitors in September 2019 from a West End firm where I was a Partner specialising in residential property and private client work.

I qualified in 1997 and won the Law Society prize for outstanding performance in my final year at law school in London, where I graduated with a Distinction.  

Since then, I have established a loyal and expanding client base of both UK based and offshore clients.  I have extensive experience in all aspects of residential property, including lease extensions and the buying and selling of all types of property. I advise on the full cycle of a property transaction to ensure clients receive an outstanding service. 

I am married with two children and retain a keen interest in the beloved Arsenal FC, Southend United FC and Essex Cricket Club.  Having played football at semi-professional level (many years ago) I still play twice a week and captain my local cricket club in the summer months.

Goli-Michelle Banan

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

With more than a decade’s experience in the prime and core London residential real estate market, I joined Lawrence Stephens as Head of Residential Real Estate.

My established network of clients and business contacts is largely made up of HNW and UHNW private individuals, end users, investors and developers, both individuals and corporate entities, and trust administrators based domestically and internationally.

My specialities include property sales and acquisitions, as well as a vast amount of commercial and mixed-use land acquisitions for residential development, financing and refinancing of individual properties and property portfolios.

Having been recognised as a leading lawyer in directories and a ‘key player’ among professionals within the residential property industry, my attention to detail and reputation as a ‘trusted advisor’ enables clients and introducers of business to gain successful outcomes.  I enjoy developing new and existing professional relationships and am described as being extremely proactive and approachable.

When not working, I am a real ‘foodie’ with a passion for trying new restaurants in and around London.  To counterbalance, I’m an avid gym goer and will attend various fitness classes and gyms around town to keep fit.

Experience highlights 

  • The sale of a £10m flat in Belgravia
  • The purchase of a £12m house purchase in Kensington, Phillimore Estate
  • Purchase of various properties and subsequent refinancing of the property portfolio
  • The purchase of a coach house, which entailed various intricacies and included multiple dwellings relief and a stamp duty saving
  • Purchase of several houses on the prestigious Wentworth Estate

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

Nick Marshall

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I have over 20 years of experience acting for international and domestic clients, helping them achieve their investment and operational targets, as well as managing the life cycle of their real estate portfolios.

Regardless of how complex the matter at hand, I have the required skill sets to enable transactions to be navigated smoothly and efficiently.  I am accessible and communication is always crystal clear.  

I primarily act for corporate occupiers, private investors, property companies and private equity houses and have worked on deal portfolios that have earned me industry-wide recognition.  Typical assets acquired are diverse but include out of town retail parks, office business parks and warehousing sites.  To date, my most notable transaction includes being part of a team that helped a client acquire a Canary Wharf skyscraper, at the time valued at c£500m. 

I regularly advise corporates on the relocation of their office space and work with fledgling companies taking their first steps on to the real estate ladder through to global corporates acquiring their UK headquarters or expanding their UK presence. 

As part of my practice, I aim to provide my clients with everything they need, before they know they need it, and certainly before they ask for it.  I take the time to get to know my clients and, above all, I am approachable, adaptable and always available. 

When I’m not working, I pursue several outdoor pursuits. I have a passion for fly fishing and sit on the committee of two separate fly fishing clubs, and have done in one case for 20 years.  I also enjoy skiing, clay pigeon shooting and mountain biking with my two sons.  They never allow skill level to get in the way of an adrenaline-fuelled day out – as evidenced by scars, bruises, and trips to A&E!

Experience highlights 

  • Acting for a Middle Eastern bank in connection with their acquisition, financing and management of a 362 bed newly constructed student accommodation block in Durham for £40m
  • Acting for a UK property company on the disposal of a single let bonded warehouse in Avonmouth for £62m
  • Acting for an Irish family office on the disposal of a Central London office block, single let to an international law firm, for £75m
  • Acting for a European private investor in connection with the acquisition of a portfolio of investment properties across the City of Westminster and their subsequent refurbishment
  • Acting for an international engineering company in the relocation of its UK headquarters and managing its portfolio of other operational UK sites
  • Acting for a UK importer of fresh food products in taking the lease of a newly constructed 100k+ sqft high tech warehousing facility at the deep-water port, DP World
  • Acting for a UK FX platform in the relocation of its UK HQ to 15,000 sqft of office space in the City of London
  • Acting for UK based private equity firm in the relocation of its UK HQ to 4,000 sqft of office space in the City of Westminster
  • Acting for US based tech / software company in the relocation of its UK HQ to 10,000 sqft of office space in the Silicon Roundabout area of London

Paul Marsh

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens in 2016 as an Associate and became a Director in Lawrence Stephens’ Real Estate Finance department in 2020. I qualified as a solicitor in 2011, having previously worked in the commercial world of sales and marketing. 

As an integral part of the team, I act and advise both lenders and borrowers in relation to secured lending matters that, in many cases, involve multiple properties. 

I regularly act for lenders in a variety of sectors including retail, hospitality, commercial and healthcare. With a broad knowledge of those areas, my advice is valuable in providing both the lender and borrower with a quality professional service.

Experience highlights 

  • Acting for a borrower in relation to a £27m refinance secured against 119 properties
  • Acting on behalf of a lender in putting in place security over new and existing properties under a revolving £25m LMA loan facility
  • Acting for a client dealing with property aspects for a client selling multiple companies with a combined property portfolio of circa 200 properties
  • Acting for a borrower in a £33m refinance of a residential block of flats recently converted from offices
  • Acting for lender in a £8m refinance secured over 9 properties

Rachel Coulthard

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I am experienced in acting on a full range of real estate finance transactions.  I also have a wealth of experience in managing high-value refinances of property and property portfolios.

My clients include a broad range of borrowers and lenders – from individuals to high-street banks and bespoke private funding platforms – all of whom trust me for my ability to work efficiently within tight timescales and to drive deals over the line at pace.

Always relishing a challenge, I like to get to grips with the details of each matter and the needs of each party to ensure a successful outcome is achieved for everyone involved.

I am proud to be the firm’s lead on our Women in Real Estate Finance (WREF) initiative, which seeks to bring together bright female leaders in real estate finance, celebrate their successes and provide them with the tools needed to flourish in the industry.

Outside of work, I spend my time looking after my twin girls, and also enjoy boxing and lifting weights.

Experience highlights 

  • Acting on a term loan within bridging deadlines to secure a £13million lend over two multi-let sites
  • Acting for a bank on an £11million term loan on a mixed-use scheme in central London
  • Acting for a private lender on a £4.8million finance of a let property on Harley Street which went from instruction to completion in five days
  • Acting for the borrower on the development finance and sale of part of a residential development in Central London which included a CBILS loan, a second lender and management company set-up
  • Acting for a lender on the contemporaneous financing of two complex commercial sites in Manchester involving sub-underleases and a claim for adverse possession
  • Acting for the landlord on the grant of a high value lease of a bowling alley complex