Bola Kim

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I qualified as a Solicitor in 2019 having previously worked in the property department of a City law firm for a number of years.  I joined Lawrence Stephens’ Real Estate Finance department at the start of 2023.

I have experience in dealing with a variety of matters related to real estate, for both freehold and leasehold properties as well as new developments advising individual and corporate clients.  I have focused on working with regulated and unregulated banks for property refinances, bridging loans and secured lending. My experience includes acting on behalf of lenders as well as borrowers and strives to understand the needs of my clients.

In my spare time, I enjoy travelling and exploring new cultures and foods and, in particular, a nature walk around the Cotswold’s.  I also love a friendly game of squash or tennis with my friends.

Experience highlights

  • Acting on behalf of various lenders for both purchases and refinances
  • Assisted in completing a large refinance deal with portfolio of 17 properties

Hafsa Umarji

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I advise on all aspects of residential property transactions, from acting for freehold and leaseholders to first time purchasers and high value land estates.  I also work with investment companies to increase their portfolio of properties.

My clients include individuals, HNWs, trustees and overseas clientele.  I am focused on ensuring that my clients receive a service tailored to their needs so that they achieve their desired result.

The service that I provide is personal and flexible to ensure that my clients are confident that their sale and/or purchase is carried out thoroughly and efficiently.  As well as drafting, reviewing and negotiating all the necessary documentation, I will conduct the relevant in-depth searches on my client’s behalf to minimise any risks during their transactions.

I enjoy travelling and experiencing different cultures and cuisines.  There are still several countries that I wish to explore on my bucket list!  I am also a keen writer and hope one day to be able to write a novel… I will finish your purchase first though!

Experience highlights 

  • Completing on a unique and stylish riverside property situated in an enviable location on the River Thames which has appeared in many publications and noted as the ‘boldest smaller county house in recent years’
  • Assisting the corporate team in the acquisition of a £7m property in Kensington
  • Acting for HNW individuals in buying and selling properties in prime London locations as well acting for investment companies in increasing their portfolio

Laura Gill

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

With over 15 years’ experience and exposure to a broad range of residential property matters, I joined Lawrence Stephens in November 2022 as an Associate in the Real Estate Team. I am now a Senior Associate.

My client base is varied – I support first-time buyers, investors (UK and overseas) and high-net-worth individuals. I undertake all residential property matters largely in central London and, in recent years, have thoroughly enjoyed acting for overseas investors on prestigious London new build developments. I am focused on providing a structured but personable service for my clients.

Away from the office, I am a keen foodie – passionate about all things related to food from fine dining and champagne brunches to street food and experimenting with new recipes.  I also enjoy hosting dinners, reading and running when time permits and am at my happiest when spending quality time with family and friends.

Experience highlights

  • Acting on a Nomination of Contract for an overseas investor to purchase a £2.2m apartment at the new Prince of Wales Drive development in Battersea Park
  • Acting for an overseas company in the sale of a £1.7m house in Harrow

Rosalin Gautam

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens as a Dispute Resolution solicitor in September 2021 and am now a Senior Associate in the team.

I have diverse experience within civil and commercial litigation and act on matters relating to breach of contract, partnership and joint venture disputes, shareholders disputes, professional negligence and individual and corporate insolvency.  

My practice also extends to matters of regulatory law, criminal investigations (including a Crown Court trial) and civil fraud, including a focus in the blockchain technology and digital asset sector where I assist my clients with cryptoasset recovery following a hack, scam or misappropriation of their crypto assets.  

I am a native Swede and am fluent in Swedish.  As a Swede, I am very interested in ice hockey, a sport which I have both played and watched for many years.

Charlotte Hamilton

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I am a Senior 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.