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Mithushan Sivagurunathar

Posted on: February 17th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens’ Banking team in 2025, having gained valuable experience from city firms across a broad range of finance matters.

I have experience acting for overseas and domestic banks, bridging lenders, alternative lenders and non-bank lenders in respect of secured lending transactions, including investment and development finance matters; property refinance and security release matters; and in dealing with security arrangements in corporate acquisitions. I also have experience acting for individuals and SMEs on smaller lending projects throughout the deal cycle.

Away from work, I am an Indian classical percussionist, specialising in Morsing, Ghatam and Konnakol. I am also a hopeful Arsenal fan.

Experience

  • acting for bridging lenders on numerous bridging loan transactions for domestic and overseas real estate assets
  • acting for banks on loan agreements, amendment agreements, intercreditor agreements, security arrangements and releases in connection with real estate assets and corporate acquisitions
  • acting for various alternative/private credit lenders on real estate acquisition and development finance transactions
  • acting for individuals (in their capacity as a lender or a borrower) in smaller loan and security arrangements

Mohammad Hammoud

Posted on: February 10th, 2025 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

I joined Lawrence Stephens as a solicitor in the Commercial Real Estate department in February 2025. I previously worked with Memery Crystal as a solicitor and a paralegal in their Commercial Real Estate team. I completed my training at a well-regarded regional firm where I completed seats in private client, corporate and commercial, and real estate.

Throughout my time working in the real estate sector, I have gained high quality experience in all aspects of real estate with a focus on landlord and tenant matters and commercial property acquisitions and disposals.

I enjoy getting to know my clients’ business on an in-depth level to ensure that I always come out with the best result for them.

Outside of my work, I enjoy travelling as much as I can as well as being a keen football fan.

Experience highlights

  • Advising multiple large garden centre operators on all aspects of their commercial property portfolio management including the roll out of electric vehicle charging points.
  • Acted for an international fast food business on their new franchise locations.
  • Advised on the real estate aspects of the sale of a leading economic think tank based in London.
  • Acted on the real estate elements of an £18 million refinancing of a student accommodation in London.
  • Advised a well known beauty retailer on the re gear and renewals of their property leases following an administration process.

Teodora Valnarova

Posted on: February 10th, 2025 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

I am a solicitor in the Real Estate Finance department, advising clients on a range of property finance matters. I work with lenders, investors, and developers on transactions involving HMOs, ASTs, planning permission, development properties, and new-build financing. I aim to provide clear, practical advice to help clients sail through their transactions efficiently.

Experience highlights

  • Assisted a client with financing a portfolio of HMOs, ensuring compliance with lending and licensing requirements.
  • Advised on the purchase and funding of a new-build residential development, including planning considerations.
  • Worked on refinancing a mixed-use property portfolio, including properties under AST agreements.
  • Assisted with the refinance of a bridge loan for a development property, conducting due diligence, checking and reviewing lender requirements.
  • Acted on real estate finance transactions involving Sharia-compliant lending. 

Sophia Ali

Posted on: January 6th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

I joined the Residential Real Estate Team at Lawrence Stephens in 2025. Prior to this, I worked in the new build team of a regional firm for six years. I have acted for a range of clients, from first-time buyers to clients purchasing retirement properties. The developers I worked with would use our team as the ‘panel’ (or preferred) solicitor for their purchasers, showcasing our knowledge and expertise in this area. 

My focus is always on providing clear advice, ensuring my clients feel supported and informed at every stage of their journey. I pride myself on delivering a seamless experience, resolving challenges efficiently, and building strong relationships with both clients and developers, based on trust and results.

Outside of the office, I enjoy cooking, baking & attending family gatherings. 

Experience highlights

  • Acted for a first-time buyer on the purchase of a flat for over £2 million.
  • Worked in a small team acting for purchasers completing on 40 properties in one day.

Alexandria Clarke

Posted on: November 18th, 2024 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

I am a solicitor in the Real Estate Finance Department at Lawrence Stephens having joined in 2024. 

I have over have seven years’ experience in real estate finance, acting for large lenders providing regulated buy-to-let loans, bridging loans and development loans secured over both residential and commercial security. I also act on deals secured with a portfolio of property. I have experience in acting on a dual representation basis for both the bank and borrower. 

As my knowledge has been developed acting for one client with a large number of deals, I understand the importance of maintaining client trust and satisfaction. I pride myself on excellent communication and quality of work delivered with a personal and down to earth approach.

In my spare time, I enjoy trying to reach my Goodreads target, long walks stroking as many dogs as possible, eating good food and drinking great wine.

Career highlights

  • £4million bridging loan over 14 new residential dwellings;
  • £7million buy-to-let loan over a parade of high street shops; and
  • £3million loan over two nursing homes.

Misha Mayet

Posted on: October 24th, 2024 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

I joined Lawrence Stephens’ Residential Real Estate team as a solicitor in 2024, having completed my training contract at a West End law firm. 

I started my legal career as a paralegal in the residential real estate department of a West End law firm in 2019, it was then that my passion for this area of law developed. When I am asked why this area of law, the answer really is simple – the elation I feel when I complete on a transaction and congratulate my clients on their beautiful new home is a feeling that drives me and encourages me to be the best version of myself for my clients.

I have had the opportunity to work on a broad variety of transactions from first-time buyers to high-net-worth-individuals as well as overseas clients who have a plethora of properties in prime central London.

Outside of work I am an avid baker and enjoy hosting my family and friends. I also love travelling, especially somewhere warm and by a beach.

Experience Highlights

  • Acting on several prime central London property sales and purchases including a sale of an £11m leasehold property in Kensington and an £18m leasehold purchase in Westminster
  • Acting on the purchase of £5m new build leasehold property in the Mandarin Oriental Residences

Sophie Levitt

Posted on: October 8th, 2024 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

I joined Lawrence Stephens’ Commercial Real Estate team in 2024.

My experience ranges from advising institutional funds, governmental entities and luxury brands, to restaurants and hotels. I have worked on behalf of both landlord and tenants, as well as on acquisitions, disposals and property management.

I enjoy building strong relationships with clients and invest time in getting to know their business needs to ensure a commercial and practical approach to transactions.

I am also a member of the Lawrence Stephens European focus team and am available to support international clients seeking English legal advice and connect domestic clients with law firms in other international jurisdictions.  I speak both French and Spanish, having lived and worked in both countries, including stints at the fashion designer, Valentino Garavani, a Paris-based law firm and six months studying in Valencia. During my training at a US firm, I also worked regularly with their Paris office.

Outside of work I love to attend fashion and art exhibitions and I enjoy sports, fitness and travelling.

 

Becci Collins

Posted on: October 3rd, 2024 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

I joined Lawrence Stephens in September 2024, having previously worked at employment boutique firms in the city.

I represent businesses and individuals on contentious and non-contentious matters spanning the breadth of employment law, including (automatic) unfair dismissal, discrimination, and whistleblowing. I act for clients in bringing and defending employment tribunal claims, providing advice on day-to-day HR matters, and preparing and negotiating employment documentation and settlement agreements.

As a result of my experience with SME businesses, mainly those owners-managed and family-run, I am familiar with the unique challenges these organisations face as they grow and am well placed to support them. I am passionate about understanding my clients’ goals and ethos, which enables me to provide bespoke, legally sound advice. I create long-lasting partnerships with my clients by delivering technically precise advice that meets my clients’ commercial objectives.

I am experienced in advising clients from various sectors, including education, fashion, finance, hospitality, charities, religious organisations (of varying denominations), and sports.

My time as an immigration paralegal means I am alert to business immigration requirements. As a result, I have a keen eye to identify where immigration support is required and can facilitate support from our immigration department.

I work closely and in harmonisation with our Corporate, commercial, and Commercial Real Estate departments to provide employment support on the sales and purchases of businesses and properties, particularly where TUPE applies. Through my close work with our sports team, I advise professional sports organisations, ensuring compliance with their regulatory obligations, such as the FA.

My reputation for being easily approachable and communicating clearly and effectively leaves my clients reassured that their matters are in safe hands. My clients describe me as a fighter and praise my ability to be fierce and direct with opponents. I am caring, diligent, and quick to respond.

Outside of work, I enjoy watching rugby and baking sweet treats.

Experience

  • Advising a client in the private equity sector regarding multiple acquisitions.
  • Negotiating settlement agreements for senior executives, including removing restrictive covenants.

 

 

 

Isabella Tamlyn

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens in September 2022 as a trainee solicitor, and qualified in the Private Wealth team in September 2024.

I completed an undergraduate degree in Philosophy, then completed the GDL at the University of Law, before going on to study the LPC LLM whilst working as a paralegal part-time.

I’m from Devon and enjoy keeping fit, particularly through yoga and spinning.

Jordan Hunt

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens’ Real Estate department as a paralegal in January 2022. In 2024, I qualified as a solicitor within the team. 

Prior to this, I read History at the University of Warwick before going on to complete the LLM Law Conversion at BPP Law School in 2019.  My legal studies left me with an interest in both Commercial and Residential Property matters.

Just as comfortable at a sports game as at a concert, my interests are wide-ranging. I am notably in the midst of completing the ’92 Club Challenge’ which involves visiting all of the football league stadiums.

Sara Dickie

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I am a bilingual commercial real estate solicitor at Lawrence Stephens with 2 years’ PQE experience.

Fluent in both English and Swedish, I advise on a range of commercial real estate matters including refinancing, landlord and tenant matters, lease renewals and granting of new leases and bridging finance.  I have acted for a wide range of clients including HNWIs, overseas investors and commercial landlords specialising in both hospitality and corporate office space.

Always aiming to be approachable and friendly, I prioritise building long-lasting relationships with my clients while treating each transaction with the same level of attention.

In my spare time, I enjoy singing, playing the cornet and sharing good food with friends. Hailing from Huddinge, near Stockholm, I try to visit my homeland frequently and always make sure to visit the famous Swedish theme park, Liseberg, in Gothenberg, at least once a year.

Experience highlights 

  • Assisted a director acting for the borrower on the re-finance of one of their new build developments
  • Acted for a tenant taking a 15 year lease of a large site in North England subject to both landlord’s works and tenant’s subsequent works
  • Regularly assisting our corporate department on the property side on their client’s company acquisitions
  • Acting on an investment purchase of a freehold building with the assistance of bridging finance and which included splitting the title prior to completion by granting individual leases of the units

Sophie Morton

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens as a trainee solicitor in September 2022 and qualified in the Real Estate Finance team in September 2024.

I studied at the University of Exeter, graduating in 2020 and subsequently completed the LPC LLM the following year.  I previously worked as a paralegal in real estate finance and wider commercial property matters such as advising lenders on the security of their lending, acquisitions and disposals and landlord and tenant work. 

I am a keen netball player and am also passionate about music and enjoy going to concerts and watching musicals at the theatre.