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.
Posted on: December 6th, 2024 by Natasha Cox
I joined Lawrence Stephens in 2024 as a solicitor in the Real Estate Finance Borrower team. Prior to this, I completed my training contract and continued as an associate at a city law firm.
I have experience working on a wide range of transactions, including advising developers and private individuals on property portfolio refinancing, secured lending transactions, and acquiring bridging loans. I also collaborate closely with brokers and other professionals on each transaction, ensuring all parties are well informed. I am passionate about delivering successful outcomes for my clients, particularly when navigating complex transactions within tight timeframes.
Outside of work, I enjoy baking, staying active, and spending quality time with family and friends. I am also an avid traveller who loves discovering new destinations.
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.
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
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.
Outside of work I love to go to fashion and art exhibitions and I enjoy sports and fitness. I also enjoy travelling and have lived in France and Spain.
Posted on: October 3rd, 2024 by Hugh Dineen-Lees
I joined Lawrence Stephens in September 2024 as a Solicitor in the employment team, having previously worked at boutique firms in London.
I have a reputation for being easily approachable as well as communicating clearly and effectively, leaving clients reassured their matter is in safe hands.
I represent both businesses and individuals on contentious and non-contentious matters which span the breadth of employment law. I am enthusiastic about providing technically precise advice that meets the commercial objectives of a business, on a wide range of matters including litigation, the preparation of employment documentation and HR issues. When representing individuals, I provide advice in a manner which is sensitive to the client’s situation.
I have particular interest in invisible disabilities and discrimination law. I act for clients in both the bringing of and defended claims arising from the Equality Act 2010, as well as unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal and whistle-blowing. Outside of litigation, I negotiate the termination of employment and settlement agreements and contractual documentation.
Outside of work I enjoy watching rugby and baking sweet treats.
Posted on: April 12th, 2024 by Yvonne Uzoka
I joined Lawrence Stephens’ Banking team in March 2024, after qualifying as a solicitor in September 2022 at a City of London law firm. Prior to this, I studied German and Politics at the University of Nottingham before completing the Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course at BPP University.
I have experience in advising lenders, developers, corporate borrowers and banks (both domestic and international) on all forms of banking transactions.
I have spent time on secondment with a specialist investment manager with extensive expertise in real estate. I have also worked on many development finance projects and bridge finance projects with experienced, mid-market developers in the residential, commercial and mixed use sectors.
Outside of the office, I enjoy competing in all forms of sport, be it football, tennis or swimming. I also regularly take part in marathons and triathlons.
Posted on: March 25th, 2024 by Yvonne Uzoka
I joined Lawrence Stephens as a solicitor in the Private Wealth Disputes team in March 2024.
I originally studied English Literature and Philosophy at the University of East Anglia (UEA), graduating in 2019. I converted to law by completing the Graduate Diploma in Law at UEA and subsequently the LPC at the University of Law. I also spent a year abroad at the University of Groningen studying International and European Law.
Within litigation, my areas of focus are claims for dependency under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975; challenges to the validity of wills; mental capacity challenges; actions brought and defended in respect of trusts; Estoppel claims, failed promises, breaches of agreements and constructive and resulting trust claims; and professional negligence.
Generally, I will represent beneficiaries of estates and trusts, those excluded from inheritance unfairly, trustees, executors, attorneys and deputies.
As part of the wider Contentious Trusts and Probate team, we not only work within the UK, but also deal with international matters with a connection to the UK – for example, in relation to the assets claimed, the person we are representing and the location of the trust or estate.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing five-a-side football, surfing and tennis. I also watch AFC Bournemouth.
Posted on: February 12th, 2024 by Maverick Freedlander
I joined Lawrence Stephens’ Real Estate Finance & Banking team in February 2024 after qualifying as a solicitor in August 2023 at a reputable firm. I graduated from King’s College London before completing the GDL and LPC, graduating with a distinction.
I regularly act for lending institutions in a variety of transactions including refinancing and acquisition of residential, commercial and mixed-use properties, with bridging loans being a key expertise.
Outside of the office, I have a keen interest in fitness. I previously played semi-professional football and am an avid gym goer. Any other spare time is spent with family, friends and watching my beloved Manchester United.
Experience highlights
- Acting for the borrower and lender in the incorporation and refinance of 14 properties with a loan amount of £2.9million
- Acting for the lender in the refinance of a Knightsbridge property valued at £6million which involved several leasehold titles
- Acting for the lender in the granting of a new lease which completed within one week from instruction
Posted on: October 12th, 2023 by Yvonne Uzoka
I joined Lawrence Stephens’ Real Estate Finance team in September 2023. Prior to this, I trained at a City firm specialising in property where I qualified in January 2023.
My experience includes acting for both lenders and borrowers in secured lending transactions, most commonly acting for bridging lenders in relation to acquisitions and refinances. In addition to this, I have acted in a variety of real estate matters involving freehold and leasehold properties as well as new developments.
In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit and travelling. I recently signed up for my third marathon in Barcelona 2024.
Experience highlights
- Acting for a borrower in an incorporation and refinance of 15 properties with a loan of £2.4m
- Acting for a developer in the sale of 37 flats within a new development
Posted on: March 28th, 2023 by Natasha Cox
I joined Lawrence Stephens’ Residential Real Estate team as a solicitor in 2023, having completed my training contract at a West End law firm. My core practice focuses on Residential Property Purchases and Sales predominantly in the prime central London market.
I joined the team with a wealth of experience in all things property-related including purchases and sales of high value, new build and commercial properties. Acting on behalf of high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, overseas, retail and corporate clients, I have built a reputation for being easily approachable and providing an elevated service to his clients. My approach is focused on ensuring clear, concise and accurate legal advice.
I started my career as a paralegal and have worked for some of the most recognisable West End law firms, while also completing my LPC and Master’s degree part-time prior to completing my training.
Outside work, I am a keen boxing and mixed-martial arts enthusiast, having boxed semi-professionally in my teenage years. I still enjoy training and try to go for a session at least once a week – though as a new father I admit my training has been lacking as of late!
Experience highlights
- Acting on several prime London property purchases and sales, including £12m purchase at the Chelsea Barracks, £2.5m purchase in Kensington and £2m sale at Battersea Power Station
- Acting on behalf of ultra-high net worth clients offloading their UK property portfolio including sales in Kensington, Chelsea, Richmond and Surrey
- Dealing with a number of ancillary issues related to prime London properties i.e. absent planning permissions, lack of insurance, service charge inconsistencies etc
Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox
I joined Lawrence Stephens as a Paralegal in the Real Estate department in March 2021 and won Best Conveyancing Paralegal at the National Paralegal Awards in September 2021.
I started my training contract in December 2021 and qualified as a Solicitor in 2023. I have since set up LawLinks, a professional network event series for junior lawyers in the firm. More information on the series can be found here.
After graduating from Oxford Brookes University with a degree in English Literature, I completed the Graduate Diploma in Law at BPP University London on a part-time basis whilst working full time as a Commercial Real Estate research Associate at CoStar group. Through this role, I developed a keen interest in real estate which led me to take the first step into my legal career as a paralegal specialising in residential real estate at a City law firm. I completed my LPC LLM at BPP on a part-time basis and graduated with Distinction.
I enjoy keeping active and am a keen dancer. Having completed many years of dance training, I performed in a variety of shows and competitions across the country and now keep moving with weekly classes at Pineapple Dance Studios and pre-work gym classes.
