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Elif Hasgol

Posted on: March 3rd, 2025 by Natasha Cox

I am a solicitor in the Real Estate Finance department with extensive experience in development sales and purchases, large-scale portfolio refinances, commercial and bridging finance transactions.

I act for various lending institutions on a variety of real estate finance transactions to include refinance and acquisitions of commercial and residential properties.

With comprehensive understanding of complex real estate transactions, I provide tailored advice to meet the unique needs of each client.

Experience

  • Acquisition of a commercial unit by a pension trust for £2.4million, subject to grant of commercial lease.
  • Disposal of an industrial site for £2.65million, subject to grant of commercial leases.
  • Acting for the borrower on a purchase of a commercial site for £2.8million, mortgage with a specialist buy to let lender.
  • Acting for the borrower on the refinance of nine leasehold properties with a specialist buy to let lender.

Claire Gao

Posted on: February 17th, 2025 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

I am a Banking and Finance solicitor specialising in real estate finance and corporate lending. Before joining Lawrence Stephens, I spent several years at a leading international law firm, where I advised on a broad range of complex financing transactions, including real estate, ship and trade finance.

Over the years, I have built a strong track record of advising both lenders and borrowers on domestic and multi-jurisdictional financing projects, ranging from £100,000 to £40 million. My clients include UK and international banks, investment firms, housing associations, leasing companies, asset management companies, and other businesses who share a footprint in the UK and EU.

I have had the privilege of working on several notable transactions, from financing student accommodation projects to large-scale refinancing deals for housing associations, involving more than 100 properties. I have also supported financial institutions through the challenging Libor transition period, assisting them in updating facility agreements and security documents to accommodate risk-free rates.

I truly enjoy both the technical drafting and client-facing aspects of my work. I believe that being reliable, responsive, and open-minded is key to building long-lasting relationships, not just with my clients, but with everyone I work with.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with Piano (my black-and-white furry companion), skiing, reformer Pilates, and reading in cafés around the world.

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.

Alysha Mohammed

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.

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.

 

 

 

Henry Richards

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.  

My areas of focus within litigation 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, 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.