Lawrence Stephens appoints Memery Crystal Real Estate team

Posted on: January 31st, 2025 by Natasha Cox

Farringdon based full-service law firm Lawrence Stephens is pleased to announce the appointment of Directors John Aynsley, Chris Cagney, Matthew Hind, Nickhil Mandora and Sam Silverman to their Commercial Real Estate department, who all join from the highly regarded Real Estate group at Memery Crystal.

John Aynsley was previously Head of Real Estate at Memery Crystal, specialising in the acquisition, disposal, development, regeneration, financing, and management of high-value assets in commercial real estate. He acts for clients ranging from international real estate funds and listed house builders to private investors.

He is joined by fellow Directors:

  • Chris Cagney, who has extensive experience in a range of commercial real estate matters as well as advising on development projects and property finance transactions.
  • Matthew Hind, who specialises in general commercial real estate with a mixture of investment, development, finance, occupier, and management work. He also has considerable experience dealing with distressed real estate on behalf of banks and insolvency practitioners.
  • Nickhil Mandora, who acts for a wide variety of clients ranging from retail landlords and tenants to institutional lenders and property developers. 
  • Sam Silverman, who has acted for major international and domestic clients including developers, funds, corporate occupiers and supermarkets within the office, industrial and retail sectors.

Commenting on his appointment, Director John Aynsley stated: “We are very pleased to join Lawrence Stephens at this important moment for the firm. Their extraordinary growth over recent years is evidence of their ambition and can-do attitude, which we share and clients clearly love. We look forward to building on what are already strong foundations and working closely alongside the rest of the Lawrence Stephens team.”

Managing Director Steven Bernstein commented: “We are delighted to welcome John and his team to Lawrence Stephens. Their arrival coincides with a period of exciting growth for the firm and will provide both bench strength to our existing team as well as extending the range of expertise and experience we can now offer to both existing clients and new prospects.”

Dominic Holden comments on DeepSeek and data protection in The Lawyer

Posted on: January 29th, 2025 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

With Chinese AI platform DeepSeek rapidly becoming the most downloaded free app in the UK and the US, Director Dominic Holden comments on the potential cybersecurity and data protection concerns, in The Lawyer.

Dominic’s comments were published in The Lawyer, 28 January 2025, and can be found here.

“DeepSeek’s privacy policy makes clear that they will collect your personal data, use it for a broad range of purposes and store it in China. This data is very valuable especially when provided at scale by thousands of users. The same concerns which gave rise to the proposed TikTok ban seem to apply here.

“With China’s national security laws obliging Chinese firms to share data with government agencies, users cannot know what will ultimately become of their data or how it might be used. Great care should be taken by users in deciding what to share with the platform.”

Jake Cohen recognised in The Lawyer Hot 100 2025

Posted on: January 28th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

Senior Associate Jake Cohen has been featured in the 2025 edition of The Lawyer Hot 100. This highly anticipated annual list recognises the successes of lawyers from in-house, private practice and the Bar, as well as those who are shaping the legal profession. The 100 lawyers on the list are selected for the excellent work they are doing at the present moment, with talented rising stars rubbing shoulders with eminent lawyers who have years of success behind them.

Jake’s entry highlights his ground-breaking work in the field of sports law, with The Lawyer noting that “Cohen has been advising many athletes since they were academy players and the trust relationship he has with these high-net-worth individuals is such that word of mouth regularly brings new instructions — such as a popular grime artist who is now on the books. Institutional relationships with clubs complement the work for individual athletes: new American owners are another big client base. There’s plenty more market share to go at. This team is set to grow and grow.”

Commenting on his recognition, Jake said: “I’m delighted to be included in a list filled with so many brilliant colleagues who are doing genuinely incredible work. Any personal recognition I receive is a direct result of being very lucky to have an incredible team at Lawrence Stephens – Mo Pasricha, Will Bowyer, Angelique Richardson, Andy Wallis and Anna Chasioti-Metson) and amazing clients who have trusted us with the privilege and responsibility of advising them.”

For more information on the work of our Sports and Entertainment team, please see here

Matt Green presents evidence to Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill Special Public Bill Committee

Posted on: January 23rd, 2025 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

Head of Blockchain and Digital Assets, Matt Green, recently submitted evidence to the House of Lords Special Public Bill Committee on the Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill

Matt argued that the Bill is both necessary and effective. He suggests that legislation, as opposed to common law, would provide the judiciary and policy makers with the confidence to apply property right principles to a new asset class – which is vital for consumers and financial institutions who are increasingly reliant on digital assets. Matt further argues that the Bill prescribes a negative definition which allows for things not yet created or not easily defined as capable of inclusion – providing additional flexibility to policymakers.

He notes that the Bill is a response to nervousness in the judiciary in deviating with established definitions of property, and that the wording is the door ajar to give decision makers the freedom to create new asset classes where required, without falling foul of common law principles.   

Discussing the Bill’s potential for negative or unexpected consequences, Matt warns that the wide wording of the Bill may open the floodgates and policy must therefore be carefully considered and robustly drafted. He also notes that monitoring the benefits and drawbacks of the Bill must be considered on an ad hoc basis by policy makers, to prevent any unexpected consequences.

In all, he senses that although there are more pressing matters at law, including (i) liability of decentralised entities, and liability of coders/ software developers (ii) regulation of digital assets, and the rules of engagement and (iii) the effectiveness of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (2023), the Bill, of a version of it, must be passed to give confidence to the market and to show this jurisdiction is taking digital assets seriously.

In relation to improving the Bill, Matt argues as to why the chosen thing should be an object of personal property rights – suggesting it may be considered as heavy handed. He also notes that it may be useful to include some non-determinative wording as part of this legislation to help guide decision makers when considering property rights.

Click here to read Matt’s evidence in full.

Three Lawrence Stephens directors ranked in the 10th Edition of Spears 500

Posted on: January 23rd, 2025 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

The latest edition of the Spear’s 500 is out now and we’re delighted to report that Goli-Michelle Banan, Lawrence Kelly and Stephen Messias have been included.

This is the 10th edition of the Spear’s 500, which is the original and most in-depth guide to advisers to ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices. The rankings are compiled by the Spear’s Research Unit and are based entirely on merit.

Congratulations to all those included on this recognition of their expertise and dedication to clients.

Swift completion of £5.9 Million loan secured over prime residential blocks

Posted on: January 20th, 2025 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

In a recent financial transaction, a £5.9 million loan was secured over three multi-unit residential blocks located in London and Hemel Hempstead. This deal involved multiple linked refinancing transactions of the commercial elements, showcasing the complexity and efficiency of the process.

Anna Christou represented YBS Commercial Mortgages, while Paul Marsh acted for the Borrower. The transaction was completed within an impressive nine working days from the issuance of the Offer, highlighting the dedication and expertise of the teams involved.

A special mention goes to Katie Peck and Amy Bristow, at YBS Commercial Mortgages, whose pivotal role ensured the smooth and timely completion of this significant transaction.

This achievement underscores the importance of collaboration and precision in high-stakes financial dealings, setting a benchmark for future transactions.

Dominic Holden comments on the potential cybersecurity risks surrounding RedNote and TikTok, in Yahoo! News

Posted on: January 15th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

Director Dominic Holden comments on the potential cybersecurity and data protection risks of downloading RedNote, the social media platform which users are downloading before the potential US TikTok ban, in Yahoo! News.

Dominic’s comments were published in Yahoo! News, 14 January 2025, and can be found here

“Like TikTok, RedNote is owned by a Chinese company which potentially raises the same privacy and data concerns that led to TikTok’s possible ban. 

“Whilst the app itself does not appear to be dangerous, users concerned about their data privacy and how their data is to be used by RedNote, may be slow to adopt it until more is known

“There is also the further risk that as RedNote gains popularity, as a Chinese-owned company, it too may need to deal with the same regulatory issues TikTok has faced. Failure to do so could result in a future ban or legal action against RedNote.”

For more information on our technology disputes practice please click here

Abtin Yeganeh comments on the Renters’ Rights Bill capping up-front payments for renters

Posted on: January 13th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

Director and Head of Property Litigation Abtin Yeganeh comments on a new provision of the Renters’ Rights Bill making it illegal to ask tenants to pay more than one month’s rent plus a six-week deposit up front.

Abtin’s comments were published in Metro, 10 January 2025, and can be found here.

Will the new legislation work?

So, why have landlords been allowed to ask for such vast amounts upfront until now?

As Abtin Yeganeh, Director and Head of Real Estate Disputes at Lawrence Stephens tells Metro, landlords often use these hefty deposits for peace of mind when, for example, tenants might not have a UK-based guarantor.

‘In order to tackle issues of bad credit and/or renting to overseas individuals, landlords often seek rent in advance as additional financial security. This can amount to six months’ rent in advance,’ Abtin details.

But as he believes, we’ll have to wait and see how it pans out – and whether landlords listen to the details of enforcement.

‘The outcome of these reforms is that tenants should, in theory, have more options when it comes to securing rental properties as they will not have to compete with prospective tenants who can pay a lump sum in advance. 

‘However, given that landlords have a choice as to who they want to take on as a tenant, it remains to be seen whether the proposed changes have the desired effect.’

For more information on our Real Estate Disputes services, please click here

Emma Cocker comments on managing discrimination and harassment in the workplace

Posted on: January 9th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

Senior Associate Emma Cocker comments on the legal action facing McDonald’s over allegations of widespread harassment and discrimination, and discusses employers’ obligations to protect their staff and workplace.

Emma’s comments were published in Business Matters Magazine, 7 January 2025, and can be found here.

“All employers have duties to protect their staff against discrimination and harassment in the workplace – obligations which apply regardless of whether people are engaged on a full-time, part-time or zero hours basis.

“However, with most McDonald’s workers being engaged on a zero hours basis, individuals will be acutely aware of their employment insecurity. They are also likely fearful of being subjected to detrimental treatment for raising complaints. The abuse which arises from the imbalance of power inherent in these types of workplace relationships can lead to significant liability for businesses, of which employers must be conscious.

“It would appear that McDonald’s still has a long way to go in providing a safe working environment free from discrimination and harassment. How they handle these claims will likely be carefully scrutinised. The longer businesses allow this kind of behaviour to persist, the longer the list of grievances and legal claims they will face.”

For more information on our Employment services, click here

Lawrence Stephens appoints specialist immigration lawyer to head new department

Posted on: January 7th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

Leading full-service law firm Lawrence Stephens is pleased to announce the appointment of specialist immigration lawyer Skylar McKeith, who will head the firm’s new Immigration practice.

Skylar provides strategic advice to both corporate and private clients, and represents high-net-worth individuals and celebrities, high-profile business professionals, and companies.

Highlights of her work include securing a Global Talent visa for an Emmy Award-winning American actor, successfully obtaining Skilled Worker visas for employees of a renowned art gallery and securing a sponsor licence for a professional women’s football club – enabling the recruitment of international talent.

Skylar’s appointment also marks the launch of Lawrence Stephens’ new Immigration practice. Complementing the firm’s existing suite of services, the launch of this new department will allow Lawrence Stephens to continue to provide its wide range of clients with the very best in integrated legal advice.

Skylar is an active member of the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association and a regular commentator in the national press and across radio and television, contributing to media discussions around hot-button immigration issues.

Commenting on her appointment, Skylar said: “Lawrence Stephens is a dynamic firm which has grown significantly over the past few years, and I am delighted to join such a vibrant and acknowledged team of legal experts.

“I look forward to working closely with the firm’s existing departments to provide clients with a full suite of services.”

Steven Bernstein, Managing Director at Lawrence Stephens, commented: “We are excited to announce Skylar’s appointment and the formation of our new Immigration department, with her at its core.

 “It is a pleasure to welcome Skylar to the Lawrence Stephens team. Her combination of legal expertise with commercial advice and strategy will enable us to provide a more dynamic offering to clients.”

For more information on Lawrence Stephen’s Immigration practice, please click here

Lawrence Stephens expands its Real Estate Disputes team with appointment of Senior Associate Roberto Francis

Posted on: January 6th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

Leading dispute resolution firm, Lawrence Stephens, is pleased to announce the appointment of Roberto Francis as Senior Associate to its Real Estate Disputes team.

Roberto joins the firm with extensive experience acting for bridging and alternative lenders with a primary focus on secured and unsecured recoveries, which includes but is not limited to possession claims, receivership, insolvency and professional negligence.

Head of Real Estate Disputes, Abtin Yeganeh said “We’re delighted to welcome Roberto to our team. We’re certain that the breadth of his experience will enhance our service offering and enable us to continue delivering commercially focused, marketing-leading legal advice.”

William Bowyer comments on the significance of McLaren Racing’s $30m claim against Alex Palou 

Posted on: January 2nd, 2025 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

Associate and sports law specialist William Bowyer comments on how McLaren’s claim against Palou will likely set a precedent for similar F1 contract disputes going forward – it will either enable racing drivers to have greater choice with respect to moving teams, or discourage them from moving whilst still under contract.

William’s comments were published in City AM, 24 December 2024, and can be found here

“Given the value of the claim, the current profile of F1, the nature of a driver’s role within a race team and McLaren’s position in the sport, this is a hugely important sports law case and will likely set a precedent for similar F1 contract disputes going forward.

“Given the nature of this case, it will be interesting to see what the court considers – or does not consider – to be caused by Palou’s breach of contract and/or what is reasonably foreseeable regarding the losses claimed by McLaren. McLaren will be pushing for a wide range of losses to be considered from livery changes, new marketing spend, unforeseen spend on new drivers and loss of sponsorships.

“When a party breaches a contract, the “innocent” party (in this case McLaren) often has a right to an award of damages if they have come into loss as result of the breach. It is important to remember that the purpose of damages (from an English Law perspective) is to put the innocent party in the same position as if the contract had not been breached. Therefore, McLaren can only be awarded as much as the court considers necessary to reach that position. We often see scenarios where parties attempt to recover beyond what is necessary to place them back in that position.

 “Should the court side with McLaren, drivers would be discouraged from moving teams whilst still under contract based on their perceived chances of success, and help ensure that race teams hold the power.

“However, should the court consider the damages to be far lower than McLaren claims, racing drivers will likely breathe a sigh of relief. Whilst they would still have to pay damages for breaching a driving contract, it may enable them to have greater choice to choose teams based on the opportunities presented to them – if they consider the pros of switching teams whilst still under contract to be greater than the costs they may incur.

 “Importantly, McLaren’s dispute with Palou highlights the importance of drivers seeking tailored and sports-specific legal advice before signing any ‘seat deal’ – especially before a decision as big as changing teams.”