Property

Partner Michael Compton sums up the approach of IWG’s property department as no-nonsense, down to earth and proactive. It’s a way of dealing with things that hasn’t changed since the firm was formed in 1994.

“We have the ability to put teams onto large projects and handle complex transactions,” says Michael, one of the firm’s partners. “But we have the same informality that we had at the start and the same “can-do” mentality.”

we have the same informality and can-do mentality…

Those recent big deals to which Michael refers include the purchase of a £25 million commercial investment portfolio, where Michael led the IWG team, backed up by several members of the property and corporate departments; a sale of a client’s entire residential portfolio, where contracts were exchanged on the same day as instructions were received, with no advance knowledge of the sale, and exchanging on the purchase of a £31m commercial multi-let property within seven hours of receiving draft papers.

The department’s team of ten is just as happy acting for investors and developers as it is for landlords and tenants, and people buying or selling flats and houses. Regardless of the size of the deal, the same values apply. Each transaction is afforded the same level of care and attention, and this includes the pro bono work which the firm often undertakes for worthy charities. That explains why some clients have used the firm for years.

Understanding property

The firm’s understanding of property is something that comes up again and again when speaking to clients. Nicholas Cowell of Estate Office Property Consultants says the firm has “an in-depth understanding of real estate and we get a fantastic service from a dynamic company.” And Daniel Talisman, Group Legal Counsel of Sportingbet PLC, comments: “You can leave them to get on with the work and seek instructions only where necessary.”

This is partly due to the fact that matters are not routinely delegated but are dealt with by a solicitor with the relevant expertise. Andrew Barrs of Brown Cooper Marples likes the fact that clients are not passed down a ladder and he always deals with a solicitor who is an expert in their field. He sums up by saying: “For the level of expertise they are better than a small firm and for the level of service better than a big firm.”

Paul Sheeter heads up the banking and international side of the department and routinely manages large cross border transactions for clients, whilst advising on the necessary UK lending documentation.

Thinking outside the box

Another feature of the department is what partner Daniel Ginsbury describes as its ability to find legal and practical solution to problems. And clients recognise this. “IWG’s lawyers have a willingness to think outside the box,” says Andrew Barrs, “and are committed to securing the best deal they can for the client.”

committed to securing the best deal they can for the client….

But, it is not just about being good lawyers. “You’re at work eight to 10 hours a day and you’ve got to make sure you enjoy it,” concludes one client. “The big thing is they’re bloody good at what they do and great fun to work with.”

Meet the property team here.

You can read some of our client testimonials here.