Bethany Mellor

We are delighted to announce the promotion of two new Partners, Clare Pooley and Michael Duffy (Private Wealth) and five new Senior Associates, Alex Gamble and Jessica Woollard (Private Wealth), Emilie Bladon and Rosie Larwood (Litigation), and Nick Salmon (Property). Congratulations to all of our colleagues on this fantastic achievement. Their expertise, dedication and commitment to delivering exceptional client service continue to strengthen our firm and the work we do.

Real Estate Partner, Sophie Henwood explores how planning reform is creating a new route for discharging environmental obligations and whether this is likely to serve as a time‑saver or instead represent a further charge on development.

The introduction of VAT on private school fees has triggered a wave of independent school closures, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the real estate market. In Estates Gazette, Real Estate Partner, Sophie Henwood highlights the key legal, planning and financial considerations investors must address when looking to repurpose these historic and architecturally significant properties.

Lease renewals can be a complex process, especially when the lease is contracted out of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. Real Estate Partner, Sophie Henwood, has produced a short guide for new property investors, outlining key considerations for negotiating a renewal, for both landlords and tenants.