Chris Cagney

Posted on: January 31st, 2025 by Natasha Cox

I am a Director in the Commercial Real Estate team, having joined Lawrence Stephens from Memery Crystal in January 2025. 

I have extensive experience in a range of commercial real estate matters including acquisitions and disposals and landlord and tenant matters, as well as advising on development projects and property finance transactions. I also have many years of experience assisting residential real estate clients, specialising in the London prime central market.

Experience

  • Acted on the purchase of a mixed use, occupied (serviced offices and hostel) building in Kensington.
  • Acted for a buyer on the purchase of a Grade II Listed building in Belgravia, a development site to be converted into luxury apartments.
  • Acted for a tenant being granted a 10-year lease of three-level office space in a prestigious, newly renovated Mayfair building.
  • Assisted a corporate client on the sale of a care home site in Walthamstow.
  • Acted for a corporate client, advising on property matters, in respect of a castle purchase in Shropshire.
  • Advises the owners of a London based organic produce store with multiple sites across London.

Nikki Hashemi

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

I joined the Real Estate Finance team in January 2025, specialising in a wide range of real estate transactions. These include secured lending, acquisitions and disposals of residential and commercial real estate, refinancing, transfer of equity and lease extensions.

Over the past seven years, I have built a reputation for managing complex caseloads with precision and  have delivered exceptional results for my clients.

I pride myself on my attention to detail, ability to work effectively under pressure, and strong commercial awareness. I am passionate about providing clear, practical advice and helping my clients achieve their goals, whether they are buying a home, refinancing a property, or navigating complex real estate legal issues.

Prior to qualifying as a solicitor, I worked as a property consultant, where I provided bespoke advice to clients and guided investors through property acquisitions. I also gained valuable insights into client management and negotiation skills during this time.

Outside of work, I enjoy attending reformer Pilates, yoga and fitness classes, skiing, spending time with family and socialising with friends.

Experience Highlights

  • Being a key member of the team acting for the lender on a £50million refinancing secured over seven properties in central London
  • Acting for client on transfer of equity and refinancing of a portfolio of eight residential properties

Amy Luhmann

Posted on: January 6th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens as a Paralegal in January 2025 in the Residential Real Estate department.

Prior to joining Lawrence Stephens, I gained four years of new build experience within plot sales acting for Housing Associations. I am currently working towards gaining my CILEx Lawyer qualification.

Outside of work I enjoy visiting new countries with family and friends. I also like to keep fit by going to the gym.

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.

Natasha Ali

Posted on: December 12th, 2024 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens as a Real Estate Finance Solicitor in 2024, following my qualification at a West End firm in 2022. I advise clients on a wide range of real estate transactions, including property acquisitions and disposals, refinancing and restructuring, secured lending, and commercial and residential mortgages. My approach centres on building strong relationships by working closely with clients to understand their unique needs and long-term objectives.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis, taking Reformer Pilates classes, and exploring new restaurants.

Experience highlights

  • Acting for a lender in providing a £9 million facility to a BVI Company that was acquiring nine off plan residential units in Central London.
  • Acting for a borrower in the acquisition of a mixed-use property using bridging finance for a sum of £1.2 million.
  • Acting for a landlord in granting a new lease for a retail unit outside of the 1954 Act and completing within a week.
  • Acting on behalf of a borrower and lender in a limited company’s restructure.
  • Acting on behalf of a landlord in granting a lease to a care home.  

     

     

Christine Chan

Posted on: November 29th, 2024 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens’ Residential Real Estate team as a paralegal in May 2024.

Prior to this, I gained valuable experience working at a London law firm after completing my Bachelor’s degree in Law and the Legal Practice Course.

I have experience in assisting a wide range of residential property matters for both domestic and international clients, including private companies and high-net-worth individuals.

Having grown up in Hong Kong, I possess a rich cultural background that encompasses both British and Asian influences, enabling me to provide exceptional legal services that address the needs of our diverse clientele.

Outside of work, I am an avid traveller who loves exploring new destinations.