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Gareth Hughes

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I’m an experienced private client lawyer with more than 20 years’ experience in acting to protect and preserve my clients’ wealth and assets.

My clients include high-net-worth-individuals (both domiciled in the UK and of non-domiciled status). I regularly advise on estate and tax planning, the preparation of complex wills and the creation and administration of trusts.  I also act for clients in preparing both UK and US wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, draft declarations of trust, make applications to the Court of Protection and manage a full range of probate matters.

When not working, I have a passion for travel and adventure, and enjoy experiencing different cultures around the world.  I also enjoy running, swimming and am a keen rugby fan.

Experience highlights 

  • Advising on a cross-border tax and estate planning for a US individual resident in the UK, with net assets exceeding £50m
  • Supported on the administration of a multi-jurisdictional estate with assets exceeding £75m
  • Acting as lead Trustee for a multi-million pound discretionary will trust, managing complex family relationships and needs
  • Acting as sole attorney under a Lasting Power of Attorney for property & financial Affairs for a UHNW individual

Glen Bayliss

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I  joined Lawrence Stephens Solicitors in September 2019 from a West End firm where I was a Partner specialising in residential property and private client work.

I qualified in 1997 and won the Law Society prize for outstanding performance in my final year at law school in London, where I graduated with a Distinction.  

Since then, I have established a loyal and expanding client base of both UK based and offshore clients.  I have extensive experience in all aspects of residential property, including lease extensions and the buying and selling of all types of property. I advise on the full cycle of a property transaction to ensure clients receive an outstanding service. 

I am married with two children and retain a keen interest in the beloved Arsenal FC, Southend United FC and Essex Cricket Club.  Having played football at semi-professional level (many years ago) I still play twice a week and captain my local cricket club in the summer months.

Goli-Michelle Banan

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

With more than a decade’s experience in the prime and core London residential real estate market, I joined Lawrence Stephens as Head of Residential Real Estate.

My established network of clients and business contacts is largely made up of HNW and UHNW private individuals, end users, investors and developers, both individuals and corporate entities, and trust administrators based domestically and internationally.

My specialities include property sales and acquisitions, as well as a vast amount of commercial and mixed-use land acquisitions for residential development, financing and refinancing of individual properties and property portfolios.

Having been recognised as a leading lawyer in directories and a ‘key player’ among professionals within the residential property industry, my attention to detail and reputation as a ‘trusted advisor’ enables clients and introducers of business to gain successful outcomes.  I enjoy developing new and existing professional relationships and am described as being extremely proactive and approachable.

When not working, I am a real ‘foodie’ with a passion for trying new restaurants in and around London.  To counterbalance, I’m an avid gym goer and will attend various fitness classes and gyms around town to keep fit.

Experience highlights 

  • The sale of a £10m flat in Belgravia
  • The purchase of a £12m house purchase in Kensington, Phillimore Estate
  • Purchase of various properties and subsequent refinancing of the property portfolio
  • The purchase of a coach house, which entailed various intricacies and included multiple dwellings relief and a stamp duty saving
  • Purchase of several houses on the prestigious Wentworth Estate

Jeff Rubenstein

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

As a Director of our Corporate and Commercial department, I have over 30 years’ experience in various transactional corporate matters, from once in a lifetime sale of a business, to advising corporate clients on strategic acquisitions and expansion plans.

I lead by providing an exceptional and detail-orientated level of service which enables the deal to be done in a timely and efficient manner. 

My clients include owner-managed businesses, entrepreneurial individuals, and large corporate entities.  My work focuses primarily, but not exclusively, on the technology (including print management and IT services), recruitment, wealth management, financial services, insurance, publishing, events, engineering, manufacturing, sports and fashion sectors.  I typically work on transactions in the £1m to £35m range.  Many of my relationships with my clients span more than 20 years, demonstrating the value and importance I place on building lasting, personal connections. 

Never one to shy away from complex transactions, I like to get right to the heart of the commercial issues at play. By analysing the fine print and astutely assessing the risks, I enable my clients to remain one step ahead at all times. 

I am married and have two adult daughters and three grandsons.  When not working or spending time with my family,  I can be found supporting my local community where I volunteer for various charities and participate in fundraising activities.  I also find the time to play golf, watch football (as a long-suffering Spurs season ticket holder) and cycle.

Experience highlights 

  • Acting for HFMC Group, a leading wealth and asset management advisory business in connection with a strategic acquisition of a competitor as part of the consolidation taking place within the financial services sector
  • Advising ITEC Group in connection with the acquisition of various companies in the print management and IT services sectors as part of an international growth strategy. To include, Portrayal Limited; Time Business Systems Limited; Citrus Digital Limited; Stem Networks Limited; Reflex Digital Solution Limited; Mail A Doc Limited and Criterion IT Limited
  • Advising the shareholders of ITEC Connect Limited in connection with the sale of their UK businesses to Xerox (UK) Limited
  • Advising the shareholders of a well-known construction and infrastructure group in the UK in connection with a sale to the management team
  • Acted for GOT Capital Limited, the B2B lending business, in agreeing loan facilities with Shawbrook Bank to support the growth strategy of the company
  • Acting on the sale of a number of general insurance broker businesses as a result of consolidation taking place within the general insurance industry
  • Acting for Scutum Group UK Limited in connection with the purchase of a number of alarm maintenance and monitoring businesses in the UK

Katherine Zangana

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I am an experienced corporate solicitor with over a decade of experience working with businesses of all kinds and a particular interest in small and medium-sized businesses. I am an integral member of the firm’s Corporate and Commercial team and trusted advisor to my clients.

I have a diverse client portfolio and significant experience supporting clients with the closure of a range of deals. I act for both buyers and sellers on share and asset sales, acquisitions, restructuring/reorganisation and other corporate transactions. 

I advise clients on a wide range of commercial contract matters, from terms and conditions to shareholders’ agreements, investments, general contractual advice and other company constitutional matters across a wide range of sectors including technology, building services, procurement, compliance, hospitality, retail, media, healthcare, dental health, sport and property

When working with clients, I believe that it is crucial to get to the heart of their business needs, to understand their core sensitivities, objectives and the changes required for improved success.  Both appreciating and anticipating the commercial needs of each client is key to providing meaningful and sound legal advice.

Experience highlights 

  • Completing over 50 acquisitions for a large dental health organisation over the last four years

  • Co-running a transaction involving the sale of an online media business which was required to be completed within a few days

  • Advising a technology company on its supplier contracts, detailed shareholders’ agreement and potential investment

  • Advising multiple clients on shareholder exits, including agreements dealing with shares and employment, statutory procedure for the removal of directors and ongoing liabilities

  • Assisting an online start-up business in a full review of its existing and required legal documentation (online terms and conditions, policies, employment documentation, non-disclosure agreements) in preparation for launch and procuring investment

Nick Marshall

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I have over 20 years of experience acting for international and domestic clients, helping them achieve their investment and operational targets, as well as managing the life cycle of their real estate portfolios.

Regardless of how complex the matter at hand, I have the required skill sets to enable transactions to be navigated smoothly and efficiently.  I am accessible and communication is always crystal clear.  

I primarily act for corporate occupiers, private investors, property companies and private equity houses and have worked on deal portfolios that have earned me industry-wide recognition.  Typical assets acquired are diverse but include out of town retail parks, office business parks and warehousing sites.  To date, my most notable transaction includes being part of a team that helped a client acquire a Canary Wharf skyscraper, at the time valued at c£500m. 

I regularly advise corporates on the relocation of their office space and work with fledgling companies taking their first steps on to the real estate ladder through to global corporates acquiring their UK headquarters or expanding their UK presence. 

As part of my practice, I aim to provide my clients with everything they need, before they know they need it, and certainly before they ask for it.  I take the time to get to know my clients and, above all, I am approachable, adaptable and always available. 

When I’m not working, I pursue several outdoor pursuits. I have a passion for fly fishing and sit on the committee of two separate fly fishing clubs, and have done in one case for 20 years.  I also enjoy skiing, clay pigeon shooting and mountain biking with my two sons.  They never allow skill level to get in the way of an adrenaline-fuelled day out – as evidenced by scars, bruises, and trips to A&E!

Experience highlights 

  • Acting for a Middle Eastern bank in connection with their acquisition, financing and management of a 362 bed newly constructed student accommodation block in Durham for £40m
  • Acting for a UK property company on the disposal of a single let bonded warehouse in Avonmouth for £62m
  • Acting for an Irish family office on the disposal of a Central London office block, single let to an international law firm, for £75m
  • Acting for a European private investor in connection with the acquisition of a portfolio of investment properties across the City of Westminster and their subsequent refurbishment
  • Acting for an international engineering company in the relocation of its UK headquarters and managing its portfolio of other operational UK sites
  • Acting for a UK importer of fresh food products in taking the lease of a newly constructed 100k+ sqft high tech warehousing facility at the deep-water port, DP World
  • Acting for a UK FX platform in the relocation of its UK HQ to 15,000 sqft of office space in the City of London
  • Acting for UK based private equity firm in the relocation of its UK HQ to 4,000 sqft of office space in the City of Westminster
  • Acting for US based tech / software company in the relocation of its UK HQ to 10,000 sqft of office space in the Silicon Roundabout area of London

Nisha Saigal

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

With over 13 years’ experience in commercial real estate, I am a core member of my department representing property developers, investor clients, lenders and commercial landlords and tenants.

I have a particular focus on refinance work and act regularly for borrowers on single to large portfolio refinances.  I understand the pressures which some borrowers are faced with when refinancing, making timing critical to ensure that the new facility is completed coterminous with the redemption of the outgoing loan.

I also act for a variety of lenders including commercial lenders, bridging lenders and digital mortgage lenders.

Irrespective of the value of the transaction, I am always driven to secure the best results for my clients.  This is achieved by taking the time to understand my clients’ business and  effectively ‘stepping into their shoes’.

I value the importance of working relationships with clients, brokers and agents, regarding these relationships as integral to the progression, efficiency and outcome of my transactions.

When not at work, I spend quality time with my two daughters.  As well as cooking and listening to music, ‘pounding the pavements’ and exploring the sights on a city break are my favourite ways to relax. I have also rediscovered my netball skills by joining the firm’s netball team.

Experience highlights 

  • Acting for Monument Bank and the borrower on a £4.1m refinance across a portfolio of eight properties
  • Acting for the borrower on the refinance of a 44 unit residential development including the subsequent sale of each unit
  • Acting for a challenger bank on a development loan of £3.8m which completed in nine days consisting of multiple tranches
  • Acting for a challenger bank on a £7m loan to refinance a well-known hotel chain in Nottingham
  • Purchase of various residential and commercial units for an investor client with the assistance of a bridging loan and the subsequent refinance under a term loan

Paul Marsh

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens in 2016 as an Associate and became a Director in Lawrence Stephens’ Real Estate Finance department in 2020. I qualified as a solicitor in 2011, having previously worked in the commercial world of sales and marketing. 

As an integral part of the team, I act and advise both lenders and borrowers in relation to secured lending matters that, in many cases, involve multiple properties. 

I regularly act for lenders in a variety of sectors including retail, hospitality, commercial and healthcare. With a broad knowledge of those areas, my advice is valuable in providing both the lender and borrower with a quality professional service.

Experience highlights 

  • Acting for a borrower in relation to a £27m refinance secured against 119 properties
  • Acting on behalf of a lender in putting in place security over new and existing properties under a revolving £25m LMA loan facility
  • Acting for a client dealing with property aspects for a client selling multiple companies with a combined property portfolio of circa 200 properties
  • Acting for a borrower in a £33m refinance of a residential block of flats recently converted from offices
  • Acting for lender in a £8m refinance secured over 9 properties

Rachel Coulthard

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I am experienced in acting on a full range of real estate finance transactions.  I also have a wealth of experience in managing high-value refinances of property and property portfolios.

My clients include a broad range of borrowers and lenders – from individuals to high-street banks and bespoke private funding platforms – all of whom trust me for my ability to work efficiently within tight timescales and to drive deals over the line at pace.

Always relishing a challenge, I like to get to grips with the details of each matter and the needs of each party to ensure a successful outcome is achieved for everyone involved.

I am proud to be the firm’s lead on our Women in Real Estate Finance (WREF) initiative, which seeks to bring together bright female leaders in real estate finance, celebrate their successes and provide them with the tools needed to flourish in the industry.

Outside of work, I spend my time looking after my twin girls, and also enjoy boxing and lifting weights.

Experience highlights 

  • Acting on a term loan within bridging deadlines to secure a £13million lend over two multi-let sites
  • Acting for a bank on an £11million term loan on a mixed-use scheme in central London
  • Acting for a private lender on a £4.8million finance of a let property on Harley Street which went from instruction to completion in five days
  • Acting for the borrower on the development finance and sale of part of a residential development in Central London which included a CBILS loan, a second lender and management company set-up
  • Acting for a lender on the contemporaneous financing of two complex commercial sites in Manchester involving sub-underleases and a claim for adverse possession
  • Acting for the landlord on the grant of a high value lease of a bowling alley complex

Steven Roskin

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens’ Real Estate department as a Director in 2022.  

I built my experience over the last decade working on a diverse range of property transactions and pride myself on my calm and progressive approach.

I work with a large network of property professionals in acquisitions and sales for clients from all over the world.  My core practice focuses on prime Central London transactions working with first-time buyers, experienced developers and high-net-worth-individuals.  I have experience in all types of residential conveyancing, including new build purchasers and refinancing as well as commercial transactions.

I provide clear, timely and measured advice to clients to make transactions as smooth and stress-free as possible.  I bring a personal approach, so that clients and contacts get to know me well and feel I am always available.

Experience highlights 

  • Acting on a £15m flat purchase at Chelsea Barracks
  • Handling a large property portfolio transfer and refinance for an overseas company client with complex lease assignment requirements
  • Purchase of a mixed residential and agricultural country estate involve registered and unregistered land and the subsequent sale of the property 18 months later
  • Purchase of multiple flats in a new development for a client with unique funding requirements

Tom Pemberton

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I advise on all stages of procurement and the execution of a wide variety of building, engineering and infrastructure projects in the UK and abroad, including projects of national importance.

I offer expertise in drafting and negotiating development agreements, construction contracts, professional appointments and related agreements, building on my experience over many years of advising on high profile construction and infrastructure projects and my knowledge of the domestic and international real estate and infrastructure sectors.

My clients are building owners, developers, funders, contractors and consultants.  I recognise the importance of providing “value added” services at no charge, including regular meetings to obtain feedback on work carried out and to provide updates on legal developments.

I have a longstanding relationship with the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, the representative body for companies who work day-to-day to deliver, upgrade and maintain the country’s infrastructure.  I drafted the CECA Generic Form of Sub-Contract which was published in September 2020 for use in conjunction with a wide range of standard form and bespoke main contracts.  I sit on the CIC Liability Panel, which considers legal issues of interest to construction professionals and others in the industry.

I am also a well-known speaker on a wide range of topics, including construction contract forms, alliancing/collaborative contracting, case-law on issues such as contractors’ and consultants’ design liability, the Construction Act (as amended in 2011), and other topics of interest to the construction and engineering industry.  I regularly contribute articles on construction law issues to specialist journals.

I am married with two children and live in Surrey.  I am a long suffering supporter of Charlton Athletic and enjoy cycling, running and playing racquet sports.

Experience highlights 

  • Advising in the drafting and negotiating of a number of contracts for key works packages in the construction of Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, including the groundworks package and the supply and the installation of an electrical supply back up system; the criticality of these contracts required an in depth analysis of the key risks and the most appropriate ways to manage and mitigate them
  • Advising on procurement methodology and preparing and negotiating the contracts for the design and construction of various housing, office and commercial projects in the UK, including new builds, refurbishments and fit outs.  An important element of this work is ensuring the appropriate allocation of risks such as those arising from the global constraints on the supply of labour and materials following Brexit and the pandemic
  • Drafting and negotiating the contracts relating to a number of construction and engineering projects internationally, including in the USA and the Middle East; liaising with local lawyers as necessary to ensure compliance with local law
  • Acting for a number of banks in the financing of various developments.  Among others, this has involved advising on the development security aspects of an additional financing package in relation to a large housing development where the project costs exceeded the budget, in order to ensure the successful completion of the project and repayment of the loan
  • Providing project advisory services including the management of claims and strategies to settle disputes or where this has not been possible arranging for the issue and conduct of dispute proceedings

Andreas Panteli

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I am a Director in the Real Estate Finance Department having joined Lawrence Stephens in 2013.

I advise and act for a wide of range of clients in the sector, including bridging lenders, banks and private lenders based both in England and Wales and overseas.

I have specialist experience in acting for and assisting with the growth of new lenders and challenger banks. Notably, I assisted a private lender from inception to the growth of a significant loan book which exceeded £100m, to then achieving its banking licence.  I was also part of the team at Lawrence Stephens that assisted a banking client grow a loan book of £60m to £2.5bn in under 3 years.

I have a wealth of experience advising businesses, entrepreneurs and developers in connection with real estate acquisition and disposal work. This includes large-scale portfolios, development sites, commercial acquisitions and general property investments.

Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time in the gym, am an avid football fan and a keen traveller, having explored different corners of the world.

Experience highlights 

  • Acting for an established bank in respect of a facility exceeding £10m to assist with the acquisition of a property portfolio exceeding 40 properties
  • Acting for a bridging lender in respect of a facility to assist with the acquisition of a high street parade in Central London for onward development at a sale price of £8.5m
  • Acting for a bridging lender in respect of a loan facility in the sum of £11.6m to assist with the acquisition of a commercial office building with consent to develop the property into residential apartments
  • Acting for a number of developers in the acquisition and financing of airspace leases above existing buildings, the onward development of the site and the disposal of the developed flats thereafter
  • Acting for an entrepreneur on the acquisition of a well-renowned restaurant with a purchase price of £4.5m with the assistance of a multi-security finance provided by an established bank