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Roberto Francis

Posted on: December 6th, 2024 by Natasha Cox

I am a Senior Associate in the Real Estate Disputes Department having joined Lawrence Stephens in December 2024.

I join 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.

I like to take a down to earth approach and develop strong relationships with clients, thereby ensuring that their needs and expectations are at the forefront of my mind when progressing any given matter.

Outside of work, I am a fitness enthusiast and enjoy going to the gym and running.  Over recent years I have taken part in a number of runs. When I am not training I love all things food related and like eating out with friends and family.

Experience highlights

  • Successfully obtaining a vesting order in favour of a lender
  • Acting for a lender in the settlement of a professional negligence claim prior to the issue of proceedings

Neha Kapoor

Posted on: November 26th, 2024 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

I joined Lawrence Stephens’ Real Estate Finance Team as a Senior Associate in October 2024. Before this, I spent approximately seven years at Edgware working as a secured lending solicitor. With over a decade of experience in all areas of property law, I possess extensive knowledge in various aspects of secured lending. This includes residential buy-to-let properties, Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), commercial loans, bridging loans, and development financing. I have worked closely with professionals in the legal field, as well as financial intermediaries, underwriters, and credit managers.

I take pride in developing long-term relationships with my clients by providing practical, cost-effective legal advice and striving for solutions that best meet their needs. I welcome the challenge of delivering client solutions to achieve successful outcomes, whether that involves securing development financing or managing a straightforward commercial loan.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my children and engaging in activities such as cooking, swimming, and travelling. I prioritise maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Angela McCarthy

Posted on: October 8th, 2024 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

I am a Senior Associate in the Commercial Real Estate Department, having joined Lawrence Stephens in 2021.  I have extensive experience in a range of property transactions, and a particular interest in investment property, commercial landlord and tenant matters and corporate support work (particularly in connection with the purchase and sale of commercial entities). 

I have acted for well-known retailers and restaurants in the acquisition of new premises and the negotiation of lease renewals, deeds of variation, assignments, licences and wayleave agreements.  I also act for landlords in connection with portfolio management and the preparation and negotiation of sub-leases.

The best part of my role is building strong, supportive and lasting relationships with clients.  I enjoy getting to know clients and their business strategies and my advice is always straightforward, commercial and tailored to the person or entity seeking it. 

In my spare time, I can regularly be found at one the many gig and concert venues in London, as live music is my absolute kryptonite.  I’m also a regular on the netball court and love a good runaround with my wonderful teammates. 

Krysha Hunt

Posted on: August 14th, 2024 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

I am a Senior Associate in the Commercial Real Estate team, having joined the firm in 2024.

I have extensive experience working on behalf of both landlord and tenants, acquisitions and disposals and property management. I also have experience working with hospitality clients in relation to the acquisition or disposal of hotels, restaurants and pubs and work closely alongside other departments to provide a comprehensive service.

I enjoy building relationships with clients and getting to know their focus to ensure a collaborative and commercial approach to transactions.

Outside of work I enjoy anything fitness related and ran the Paris half marathon in March 2024. I also enjoy travelling and have been fortunate to experience living in Singapore and Dubai.

Experience highlights:

  • Acting on behalf of a technology tenant to agree a lease of at a high-profile Central London building with a rent exceeding £1.5m per annum.
  • Acting on behalf of a hospitality client to acquire and subsequently refinance target properties across the UK for an initial portfolio value of circa £15m.
  • Acting for a landlord in respect of a lease of a serviced office block to an internet giant.

Henry Duncan

Posted on: July 1st, 2024 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

Prior to joining Lawrence Stephens I developed finance experience and commercial acumen across a variety of deals in the West-End and Top 200 Law Firms and spent time in house at a property development group. I bring a pragmatic and versatile approach to clients and take a long-term view of relationships.

I have a strong technical focus and have regularly acted for both upcoming and established lenders on product launches, standard template documentation and ‘special situations’. I am experienced in a range of transactions with particular familiarity with loan-on-loan arrangements, peer-to-peer structures, syndicated loans and mezzanine financing. I am happy to deal with non-standard situations where robust advice and urgent action is required to reach the best result.

The real-estate transactions I have worked on include lending to major hotel groups, ‘ground up’ and airspace development, purpose built student accommodation, service stations and care homes. Broader clients include IVF clinics, independent car manufacturers, music studios and car wholesale groups.

I value a commercial and outcome focused attitude to transactions, taking into account the broader needs of parties and adopting a collaborative approach where possible. My experience in house assists in understanding and anticipating what my clients need and ensuring that advice is clear, timely and jargon-free.

Outside of work I enjoy golf, live music, history and good food.

Experience highlights

  • Acting for a major alternative lender on a £65m refinance of student accommodation.
  • Acting for a challenger bank on a £15m loan-on-loan arrangement for a hotel development.
  • Advising an established bank on their participation in a £700m master platform agreement for care home funding and loan purchase arrangements.
  • Acting for a borrower on a £50m revolving credit facility with a high-street bank.
  • Advising a corporate lender on a £30m secured loan facility to a distressed borrower.
  • Reviewing and revising standard lending documentation for a national buy-to-let lender prior to syndication.
  • Acting for a specialist lender in relation to a £1.9m mezzanine loan across a four block development site with two senior lenders with a transactional timeframe of one week from instruction to completion.
  • Negotiating an intercreditor agreement between an alternative lender and the Greater London Authority.
  • Advising on the launch of a new development finance lender, advising on regulatory requirements, operations, funding structure, drafting standard transactional documents and acting on subsequent senior and mezzanine transactions.

Emma Cocker

Posted on: May 3rd, 2024 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens in March 2024 as a Senior Associate in the Employment team, having previously worked exclusively at specialist employment firms following completion of my legal training at a global law firm.

I act for businesses and individuals across the whole spectrum of employment law on both contentious and non-contentious matters. My clients come from a wide variety of industries, but I have acted for numerous financial institutions and FCA regulated individuals.

I have a particular interest in discrimination matters and regularly act for both employers and employees in bringing and defending claims arising from the Equality Act 2010. Disability discrimination is a matter of particular interest to me. 

Clients recommend me because I am a safe pair of hands – delivering timely and practical advice is at the centre of what I do. I also strive to have a ‘litigation mindset’ in everything I deliver for my clients, because whichever course of action we decide to take must work now – and be justifiable in the future. With a background in corporate law and banking, I understand the inner workings of corporate clients, and this is how I add value and help my clients to achieve the best outcomes.

Outside of work I am a member of the Campaign For Real Ale and love nothing more than attending a good beer festival!

Experience highlights

  • Advising a financial services employer in relation to the dismissal of their CEO, oversight of a subsequent independent investigation and advising on associated regulatory and litigious matters.
  • Advising an employer on their defence of claims of automatic unfair dismissal and pregnancy/maternity discrimination, including on issues of TUPE and liquidation.
  • Securing a significant settlement for a financial services employee in relation to complex claims of disability discrimination, including a continuous course of conduct occurring over several years.
  • Negotiating settlement on behalf of a FCA regulated individual accused of sexual harassment and advising on implications for their future career as a regulated individual.
  • Advising a certified B-Corp financial services employer on policy amendments and contracts of employment to bring them in line with B-Corp values.

Joanne Leach

Posted on: November 27th, 2023 by Yvonne Uzoka

I joined Lawrence Stephens in November 2023 as an Associate in the Employment team, having previously worked at a mid-size City firm and a specialist employment firm.

I act for businesses and individuals in relation to a wide range of employment law matters, both contentious and non-contentious, at every stage in the life cycle of the employment relationship. My clients come from a wide variety of industries and organisations.

In addition to practising as a solicitor, I am also an experienced 11+ tutor, having run my own business in this sector for 14 years.

In my leisure time I enjoy dancing, theatre, climbing, HIIT training and travel. My superpower is choosing the right book for any adult or child!

Experience highlights 

  • Securing the strike out and withdrawal of unmeritorious claims against a recruitment company client at the preliminary stage of legal proceedings.
  • Negotiating a complex and high-value exit package for the outgoing CEO of a global professional services and technology firm, settling potential unfair dismissal, whistle-blowing and breach of contract claims.
  • Advising on the strategy and legal issues associated with the move of senior executives to a competitor in the financial services sector.

Jennie Curtis

Posted on: November 6th, 2023 by Yvonne Uzoka

I am a Senior Associate specialising in high-volume, fast-paced bridging transactions for mid-market lenders, dealing with both regulated and unregulated loans.

My experience includes advising on all types of loans from simple closed bridges to large-scale development loans and high-value portfolio refinances, with complementary knowledge in property issues, banking, planning and trust matters. I also consult on complex registrations, unregistered land and registration errors.

I am typically instructed on complex loans, as clients have confidence in my ability to navigate through a myriad of issues, explaining the risks to them in a clear and concise way enabling them to make commercial decisions.

Prior to working in law, I spent 14 years in the West End working as a sub-editor, designer, and production editor for various financial, business and IT magazines, including The Guardian and Observer newspapers. Given my background in journalism, I am a keen writer of online law articles and have written games reviews for magazines.

Outside of work, I promote careers in law by regularly exhibiting at careers events for young people. I also enjoy travelling with my family and spending time in the garden.

Experience highlights 

  • Acted on the refinancing of three aparthotels in central Liverpool, secured by three cross-collateralised loan facilities with a combined loan amount of more than £4m. The three loans raised a number of particularly complex issues, due to the involvement of a SIPP fund, mental capacity aspects, trust issues and the refinance of a fluctuating credit facility
  • Acted on a £8.6m development funding for the demolition and rebuilding of houses on the Chelsea Embankment. The number of neighbouring properties benefiting from rights over the development site made for a tricky title reporting job
  • Acted on an acquisition and refinance of a number of shopping arcades, including ‘The Quadrant’ in Romford
  • Acted on a £3.4m refinance of a Grade II listed building in York with planning consent for conversion to mixed use retail and aparthotel, while the borrower looks for development funding. This included negotiation of a deed of priority with mezzanine lender, and reporting on a flying freehold and defective title insurance

Wenxi Zhou

Posted on: October 31st, 2023 by Yvonne Uzoka

I initially came to the UK from China to study in 2005, before moving to South Korea in 2011 and living in San Jose (USA) for a year. Having obtained a LLM in International Business Law from the University of Manchester and both LLB and LLM Honours degrees from the University of Law, I qualified as a UK solicitor.

Upon my return to the UK in 2015, I began my journey within the real estate industry. I focused on residential conveyancing, dealing with all matters relating to residential property, whilst also undertaking commercial property transactions. My experience includes acting for high-net-worth-individuals, companies, property developers and banks.

I am familiar with the issues and obstacles overseas buyers encounter when they are investing in the UK property market. I provide a bespoke and premium service to my clients and am particularly experienced in acting for high-net-worth-individuals from Asia investing in prime location properties in London. My background, language skills and professionalism ensure the conveyancing process my clients experience is efficient and smooth. 

Outside of work, I love spend time with my family, especially my daughter. I love running, ice skating, play golf and skiing.

Experience highlights 

  • Acting on a £30m residential purchase in Holland Park
  • Instructed on a £24m residential acquisition in Hanover Square, Mayfair
  • Acting on a £15.25m Grade II listed Victorian House in St Johns Wood
  • Acting on a £12m Grade II listed prestigious apartment in Hyde Park Gardens
  • Acting on £9m new build flats portfolio purchase for an overseas investor in One Park Drive
  • Acting on purchases of £7.5m and £6.6m leasehold flats in a prestigious Grade II listed mansion building in Kensington
  • Advising on a purchase of £6.5m Grade II listed Victorian House in St Johns Wood
  • Instructed on the sale of £5.5m luxury apartment in Chiltern Place
  • Advising on the acquisition of investment properties in central London with complex islamic finance

Asim Arshad

Posted on: August 8th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I am a dedicated Commercial Disputes lawyer with a particular specialism in the emerging cryptoasset sector.

I have diverse experience within commercial litigation, encompassing areas such as breach of contract, partnership and joint venture disputes, shareholder disputes, franchise disputes, product liability claims and debt recovery.

Working closely with our Sports division, I have acted for a number of high profile clients in the world of sports and entertainment where the disputes often possess a delicate and confidential nature. Understanding the unique challenges and privacy concerns that come with such cases, I prioritise discretion and confidentiality, ensuring that the interests and reputations of my clients are safeguarded.

My expertise is further complemented by a familiarity with prominent arbitration institutions. I have adeptly represented clients in arbitral proceedings under the rules of institutions such as the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) and the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (JAMS).

As the nascent cryptoasset sector has matured, I have developed a particular focus and specialism in providing legal services and advice to clients operating in the crypto and digital asset sector. From cryptoasset regulation and compliance advice to dispute resolution, my blend of traditional commercial litigation expertise, forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of digital assets, blockchain and the unique challenges and environment in which industry participants operate, positions me as a trusted legal advisor to many in the sector.

Notably among these is my work with one of the largest NFT projects on the Cardano blockchain. In addition, I have acted as a trusted crypto lawyer to one of the industry’s leading mining platforms and have advised various token issuing entities as well as a tier 1 exchange, further solidifying my reputation as a trusted legal advisor in this growing sector.

I am dedicated to delivering innovative, robust, and cost-effective legal solutions tailored to the specific needs of each client, and I take pride in being a trusted advisor in both traditional and emerging sectors.

Experience highlights 

  • Successfully defended a UK-based individual against attempts by a U.S. crypto lender, which had filed for bankruptcy, to recover payments made during the preference period.
  • Advised a token-issuing entity and a play-to-earn (P2E) platform on a broad range of regulatory considerations, including navigating the FCA token classification guidelines, including a thorough analysis of token characteristics to determine appropriate regulatory treatment, and provided strategic advice to mitigate regulatory risks.
  • Provided strategic advice and guidance to a token issuing entity on structuring the token issuance to comply with applicable regulations. Also advised on related issues such as anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, financial promotion rules, and the preparation of legal documentation to support the token’s launch and ongoing operations.
  • Acted for an individual who had lost in excess of £1m in cryptoassets as a result of a sophisticated investment scam, utilising innovative legal strategies and remedies to trace and recover stolen funds.
  • Assisted multiple clients in navigating the complexities of using cryptoassets for substantial purchases, including property purchases.
  • Collaborated with a European law firm to assist their client to annul a tax decision issued by relevant tax authority, which had requested in excess of €1m by way of tax liability on cryptoassets not yet withdrawn from a platform.
  • Represented a number of clients in recovering substantial sums which had previously been deemed ‘irretrievable’ by centralised exchanges due to erroneous transfers.
  • Advised a global exchange through evolving regulatory and compliance requirements to operate within the UK market.
  • Represented several token-issuing entities in negotiations with major crypto exchanges for the listing of their tokens. Advising on listing requirements, disclosure obligations, and drafted listing agreements that protecting interests while meeting the compliance standards of the exchanges.
  • Advised clients on the formation and governance of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), including the structuring of legal entities and the drafting of governance frameworks to ensure transparent and fair decision-making processes.
  • Instructed as part of a multi-jurisdictional legal team on the creation and structuring of cryptoasset investment funds targeted at institutional clients.
  • Acted for clients in significant commercial agreements where cryptoassets formed a substantial part of the transaction value, providing strategic guidance on the valuation and transfer of cryptoassets, due diligence to assess cryptoasset portfolios, and negotiating terms that aligned with the parties obligations and risk profiles.
  • Acted for crypto businesses and individuals in disputes relating to compensation schemes tied to cryptoasset valuations, token generation events and token rewards.
  • Advised a range of traditional businesses, including retail businesses, on integrating cryptoassets as a form of payment within their business models. Developed strategies to mitigate risks associated with volatility, fraud, and regulatory scrutiny, while ensuring seamless implementation and alignment with business objectives.”

Sarah Gallagher

Posted on: August 3rd, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens in 2023, with nearly a decade’s prior experience working in the new build real estate market.

My primary client base is formed of purchasers of both leasehold and freehold new build properties, inside and outside of the Greater London area and developers selling plots at a variety of developments. Whilst my specialism is largely new build work, I also act for those selling and purchasing residential properties of all varieties, including shared ownership, HNW and UHNW.

I have acted as the recommended solicitor on several developments constructed by national housing developers of a household name, ensuring an efficient service whilst also ensuring that my client’s needs were prioritised throughout. More recently, I acted on a prime Manchester development, whereby I personally dealt with the exchange of over 200 plots within a four-month period.

I pride myself on providing a high level of service to each of my clients, applying specialist technical knowledge to each case but also remaining approachable and prioritising each client’s individual needs. I maintain a risk adverse but commercially sensitive approach and always make myself available for any queries that my clients might need answered.

I have been recognised within the new build market as providing an efficient, structured and detailed service to my clients, with previous clients describing me as “dealing with the whole process with a professionalism, speed and warmth that all solicitors should aspire to”.

In my spare time,  I enjoy cooking (and, of course, the resultant eating). I also try to go out running at least twice a week, although the arrival of my son late last year has meant that most of the running that I do currently is after him.

Experience highlights 

  • Acted for a prominent international ultra-high net worth client purchasing at the Battersea Power Station Development for over £4m
  • Acted for clients purchasing through an assignment, where instructed both before and after notice to complete had been served
  • Acted for a high-net-worth client purchasing 10 units at a development for a collective price of over £8m

Jake Cohen

Posted on: August 1st, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I am a Senior Associate and founding member of the Sports & Entertainment team at Lawrence Stephens. I act for clients on both contentious and non-contentious matters.

I act on high-profile matters within sport and my calm, direct and focused approach coupled with my strong commercial background and experience working with key stakeholders across the global sporting industry enables me to communicate and distill complex legal matters into practical advice in an engaging, accessible and actionable way.

I specialise in advising clients on commercial, image rights, employment, complex regulatory and cross-border matters in addition to acting for clients in disputes before The Football Association (FA), FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Given the international nature of my work, I frequently collaborate with colleagues from a variety of different countries, jurisdictions and backgrounds.

I am passionate about ensuring that costs are not a barrier to receiving top legal advice and access to justice and I regularly provide pro bono assistance to young athletes and entrepreneurs. Additionally, I have been a member of the American Bar Association’s Military Pro Bono Project since qualifying as a lawyer and have been appointed to the Sport Resolutions Pro Bono Service.

Experience highlights 

  • Representing clients in dozens of successful disputes before the FA (Rule K Arbitration and Contractual Disputes Tribunal), FIFA (Players’ Status Chamber and Dispute Resolution Chamber), the Court of Arbitration for Sport and other sporting and commercial arbitration bodies
  • Advising a client on a record-breaking commercial sponsorship deal within women’s football
  • Negotiating a precedent-setting employment contract on behalf of a men’s footballer client
  • Advising players and agents on a wide range of issues relating to domestic and international transfers
  • Advising players, families and football clubs on issues pertaining to international transfers of minor players
  • Supporting the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) in negotiations with The FA in relation to benefits for the England women’s national team
  • Supporting the PFA in negotiations with The FA in relation to the standard employment contract for women’s professional footballers
  • Representing a client on a successful discrimination, abuse and harassment claim opposite one of the largest football entities in the world
  • Advising a brand client on a multi-million pound sponsorship deal with a prominent Formula 1 team
  • Advising athletes on their image rights, commercial opportunities and sponsorships
  • Advising Premier League and Championship football clubs on commercial sponsorships
  • Advising boxers on their promotional agreements and management agreements
  • Advising multiple dual-national footballers and collaborated with national associations to facilitate the players’ decisions to make the ‘one-time switch’ to play for different national teams
  • Negotiating and drafting complex agreements involving parties in multiple jurisdictions and requiring expertise in both EPPP and NCAA regulatory compliance for clients with Major League Soccer clubs, Premier League and EFL clubs operating Category 1 and Category 2 academies and NCAA colleges and universities
  • Drafting services contracts on behalf of clients engaged with Premier League and EFL football clubs
  • Advising athlete clients on reputation management issues
  • Advising a UK client on establishing a US corporate headquarters
  • Leading the due diligence team of a prospective bidder of a top-level football club
  • Advising football clubs, agents and players on successfully securing Governing Body Endorsements from The FA