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Lawrence Stephens contributes to The Law Society Gazette’s clients and technology roundtable

Posted on: June 25th, 2025 by Ella Darnell

The Law Society is the professional body for solicitors in England and Wales. It plays a central role in representing, supporting, and promoting the legal profession, while also advocating for access to justice and the rule of law. The Law Society has for some years run a series of Gazette round table discussions. These are curated, invitation-only events that bring together legal professionals, thought leaders, and stakeholders to discuss pressing issues in the legal sector. These sessions are typically thematic, focusing on issues of the day.

Head of Financial Institutions Greg Palos was invited to attend the most recent of these, the clients and technology roundtable. Greg attended alongside representatives from organisations such as Dexter Montague, Foot Anstey and Thomson Reuters. The group explored how firms manage their technology investments and attract and maintain teams that combine the technology and people skills needed to win and retain business. The group was particularly keen to examine how firms were able to compete on speed and responsiveness while managing the ever-increasing burden of regulatory obligations.

It’s clear from the discussions that today’s lawyer is under pressure to do things quickly while still maintaining a high level service. Artificial intelligence and other technology tools are naturally an answer to some of this, but the panel concluded that there is still the need for the human touch. 

Read the full report here. 

Lawrence Stephens Partners with Churchill’s Boxing Gym to Launch Free Boxing Law Clinic

Posted on: June 24th, 2025 by Ella Darnell

Lawrence Stephens are proud to announce a collaboration with Churchill’s Boxing Gym to launch a dedicated Boxing Law Clinic, providing pro-bono legal support tailored specifically for athletes in the fight game.

Hosted at the heart of the gym, the Boxing Law Clinic will offer fighters direct access to free legal appointments with our experienced professionals. Whether it’s reviewing promotional contracts, understanding a bout agreement, resolving a dispute, or discussing career moves, the clinic is designed to deliver efficient and accessible legal advice when fighters need it most.

This initiative is part of Lawrence Stephens’ ongoing commitment to empowering athletes with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the business side of boxing, and to take control of their careers, both inside and outside of the ring.

Commenting on the Boxing Law Clinic, Sports and Entertainment associate Angelique Richardson adds:

”Fighters shouldn’t have to step inside the ring without knowing their rights outside of it. Together with Churchill’s Boxing Gym, we’re creating a space where fighters can get the advice they need to take control of their careers.”

Samm Mullins, the owner of Churchill’s Boxing Gym, says:

”We’re really proud to be partnering with Lawrence Stephens on this Boxing Law Clinic. They work with a number of fighters already and really understand the boxing world — not just from a legal perspective, but from a fighter’s point of view too. This clinic is a great opportunity for our boxing community to get proper advice from people who genuinely know their stuff.”

The first clinic will take place on Monday 30 June, with 45-minute appointments available from 10am. Appointments are free, but limited — clients will be asked to book an appointment and complete a short questionnaire in advance. For prospective clients, please email sportsandentertainment@lawstep.co.uk or text/call 07510 931301 to request your questionnaire and confirm your appointment.

Lawrence Stephens Advises Kaleidex Group on its Acquisition of OxDevice Ltd

Posted on: June 18th, 2025 by Ella Darnell

Lucy Cadley led a cross-disciplinary team from Lawrence Stephens alongside overseeing director Katherine Zangana and was closely supported by Avni Patel, Becci Collins, Leigh Sayliss and Craig Mullen in advising Kaleidex Group, an Ansor portfolio company, on its acquisition of OxDevice Ltd.

Kaleidex, backed by private equity firm Ansor, acquires and integrates high-performing medical manufacturing companies, building a network of expertise and innovation to drive industry advancements. This strategic acquisition of OxDevice, a precision engineering and manufacturing company based in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, is Kaleidex’s third acquisition and expansion into the rapidly growing neurovascular and endovascular device sectors.

The transaction demonstrates our collaborative and commercial approach, bringing together expertise from our Corporate & Commercial, Real Estate, Employment and Tax teams to deliver a seamless service tailored to the need for an integrated approach towards complex corporate matters.

Commenting on the deal, Lucy said:
“Delivering this transaction was a fantastic example of what Lawrence Stephens does best, working closely across departments and alongside our client’s leadership team to deliver pragmatic, forward-thinking advice that helps clients scale their businesses with confidence”

Lawrence Stephens advises Kaleidex Group on its acquisition of Denis Limited and Oracle Precision Limited

Posted on: June 18th, 2025 by Ella Darnell

Isobel Moran led a cross-functional team from Lawrence Stephens, along with overseeing director Katherine Zangana, supported by Avni Patel, Ewan Ooi and Craig Mullen, to advise Kaleidex Group (an Ansor portfolio company) on its acquisition of Densis Limited and its wholly owned trading subsidiary, Oracle Precision Limited.

The transaction highlights our commercial and collaborative ethos, with expertise drawn from our Corporate & Commercial and Commercial Real Estate teams to deliver a seamless and integrated service tailored to the fast-paced demands of SME acquisitions in the medical manufacturing sector.

This was Kaleidex Group’s second successful acquisition, completed within just three months of instruction. The swift execution of the deal further strengthens our client’s strategic growth trajectory in the precision engineering space—supporting the development of critical components for the medical industry.

Commenting on the deal, Katherine said:
“This was a great example of how our team brings together technical expertise and insight to help our client’s complete transactions quickly and decisively. It’s always a pleasure to support their growth journeys with another successful acquisition.”

Lawrence Stephens Advises on Landmark Cotswolds Pub Acquisition for Redevelopment

Posted on: June 11th, 2025 by Alanah Lenten

Bradley Lee and Charlotte Hamilton from our Corporate team, alongside Angela McCarthy and Nick Marshall from the Commercial Real Estate team, have advised Rafic Said on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of The Cotswold Cock Inn Ltd, a corporate structure used to acquire the company’s principal asset: a characterful pub in the Cotswolds.

With planning permission already in place, Rafic intends to redevelop and re-open the pub, breathing new life into the site and bringing a new hospitality offering to the area.

The transaction highlights the strength of Lawrence Stephens’ collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach. By structuring the deal through a corporate acquisition, the team was able to deliver an efficient solution that balanced both commercial and legal priorities, while unlocking real value for the client.

Bradley Lee commented:
“This is an example of where Lawrence Stephens flourishes, combining our Corporate and Commercial Real Estate expertise to work seamlessly as a team and help our clients realise their ambitions.”

Rafic Said added:
“Lawrence Stephens were exceptional throughout, commercially astute, approachable, and solutions-focused. Their expertise gave me real confidence at every stage of the process.”

For more information on our Corporate and Commercial services, click here

Lawrence Stephens welcomes Director, Laura Brown as a key addition to Real Estate Finance team

Posted on: June 3rd, 2025 by zhewison

Laura brings over 11 years of experience as a finance lawyer, specialising in real estate finance. She advises lenders on a broad range of transactions, including senior and mezzanine financing for commercial and residential property development, investment acquisitions, refinancing, and portfolio financing.

Her deep sector knowledge, commercial insight, and strong client relationships significantly enhance our finance capabilities and expand our reach in the market.

Laura Brown said: “I am thrilled to join Lawrence Stephens at an exciting time in the firm’s growth. It is an honour to work alongside such a talented team, including my long-standing colleague and friend, Steve Clinning. I am passionate about the delivery of excellence and exceptional client service, and I am eager to build upon the firm’s legacy.”

Ann Ebberson, Director and Head of Real Estate Finance as Lawrence Stephens said: “I’m delighted to welcome Laura to Lawrence Stephens and our Real Estate Finance team. She brings a wealth of industry expertise and a portfolio of exceptional clients, significantly strengthening our real estate finance capabilities and commercial reach. These are exciting times for the firm, and Laura’s arrival marks another step forward in our continued growth.”

Lawrence Stephens advises Salomon on store at Battersea Power Station

Posted on: June 3rd, 2025 by zhewison

Nickhil Mandora, Director at Lawrence Stephens, has advised Salomon on their latest UK store at Battersea Power Station. This is the third UK store Salomon has opened in the past year, with Nickhil advising on all lettings.

Founded in 1947 in the French Alps, Salomon is an outdoor brand creating high-performance gear for running, hiking, skiing, and adventure. The Battersea Power Station store will be focused on footwear, offering a collection of sport-style, running, and hiking shoes.

This letting solidifies Battersea Power Station’s status as an iconic and desirable shopping destination, home to lifestyle brands favoured by consumers.

Nickhil Mandora: “We are delighted to assist Salomon on their latest UK retail space in the iconic Battersea Power Station, marking a hat trick of stores in the capital for the brand. Salomon have been consistently innovating not only the products they offer but the services provided in-store and we are excited to continue our partnership with them”.

For more information on our services and expertise in the commercial real estate sector, please click here.

Lawrence Stephens successfully acts for Respondent parent in reported case of M v F

Posted on: May 15th, 2025 by Alanah Lenten

Lawrence Stephens’ Family team, led by Co-Head of Family Eleanor Wood, recently acted for the Respondent parent in the reported Family Court case of M v F [2025] EWFC 114 (B).

A fact-finding hearing as part of child arrangement proceedings, the four-day hearing concerned allegations of long-standing abuse and controlling behaviour made my Lawrence Stephens’ client (Parent M) against their former partner. These included allegations of physical abuse (one of which lead to police involvement), emotional abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour and sexual abuse.

The Applicant (Parent F) contested these allegations, however the judge noted that their evidence was “remarkably inconsistent and lacking in credibility.” The Applicant’s argument that the allegations were financially motivated and intended to block their contact with their child was also rejected by the court.

Concluding her judgment, HHJ Owens upheld all allegations of abuse behaviour made by the Respondent parent, with the case proceeding to determine what arrangements are in the best interest of the child.

The full judgment can be read here.

Lawrence Stephens Expands Residential Real Estate practice with Senior Hire

Posted on: May 12th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

Lawrence Stephens is delighted to announce the appointment of Alexa Kordowicz as a Director in the firm’s growing Residential Real Estate team.

Alexa joins from Child & Child, where she developed a leading reputation for advising on high-value residential property transactions. Alexa has built a wide-ranging practice acting for individuals, companies and both UK and international private banks. She brings to the firm a wealth of experience in managing complex and high-net-worth property matters, with a particular focus on delivering a seamless client experience through strong relationships and a commercially minded approach.

Alexa looks forward to working closely with teams such as Private Wealth to coordinate multi-faceted transactions involving extensive property portfolios.

Speaking on her appointment, Alexa commented: “I’m thrilled to be joining the highly regarded team at Lawrence Stephens. The firm’s client-first ethos and collaborative culture are an excellent fit for my approach to legal practice. I look forward to continuing to support clients in the UK and internationally on their residential property matters, and to growing the practice together with the wider team.”

Goli-Michelle Banan, Head of Residential Real Estate, added: “Alexa is an exceptional addition to our team. Her experience in high-value residential transactions, coupled with her commitment to client service, aligns perfectly with our focus on delivering a tailored and positive experience. We’re excited to welcome her to Lawrence Stephens as we continue to expand the scope and strength of our Residential Real Estate offering.”

Details of our Residential Real Estate services can be found here

Lawrence Stephens advises Fidelius on its investment in Vobis

Posted on: May 9th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

Lawrence Stephens has advised Top 100 financial planning firm Fidelius on its acquisition of a non-controlling stake in Vobis, a London and Yorkshire-based IFA.

Founded in 2013, Vobis, which manages over £140m in client assets, specialises in financial planning for high-net-worth individuals and operates a joint venture with a top 60 accountancy practice in central London. The firm also has a regional office in Leeds.

The deal marks the first investment by Fidelius since Swedish wealth manager Söderberg & Partners took a minority stake in the business at the start of 2024.

The Lawrence Stephens’ team was led by Corporate and Commercial Director Jeff Rubenstein, supported by Associate Harshita Samani, Solicitors Lucy Cadley and Avni Patel, and Trainee Electra Kallidou.

Jeff Rubenstein commented: “While this was our first transaction for Fidelius, this assignment was the latest in a series of transactions we have advised on in the rapidly consolidating Financial Services industry. We very much enjoyed working with the Fidelius team, their energy and ambition very much reflects our own ethos and we look forward to working with them in the future”.

Richard Armstrong, Head of Governance, Risk and Compliance at Fidelius responded: “We are grateful for the advice and support provided by the team at Lawrence Stephens. The team were proactive and responsive, and their can-do approach helped move this important transaction along. Our ambition is to be a top 20 IFA and more acquisitions are likely.”

Find out more about our Corporate and Commercial services here

Matt Green discusses crypto assets disputes and recovery with the Government of Gibraltar

Posted on: May 8th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

Director and Head of Blockchain Matt Green presented to the Ministry of Justice, Trade and Industry of the Government of Gibraltar, outlining the evolving legal status of digital assets alongside Scott Pounder, Founder and CEO of Prometheus Insights. 

Looking to the current legal landscape and potential future developments, Matt and Scott explained why recognising digital assets as property is essential, considering:

  • The definition of digital assets
  • The canon of common law, including Matt’s own cases, and how asset recovery cases created precedents globally
  • The role of legal definitions of property, now ratified in the Court of Appeal, from case law through to the Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill
  • Considering a draft statutory instrument designed to bring dealing with crypto assets into the remit of regulated activity under FSMA 2000.

The Government of Gibraltar’s official press release can be found here.

For more information on our digital assets expertise, please click here.

Lawrence Stephens advises Arc’teryx on Manchester store

Posted on: April 25th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

Lawrence Stephens Director Nickhil Mandora and Solicitor Sophie Levitt have advised Arc’teryx on their first UK store outside of London, located at New Cathedral Street, Manchester. The new store is Arc’teryx’s first foray into the UK retail market outside of London and represents a significant vote of confidence for the North West.

Arc’teryx, based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, is a Canadian company specializing in technical outdoor apparel and equipment for mountaineering and alpine sports.

The new store, set to open this summer, will be the brand’s fourth UK location, joining its other retail sites in Covent Garden, Piccadilly, and Battersea Power Station.

Nickhil Mandora has acted on the leases of each of these sites and said “We are delighted to have acted for Arc’teryx on their newest store located on New Cathedral Street, Manchester, which will no doubt have been with met excitement by fashion-conscious Mancunians. Arc’teryx are a brand that are at the top of their game, having managed to effortlessly tap into the zeitgeist, and we look forward to extending our relationship with them.” 

For more information on our services and expertise in the commercial real estate sector, please click here.