Leonard Goodrich

Over the years I have had the pleasure to have worked with a variety of our clients leading teams supporting their real estate requirements. This has ranged from the acquisition and disposal of corporate head-quarters to the re-structuring of corporate portfolios and advice on business sales and acquisitions. Often advising in-house counsel (who may or may not have real estate experience) or in-house facilities and portfolio managers, I have sought to provide effective, commercial and timely advice for a number of substantial businesses in a variety of sectors but where real estate is not necessarily a core activity but where its effective use and operation is a critical success factor. With so many fine lawyers available in the market-place, I have built my practice on developing a pragmatic understanding of the client's business and requirements as well as building an essential bond of trust so they regard me as a partner and not just their lawyer.

More about Real Estate

Over some 30 years with the firm I have been fortunate to have been involved in a variety of development projects both for clients having real estate as a core business activity and for other corporates where from time to time surplus land and buildings provide valuable development and rationalisation opportunities. Being involved from the outset with the client and its advisers in such circumstances provides the opportunity to shape a transaction so as to maximise returns. Building a close bond with the client and its advisers provides the opportunity for an effective team approach to deliver against expectations. That’s always our goal. I have led teams managing the legal requirements for the demolition and reconstruction of substantial office and industrial premises, often alongside the negotiation of planning and other regulatory agreements and the management of rights to light issues. I have had considerable experience handling the redevelopment of mixed use sites and those where the principal property asset might be listed as a building of historical or architectural importance, with all the strategic and commercial issues which flow from that. Project experience includes substantial mixed-use developments, both housing and commercially led, often in difficult urban settings as well as equally difficult projects in the green belt and in non-confirming areas.

More about Real Estate Development

Lewis Silkin has always had a strong planning capability carrying on the legacy of the firm’s founding father who was the author of the modern planning system as Minister for the New Towns in Clement Attlee’s pioneering 1945 government. I have been part of that ongoing tradition within the firm for a number of years recognising that no real estate or development capability can properly be delivered without an effective (and pragmatic) understanding of land use and operational activity within the built (and un-built) environment. That pragmatic approach has seen us involved in a number of projects over the years. I provide strategic advice to businesses and individuals on the degree to which their own use and operation of land may or may not be lawful (as well as practical support as to how restriction may be overcome); advice on neighbouring activity which may or may not require objection to the local planning authority. I have handled planning appeals (both at inquiry and in written representations) both on behalf of applicants and objectors. Much of my work in this sector has involved the negotiation of complex planning agreements often incorporating highways and utilities issues and (in the case of residential developments) appropriate provisions to deal with affordable housing, public realm and other requisite planning obligations. I have had considerable experience in working closely with planning consultants as part of an overall team in delivering substantial (and sustainable) development.

More about Planning & Environment

Whilst the effects of the global and national economies have wrought serious havoc and constraint on the aspirations of many of our clients in the regeneration sector, we continue to play an important role in supporting projects moving forward. I have had a number of years of experience in this area with a combined background in real estate, development and planning. My work has involved acting for landowners in one of the largest mixed use regeneration projects in London over the last few years being a collaboration agreement for the disposal and development agreement in respect of a substantial former military site as well as work in relation to the redevelopment of a central London mixed listed and non-listed office and residential complex in a conservation area. In addition I have had experience in the development of sports and related facilities.

More about Housing & Regeneration

My work over several years has supported a number of our major corporate occupier clients with their commercial property needs. Whether they are in the information technology, leisure or natural resources sectors, the effective management of and support to our clients’ land and buildings is a key deliverable to their business success. For a number of clients where their properties are not core business activities, we encourage them not to regard their bricks and mortar assets as peripheral. Why? Because the contingent liabilities are often not fully appreciated and the effective management of those assets can seriously improve the bottom line. I have led teams handling the acquisition and refinancing of broad portfolios of office, residential and industrial premises and from lease renewals to dilapidations issues; from rent reviews to sub-lettings. Any advice in this area must be co-ordinated with the client’s other advisers to ensure joined up analysis and deliver results. I have had many years of experience in doing just that.

More about Commercial Property