Magic circle heavyweight Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has joined Addleshaw Goddard, Herbert Smith Freehills, Jones Day, King & Wood Mallesons, Mayer Brown and Simmons & Simmons on British Land’s first panel.
The property investment firm, which appointed former Freshfields partner Elaine Williams as its first general counsel in September, said it would also continue to work with other firms such as Sheppherd & Wedderburn and Carey Olsen in specialist areas.
While the panel review began before Williams joined as the FTSE 100 firm’s first general counsel in November, Williams was involved in the later stages and final decision making.
Williams said: ‘We were extremely impressed with the quality of the proposals submitted and in particular the thoughtful suggestions for effective collaboration and efficient provision of legal services. We are looking forward to developing closer collaborative ways of working with our panel firms”
King & Wood Mallesons legacy firm SJ Berwin has been a long-time adviser to British Land, with partner Matthew Priday advising on its complex acquisition of Aviva’s Paddington Central estate for £470m in ten weeks in 2013. Priday also acted on all aspects of the company’s West End portfolios including the flagship Regent’s Place scheme.
Other panel reviews to wrap up before Christmas include Edinburgh City Council, Tata Chemicals and Coca-Cola.
victoria.young@legalease.co.uk