Birketts LLP is known for commercially-focused and City-quality advice at very competitive prices'. The firm has a deep bench of talent in Cambridge led by strategic land expert Kath Herbert, who brings to bear 'extraordinary depth of experience'. Simon Keen handles all aspects of commercial development and is 'truly expert in his field'. He acts for News Corp UK & Ireland Limited in all its property activity in England and Wales, including matters concerning its London headquarters. Up-and-coming partners Dwight Patten, Claudia Haisman-Green and Helen Stewart are recognised experts in advising landowners, developers and promoters on major projects. Gavin Acheson and the 'knowledgeable and tenacious' Gemma Goddard lead the real estate investment team.

HCR Hewitsons continues to expand its team in Cambridge, as it cements its place in the elite group of local firms. National head of property development James Simpson and head of the Cambridge commercial real estate group Helen Mutucumarana, who has specialist experience in the life sciences, biotechnology, technology, media and emerging tech markets, are recognised leaders in their fields. The ‘approachable, friendly, and knowledgeable‘ Ceri Riddell acts for landowners, promoters and developers in complex land deals. Experienced senior associate Becky Woodcock joined from Mishcon de Reya LLP, adding valuable experience in landlord and tenant matters. ‘This team knows the UK property market inside out‘ remarks one client.

The Cambridge office of Howes Percival LLP plays a pivotal role in its national commercial property offering, which is known for ‘value, high standards, and quick turnaround‘. Practice head Michaela Henson has long been acknowledged as a standout adviser on strategic land development. She recently assisted Mortar Investment Group with the financing of a portfolio of buy-to-let properties. Commercial property investment partner Steven Beach, emerging partner talent Elizabeth Thomas, who handles complex matters in the education, commercial investment and development sectors, and experienced landing and tenant adviser Susanne Hinde round out a practice that is ‘helpful and delivers consistently‘. Tim Bacon joined the practice in June 2024.

Mills & Reeve LLP has a real estate practice that has built up a strong national reputation across its office network, and it is frequently called upon to handle complex and high-profile projects. Head of real estate Richard Hanson focuses on disputes, but he oversees a strong bench of talent in the Cambridge office, which handles corporate real estate transactions, real estate investment deals, development projects, and landlord and tenant work. Real estate investment partner Charles Staveley, life sciences sector specialist Vincenzo Maggio, and development project advisers Michelle Cookson and Nick Finlayson-Brown are all at the top of their game. Principal associate Christopher Pike and newly promoted partner Tom Nash also stand out. Christine De Ferrars Green retired in May 2024.

The firm-wide commercial property team at Mishcon de Reya LLP has a strong base in Cambridge, where practice head James Slinger, who has 'a remarkable ability to acknowledge the challenges but also come up with a practical solution', is a key adviser on complex acquisitions, development, leasing transactions, renewable energy projects, and the property aspects of large corporate transactions. Slinger recently assisted technology company Riverlane Ltd with the lease of its head office. Up-and-coming partner Elliot Wilson also acts in complex renewable energy projects, while 'responsive, thoughtful' managing associate Keven Fehmi stands out for landlord and tenant matters.

Ashtons Legal's cross-office commercial property practice has a strong base in Cambridge, where head of real estate Magnus McManus leads a group that has 'the ability to problem solve and explain things with clarity'. Up-and-coming partner Sheila Small, who focuses on residential and commercial development matters, is 'an excellent and knowledgeable lawyer who looks for solutions not problems'. She recently asssisted W N Developments Limited with a £60m housing project. Newly promoted partner Rhian Brook is experienced in landlord and tenant matters, as well as portfolio management.

Barr Ellison LLP climbs the ranking as 'outstanding' lead partner Kelly Peck continues to expand the practice at junior level and secure transactions of higher value and complexity. 'It feels like an integrated practice with the lead partner ensuring continuity, knowledge transfer and quality service', remarks a client. Associate Lucy Harrison  advises numerous landlords with large property portfolios, and is the key contact for the firm’s Cambridge University College clients. Fellow associate Joshua Smart is increasingly involved in major development projects.

The commercial property group at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is led from London by James Nadin, but the Cambridge office has a promising managing associate in Giorgia Mayes, who 'works quickly and is prepared to be pragmatic'. Associate Joanna Wilde also plays a key role in the practice. The firm handles work for institutional investors, developers, housing associations, science park tenants, wealthy families and office tenants, as well as supporting the corporate team in transactions involving property.

Tees Law climbs the ranking this year having invested heavily to build its commercial property team, which is led by James Dowson in Saffron Walden and new recruit Sarah Coates in Cambridge, who joined from Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP in late 2023. The local team exhibits 'good depth of expertise' and is sought after by landowners, developers, landlords and tenants. It is also active in renewable energy projects. Senior associate Alex Waples ‘goes the extra mile' and handles commercial and agricultural property transactions. 'Large enough to have a presence small enough to care', note clients.