Property Law

Prior to qualification in law 2001, Mick’s business experiences as CEO in precision jewellery manufacturing and retail business, thereafter a supervisor in the oil industry asset refurbishment and safety (subcontracted to Shell Oil), then later one of the UK’s first agents for Landmark Property Environmental Search providers, all provide him with a commercial and practical approach in understanding his clients requirements and expectations, but also their concerns.

With a myriad of experience in large scale developments, complex title assemblies via options, corporate support in a variety of mergers and acquisitions, real estate finance, leisure and hospitality projects including a variety of smaller scale development projects for family based developers, Mick is ideally positioned to support all levels of commercial property transactions.

In recent years, Mick has worked in Shanghai as supervisor in overseeing a PRC EJV venture relating to the polymerisation and cast line production of very high specification polymer films for use by international pharmaceutical companies. This role included instructing international law and accountancy firms in Shanghai, and monitoring the construction and commissioning of two manufacturing facilities north of Shanghai from land acquisition to handover.

More recently dealing with real estate investments in Spain, Mick dealt with the formation of two real estate Sociedad Limitada (SL) companies in Mallorca, engaged in negotiating the acquisition of high value front line residential development sites, instructing and overseeing Spanish legal, architectural and construction firms in enhancing value through planning gain, resolution of boundary/environmental issues and preparation for development thereafter.

Upon returning to his home county of Cheshire, Mick has returned to private practice and prides himself in providing clear, pragmatic and commercial advice supporting his real estate clients during a very exciting and dynamic period of growth within the UK.

Mick’s expertise includes (bilateral and syndicated), development and property finance, acquisition, mezzanine and project finance including security sharing arrangements and offers a full service in the preparation of facility letters, loan agreements and corresponding security documentation, in dealing with matters including, but not limited to;

• Instructions from private banks in connection with loans to companies and individuals secured against high value residential and commercial property;
• Instructions from individuals and companies in the process of applying for loans to be secured over residential and commercial property;
• Advising lenders who specialise in the short-term lending market very often in time-critical transactions;
• Advising secondary lenders on security considerations and priority agreements;
• Advising LPA receivers and mortgagees in possession in respect of the sale of repossessed properties.

Commercial property involves complex legal considerations and procedures, therefore it is essential to obtain the right advice in ensuring compliance and preventing problems with development structures in the future.

Mick establishes strong relationships with his clients in becoming a part of the project team in going the extra mile in ensuring client project success.

• Options, Agreements, Assignments, Leases, Sub-Leases, Rent reviews, Repairs, Alienation, Disputes, Breach of Covenants, Termination, Insolvency, Schedules of Conditions;
• Management Companies, ground rents, service charges;
• Joint Ventures, Overage Provisions;
• Special Purpose Vehicle Company property structures and compliance;
• Planning and Environmental considerations, Notices, Searches and Surveys.

Lexent continually strive to provide the best service possible adopting the latest technologies and in pursuit of those goals, have recently installed the latest software workflow system, written by lawyers. Mick oversees the Intelliworks system which is content rich, fully comprehensive, risk managed, and compliant best practice.

In addition to providing client and agent electronic milestone updates, the system automatically monitors critical dates complimenting a streamline service from instruction through to completion.