Derby law firm Flint Bishop has recruited of the entire real estate team from national law firm Freeths’ office in the city. Janet Rhodes, Sam Shepherd and Louise Calow, together with two legal assistants, have joined the commercial property department, making it one of the biggest real estate teams in the region.
The previous achievements included overseeing a complex private rented sector (PRS) scheme in Manchester, which had an estimated gross development value of more than £120 million. They also worked on the £18 million acquisition of a care home portfolio and a £9 million acquisition on behalf of a national bingo operator.
Ms Rhodes was head of Freeths' Derby real estate practice, where she was a partner. She has more than 25 years in the sector representing high-profile clients. As a partner at Flint Bishop, she will lead an 18-strong commercial property team.
Sam Shepherd was previously a director at Freeths and has become a partner at Flint Bishop. She has broad experience in property matters including option agreements, acquisitions, leases, disposals, funding, sub-sales, infrastructure agreements, and collaboration agreements. She has particular expertise in commercial development, notably brownfield urban developments.
Louise Calow has joined as a senior associate, bringing extensive experience in commercial and residential acquisitions and disposals, landlord and tenant matters, re-finance/banking and general property affairs. She has been an honorary legal advisor to the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust since 2019, reflecting her commitment to preserving the region’s architectural heritage.
Flint Bishop has seen a sustained period of growth in recent years with its headcount up more than 10 per cent over the last year at more than 200.
It reported an 11 per cent increase in turnover for the year to April 30 2023, of £19.4 million.
Janet Rhodes said: “I am thrilled, along with Sam and Louise, to be joining Flint Bishop at such an exciting time, with the flagship new office having recently been opened and on the back of such a successful last financial year.
“I am really looking forward to working with such a highly accomplished team of real estate lawyers and support staff and building on the breadth of impressive work, team experience, and client base that Flint Bishop has already established."
Flint Bishop chief executive Qamer Ghafoor said: "These strategic hires represent a major coup for Flint Bishop, significantly enhancing our capabilities and establishing a stronger presence in the real estate sector.
“The recent wave of senior-level appointments underscores our commitment to providing exceptional legal services to our ever-increasing client base and further cements Flint Bishop’s position as a leading force in the Midlands region.”
