Oxford: Penningtons Manches hires prominent real-estate lawyers

The Oxford office of top 50 law firm Penningtons Manches has hired two prominent local lawyers to strengthen its real-estate practice. Justin Winterbottom and Charlie Seaward – both previously partners at BrookStreet des Roches – have joined the 23-strong team at Oxford Business Park in Garsington.

Winterbottom has been appointed as a partner. His main focus is on commercial property fund investment work and development projects, and it is anticipated he will play a major role in the future growth and development of the Oxford real-estate team.

Seaward has joined as a consultant. Well known in the local business community, he brings with him a loyal client base established over several decades of working on high-profile and complex transactions.

Partner Richard Smith, Penningtons Manches’ head of real estate in Oxford, commented: “We’re delighted that two very high calibre lawyers have made the decision to join the team. They will be a great asset as we continue to develop our capacity and capability in the region. I’m very much looking forward to working with them.”

The announcement coincides with the news that Penningtons Manches has also appointed a senior real-estate lawyer to develop and lead a new practice in Birmingham.

Penningtons Manches real-estate division represents almost a quarter of the firm’s fee income. Its various practice areas, including the real-estate investors, commercial property and residential teams, are highly rated by prominent legal directories Chambers UK and The Legal 500.  In the last financial year fee income grew by 16 % on the back of a busy and successful 12 months.