We are proud to announce another year of continuous achievement in the Legal 500 United Kingdom 2023 rankings. We are especially delighted to see that GSC’s Property Finance team has moved one tier up the tables.
In addition, this year more lawyers are mentioned by name in Legal 500 UK commentary for their standout contribution to respective practices. Also, another achievement this year was that Harvey Posener who heads Commercial Property team has been listed in the Elite ‘Leading Lawyers’ Group, a category that essentially is a badge of honour given to a few lawyers in the UK.
Consistent with last year, our work has been praised by a large number of clients, current and new ones, domestic and international.
Our already highly ranked Commercial Property team was mentioned as ‘cutting edge legal thinking combined with commercial savvy experts’ . Practice head Harvey Posener provides an ‘unparalleled service’ with his extensive experience in advising large corporate occupiers on leasing and acquisitions. He is described by clients as an expert who ‘provides an unparalleled service in terms of legal advice, strategic thinking, commercial application and responsiveness.’ Peter Belcher who heads Property Finance team is ‘extremely well-reputed’ for his focus on the hotel, banking, leisure, and healthcare sectors regarding commercial property transactions, and is ‘well respected amongst financial institutions which gives banks the comfort they need’.
We are also proud of our Private Client team that was distinguished as a ‘well established and diverse’ team ‘with various specialists under the one roof’. One of their clients referred to ‘the key strength of GSC’ as ‘its commercial approach to problems when dealing with the full array of private client matters ranging from international ultra-high-net-worth clients through to significant owner of blue-chip companies’. Saleem Sheikh who heads the ‘highly responsive team‘ team is ‘a great strategic adviser’ with an ‘outstanding commercial and professional approach’. James Cohen is endorsed as an ‘one of the most professional ethical and authentic lawyers who listens, understands the needs when providing his service’. He has also been noted as ‘a knowledgeable individual’ who ‘acts with gravitas’.
Headed by Michael Shapiro, ‘a commercial and contractual and shareholder disputes expert’, the Commercial Litigation department routinely acts for clients in complex litigation matters, including cases in the Commercial Court, as well as in other business and property courts, and the Court of Appeal. Clients recognise Michael’s ability to ‘be successful in all cases’ while leading the team with ‘exceptional star quality who know how to win a case’. Senior Consultant Barry Samuels is continuously referred to as ‘a living legend in the market who does not stop working until he gets results’. He is also is recommended as a ‘brilliant and approachable’ litigator who ‘was born to litigate’. GSC’s Litigation Rising Star Sana Sheikh who is a Senior Associate in the team, is also mentioned in the guide as ‘a real future star in the making, exceptionally bright and will go far’.
Recommended purely on its personalised service, merit and client-focus, our Real Estate Finance team active in refinancing mandates for clients in the retail, hospitality and care home sectors, as well as for high-net-worth individuals with extensive residential portfolios. Peter Belcher sits at the helm of the practice, advising on acquisition and development finance matters while Matthew Phillips is also of note for his ‘work in secured lending for fast food franchise owners and commercial tenants’. Carole Joseph who works alongside Peter Belcher, has also been noted for her ‘great availability’ and who ‘clients love to work with’ and who is ‘commercially oriented and shows incredible productivity and professionalism in day-to-day support.’ In general, the team is acknowledged for its ‘problem solving’ style, ‘personalised service and availability, commercially focused, and long-term relationships built.’
IP, Media & Entertainment is continuously noted for its music industry expertise including their active work with large music industry bodies such as the Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), Video Performance Limited (VPL) and the Performing Right Society (PRS), whereas ‘other clients come to the firm for its expertise in advertising and branding’. Justin Goldspink ,who leads the team with ‘exceptional skillsets’, ‘leverages his expertise as a barrister to represent clients in music, copyright, and branding litigation’. Both, Justin and Ross Waldram are described by clients as ‘incredible in providing invaluable advice and guidance on copyright infringement cases’. Clive Halperin described by a client as an expert ‘with knowledge second to none’ who ‘stands above the crowd’, ‘takes the time to fully understand business and what they are trying to achieve’. The team has been singled out for its ability to ‘respond immediately to any queries’ as well as to go ‘above and beyond in supporting with complex referrals and always having time for the client, a great example of creating harmonious client relations’.
Finally, we are pleased that our Corporate Commercial department with its M&A work has been noted in the Guide once again, for its ‘niche expertise in the life sciences, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and technology sectors’. Team head Clive Halperin, a qualified pharmacist, ‘has a particular interest in technology and artificial intelligence’ whilst David Nathan has ‘particular expertise in the hospitality and care home sectors.’
Commenting on the 2023 rankings, Senior Partner Saleem Sheikh said: “The Legal 500 is a leading independent guide into the best law firms in the UK. In its 36th year, it is widely acknowledged as the world’s largest legal referral guide. We are delighted that GSC is consistently recognised for our key specialisms including commercial litigation, real estate, personal tax, trusts and probate, Media & Entertainment and our Corporate practice. It is especially rewarding to see our rankings moving up as well as the genuine and exceptional testimonials given to us by our clients. With the strong client base that comes from the five continents globally, solid and longstanding client relationship remains our most valuable asset.’
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