Recent times have seen a rather challenging period for developers, but there are brighter signs on the horizon, with finance becoming more readily available and a little more certainty in the market generally.
Construction and development is never a straightforward process, however, and the experience and expertise of the team at DFA Law is proving invaluable to clients keen to navigate the legal complexities as smoothly as possible.
Headed up by Mark Brown, the Commercial Property team is currently assisting clients with various finance structures, working on a range of projects that involve anything from buying and selling land to helping create the management structure for a site.
Mark, whose department was further strengthened last month with the arrival of solicitor Amir Subhani, has been one of the go-to solicitors in the region for many years due to his depth of knowledge of the development and construction sector combined with his pragmatic approach to problem solving.
Mark Brown said:
“We have supported a considerable number of businesses in the construction industry with sales and acquisitions and have a keen interest in working with clients from an early stage in order that we can help them be in the best possible position in advance of any negotiations or due diligence.
“Getting to know a client’s business, particularly in the construction industry where the range of services is so broad, is a key element of our successful partnerships.”
Among the range of services undertaken by the Commercial Property team at DFA Law are:
- Acting for developer clients buying and selling land.
- Working with finance providers on refinancing land deals.
- Working with finance providers on funding developments.
- Providing the services of a dedicated team dealing with infrastructure agreements for the likes of roads, sewers and electricity substations.
- Working with housing association solicitors for agreements for affordable housing on a development.
- Creating the management structure for a site.
- Offering specialist advice from lawyers dealing solely with plot sales.
- Drafting option agreements.
An increasingly important area of legal support is in the energy sector, and DFA Law advises clients locally, nationally and internationally in a number of areas, particularly renewable energy generation, energy storage and power supply. The firm is particularly strong in utility scale solar power and has advised landlords and developers in connection with a number of solar PV projects from inception to procurement, construction, commissioning, operation, refinancing, acquisitions and sales.
The team also has experience in wind power, anaerobic digestion, battery storage, gas turbines and wind and heat source reclaim systems.
Mark Brown said:
“Energy is something that is part and parcel of our lives and, in particular, is a major consideration for developers looking to meet environmental targets in new buildings or refurbishments, or those looking to incorporate energy-efficient schemes within projects.
“Our expertise has grown in line with the increasing focus on energy and power and we can advise across a broad range of disciplines.”
DFA Law’s Employment Law team, often working hand in hand with the Commercial Property team has rolled out its employment retainer package to a number of clients in the construction sector during what has been a challenging period.
For an agreed monthly fee (retainer) DFA Law is able to advise clients on a confidential basis which, unlike many insurance backed products, carries legal privileges meaning that any discussions, correspondence and meeting notes do not have to be disclosed. The firm has, for instance, assisted numerous clients in the construction industry with employment negotiations and settlement agreements, and flexible working requests, which come into force as a right in April this year.
Mark Brown said:
“For an industry that has not typically been exposed to flexible working requests, research has proven that flexible working can be implemented without detriment to timescales or budgets.
“Our understanding of the law helps clients achieve their goals whilst ensuring they are compliant with any legislation changes and keeping employees happy.”
Managing Partner at DFA Law, Danny Roberts, said:
“Whatever sector you’re dealing with, there are multiple disciplines and areas of expertise and the teams at DFA Law work closely together to give clients the most comprehensive service, to the highest professional standards.
“The team continues to grow, we are delighted to welcome Amir Subhani to the Commercial Property team, part of our focus on recruiting and retaining top professionals in each area of our business.”
To find out more about DFA Law call 01604 609560, email info@dfalaw.co.uk or visit dfalaw.co.uk
