Steele Raymond LLP welcomes new specialist landowner development solicitor to the firm

Alison Bailey, who joins Steele Raymond as consultant solicitor having held a partnership position at her previous firm, brings over two decades of development law experience and is an accomplished leader in her field having been recommended for her expertise in the leading UK guides to the legal profession for many years.

Her arrival at the firm comes at a time of significant growth for Steele Raymond’s Residential Development team, which regularly acts for leading property developers and landowners on projects nationwide and further demonstrates their commitment to the development sector.

Alison acts for landowners, or groups of landowners, on residential and commercial development of greenfield and brownfield sites throughout England and Wales and her practice encompasses all types of development transactions, including options, conditional contracts, promotion agreements, overage arrangements, planning agreements and joint ventures.  Her work often involves sites of between 10 and 80 acres. A successful sale can result in payment of £10 – £40 million for the landowner.

Acting solely for landowners means Alison avoids any actual or perceived conflicts of interest with developers. Her clients include farmers, landed estates, national charities, FTSE 100 listed companies and university colleges. Her vast experience and understanding of the complexities and pitfalls that can befall such transactions enables her to adopt a team approach, working with clients, agents, accountants and other professionals to achieve the desired result.

“The legal aspects of development work are complex and often landowners have not been through this process before.  Choosing an experienced development solicitor who is a good communicator and who actively engages with the developer’s team is vital”, said Alison.

Commenting on her appointment, Alison said:

“Having taken the decision to step back from management and refocus my energies solely on my clients, I wanted to join a firm that was committed to the development sector. Steele Raymond was an obvious choice, as combining their existing practice with my practice builds a powerful team for landowner development work.”

Emma Stainwright, Partner and Head of Residential Development at Steele Raymond, welcomed Alison to the firm, saying:

“I am absolutely delighted to be working alongside Alison. Her experience and unrivalled knowledge in landowner development work will be an invaluable addition to our growing team.

“Alison is not only an astute property development solicitor but is extremely focused on client service; something which is at the core of what Steele Raymond stands for. Her appointment reflects our ambitions and should make Steele Raymond first choice for landowners seeking to develop land.”

Leaders in development and social housing law

Steele Raymond has been recognised as one of Dorset and the South West’s leading law firms in the latest edition of the leading independent guide to the UK legal profession, The Legal 500, for the 16th consecutive year.

Emma Stainwright heads up the Development Team and is recognised by the Legal 500 as a “Leading Individual”, the highest personal accolade the Guide awards.  Steele Raymond is unique in that it is the only firm in its region to have three leading individuals and five key individuals listed for their property based practice areas and the Steele Raymond Property Group has been ranked Top Tier for 16 consecutive years.

If you would like to discuss your residential development requirements with our specialist Residential Development Team please contact Emma Stainwright on 01202 204 501 or email [email protected].