CMS strengthens Real Estate team in NW with senior partner hire

International law firm CMS has further strengthened its Real Estate offering in the NW with the appointment of partner Michael Buchanan in Manchester.

 Michael specialises in complex, high value and long-term urban regeneration development and investment projects, joint ventures/PPPs and mixed-use schemes, both in the North-West of England and nationally, and brings with him a wealth of experience of working in both the private and public sectors.

Tanya Holt, CMS Real Estate partner and Head of the CMS’ Northern offices, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Michael to the team.  His expertise, dynamism and standing in the marketplace will contribute to the continued growth of our real estate practice both in the North and further afield.  Michael is widely regarded as one of the leading real estate lawyers in the region, by clients and peers alike.  This strategically important hire further strengthens our already market-leading practice in the region.

“The real estate sector is constantly evolving, with ‘alternative’ mixed use development becoming increasingly popular.  Michael’s experience and expertise positions us well to advise on such projects.”

Marie Scott, Co-Head of Real Estate in the UK, added: “With the addition of Michael to the team, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to meeting the needs of our clients as they navigate the unpredictability of the economy, and its impact on the real estate sector. Michael’s arrival further boosts our reputation as a first-choice adviser for real estate instructions and we’re delighted to have him on board.”

Michael added: “I’m delighted to join this well established award-winning real estate practice and bring my knowledge and expertise to help grow the firm’s offerings to clients and those operating in the real estate sector.”

CMS has one of the largest real estate offerings in the north of England with 22 partners and around 100 fee earners advising on real estate transactions, real estate disputes, real estate finance, planning and construction from offices in Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield.

This latest hire follows a series of new appointments and promotions over the past 12 months strengthening our real estate offering. Melanie Hughes and Paul Paling joined as partners in the Real Estate Transactions practice in London; Helen Johnson joined as a partner in the Energy, Projects and Construction team in Sheffield; Helen Balliger joined as a Real Estate partner, also in Sheffield; David Hardy joined the Sheffield Planning practice; and Sara Keag, Real Estate Disputes and Irfaan Khaliq and Scott Curtis, both Real Estate Transactions were promoted to partner in the 2023 round of partner promotions.

Michael joins from Eversheds Sutherland.