Law firm makes major investment in commercial property team

Law firm Flint Bishop has announced a major investment in its commercial property team, making it one of the largest in the Midlands.

Janet Rhodes, Sam Shepherd, and Louise Calow, together with two legal assistants, have all joined the firm from Freeths.

Earlier this year, Flint Bishop moved to its new multi-million-pound headquarters in Prospect Place, on Pride Park. In May, the firm announced record results.

Janet, formerly the head of Freeths’ Derby real estate practice, assumes the role of partner and will lead Flint Bishop’s now 18-strong commercial property team.

She said: “I am thrilled, along with Sam and Louise, to be joining Flint Bishop at such an exciting time, with the flagship new office having recently been opened and on the back of such a successful last financial year.”

Chief executive Qamer Ghafoor said: “The recent wave of senior-level appointments underscores our commitment to providing exceptional legal services to our ever-increasing client base and further cements Flint Bishop’s position as a leading force in the Midlands region.”

With a career spanning over 25 years in the real estate industry, Janet brings a wealth of experience and a successful track record representing a diverse range of high-profile clients.

Her body of work includes handling multi-million-pound property funding for various portfolios, acting on behalf of both local and national clients and corporates.

She has also overseen significant commercial and industrial projects such as care homes, pub company groups, and industrial estates.

She said: “I am really looking forward to working with such a highly accomplished team of real estate lawyers and support staff and building on the breadth of impressive work, team experience, and client base that Flint Bishop has already established.”

Sam, who steps up from director to partner, is recognised as a highly skilled real estate law practitioner with extensive experience in handling a wide range of property matters, including option agreements, acquisitions, leases, disposals, funding, sub-sales, infrastructure agreements, and collaboration agreements.

Her expertise lies in commercial development, with a particular focus on brownfield urban development sites.

Louise joins Flint Bishop as a senior associate, bringing extensive experience in commercial and residential acquisitions and disposals, landlord and tenant matters, re-finance/banking, and general property affairs.

Qamer said: “We are delighted to welcome Janet, Sam, and Louise to our firm.

“These strategic hires represent a major coup for Flint Bishop, significantly enhancing our capabilities and establishing a stronger presence in the real estate sector.”