Oxford-Cambridge Arc attracts investment from national law firm, Mills & Reeve LLP

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Oxford-Cambridge Arc attracts investment from national law firm, Mills & Reeve LLP

Leading national law firm Mills & Reeve has opened an Oxford office, establishing a physical presence for clients in the region, in response to the large volume of work that the firm has advised on in its education, life sciences, real estate investment, private wealth and technology sectors. The move follows a busy period of deals and innovation in the Oxford-Cambridge Arc.

Mills & Reeve played a pivotal role advising on the Oxford North project which sees the development of a 64- acre life sciences district. The firm negotiated a suite of agreements needed for planning permission for the project which has been hailed as one of the most significant developments in Oxford in recent years.

Mills & Reeve also supported Kadans Science Partner’s ambitious European expansion plans with the acquisition of The Science Quadrant in Abingdon. Both of these projects were highlighted when Mills & Reeve won Best Law Firm in the Oxford Property Festival Awards 2021.

The firm also advised on the ‘transformative’ £155 million donation from international investment company SOVICO to Linacre College.

This is a move that will revolutionise Linacre College's facilities, including the development of a graduate centre.

Mills & Reeve's new office, in Oxford’s Grade II listed Jam Factory building, is headed up by several partners and lawyers who are leaders in their field. These include banking partner Sarah Seed and employment partner Nick Abbott who have a particular focus on the education sector, private equity and venture capital expert Peter McLintock, litigation specialist Angus Turner, IP partner Mark Pearce and family expert Tim Whitney.

While the initial focus will be on the key sectors of education, life sciences, real estate investment, private wealth and technology, Mills & Reeve plans to develop a full-service corporate and commercial offering to match its six other UK offices.

“The Oxford region has great synergies in terms of several of our core sectors, and the area continues to be a key focus for business, government and private investments. We are keen to continue growing Mills & Reeve’s presence here following the successful work we have done in the region.” - Managing partner, Claire Clarke -

Claire says continued investment in the life sciences ‘golden triangle’ (referring to the triangle formed by the university cities of Cambridge, London and Oxford) will also provide significant opportunities, and the firm is looking forward to playing its part in the further development of the city.

“Oxford is a very attractive region to be based in, and the proposed plans and developments for the area mean that there is huge scope for the Arc to become a real super region for innovation and business growth.”

“Our central focus will be on delivering outstanding service to our clients in sectors where we have deep rooted expertise and where the region has world leading capabilities. The matching of these two elements provides an exciting opportunity.” - Partner, Peter McLintock -