Reading: Osborne Clarke in real estate boost

Osborne Clarke's Thames Valley real estate team is set to benefit from the firm's appointment to the legal panel of national house builder Barratt.

Osborne Clarke has been appointed to advise six of Barratt's divisional offices, making OC one of Barratt's main legal advisers. The firm's Thames Valley office will provide advice to six Barratt offices, particularly the Southern Counties and David Wilson's (a division of Barratt) Hungerford office.

Osborne Clarke's mandate covers all aspects of real estate legal advice including planning, tax, environment, litigation construction and plot sales.

The real estate team at Osborne Clarke's Thames Valley office has been strengthened, with former Horsey Lightly partner Christopher Ward joining as a consultant and residential development partner Elizabeth Sturgess relocating from the Bristol office. In addition 3 new land purchase specialists have joined the team.

Christopher Ward is well-known as a property lawyer in the Thames Valley area. With over 40 years experience, he is highly regarded for his in-depth knowledge of both residential and commercial property matters.

OC's two partner Thames Valley real estate team specialises in a wide range of commercial and residential property matters, with particular expertise in commercial investment, property finance and residential development.

Andy Clayton, head of real estate at Osborne Clarke's ThamesValley office, said: "Our Thames Valley real estate team has gone from strength to the strength over the past few years and our recent expansion sets the groundwork for our continued growth.

"With the house building sector beginning to recover from the downturn and the government's continued focus on increasing the UK's housing stock, now is a great time to be involved in the sector.

"I am delighted to welcome Christopher to the team. He is very well-known across the Thames Valley and his experience, commercial sense and approachable manner will markedly strengthen our growing residential development service."