Nick Bridgman

Nick Bridgman helps clients get on site as soon as possible so that they can undertake their fit out and begin trading. This is really important for retailers, especially those who have an ambitious acquisitions programme. Clients are often under tight time constraints and don't appreciate legal documents getting in the way of trade - every day a retailer isn't open for trade is lost profit, however, there will inevitably be issues (both legal and commercial) which cause delays.

Speaking regularly to clients to keep them informed of the latest position and encouraging other solicitors to deal with problems on the phone as soon as they arise helps expedite exchange/completion.

"I originally started out in the firm's real estate litigation team, which gave me a great grounding for asset management and retail work. I enjoy the fast pace of retail transactions and being able to give commercial solutions to clients on a daily basis. While my main focus is working for retailers and landlords, I have experience in development and technology - this has broadened my experience to include land purchases, options and CPOs."

Highlights

Helping a market-leading high street opticians open stores with some very tricky landlords. The in-house surveyors at the client are frequently under a lot of pressure to complete a lease and begin fit-out works, so that trade can begin. The team for this particular client is small but focused. Nick is the most junior member of the team but deals with all aspects of a file, not just undertaking title due diligence.

Working on the expansion of a UK airport is a rare opportunity, and one which includes many challenges. However, the partner he assisted allowed Nick the freedom to develop as a lawyer on this large transaction, which has given him an insight into a different aspect of real estate transactions.

Clients

Retailers, pub companies, large institutional investors, data centre operators and a private trust.

Outside work

Having read music at university, I'm still a keen musician. After singing with Christchurch Cathedral Choir, New Zealand for a year, I returned back home to sing with the Birmingham Cathedral Choir, who go on tours across the UK and Europe.

Along with my brother Rob (who works in our real estate litigation team), I run the firm's choir. In the last five years we've raised over £10,000 for the firm's various nominated charities and in 2014 we won the inaugural Legal Harmony competition in Southwark Cathedral.