Browne Jacobson strengthens real estate team with strategic partner appointment

Browne Jacobson has appointed Matthew Kemp as Partner in its real estate team, marking the tenth partner appointment in 2025 as the firm continues its strategic expansion.

Matthew joins from Shoosmiths, bringing expertise in real estate investment transactions, acting for investment advisors, fund managers, asset management companies, family offices and corporate occupiers on acquiring, managing, financing and disposing of real estate assets throughout their life cycle.

He has led UK-wide projects and acted as real estate lead on cross-discipline and cross-jurisdictional matters, with clients highlighting his ability to cut through complexity and find solutions. Matthew is recognised in both Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 legal directories.

The firm has made ten partner appointments this year, with further announcements expected in the coming weeks as it continues to invest in top-tier talent to meet client demand.

"Browne Jacobson operates at the forefront of society's biggest issues, and that's what attracted me here," said Matthew. "The firm also acts as a connector across all sectors, bringing together the expertise needed to deliver on multi-faceted projects and real estate transactions. The ambition this firm has is clear, and I'm excited to join the team and be part of what comes next."

Sarah Parkinson, Partner and Head of Real Estate at Browne Jacobson, said: "Having known Matt in the real estate sector for many years now, I am delighted that he will joining our team. We have a great pedigree of advising in the investment sector and Matt's investment expertise will add bench strength here.

"Our vision in real estate is to advise clients on the deals that matter. Matt's investment experience ranges from major real estate financing projects and large-scale deals in the urban logistics sector. His commercial approach and ability to navigate complex deals means that he will be a great and natural addition to the team."

Michael Sadler, Partner and Sector Lead in Real Estate and Construction, added: "We're recruiting exceptional talent who share our ambition to be at the centre of the deals shaping the UK's future. I'm excited to be working with Matthew as part of our sector team, as the firm grows to client demand."

The firm's growth strategy is underpinned by two key strategic pillars: operating at the forefront of society's biggest issues and acting as a connector to clients across sectors, bringing together multidisciplinary expertise to deliver on complex, high-value matters.

Browne Jacobson's 120-strong real estate team spans seven offices across the UK and Ireland, advising on planning, financing, construction, development and estate management for commercial developers, investors, housing groups, retailers, leisure operators and public authorities.

Since the start of the financial year, Browne Jacobson has added ten lateral partners across its UK & Ireland network. The nine others include: Adam Culy and Adam Berry (Financial & Professional Risks), Chris Holder (Commercial, Technology and Life sciences) and Bernhard Maier (head of the arbitration) in London. In Dublin, Marie-Claire Scullion (head of employment in Ireland); in Nottingham, Su Kemp and Will Thomas (Real estate, Planning); and in Manchester, Bethan Parry (Health and litigation), and Colette Withey (commercial and technology).