Mills & Reeve real estate team set to double in size

Mike Edge, who joined the firm this month from Pinsent Masons, said the first recruit will be joining within the coming weeks. He said the team are looking to recruit at all levels (including at partner level) which will expand the firm’s offering in the region. 

Mike is a well-known and respected real estate lawyer in the North West and has worked for high-profile clients, including a number of the region’s leading developers and investors as well as substantial occupier clients. 

He successfully led the Manchester real estate team at Pinsent Masons for seven years, overseeing many landmark deals and schemes and led the growth of the team from 15 to 50 people. 

Mike was joined in the move by partner Rachel Pitman, the two having worked together for over 15 years. Rachel has acted on numerous high profile investment acquisitions in Manchester and has advised clients on strategically important development sites in the region. She also has a particular focus on work in the retail and logistics sector. 

Mike says there are huge opportunities in the North West market and Mills & Reeve is in an excellent position to capitalise on this. 

He said: “Mills & Reeve’s 20:20 strategy is about creating powerhouse regional offices and the North West real estate market is alive with opportunities. Mills & Reeve provides a strong platform for winning a substantial market share of the exciting work within the region (for both regional and national clients) and national work for regional clients. 

“We have an ambitious five-year plan for Manchester to which we are absolutely committed and we have hit the ground running. As well as concentrating on the delivery of excellent client service to existing clients we are pursuing new opportunities and we are confident of further wins very soon. 

“The team is currently twelve strong including Mills and Reeve partner Caroline Hanratty and together we plan to double the size over the next 18 months in the first stage of our expansion strategy that will see the team become a major player in the North West real estate sector and be recognised as a team which delivers excellent client service on time and within budget.”