BCLP Celebrates 10 years in Manchester

Leading international law firm BCLP celebrates 10 years operating in Manchester this month, marking an important milestone for the firm’s strategic growth in the city as well as its global client offering.

Since opening in 2014, BCLP has rapidly expanded its presence in Manchester, growing its headcount to over 100 employees and building around strategic partner hires who strengthen the firm’s multi-disciplinary capabilities. In 2022, Taslima Salam joined the office as a Real Estate Finance partner and has since become the Office Managing Partner. The firm then welcomed Kristina Middleton and Jessica Parry as partners in the Real Estate and Real Estate Disputes practices, respectively.

Working in close collaboration across all of the firm’s practice areas, our Manchester-based lawyers advise clients across a range of areas, with a particular focus on real estate, banking and finance, planning, dispute resolution, employment, and restructuring.

The team continues to advise longstanding Real Estate clients such as Blackrock, Barclays, Hermes, Landsec and The Crown and played a pivotal role supporting Unite in the £400 million refinancing of its property portfolio of student accommodation at the end of last year. The Real Estate Litigation team has also represented Tesco and Tesco Pensions as well as Transport for London. The Real Estate Finance team continues to advise the UK clearing banks, other funders, developers and sponsors.

In addition to its client work, the office prides itself on fostering a culture of inclusion, maintaining a broad pro bono practice as well as commitments to I&D initiatives. This year, one of BCLP’s trainees retained in the Manchester office is our first Solicitor Apprentice to qualify through the apprenticeship route. It is also home to many innovation professionals who play a crucial role in enhancing client service through cutting-edge legal tech solutions, machine learning, and case management automation. This fresh approach to how legal services are delivered extends to the culture of the office which is notably inclusive and flexible.

Taslima Salam, Manchester Office Managing Partner at BCLP, commented, “In response to the evolving local market, I joined the Manchester BCLP office with a vision to further its growth and establish a hub renowned for high-quality, pioneering work. While our work often speaks for itself, it's our people who truly make the office exceptional. We take immense pride in fostering a supportive, innovative community that celebrates and cultivates talent.”

Segun Osuntokun, Global Senior Partner at BCLP, commented, “BCLP is pleased to celebrate a decade of success in Manchester, which underscores the firms’ commitment to both the region and wider UK market.  We continue to invest heavily in both our people and office in Manchester, which is aligned to the firm’s global growth strategy, especially our Real Estate practice, a key growth engine of the firm.”