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FEE EARNER FOCUS: Q&A – Claire Morris (Property)
Claire Morris (pictured below), joined Bermans in September 2006 as a trainee solicitor and is now a Partner in the property team. We spoke to her to learn more about her and her work.
Claire Morris
- Can you give us a brief summary of your career so far?
I joined Bermans as a trainee solicitor in 2006 and upon qualification I joined the property department. I became an associate in 2013 and a partner in 2019.
- What area of the law do you specialise in and why?
I deal with all aspects of commercial property and specialise in landlord and tenant, site acquisitions and development.
During training you experience a wide range of areas of law including employment, litigation, corporate and property. I particularly enjoyed property and was delighted to be offered a position in the commercial property department on qualification. Working in property enables you to work closely with Clients offering pragmatic solutions to legal issues and to structure transactions and documentation to enable Clients to achieve their objectives.
- Is there a case or a particular piece of work you were proud to be involved with, if so why?
I was recently involved in the acquisition of a 104-acre brownfield site in St Helens for a client who specialises in the remediation and regeneration of brown field sites for residential and commercial development. The acquisition involved the negotiation of complex contract documentation together with the review of an extremely complex title!
There is currently a public consultation in respect of the planning application for more than 800 homes and once granted the result will be the transformation of a large brown fields site into a development providing much needed housing in the area.
- Away from the law what are your interests and passions?
I enjoy running, watching my twin boys play in various sports matches and good wine!
Bullet Round
Sports & Teams Supported: We regularly go to watch Sale Sharks matches and try to see England play rugby at least once a year. Also, my childrens’ rugby and cricket teams!
Films (Top 3): The Greatest Showman, Pretty Woman and Harry Potter.
Music (3 tracks to take on Desert Island): The Chain (Fleetwood Mac), I’m Still Standing (Elton John) and From Now On (Hugh Jackman – The Greatest Showman)
Boxsets: I have to admit to not watching a lot of TV! We are currently watching past seasons of Hunted but not sure that qualifies as a boxset!
Meal: Steak and jacket potato. There is an amazing restaurant in Les Carroz (ski resort in France) which only sells steak and jacket potatoes and they are absolutely amazing!
Holiday destination: Australia or skiing in the Alps.
Favourite book: I really enjoy reading and will read any genre. The Jack Reacher series is very good!
3 people for a dinner party and why?
Dame Maggie Smith. A great actress who has been in a huge number of films – I am sure she would have some fantastic stories to tell!
Mike Tindall. A great rugby player who was part of the 2003 World Cup winning team and now part of the royal family. Stories of rugby and the royals – what could be better!
James Corden. I’m a huge Gavin and Stacey fan and James would be a hilarious dinner guest!
ENDS.
To get in touch with Claire
e: claire.morris@bermans.co.uk
t: 0151 224 0561
w: https://www.bermans.co.uk/claire-morris/