TLT strengthens property team

Matthew Johnson has joined the law firm as legal director in the Manchester office’s housing and regeneration department.

He joins from Trowers & Hamlins, prior to which he had spells with Gateley, Slater & Gordon and then Squire Patton Boggs.

 Johnson is described by the firm as a real estate expert with more than a decade of experience, including advising public sector bodies, local authorities, affordable housing providers, developers and funders, corporate occupiers and landowners.

As well as supporting the growth of TLT’s national real estate team, Johnson’s appointment will significantly add to its public sector, affordable housing and real estate capabilities in the North West.

Johnson’s experience includes advising Homes England on various national development projects, Warrington Council on the £200m Time Square estate, and affordable housing providers like Salix Homes, including work on the Greenhaus project in New Bailey, Salford.

At TLT, he will work together with the housing and regeneration team, with a focus on supporting public sector clients and developers on land acquisitions and disposals, grant funding and forward funding, strategic land and phased developments.

Sarah Hale, partner in TLT’s housing and regeneration team, said: “Matthew is a highly experienced and talented addition to our team and his considerable body of work with organisations such as Homes England will greatly benefit our practice.

“The current housing crisis has expedited the need for professionals who understand the challenges faced by our public sector clients. Matthew’s breadth of knowledge and experience will be hugely beneficial to helping prepare our clients for what comes next. We are delighted to welcome him to the team and look forward to working with him going forward.”

Johnson said: “TLT has developed a reputation for being a go-to law firm for public sector bodies, working on some of the most high-profile and complex developments in the country.

“I have also been really impressed by the firm’s widely publicised commitments in sustainability, flexible working and other people-focused initiatives, which are clearly driving engagement, inclusivity and improving diversity.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside my new colleagues to support the ongoing growth of its real estate practice in the North West and nationally.”