GSC SOLICITORS - Key Persons
"The world has a funny way of laughing at you," says Aaliyah as she reveals that, whilst she now loves property law, she didn't enjoy it at university. Why the change of heart? "I've been learning from people who've been doing it for so long and are so good at teaching you as much as they can - that's made me really enjoy it. The people make the difference."
Just six months into her time with GSC when the pandemic struck, Aaliyah is glad to be back at work, and her role is an increasingly involved one. "I'm doing lots of drafting of documents for partner approval and gaining more experience in the detail of the work which I'm really happy about."
Next on Aaliyah's agenda is studying for a master's degree in law with a likely focus on commercial aspects. Then, she hopes to become a fully qualified solicitor with GSC.
"It's such a family feel here, as cliched as that sounds," she explains. "I'd love to stay here."
Qualifications & Experience
Aaliyah has a 2.1 in law which she obtained from De Montfort University in 2018.
Before joining GSC Solicitors, Aaliyah worked as a clerk for Hughes Fowler Carruthers.
There's a reason Universal Music chose Amee and GSC Partner Harvey Posener to handle the pre-let of its London HQ in 2015. It was the same reason Bravado entrusted its flagship Rolling Stones store in Carnaby Street to them in 2020, and why, most recently, Abbey Road Institute asked them to manage the legal work for the lease of its new home at the Angel Recording Studios in Islington.
"The level of advice we give and our technical ability really is exceptional," explains Amee. "We'll often hear the legal team for the other party say ‘we've never seen drafting like this'. That's because we think deeply. We are not just transactional lawyers following a process. We add value for our clients. We give commercial advice that saves money by identifying risk and reducing it."
Amee's philosophy is a simple one: "You achieve better results by building better relationships," she says. "We work with, not against our counterparts to achieve our clients' goals. We aim for perfection, but getting the deal done is always the number one priority. Our clients trust us to make that happen."
She enjoys getting under the skin of her cases, but it's the end result that drives her. "I love working with clients to help them realise their goals or dreams. Seeing bullet points on a piece of paper turn into something magnificent and tangible is enormously rewarding."
Qualifications & Experience
Amee read Law at the University of Leicester (2003 LLB Hons) and joined GSC in 2004 as a trainee. She qualified as a solicitor in 2006 and was appointed a partner in 2013.
Barry has been qualified for 50 years, the longest of any of GSC's practitioners, applying his extensive skills to commercial litigation ("usually based on contract"), corporate law, torts (often with allegations of fraud or professional negligence) and arbitrations.
He is completely hands on. "I am not a processor. I don't simply clock up the hours and rely heavily on Counsel. I still like to read everything in depth because I consider it essential to understand the details of the case, to identify the problems (actual and potential) and to find ways to address them. I am truly available 24/7 and my clients know I really care about them and their case."
Having already retired from the law once, he returned in 2010, joining GSC as a consultant after missing the challenges of dispute resolution. "I like learning. I still have lots to learn and experience. Whenever I finish a case, I always ask what I've learned and how can I improve. I'm fascinated by the complexities that cases can throw up. I also enjoy the relationships with clients and colleagues."
Carey has particular expertise in advising high net worth individuals on a range of UK Immigration matters, covering the Points Based System; BN(O) visa; EU nationals; long residence application; fiancée/spouse/civil partnership and unmarried partners of persons settled in the UK and other family based applications. Many of her clients wish to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK and subsequent British citizenship, which often require long term strategic planning.
Carey is a go-to person for BN(O) passport holders who we are able to assist to relocate to the UK, from pre-migration planning to assistance with residential or commercial property. Here is a short video explaining how we can help: https://bit.ly/38Vngtc
The fields in which Carole specialises commercial /residential sales and purchases, landlord and tenant work and property finance - tend to be transaction driven. "We're aiming to accurately document and refine what our clients have agreed," Carole explains. But for the business owners, private investors, franchise operators, developers and residential clients who work with her, the relationship is often far deeper.
"Before any agreement is reached, we'll advise our clients what they're agreeing to and explore the potential pitfalls in taking a course of action," she says. "We assess risk and ensure there's nothing lurking that exposes them to cost later down the line. It's so much easier if you sort these things in advance".
"Our clients rely on us to consider the things they haven't," Carole continues. "In the aftermath of the pandemic, for example, the issue of rent reductions in the event of a similar future outbreak took on a newfound importance."
How does he do that? "It's about finding the right solution," he responds. "Legal knowledge is assumed, of course, so what differentiates you is your ability to combine that with your understanding of the client, their objectives and your ability to find a pathway through. Really, it comes down to developing the legal and commercial tactics that get them where they want to be." Clive's clients have described it as ‘magicking a solution'.
For his clients, David is the first call for challenging employment queries. "An employer might call me about (re)negotiating staff contracts or attending a tribunal," he explains. "An employee may call me about a pending grievance or redundancy. My role is to ensure that, whatever a good outcome looks like, we achieve it."
That commitment to achieving a ‘good outcome' is built on David's passion for his work. "I like helping people. Intellectually, employment is a really interesting part of the law, but it's also a very human part of the law. It's about people's lives. Whether you're an employer or employee, relationships matter. I like that human dimension."
That philosophy informs David's approach to his work. "Whatever the issue - from a policy that stands the test of time to a grievance that needs resolving - I help guide people through the process. Where necessary, I help provide the objective view, taking the heat and emotion out charged situations to reach better commercial and/or personal solutions."
David's background (and ongoing role) in commercial law enables him to bring a unique perspective to his employment law work. "In both areas of law, the right solution is one that's realistic, that leads to the best result and, wherever possible, protects relationships," he explains. "I think my clients would say those are the sorts of solutions I work to deliver."
Qualifications & Experience
David read Economics at Leeds University (BA) and qualified as a solicitor in 2001. He joined GSC in 2005, where employment law has grown to occupy most of his workload. He became a partner in 2013.
Job Titles:
- Business Development Director
A corporate finance banker with almost 40 years' experience in the City of London, David's contacts across the corporate/commercial world are far reaching and an asset to GSC's clients, particularly in relation to banking relationships and debt or equity fund raising.
"I effect introductions," he says. "I also use my contacts and experience to help clients build better relationships with their banks, so that they can find their way out whatever financial cul-de-sac they have found themselves in."
David recognises opportunities that lawyers might not, helping to add the value on which GSC's reputation is built. It's a role he relishes.
"I just love it," David says. "I love being part of the City and City life. And I enjoy getting involved in a business and helping to develop it."
He feels similarly enthusiastic about GSC. "GSC feels as much my baby as anybody else's. As far as I'm concerned, it has to be the best small law firm in the City of London, bar none."
David is in fact an active member of GSC‘s management, sitting on the Firm's Board.
Qualifications & Experience
A career banker with NatWest/RBS, David was Managing Director of the UK Corporate Banking division for ten years. Early retirement saw him join City law firm Stephenson Harwood as Business Development Director. He then joined RSM Baker Tilly where, as a Director at an Accountancy Practice, he was "doing much the same as I'm doing at GSC but within the accountancy world".
David joined GSC in 2017.
An acknowledged authority and admired figure in contentious and non-contentious commercial property law, Harvey advises large corporate occupiers including Channel 4 and Universal Music on leasing or acquiring buildings across the UK. He also has considerable expertise in the investment, development, sales and letting of all types of commercial property. Yet despite his expertise, Harvey sees things from a typically different perspective.
"I see myself as just a lawyer," he says. "I grew up in a generation where the specialisation people have now was not so normal." That legacy of generalism and his breadth of knowledge have proved advantageous on countless occasions.
James's private client work has a broad remit incorporating the specialisms noted above. His expertise is particularly valued by our Indian and Pakistani clients who may have assets in multiple jurisdictions requiring a detailed understanding of the double tax treaties between the countries.
He is, as he puts it, "A little like a GP of the law. Whilst I will advise clients on the areas in which I specialise, I will also involve other departments in the firm when a client has broader needs."
As James notes, there is a large project management element about his work. "Our clients rely on us to deal with their issues - and they are reassured by the fact that, whatever the situation, I can help them resolve it. But they also value the fact that we support them in a bespoke way - a way that suits their preferred way of working with us, as well as being responsive and meeting the client's deadlines".
James loves the fact that, in private client work, he "sits at the centre of the legal Venn diagram. I always wanted to do private client work because of its variety - I deal with every partner and department at GSC: property, corporate, IP, immigration, litigation."
In addition to his private client work, James also manages GSC's Immigration team.
Qualifications & Experience
James attended Birmingham University (BSc 2005) before completing the College of Law Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course, both with distinction. He qualified as a solicitor in 2009 and joined GSC to specialise in international and private wealth. In 2015 James was appointed as a Partner.
Having completed the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP) diploma, James is also a qualified Trust and Estates Practitioner.
James has arranged wills and lasting power of attorneys for a number of my clients and has consistently shown himself to be professional while also being sensitive to some of the emotional issues clients face in such circumstances.
Justin's expertise spans all areas of intellectual property from passing off to design rights to trademarks. But it is copyright, and particularly (although far from exclusively) the use of copyright in the music industry, that demands the bulk of his attention.
"I've always had an interest in IP and media," Justin explains. "The fascinating thing about copyright is that it's interesting in a pure academic sense, but also in terms of the real and practical issues raised when trying to answer ‘who wrote this?'.
It was a chance meeting with GSC Partner Saleem Sheikh that led to Khurram's consultant role with GSC. Sat in adjacent seats on a flight into the UK, it became clear to Saleem that Khurram's knowledge and expertise meant he was ideally positioned to offer occasional support in relation to any aspect of criminal defence, and particularly in respect of fraud, money laundering and confiscation.
An experienced criminal litigator and Higher Court Advocate (enabling him to fulfil the role of barrister in some proceedings), Khurram has been described by his clients as a ‘rock'.
"I'm the person who helps someone who may, for example, be charged with an offence or receive a notice of prosecution" he explains. "I help them find a way through, removing the problem wherever possible. What I do offers a huge amount of relief to our clients."
Khurram loves "the buzz and excitement" of his work. "You have to react quickly to situations - think on your feet. There's a new set of scenarios and a new intellectual challenge every day and I find that exciting. You are never guaranteed a win, but it's important that clients feel you have fought hard for them."
Qualifications & Experience
Khurram attended the London School of Economics (LLB Hons), qualified as a solicitor in 2001 and as a Higher Court Advocate in 2009. He joined GSC as a consultant solicitor in April 2010.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Solicitor
Mark acts in a range of broad base commercial litigation including landlord and tenant, contract disputes, debt recovery and insolvency
"We're a distress service, a service of last resort" he explains. "We are the ones you call when something has gone wrong. That might be when you're being sued. It might be when you're owed money and you've already tried every other avenue to get it back. Our role is to help the client understand what's happening and what the options are. And if litigation is the answer, it's our role to get the best result possible for the client."
Mark is enthusiastic about the benefits of litigation and dispute resolution with GSC.
"We pride ourselves not just on quality but cost effectiveness," he explains. "There are larger law firms, but we aim to achieve the same results without the same costs. Importantly, when a client brings their case to GSC the solicitor will be doing the work, with the support of junior fee earners where appropriate- so their case benefits from constant expertise and experience."
Why did Mark choose to specialise in litigation? "I enjoy it," he says, simply. My wife will say I'm an argumentative person but I find the work intellectually stimulating. and I like that fact that in litigation you do have an end result - that's what clients need in order to move on."
Away from the office, Mark is a West Ham season ticket holder and loves eating out.
Qualifications & Experience
Mark attended Southampton Solent University (2007 LLB Hons) and completed the College of Law Legal Practice Course in 2008 with a commendation. He gained experience as a commercial litigation paralegal with GSC before commencing his training contract in 2009 and qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.
Initially working in IP litigation, Mark began working with GSC's Michael Shapiro to vary his experience, joining the litigation team full time in 2016.
"The difference between GSC and other law firms is the connection we make with clients," Matthew explains. "It isn't a transactional thing. Many of our clients have been with us for a long time. There's a shared relationship - a rapport that removes overbearing formality and enables us to get things done. That's something that pervades the firm."
Matthew trained as a solicitor in Cardiff. It was there he discovered that he and property law were a natural fit. "I liked the work and the way people within the field worked," he explains. He qualified as a solicitor in 1995.
Job Titles:
- Chartered Legal Executive
- Partner
Michael took an unconventional route to partnership with GSC. He joined the firm as an office junior in 1988 and quickly progressed to the role of outdoor clerk (so called because he, "Spent lots of time stood outdoors in the queue for the court when delivering documents"). Whilst there, he started reading some of the documents he was delivering and became fascinated by them.
GSC supported Michael in training to become a legal executive. He qualified in 1997, became an established member of GSC's commercial litigation team, and in 2004 was appointed its head. Michael was made a partner in 2013 and completed an impressive career journey by becoming equity partner in 2017.
Michael's clients value his honest, always direct approach and his ability to devise creative solutions. "I don't make promises I can't fulfil," he says. "I think my clients appreciate that. They understand I'm being real. They also value the fact that I like to win."
That drive has seen Michael win cases in the Court of Appeal, LVT (now FTT), Lands Tribunal (now STT) and the Supreme Court in the much publicised case of Daejan v Benson & Others.
"I deal with copyright infringement," Mohammed explains. "Usually that's music being played at certain venues without the appropriate licence. One of the things I enjoy most is that, even though it's a high-volume caseload, each case is somewhat different. There are situations unique to every case and unique challenges to overcome."
Mohammed is enjoying the balance in his work that he has found at GSC. "There's a beautiful mix of being a fee earner and having autonomy over my own caseload. At the same time I'm working with people like Justin [Goldspink] and Ross [Waldram], who are guiding and mentoring me, so I'm getting a lot of exposure in this field and it's paying dividends in terms of what I'm learning and what I'm able to bring to the firm."
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner
- Senior Partner
- GSC Founder and Senior Partner
- GSC Solicitors' Senior Partner
- Member of the Board of Advisors for Pine Global
Saleem is a member of the Board of Advisors for Pine Global, holds numerous non-executive directorships and is an advisor to several charities including a start-up incubator supporting the business leaders of the future in Pakistan.
Peter specialises in commercial property transactions with a particular focus on secured lending in the hotel, leisure, banking, health and social care sectors. He represents many leading franchisees and ultra-high net worth individuals backed by private equity. His work in the financial sector spans borrowers and lenders including Santander, NatWest, Clydesdale Bank and Bank of Singapore.
He is, he says, "I am of a generation where you didn't specialise. You did everything, which does give a more rounded perspective. Often, I'll be working with a borrower and I'm able to prevent them wasting their time because I know what they're proposing won't be acceptable to the bank. That means we can focus our attention on proposals that will be acceptable.
Job Titles:
- Chief Finance and Operating Officer
As the Chief Finance and Operating Officer at GSC, Peter "wears many hats." The most important of these is his role on the GSC main board where he advises on strategic, financial, and other key objectives at an operational level.
"I articulate the financial impact of strategic choices to the partners," he explains. "I give them a view of how a decision we make - bringing in a new partner, for example, or establishing a new department - will affect profitability, cashflow and the balance sheet both present and future. I act as a liaison between the firm and its financial stakeholders."
Additionally, Peter supports the successful day-to-day operation of the business. Internally, that includes everything from managing indemnity insurances and telephone systems to leading the admin and finance teams - "It's a hand-on firm; we all have to play our part," he observes.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Solicitor
- Specialist
Philip specialises in all aspects of planning and development related law, a role he summarises as "guiding clients through the rocks of the planning system". His work includes planning applications, planning appeals, listed building appeals, enforcement notice problems, negotiating section 106 planning obligations and all related aspects of development law, including highways agreements, rights of way and compulsory purchases.
Before entering private practice Philip worked in local government, becoming a chief officer with responsibility for all operational services. He has been involved in developing various large-scale proposals, including:
New settlements
A large riverside redevelopment
A city centre retail redevelopment
A large scale campus relocation for a leading university
Obtaining permission for London campuses for regional and overseas educational institutions; and
Numerous renewable energy projects
Now acting for private clients and some public sector organisations, Philip is aware that his background leads many of his clients to see him as "gamekeeper turned poacher".
"My clients value my understanding of the culture and mentality of the public sector that can help make their planning application or appeal more successful," he says.
After more than four decades in planning law, Philip remains as enthusiastic about his work as ever. "With planning law you can see the results," he explains. "You can see the buildings that are built (or not built, in the case of objections) as a result of what you've done - so you see the effect of that. You're literally shaping the world you live in. I thoroughly enjoy making that difference."
Qualifications & Experience
Philip is accredited as a specialist planning solicitor by the Law Society. He is a legal associate member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, a member of the National Association for Planning Enforcement, and a current member of the Law Society's Planning and Environmental Law Committee.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Solicitor
Ran specialises in commercial property transactions and secured lending. She has a broad range of experience of acquisitions, financing (for both acquisition and development projects), property management and disposals. Ran's Chinese heritage and English qualifications enable her to offer her clients - particularly her overseas investors client base - a diversified view that combines expertise in English law with a Chinese perspective.
"My Far East Asian clients usually demand punctuality and will expect me to be available to take enquiries at the weekend. And of course there are obvious time differences to account for," she says. "At the same time, my clients may not be familiar with all the procedures for investing in projects in the UK, so I am often required to act as a trusted advisor with a commercially attuned mindset. Among other things, it is my role to explain, clarify and aid their understanding of doing business in the UK."
Outside of work, Ran recently qualified as a yoga teacher. Prior to that, she mentored a child for one year through Chance UK. Ran is also a member of UK Society of Chinese Lawyers.
Richard is a subscribing member of the bar, regulated by the Bar Council and the Bar Standards Board. For GSC, Richard acts across a broad range of complex contentious and non-contentious corporate, property and intellectual property cases.
He recently litigated on behalf of a major internet clothing business whose designs had been emulated by a competitor. The proceedings saw the largest number of designs ever considered by the English High Court in a single case. He has registered more than 30 trademarks in various matters and is an accomplished veteran of numerous successful patent applications. He has recently negotiated a settlement with a leading UK insurer for a construction company and has acted for other commercial clients in various types of proceedings including setting aside a freezing injunction obtained by a UK regulator when the regulator was ordered to pay the client's costs. Richard assists his clients' interests internationally as he puts it, "I am an intermediary in dealing with exceptional overseas lawyers, which enables my clients to have a global reach without having to source local legal expertise themselves."
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Solicitor
Most of Ross' Intellectual Property (IP) work is with longstanding clients, for whom he is a trusted adviser. "The role is about giving commercial, sensible advice rather than just assessing the pure legalities of a situation," he says.
This approach applies whether Ross is assisting experienced clients, such as music licensing company PPL PRS Limited and its instructions for copyright enforcement actions, or start-up companies or individuals.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate Solicitor / Higher Courts Advocate
Sana's focus on contentious work frequently involves multiple jurisdictions. In significant part, that's a result of working with many high-net-worth clients whose assets span borders. Recent cases have included:
A family trust dispute between settlor and beneficiaries, which involved the laws of Jersey, British Virgin Islands, Uganda and the Seychelles
An international arbitration seated in London concerning the export of goods to a country in East Africa; and
A recovery of substantial losses suffered by a claimant under principles of Georgian law against a financial institution based in Georgia.
For Sana, mixing the contentious and the international is an appealing combination. "Contentious work requires a deep attention to detail, but also a strategic mind. Success is about anticipating your opponent's next move and I enjoy applying this mindset to the cases I advise on."
"People don't fit in boxes," states GSC's website - so the way we respond to our clients' legal needs can't fit in boxes either. That approach has become more important than ever in recent times. As part of GSC's marketing department, Saqib has been helping to ensure that we remain close to our clients and react swiftly to their needs.
"I ensure the marketing department can do more - that we cover more ground - particularly on the digital side," he explains.
Shareena joined GSC in December 2021, attached to the private client team working on immigration matters. Her immigration work stretches back several years and was inspired by her own experiences.
Outside of her work, Shareena is a keen boulderer (a rock climber who doesn't use ropes or other technical gear). Yoga and Pilates help keep her focused at the end of a busy day, and she enjoys mini-trips in Europe with her friends.
Shareena is now a qualified solicitor and prior to this, she was a level 3 OISC Immigration Advisor. With over 12 years' experience in UK Corporate Immigration Law she has helped countless organisations and individuals to bring their business to the UK offering them a comprehensive service to make their migration process smoother.
‘Sian will sort it' is something any visitor to GSC's offices is likely to hear numerous times each day. What began five years ago as a health and safety-specific role has expanded in the intervening years.
Sian became office manager in early 2021 and today, with the help of her assistant, she oversees the day-to-day running of the office, including managing building maintenance and contracts, IT, arranging and setting up meeting rooms, maintaining office policies, collating anti-money laundering documentation and assisting fee earners with the preparation of court bundles.
Stephen Jones has spent the past 15 years specialising in construction law. "I've been involved in a lot of defendant professional indemnity work," he says. "This was multitrack, high value, multiple party disputes-'heavy litigation' as it's called. It's extremely interesting work but after 15 years I felt I wanted a better balance of claimant/defendant, contentious and non-contentious work. I've been able to find that since joining GSC."
Outside of work, Stephen is a keen golfer and enjoys watching international rugby… he is happier when Wales play well.
Zhanna is the first in-house marketing professional in GSC's history, a fact she acknowledges as part privilege, part challenge. "It's a privilege because I have been able to build our marketing strategy from a clean slate," she explains. "It's a challenge for the same reason!"
Fortunately, Zhanna loves a challenge. "This role has given me the opportunity to apply all my knowledge and skills to shaping and defining our marketing strategy and vision and set the standards to deliver them."
Her approach to the task is a simple one: treat everyone at GSC as her client. "It's about the service I provide for them," she says. "By helping our lawyers to develop their personal brands, I help to further build the firm's reputation and presence so we make it easier for clients to choose GSC."