A core team of 30, working with the 145-lawyer Real Estate group provides clients in the retail and leisure real estate industries with a sector-focused service. Ranked equal first in this area by both Chambers UK and Legal 500, the team has a market-leading reputation.

Its lawyers offer advice across the retail spectrum from substantial out-of-town sites, through to high street and shopping centre units, pub companies and hotel operators. Chambers UK 2012, recognises the firm's "solid reputation for work in the retail sector" and broad experience which "spans commercial, IP, real estate and advertising matters". Working closely with specialists across the firm, the team provides clients with full-service expertise and experience.

Led by partner Christopher Hunt the team has a deep understanding of the retail and leisure sectors and the pressures they face. Its experts write articles for Retail Week and hold a six-monthly forum attended by chairmen and the chief executives of a number of household-name retailers. Regular dinners are held for senior people in the leisure industry, attended by leisure-orientated bankers, surveyors, insurers and people working in pub companies, hotels and other leisure businesses.

Modern retail and leisure operators often have a global presence. The team acts for a number of international household-name brands on their real estate requirements in the UK. It is also advising on property acquisitions for one of the world's largest coffee shop operators and a global sporting brand. One amongst many highlights was acting for a well-known US leisure brand on the acquisition of its first retail store on Oxford Street in London.

Clients include Adams Childrenswear, Allied Carpets, Bank Fashion, B&Q, Claire's Accessories, Enterprise Inns, Fat Face, House of Fraser, Marks & Spencer, Marston's PLC, McDonald's Restaurants, Vodafone Retail and Young & Co's Brewery P.L.C.

For more information on retail & leisure, contact Christopher Hunt (christopher_hunt@wragge.com).