Commercial law specialist Baines Wilson has further strengthened its commercial property team with the appointment of Naren Deen.
He joins as a partner and brings vast experience following a diverse career in commercial property law in London and Newcastle, with a strong focus on residential development.
Naren said: “I have connections with Cumbria. I really like the area and my wife runs a local business so I’ve been looking to relocate.
“Baines Wilson gave me a fantastic opportunity to take on quality, interesting work that I enjoy doing close to home. I was surprised there was a law firm in Cumbria with such a strong commercial property team.”
Naren began his legal career in London, working on acquisitions and portfolio management for a property fund that invested in shopping centres and offices.
He also acted for an agricultural grower, supplying major supermarkets as well as a Middle Eastern sovereign wealth fund leasing property in Green Park.
A move to the Newcastle office of Eversheds saw him concentrate on commercial development work including public/private sector partnerships focusing on delivering urban regeneration.
Clients included a large commercial property development and investment company and various regional development agencies. Naren was involved in some landmark regeneration schemes throughout the country.
From there Naren moved to Watson Burton – later acquired by the national law firm Weightmans – to head up the real estate team. His clients included a national housebuilder and a specialist property investment fund operated by a global insurance and financial services business.
Naren’s team at Watson Burton had a longstanding involvement in energy infrastructure, acting for a major electricity distribution network. Naren was closely involved in some innovative projects, including a ‘peak power’ battery storage network and an electric vehicle charging network developed by a multinational engineering firm.
Naren’s final role, prior to joining Baines Wilson in December, was working in-house for a regional housebuilder who had been a key client for the property team at Watson Burton.
His appointment gives Baines Wilson’s clients access to his wide commercial property expertise – expertise that has been singled out for praise in the Legal 500, the equivalent of Who’s Who? for the legal profession.
Naren said: “Coming from a national firm I have that national perspective and a national network of investors, developers and funders.
I feel I am well placed to share my national knowledge and experience whilst learning a thing or two from my new Cumbrian clients and colleagues!
For more information on Baines Wilson, see https://www.baineswilson.co.uk/ or call its offices in Carlisle on 01228 552600 or Lancaster on 01524 548494.
