Robert MacGregor, Prominent Senior Partner at BCLP EMEA, Set to Retire from London Real Estate Sector

Robert MacGregor, Prominent Senior Partner at BCLP EMEA, Set to Retire from London Real Estate Sector

BCLP, a prominent UK law firm, has recently revealed the forthcoming retirement of Robert MacGregor, their Senior Partner EMEA. As a highly experienced real estate lawyer, MacGregor will conclude his remarkable career spanning over four decades in September. Throughout his tenure, he has provided counsel on numerous significant office and mixed-use development projects in Central London, cementing his expertise in the field.

According to BCLP, MacGregor played a pivotal role in driving the firm's strategic growth and establishing its robust real estate practice, which currently comprises 750 professionals. The reins of the practice are now in the capable hands of Chris de Pury, the Global Head of Real Estate, along with Sam Narula, who leads the UK real estate practice.

In response to MacGregor's impending retirement, Lisa Mayhew, the co-chair of BCLP, expressed heartfelt appreciation for his exceptional contributions to the firm. Mayhew acknowledged MacGregor's unwavering dedication to serving clients and highlighted the profound respect and admiration he has earned from all who have had the privilege of collaborating with him. Furthermore, Mayhew expressed deep gratitude for the enduring legacy of a performance-driven culture that MacGregor leaves behind.

“In terms of our real estate sector business, he has been instrumental in building our number-one-ranked multi-disciplinary real estate practice, which leverages our international platform to assist clients with a full range of domestic and cross-border, big-ticket international real estate mandates,” Mayhew said.

MacGregor embarked on his legal career at the renowned Titmuss Sainer & Webb, where he qualified in 1985 and swiftly ascended to partnership in 1989. In 1990, he transitioned to Clifford Chance, joining a distinguished team led by David Bows and Andrew Rolfe. This team played a pivotal role in advising Olympia & York on the influential Canary Wharf development project, which left an indelible mark on MacGregor's professional journey and significantly shaped his subsequent career.

In 1992, MacGregor's accomplishments led him to become a partner at Clifford Chance. However, in 2004, he made a pivotal career move by joining the distinguished BLP (legacy firm), assuming the role of Head of Real Estate and becoming a member of the board. MacGregor's mission at BLP was to spearhead the transformation of their real estate business, and he also played a vital role as part of the management team led by Neville Eisenberg, the then Managing Partner, in driving the firm's growth and internationalisation efforts.

In 2012, MacGregor assumed the position of Chairman, subsequently passing on the responsibility of Head of Real Estate to de Pury in 2013. Following the merger between the firm and Bryan Cave in 2018, MacGregor transitioned into his current role as Senior Partner EMEA and became an esteemed member of BCLP's board.

While diligently fulfilling his management responsibilities, MacGregor also maintained a thriving transactional practice, engaging with notable clients such as Canary Wharf, Aviva, JP Morgan Asset Management, and Citibank, among others. His expertise and dedication have facilitated successful collaborations with these prominent entities throughout his career.

BCLP acknowledged MacGregor as one of the pioneers among London real estate lawyers who embraced the evolving real estate market during the 1990s. Recognising emerging opportunities, MacGregor demonstrated leadership by assembling cross-disciplinary teams to handle complex transactions for clients. Notably, he also ventured abroad with clients to navigate international deals, showcasing his versatility and commitment to providing comprehensive legal services in an increasingly globalised landscape.

During the mid-1990s, MacGregor played a significant role in representing Paul Reichmann's syndicate in the re-acquisition of Canary Wharf from the administrators. Subsequently, he led teams that provided counsel on the development, financing, and sale of numerous prominent buildings within the Canary Wharf complex. Demonstrating his versatility, MacGregor also advised the group on its recent 50/50 life science joint venture with Kadans, further showcasing his expertise in diverse areas of real estate law.

Throughout his career, MacGregor has been involved in various notable projects, including the development, joint ventures, and sales of renowned London landmarks. Some of these landmarks include 20 Fenchurch Street (commonly known as the Walkie-Talkie building), 21 Moorfields, Winchester House, 120 Fleet Street, Chelsea Barracks, and Greenwich Peninsula, among others.

MacGregor expressed his gratitude, acknowledging that he has been incredibly fortunate throughout his career to collaborate with exceptionally talented and supportive colleagues. He emphasised that without their invaluable assistance and expertise, he would not have been able to successfully handle a fraction of the remarkable deals he had the privilege to be a part of.

“Much has changed in law and real estate over the last 40 years but the buzz from working with great clients and colleagues on interesting transactions has not. It’s been terrific to be part of some wonderful teams and I hope that over the years I have been able to provide some of my younger colleagues with the encouragement and opportunities that were given to me,” MacGregor said.