Most investors focus on lenders and finance options when planning a deal. But your choice of solicitor can be just as important — and in some cases, the key to whether a transaction completes on time (or at all). In this episode of Industry Disruptors, Ajay Nayyar and Jordanne Whiley sit down with Julian Rogozinski, Partner at JMW Solicitors, to dig into what makes property solicitors for investors truly indispensable.
A Legal Firm Built for Property Finance
JMW Solicitors has grown from a regional practice into a powerhouse firm with over 200 staff in its real estate department alone. With offices in both Manchester and London, the firm has become a go-to for specialist property finance transactions across the UK. What sets them apart? A proactive, transparent, and highly specialised approach to legal work that’s rare in the industry.
Julian’s own journey started with a passion for land law — not something most law students would call exciting — and evolved into leading one of the strongest legal teams in UK property finance.
Why Investors Struggle with Solicitors
Let’s be honest. Investors often have a love-hate relationship with conveyancers. Missed calls, vague updates, last-minute issues — these are common pain points. But as Julian admits, part of the problem is that too many firms take on too much, lack systems, or simply don’t communicate well.
JMW’s response has been to build a team that works differently. They focus on clarity, speed, and using systems like their custom app and instruction portal to make onboarding seamless. That means fewer delays, better communication, and more transparency on fees from day one.
What Makes a Good Property Solicitor for Investors?
- Speed and Proactivity: Investors working with bridging or development finance don’t have time to wait around. Julian emphasizes the importance of making calls, chasing vendors’ solicitors, and staying ahead of issues before they escalate.
- Specialist Knowledge: From title splits to commercial leases and portfolio refinancing, JMW has someone for every type of transaction. That expertise matters when your deal structure isn’t straightforward.
- Transparent Costs: One major frustration for clients is being hit with unexpected legal fees at completion. JMW’s system gives clients instant, fixed-fee quotes — no surprises.
Understanding Undertakings (and Why They Hold Up Your Deal)
One of the most overlooked aspects of a legal process in bridging or development finance is the lender fee undertaking. If your solicitor hasn’t requested it or isn’t willing to provide it promptly, your deal could stall for weeks. Julian explains how undertakings work, why lawyers can’t always give them straight away, and how to avoid delays by paying them early in the process.
If your solicitor doesn’t understand bridging or development deals, this is where things often go wrong.
Real Relationships, Real Results
Hearthstone began working with JMW after seeing how smoothly a single client transaction went. Since then, the partnership has led to hundreds of completions. The reason? JMW acts less like a service provider and more like an extension of the broker’s team.
As Ajay puts it, “They’re the benchmark. This is how conveyancing should be.”
From supported living leases to refinancing complex portfolios, the collaboration proves how valuable a truly specialist solicitor is to investors.
Investing in the Right Legal Partner
Property deals don’t fail just because of bad rates or poor valuations. Many fall apart due to slow or inexperienced solicitors. If you’re an investor working with bridging, development, or anything outside of the basic residential purchase, a standard conveyancer won’t cut it.
You need a legal team that understands the finance, anticipates lender needs, and communicates every step of the way.
Looking for Property Solicitors Who Know Investment Inside Out?
At Hearthstone, we’ve worked with the best (and the worst) in the business. That’s why we only recommend firms like JMW — solicitors who make your life easier, not harder.
Whether you’re refinancing, purchasing, or planning your next portfolio restructure, we’ll connect you with the legal expertise you need to make it happen — fast, clearly, and without the usual drama.
