“David Hawkins is a market-leading real estate lawyer whose advice shapes some of the UK’s most significant inward investment and mixed-use development projects. Trusted by global investors and institutions, he brings strategic clarity, commercial focus and steady leadership to complex developments that redefine urban landscapes and long-term asset value.”

Fantastic Lawyers® Editorial, 2026

David Hawkins is a commercial real estate lawyer and Head of the London Real Estate team at Norton Rose Fulbright LLP. He has extensive experience across all areas of commercial real estate law, with a particular focus on inward investment and large-scale, complex development projects.

David acts for investors, owners, developers and occupiers on some of the most high-profile real estate projects in the UK. His work spans offices, industrial and logistics, student accommodation and major mixed-use schemes, often involving joint ventures, forward funding and long-term development strategies.

What David Hawkins Does

David advises on acquisitions, disposals, development, funding, joint ventures and asset management for major commercial real estate projects. He is particularly known for advising institutional investors and international clients on complex inward investment structures and transformational urban regeneration schemes.

His clients include financial institutions, developers and global investors operating across the real estate, energy, infrastructure and logistics sectors. He regularly advises on projects that combine commercial, residential, cultural and infrastructure elements.

Why He’s Different

David is valued for his strategic perspective and ability to manage highly complex projects from inception through delivery. He combines deep technical knowledge with a strong commercial understanding of investor priorities, funding structures and long-term asset value.

He also plays a leading role in shaping real estate law and policy, serving as Vice-Chair of the City of London Law Society Land Law Committee.

Representative Experience

• Advising a joint venture of institutional investors on the £1.3 billion redevelopment of Olympia London into a major cultural and entertainment destination.
• Advising Commerz Real on the £1.5 billion forward funding of Phase 1 of Westfield London and the joint venture arrangements for its 740,000 sq ft extension.
• Advising DP World since 2005 on the development of a 1,500-acre container port and logistics park at Thurrock, Essex, including infrastructure, energy and joint venture arrangements.
• Advising Ashby Capital on multiple projects, including forward-funded office developments and joint ventures with Helical and Native Land.
• Advising an Asian investor on the acquisition, letting and disposal of 7 and 8 St James’s Square, including a multi-award-winning office building achieving record rents.
• Advising on the acquisition, refurbishment and letting of Barnard’s Inn in London’s Midtown.
• Advising Resolution Property on the acquisition and letting of the Grade I listed Royal Exchange next to the Bank of England.
• Advising on the redevelopment of Milton Court EC2 into a 36-storey mixed-use tower including the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
• Advising a Singaporean investor on the acquisition of a portfolio of student accommodation properties across major UK cities.
• Advising Eco World on a £2 billion joint venture with Ballymore Properties for a major residential development in the London Docklands.

Recognition & Trust Signals

David is recognised as a Leading Individual in The Legal 500 (2025) and as a Recognised Practitioner by Chambers and Partners. He is widely regarded as a trusted adviser on complex, high-value real estate transactions.

Background & Professional Roles

David holds a BA in Law from the University of Bristol and achieved a distinction in the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law. He is admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales.

In addition to his legal practice, David is Vice-Chair of the City of London Law Society Land Law Committee and is a member of the Investment Property Forum and the Westminster Property Forum.

Location & Contact

David Hawkins is based in London. Phone: +44 20 7283 6000 Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright LLP