Coodes Solicitors Welcomes Commercial Property Specialist Melanie Henson as New Partner

Melanie brings top-level experience in retail, development and renewables to Cornwall and beyond

Coodes Solicitors has announced the appointment of commercial property expert Melanie Henson as a new Partner in its Commercial Property team.

Melanie brings with her decades of experience, having worked at leading City of London law firms and as senior in-house counsel for real estate at telecoms giant O2. She will be primarily based at Coodes’ Liskeard office, strengthening the firm’s presence across Cornwall, Plymouth and Devon.

Boost for renewables, retail and development clients

Melanie’s background includes advising on high-profile retail acquisitions, development schemes of all sizes and renewable energy projects. Her new role is expected to enhance Coodes’ offering in areas such as landlord and tenant matters, commercial development and sustainable energy.

She most recently worked at Baker Botts (UK) LLP, the London branch of American law firm Baker Botts, where she advised on real estate aspects of renewable energy developments including site acquisition, leasing and project finance.

Her previous role at O2 saw her oversee a large property portfolio of offices, retail stores and mast sites. This included acting on the real estate side of O2’s network sharing deal with Vodafone, and the naming rights agreement for the former Millennium Dome.

Melanie trained at Dentons and was previously a Partner at Berwin Leighton Paisner and Charles Russell Speechlys. She has worked with major retail and property names including Tesco, Sainsburys, Lidl and British Land, handling everything from planning agreements and lease structures to the acquisition of landmark buildings and shopping centre investments.

A strategic appointment for growth

Jo Morgan, Partner and Head of Commercial Property at Coodes Solicitors, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Melanie to the team. Her extensive expertise in retail, landlord and tenant, commercial development and renewables not only aligns closely with the needs of our existing client base but also significantly strengthens our ability to deliver on more complex, high-value transactions across the South West.”

“Melanie’s wide-ranging experience adds to the already impressive technical abilities within our team and fits with our strategic goals to grow in specialist areas such as renewables and large-scale development.”

“Her knowledge of the renewables sector is particularly valuable as it complements the work of our Rural Services team, whose clients are increasingly exploring land diversification and sustainable energy projects. We are excited about the opportunities her arrival presents, including the potential to expand our presence in the Plymouth market and beyond.”

Excited to get started

Commenting on her new position, Melanie said:

“I am very pleased to be joining Coodes at such an exciting time for the firm and the region. The South West presents real opportunities in the retail and commercial development sectors and is, of course, uniquely positioned – and ambitious – in its approach to renewables and clean energy.”

“I am looking forward to working with clients across the region to help them realise the full potential of their projects and contribute to the continued growth of Coodes’ commercial property offering.”

Continued growth for Coodes

Coodes Solicitors, which has eight offices across Cornwall and Devon, is recognised as a leading law firm by both the Legal 500 and UK Chambers and Partners. Since April 2023, it has grown its team by nearly 15 per cent.

Its strategy of staying connected to its communities while providing high-level legal services has helped the firm maintain its strong reputation and provide quality employment across the region.

More information about Melanie Henson and the Commercial Property team is available at www.coodes.co.uk.

📷Jo Morgan and Melanie Henson