Our Commercial Property Solicitors

Sam is an experienced real estate solicitor with over 12 years post qualification experience in real estate law and over 15 years in the legal industry.  Sam acts for national developers, investors and corporate occupiers across England and Wales and industry sectors with a particular focus on commercial landlord and tenant transactions in the retail and leisure sector. Sam joined mlplaw as a Partner in December 2020, previously working at Top 50 law firms and a prominent City of London practice, becoming the Head of Real Estate in June 2025. Alongside his work with mlplaw, Sam owns and operates Swann Shore, a legal and office offshore recruitment and payroll services provider headquartered in South Africa.

The aspects of the job Sam most enjoys are the interaction with people and problem-solving, no two days ever being the same.

In his spare time Sam enjoys exercising, reading and watching classic films.

Sam divides his time between England (across all mlplaw offices) and South Africa.

Jonathan is a Partner in mlplaw’s Real Estate team with over 13 years’ experience in real estate transactions.  Prior to joining mlplaw, Jonathan was a partner in a long-established local law firm in Manchester for over a decade.

Jonathan has extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with both commercial and residential property matters.  His main expertise is in relation to commercial landlord and tenant matters (acting for both landlords and tenants), commercial property acquisitions and disposals (acting for both sellers and buyers), real estate aspects of real estate finance (acting for both borrowers and lenders) and corporate support.

Jonathan acts for a wide range of businesses and individuals including sole traders, SMEs, property investors, pension funds and property developers in the retail and wholesale, hospitality and leisure, food and beverage and industrial and office sectors.  Jonathan transacts properties in locations throughout the North West and nationwide.

Jonathan offers a friendly and pragmatic approach to commercial transactions.

Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys spending time relaxing with his family.

Nashá provides high-level executive and administrative support to Sam Swann and the Real Estate team.

With a sharp organisational mind and a proactive, solutions-focused approach, Nashá plays a key role in the coordination of work.

From managing a demanding calendar, Nashá keeps operations running seamlessly behind the scenes. She also works closely with departments across the firm, supporting mlplaw’s collaborative and client-focused culture.

Known for her professionalism, discretion, and positive energy, Nashá is a trusted and valued member of the team. Her ability to anticipate needs, manage competing priorities, and adapt to the fast pace of legal practice makes her an indispensable part of the Real Estate team.

Outside of work, Nashá enjoys spending time in nature and channels her creativity through designing and sewing garments. Nashá is based in Cape Town, South Africa.

Sithokozile is a Law graduate with a Bachelor’s of Law Degree from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and an MA Law Conversion from the University of Law in the UK. She brings a unique dual understanding of both South African law and the legal framework of England and Wales. Throughout her studies, she volunteered at university legal clinics, developing a practical, solution-focused approach to helping clients navigate legal challenges. Her passion for law is rooted in a love of problem solving and the robust, analytical nature of legal work.

Before joining mlplaw, Sithokozile gained experience in compliance and audit roles, which strengthened her attention to detail and appreciation for regulatory frameworks – skills that now underpin her work in the commercial property team. She supports the team in handling commercial property transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, lease negotiations, and ancillary matters arising throughout the course of a transaction.

Sithokozile finds the pace and impact of commercial property law particularly rewarding, especially when it allows her to deliver real results for clients. Outside of the office, she enjoys travelling, spending time with her family, doing Pilates, and volunteering at The Remi Foundation – an educational charitable initiative focused on supporting underserved communities.

Sithokozile is based in Johannesburg, South Africa and Manchester.

Deshnee is an admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa, with an LLB from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a certification in Compliance Essentials from the University of Cape Town.

She supports Sam Swann on a broad range of commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, leases, and financing exercises. Her work includes assistance to developers, national coffee franchisees, and occupational tenants across England and Wales, as well as involvement in contentious property matters relating to residential leasehold.

Deshnee takes a diligent, research-led approach to delivering high-quality legal support and brings valuable cross-jurisdictional insight to the team.

Outside of work, Deshnee enjoys coastal walks, engaging with thought-provoking films and series, and spending time with family and friends. Deshnee is based in Durban, South Africa.