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James Mallery-Nelson

James Mallery-Nelson

Senior Associate

020 7405 4600

Contact by email

James is a commercial real estate lawyer with a strong focus on advising clients across a range of property and projects-related matters. James has experience across many sectors: from central government and public sector bodies to renewable energy firms, from telecommunications operators to property developers.

James brings specialised expertise in the energy, utilities and telecommunications sectors, an area he has a particular interest in.  He advises private and public sector clients on complex energy projects (such as district heating and renewable energy schemes), utilities installations and matters related to the Electronic Communications Code. With his background as in-house counsel for a leading renewable energy company, James understands the importance of providing clear strategic guidance to drive projects to a successful outcome.

James also has a strong background in advising clients on large scale infrastructure projects such as major road construction and waste management schemes. James is also well-versed in advising clients on the application of the Crichel Down Rules in respect of proposed land disposals.

He advises clients on all aspects of transactional real estate matters and land law with a particular focus on asset management and development.

James is a recommended ‘Key Lawyer’ in the Legal 500 2025, 2024 and 2021.

Skills and strengths:

James’ approach is collaborative and strategic with a focus on building strong relationships with my clients. He is committed to providing straightforward but commercially tuned advice to help clients overcome challenges and ensure that their overall objectives are satisfactorily met. He received the following client feedback which he was particularly pleased with: “He is personable and we trust him.”

…experienced in residential and office projects…

Legal 500, 2025

…he has extensive knowledge, responds quickly, is personable and we trust him

Legal 500, 2021

knowledgeable of asset management

Legal 500, 2024

We instructed James Nelson and found him to be an excellent lawyer. He has quickly become our first choice commercial property legal adviser whenever we need external advice…

Legal 500, 2021

…James Nelson is particularly good

Legal 500, 2021

His attention to detail is excellent and his client care second to none…I look forward to working with James in the future and I would not hesitate to recommend him on any real estate matters

Legal 500, 2021

  • Central Government
  • Corporate Clients
  • Energy Sector
  • Housing Sector
  • Leisure
  • Local Government
  • Start ups
  • Waste Sector
  • Acquisitions and Disposals
  • Compulsory Purchase
  • Highways
  • Landlord and tenant
  • Real Estate, planning and regeneration
  • Regeneration and development
  • Telecommunications

Projects:

  • Acted as real estate lead as part of a cross-discipline project team on a vital contractual renegotiation exercise relating to a district heating energy scheme in London.
  • Instructed by a local authority as part of a large project team to assist with land acquisition and asset management elements for a significant public infrastructure road scheme.

Asset Management:

  • Advised and drafted a suite of commercial leases and service level agreements for an energy company concerning fuel depots and stores across the UK.
  • Acted on behalf of a commercial landlord to advise on numerous asset management issues and commercial lease transactions for an investment retail park.
  • Advised local authority on numerous utilities matters concerning the redevelopment and regeneration of an area within West London

Insolvency:

  • Advised a local authority client on the recovery of debt and performance of lease covenants arising from the administration of a well-known, high street retail chain.
  • Advised a local authority in connection with the recovery of debt arising from the administration of an offshore tenant company and thereafter advised on recovery of premises following occupation by squatters.
  • Advised an energy company on the ramifications of a CVA in connection with substantial debts owed to the company.

Telecommunications:

  • Advised a central government body on the provisions of the Telecommunications Code in connection with a subsisting telecommunications mast lease concerning a landmark government building.
  • Advised a local authority on lease renewals and interaction with the Telecommunications Code across various residential and mixed-use sites.
  • Provided strategic advice to an SME telecoms operator concerning the rollout of fibreoptic broadband over an area and negotiated several ‘Code’ agreements in connection with the same.

Property Finance:

  • Instructed to draft, negotiate and complete various legal charges by a local government authority for a scheme offered to residential leaseholders displaced under a CPO.
  • Advised government body on extensive property due diligence exercise for a grant funding scheme regarding charity and public sectors applicants.

“Oh what a woollen web we weave…” – The case of Patarkatsishvili v Woodward Fisher [2025] and how to avoid misrepresentation in property transactions

13 March 2025

In property transactions, buyers typically submit pre-contract enquiries to gain essential information about the property or land prior to contract (e.g. to purchase or lease land or property). These enquiries cover various aspects, for example querying whether third parties have rights over the land in question. While sellers are not legally obliged under common law…

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James's Publications
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