Tara Smith Consultant Property Solicitor

Tara is a consultant solicitor with over twelve years’ experience advising lenders, developers, investors, and owner-managed businesses across commercial real estate. She has built a strong reputation for combining technical excellence with commercial insight, particularly on complex and time-sensitive transactions.

Areas of expertise

• Bridging and development finance (acting for lenders and borrowers)
• Commercial leasing (landlord and tenant), including retail parks and multi-let assets
• Options, agreements for lease and conditional contracts
• Title investigation, due diligence, and risk reporting
• Portfolio transactions and asset strategy
• Commercial property
• Residential property

Approach to work and clients

Tara is particularly valued for acting as a strategic adviser rather than solely a transactional lawyer. She takes time to understand both the commercial and personal drivers behind each transaction, enabling her to structure solutions that balance legal risk with practical delivery. Her ability to align legal rigour with commercial objectives makes her a trusted partner to clients operating in fast-paced and high-value property markets.

Tara has held several senior leadership roles, including Head of Legal for a bridging finance lender and Head of Commercial Property within private practice. Her career includes training at Trowers & Hamlins LLP and working with leading City firms such as Mishcon de Reya and Norton Rose Fulbright, giving her a strong foundation in City-level practice alongside a pragmatic, solution-focused approach.