Capsticks’ housing team, one of the largest specialist housing teams operating across the UK, has seen significant growth in 2017. The team has 12 partners nationwide and a head count of over fifty housing specialists.

Head of Capsticks' housing sector, Partner Philip Brown commented: “We are delighted that both Romano and Suzanne have joined us as we continue to grow our housing team. Both hires bring a wealth of expertise and practical experience to our clients and are part of our commitment to offer our clients a team of specialists across all disciplines and geographic areas."

Romano Obertelli commented: “As a construction lawyer I am delighted to be joining a fantastic team at Capsticks with such a strong reputation in the real estate and housing sectors. We can now offer clients a complete end-to-end service in these sectors and the construction industry.”

Suzanne Smith commented: “I look forward to making a positive contribution to the team and further enhancing the reputation of Capsticks as the leading housing sector specialists to our clients across England and Wales.”

Romano Obertelli joins as a Construction Associate with over 20 years’ experience in the construction sector, including work at large City legal practices. He will have responsibility for reviewing, advising upon and negotiating construction contracts and ancillary property and security documents for the firm. Romano’s experience includes acting for both public and private sector clients on the full range of developments in the UK. This includes advice on the terms of building contracts, professional appointments, parent company guarantees, performance bonds and collateral warranties.

Suzanne Smith joins as a Planning Senior Solicitor with over 10 years’ public sector experience  advising  on planning and environmental issues, including s106 agreements (both residential and commercial developments), community infrastructure levy, planning appeals, permitted development rights, lawful use and enforcement, Local and Neighborhood Plan adoption as well as advising in relation to flood risk activities. She also has regulatory and governance experience covering data protection, parish council issues and Local Government Ombudsman matters.