• Partner – Head of Hotels (Europe) – Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP.
• Elected member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (link to profile: Claire Wilkinson, Author at ISHC).
• Practicing solicitor: A Member of the Law Society of England and Wales since 2003.

Claire’s an experienced real estate equity Partner, currently leading WBD’s Hospitality Sector. New Sector Head leads WBD’s Retail & Hospitality offering | Womble Bond Dickinson

WBD’s full service hospitality sector comprises 200+ lawyers throughout the UK (including Scotland). WBD are a top 20 UK law firm, a global top 100 firm. A ‘one stop shop’ for all your legal needs. Claire’s team have immersed themselves in hospitality for many years, consequently, WBD attract and retain the best practitioners whom really understand your business and the environments in which you operate. WBD are “more than just lawyers”. We add value through a rolling program of sector specific events and training opportunities, we horizon spot, deliver on time and on budget and will keep you ahead of your competitors.

Claire and her team have extensive experience in all aspects of hospitality transactions. Routinely leading multi-disciplinary, and multi-locational teams, advising on: portfolio acquisitions/disposals, financing and development, (of: hotels, spas, restaurants and mixed use projects). Claire has particular experience in the budget sector, advising on schemes anchored by Premier Inn/Travelodge and, she has been solely appointed by Bike and Boot Inns since inception. Claire also leads negotiations in specialty areas such multi-jurisdictional portfolio disposals/acquisitions, Hotel Management Agreements, Company Voluntary Arrangements/insolvency led restructurings, licensing arrangements and contracts with ancillary providers (e.g. F&B concessions, advertising, seasonal attractions, car parking).

Longstanding relationships and client satisfaction are critical to Claire and her team do. WBD go out of their way to learn the nature of their clients’ businesses and to understand the hospitality specific issues that their client’s face. WBD guarantee to support your growth by providing practical, targeted advice and delivering clear and effective solutions to complex legal challenges.