Neil is a partner in the commercial property team.

Neil has considerable knowledge and experience in advising clients in the central issues that arise: notably the occupying, development and buying and selling of commercial property.

Neil prides himself on being a client centred and proactive lawyer. He combines specialist legal knowledge with practical and common sense concerns to achieve (and exceed) client expectations. Client feedback emphasises that Neil is friendly, straightforward, professional and a ‘good listener’. His effectiveness is demonstrated by high client satisfaction and retention ratings.

Expertise

Neil’s expertise encompasses commercial letting and leases; landlord tenant relations; rent reviews and recovery; buying and selling companies and businesses; development, refinancing and disposals. Clients are drawn from a wide range of sectors including hospitality, banking, charity, education, leisure, ecclesiastical and healthcare, ranging from individuals and small businesses to large companies with diverse property portfolios. He also regularly acts for doctors, dentists and pharmacists, as well as care home owners. Most clients are based in Hertfordshire and Greater London but there is also a wider UK representation. In addition, Neil advises clients based abroad and offshore property investment companies.

Neil graduated from the University of Durham in 2003 with a BSc Hons degree in Natural Sciences. He then took the law conversion course and joined Debenhams Ottaway as a trainee lawyer in 2007. He qualified with the firm in 2009, achieved a Masters Degree in Law (LLM) with distinction in 2011 (having been awarded a scholarship) was promoted to senior lawyer in 2017 and made partner in November 2020.

Neil received the Marcus Godman Prize awarded by the Hertfordshire Law Society for the highest mark achieved by a trainee lawyer at law school.

In Touch

Neil is a member of The Property Section of the Law Society.

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What Clients Say

  • I have worked with Neil on a number of matters over the last few years and can only compliment him on his excellent communication skills. He expresses himself clearly both in verbal and written form and along with his positive attitude, commitment and professionalism, matters are dealt with in a timeliness manner. Neil makes the ease of doing business very easy for me personally, in a quality and efficient manner.

    John Lee, Estates and Facilities Manager, McNicholas Constructions Services Limited

  • Neil Mercer was appointed by one of our clients for a relatively complicated sale incorporating a mix of commercial and residential property. The process involved me in a considerable amount of communication with Neil. At all stages Neil provided a very strong mix of skills to achieve completion – namely pro-activeness, very fast response times and above all transforming situations from being complicated to clear-cut and hence not cause any delays. I certainly look forward to working with Neil on the next conveyance.

    David Lees, Sales Director, Northwood St Albans

  • Neil always replied to calls or emails promptly. Neil and the staff were friendly and helpful.

    Nicola Cottrell

  • The best aspect of Debenhams Ottaway is your professionalism, honesty and knowledge whilst still staying friendly.

    Naz Tahir