I’m a partner in the commercial property team, with extensive experience advising clients on the key issues involved in occupying, developing, buying, and selling commercial property.

I take pride in being a client-centred and proactive lawyer. My approach blends specialist legal expertise with practical, common-sense solutions to help clients achieve, and often exceed, their goals. Clients frequently describe me as friendly, straightforward, professional, and a good listener. I’m proud that this translates into consistently high satisfaction and retention ratings.

I’m recognised in both leading legal directories, Chambers UK (band 3) and The Legal 500 (leading partner), for my commercial property expertise. I’m also ranked as a ‘next generation partner’ in Legal 500 for my work with the charities and not-for-profit sector.

Expertise

My work spans a wide range of commercial property matters, including:

  • commercial lettings and leases
  • landlord and tenant relations
  • rent reviews and recovery
  • buying and selling companies and businesses
  • development, refinancing, and disposals.

I work with clients across sectors such as hospitality, banking, charity, education, leisure, ecclesiastical, and healthcare. My clients range from individuals and small businesses to large companies with diverse property portfolios. I also regularly advise doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and care home owners. While many of my clients are based in Hertfordshire and London, I also represent clients across the UK and internationally, including offshore property investment companies.

I graduated from the University of Durham in 2003 with a BSc (Hons) in Natural Sciences, followed by a law conversion course. I joined Debenhams Ottaway as a trainee in 2007, qualified in 2009, and earned a Master’s in Law (LLM) with distinction in 2011, supported by a scholarship. I was promoted to senior lawyer in 2017 and became a partner in 2020.

I was honoured to receive the Marcus Godman Prize from the Hertfordshire Law Society for achieving the highest mark at law school among trainee lawyers.

In Touch

I’m a member of The Property Section of the Law Society and always happy to connect with clients and colleagues who share a passion for property law.

  • I have recommended Neil Mercer to my clients for many years as he always gives an excellent level of service.

    Legal 500 UK 2023

  • Excellent skills and abilities are demonstrated at all times. The commitment and dedication to achieving the goal and objection is outstanding. Neil Mercer is a fantastic example of the great staff working at Debenhams Ottaway

    Legal 500 UK 2023

  • Neil Mercer is hardworking and responsive, and has specialist knowledge of charitable ecclesiastical aspects of property law matters, including trusts aspects relevant to those matters. Neil manages a very large portfolio of charitable property matters including sales, purchases, leases, development agreements and other property matters.

    Legal 500 UK 2023

  • We have worked with Neil Mercer for a number of years. He has always acted in a very professional, helpful and friendly way. He has excellent knowledge and when required will pass any matters he is not familiar with on to another solicitor.

    Legal 500 UK 2023

  • Neil Mercer and Rosie Penny are both highly capable and amongst a very small handful of solicitors that we recommend to clients.

    Legal 500 UK 2023

  • 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

  • Regular and clear communication at every step of the journey. Courteous and professional approach.

    Client

  • Communication was – is excellent – prompt responses and actions taken to questions and queries that often arose. I found both Neil and Elton to be very personable.

    Ashley Walsh, Ash Logistics Limited

  • Clear and understandable communication. Looking after our best interests, listening to our needs and advising the best solutions.

    Barry Ferst, Transeur Properties Ltd

  • Being able to talk to someone I’ve known for years. To feel at ease when discussing what is needed and having expert advice. It’s all about good communication really and being confident of a good result, both of which Debenhams Ottaway achieves.

    Client

  • We needed to find a new solicitor for a whole range of needs, due to the retirement of our longstanding and trusted family solicitor. The team at Debenhams Ottaway stepped in very quickly and have already slipped seamlessly into the gap. Very impressed by their range of services and professionalism.

    Client

  • Neil provided clear and timely advice throughout and was excellent in coaxing the other party through the transaction.

    Philip Callan

  • Neil Mercer is very knowledgeable, has an excellent manner and explains things very well. He will always make time to discuss issues and ensures work is carried out to a high standard.

    Legal 500 UK 2024

  • Neil is very attentive and always provides clear and detailed advice.

    Chambers UK 2024

  • I continually recommend Neil to others as he has always delivered great service.

    Chambers UK 2024

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