Spotlight on Phil Jacques

What first attracted you to a career in commercial property?

The transactional nature of the job attracted me to commercial property and I felt my skills would suit a career in this area. I was also drawn by the variety: I can be working on a purchase of an office block in London in the morning and acting for a tenant taking a lease of a warehouse in the Midlands in the afternoon!

What type of legal advice do you provide?

I provide common sense and commercially driven advice. I bring tenacity and positivity to every transaction and like to work with my clients (and all involved parties) in a pro-active and efficient manner.

What is you most memorable legal experience and why?

Probably acting on a lease transaction at Hatton Garden. Remember the diamond heist? That building!

What is it about the Thames Valley specifically which led you to work there?

A girl!

My wife is from South Oxfordshire so after uni I came south, originally working in London and then out to the Thames Valley.

When Reading FC were first promoted to the Premier League, I always remember asking my Dad where Reading was. He replied “Oh, it’s a town not far from London.”. Strange that a decade after that conversation I started working in that town and haven’t looked back.

What is your number one tip for clients?

Involve your solicitor early – getting legal advice at heads of terms stage can save significant time, cost, and risk later on.

Outside work, how do you like to spend your spare time?

I love spending time with my wife and young children, whether at home or preferably on a beach somewhere. I also love football (watching or coaching rather than playing these days) as well as a cold pint in a country pub!