Partner
James R. Okafor
Property Law · Commercial Transactions · Development
Biography
James R. Okafor is one of London’s preeminent property solicitors, with an 18-year practice spanning complex commercial acquisitions, mixed-use development, ground leases, and high-value residential transactions. A graduate of the University of Cambridge (LLB, First Class Honours) and holder of an LLM in Property Law from University College London, James brings a uniquely analytical approach to transactions of extraordinary complexity and institutional scale.
Before joining hawkings & Associates, James served as Associate General Counsel at a major London REIT listed on the London Stock Exchange, overseeing a £600 million acquisition pipeline. His in-house experience gives him a rare understanding of how institutional investors evaluate risk, structure deals, and anticipate regulatory scrutiny from the Land Registry and Planning Inspectorate. Recognised as a Leading Individual by Chambers UK for four consecutive years, he also serves on the Law Society’s Property Law Committee.
“In property law, the deal you close is only as strong as the counsel behind it. Precision in documentation today prevents litigation tomorrow.”
Notable Record
£85M City Office Acquisition — Sole legal adviser in the acquisition of a 22-storey Grade A office tower in the City of London, including complex planning consent negotiations, air rights transfer, and a £55M commercial mortgage-backed financing arrangement with a syndicate of UK lenders.
£210M Mixed-Use Development — Structured the long leasehold and joint venture agreement for a 40-storey mixed-use tower in Canary Wharf, coordinating across six lender parties, two equity sponsors, the GLA, and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets Planning Department.
Title Dispute Victory — £30M — Successfully litigated a multi-party title dispute involving a £30M commercial property under the Land Registration Act 2002, defeating adverse possession claims that had clouded title for 11 years and restoring clear title to the client.
£120M Luxury Residential Portfolio — Represented a family office in the acquisition of 14 luxury residential properties across Mayfair, Knightsbridge, and the Home Counties, aggregating £120M in combined value over a 24-month programme.
Education & Qualifications
University of Cambridge
LLB, First Class Hons. · Senior Scholar · 2006
University College London
LLM in Property Law · Distinction · 2007
University of Lagos
LLB Law, First Class Hons. · 2003
Chambers UK — Leading Individual
Real Estate · 2021 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024
Law Society Property Law Committee
Committee Member · 2019 – Present
Qualifications & Admissions
Solicitor of England & Wales · SRA Authorised
Years' Practice
Transactions (£)
Properties Handled
Chambers UK Rankings