New Head of Commercial Property to spearhead growth

Lucy Zhu, who has spent the last ten years at a global firm, is qualified to practise in both England & Wales and China, speaking both English and Mandarin fluently.

“I’m really pleased to be joining Thackray Williams,” says Lucy Zhu. “It’s a friendly, forward-looking team with a great people culture and a clear focus on supporting clients and delivering innovative, practical solutions. I’m looking forward to working with everyone and helping to grow the Commercial Property practice.”

“We’re delighted that Lucy has joined Thackray Williams to lead the Commercial Property department in the next stage of its exciting growth journey,” comments Vikki Herbert, Co-Managing Partner and Head of Real Estate.  “Her exceptional legal intelligence, her ambitions both for herself and her team, and her international experience – along with her extensive network in the Chinese market, the second largest in the world – ideally position her to help us attract clients with complex property portfolios."

“Lucy will be picking up the reigns from Yildiz Betez, who was instrumental in the firm’s strategic decision to expand its practice into the City of London, helping to strengthen Thackray Williams’ presence in one of the world’s leading financial and property markets."

“Over the course of her leadership, Yildiz successfully steered the Commercial Property team through some of the most challenging periods for the real estate sector, including the global financial crisis following the 2008 credit crunch and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her pragmatic approach, commercial insight and steady leadership ensured that the team continued to support clients effectively while maintaining the strength and reputation of the firm’s commercial property practice during times of significant market uncertainty.”

Commenting on her retirement Yildiz said: “I am incredibly proud of what Thackray Williams has achieved over the years and of the relationships built along the way. I leave the team and the firm with great confidence in its continued success."