Claire Tofts

I am a senior associate solicitor in the Commercial Real Estate team, and I qualified as a solicitor in 2002. I have lived and worked in Somerset since 2001 when I moved to the area to train as a solicitor with a large regional law firm.

I joined Chubb Bulleid in January 2021 and I enjoy the variety of work and clients which we have in Somerset and nationwide.

What I do

I deal with a wide range of commercial property transactions acting for individuals, companies, investors, banks, bridging lenders and pension trustees.

I have a particular emphasis on sales and purchases of commercial properties, acting for landlords or tenants on commercial leases and associated lease matters and acting for lenders or borrowers on financing/refinancing commercial properties. I also support my colleagues in the business services team by dealing with the property aspects of their asset or share sales and purchases.

I enjoy building relationships with clients and providing clear, pragmatic and commercial legal advice.

A bit more about me

What do you do when you’re not in the office?

I am often walking our dog (a hairy lurcher) or running around after our two teenage sons. I also love to travel. I am very much like our dog in that I enjoy being out and about or travelling, but then I am very content to come home and flop! There is nothing like sitting in front of the fire and the TV with a hot chocolate after an autumnal woodland walk or a winter beach trip.

What’s something clients are often surprised to learn about you?

I have a very wide taste in music and I have been to Glastonbury Festival many times. My husband grew up in Pilton and the Festival is an important multi-generational event for our wider family each year.

What’s the most rewarding part of your work?

Bringing transactions to a successful conclusion with happy clients. Sometimes things turn out to be complicated or difficult, however guiding clients through that and enabling them to get them the outcome that they need is always rewarding.