Cara Keen
- Experience
Cara joined Birketts in May 2019 and is a Senior Associate in our Real Estate Investment Team, based in our Norwich office.
Prior to joining Birketts, Cara started her career in property law in 2013 as a Paralegal in the residential conveyancing team at a Brighton firm. Cara subsequently trained at a specialist property firm in Norwich, and since qualification in 2015, has assisted clients with a wide range of commercial property matters. Her experience includes acting for a diverse range of clients including independent builders and developers, investors, pension schemes, independent businesses, regional and national retailers, business owners and landowners on acquisitions and disposals, strategic land development, financing, corporate support on company transactions, leases, general landlord and tenant matters, franchising, licensed premises and real estate asset management.
Cara now assists leading real estate investment funds, managers and institutional investors on the acquisition, disposal, funding and asset management of high-value global investment fund portfolios across all real estate sectors in England and Wales. Day-to-day this involves implementing asset management strategies from unit sales, lease restructuring, refurbishments and redevelopments, 1954 Act strategy and site acquisitions in addition to general landlord and tenant matters.
In recent years, Cara has built a particular specialism in leading high-value acquisitions, re-financing, disposals and management of multi-let retail park schemes for landlord investment clients.
Cara was admitted as a Solicitor to the roll of Solicitors in England and Wales in March 2015.
Cara is of mixed English and Jamaican heritage, and she often volunteers with the Norfolk Black History Month Committee, working all year round to organise events in celebration of black and ethnic minority heritage and contribution to culture in the region.
Cara also volunteers as a Trustee for a charity named originalprojects; – an artist-led organisation based in the East Coast town of Great Yarmouth. Originalprojects; works with contemporary artists and communities in Great Yarmouth, co-creating ambitious objects, experiences and developmental activities that respond to the place and people, building relationships for a sustainable future. Their projects unlock creative opportunities, supporting everyone to learn new skills, build confidence and thrive through experiencing sustainable and pioneering great art. Activity includes: exhibitions, studio provision, space for community engagement, showcasing local makers, workshops, public commissions, conferences, podcasts, a sonic arts festival and gastronomic events; all delivered in partnership with peers, artists, learning providers, other cultural organisations, community and voluntary sector and local businesses.
Cara was born in Norwich and grew up in North Norfolk. Having attended Sheringham High School and Sixth Form, she went on to study Law with French at Sussex University in Brighton. Cara’s university studies included a year in France studying Law at the University of Toulouse Capitole I in 2009, and she completed her Legal Practice Course at The College of Law in Guildford in 2012. Cara was admitted as a Solicitor to the roll of Solicitors in England and Wales in March 2015.
Cara is of mixed English and Jamaican heritage, and she often volunteers with the Norfolk Black History Month Committee, working all year round to organise events in celebration of black and ethnic minority heritage and contribution to culture in the region.
Cara also volunteers as a Trustee for a charity named originalprojects; – an artist-led organisation based in the East Coast town of Great Yarmouth. Originalprojects; works with contemporary artists and communities in Great Yarmouth, co-creating ambitious objects, experiences and developmental activities that respond to the place and people, building relationships for a sustainable future. Their projects unlock creative opportunities, supporting everyone to learn new skills, build confidence and thrive through experiencing sustainable and pioneering great art. Activity includes: exhibitions, studio provision, space for community engagement, showcasing local makers, workshops, public commissions, conferences, podcasts, a sonic arts festival and gastronomic events; all delivered in partnership with peers, artists, learning providers, other cultural organisations, community and voluntary sector and local businesses.
In her spare time, Cara enjoys spending time with her cat Evan, going to gigs and festivals, jogging (especially taking part in Park Run), discovering local heritage and history, and being by the sea.
