Specialist property set Falcon Chambers includes members who take a leading role across all aspects of commercial and residential property litigation. Silks and juniors from the set have been involved in some of the most high profile disputes in the market in regard to nuisance, rights of light, telecoms and enfranchisement. Guy Fetherstonhaugh KC and Elizabeth Fitzgerald acted on behalf of the respondent in the Fearn v Board of Trustees of the Tate Gallery dispute, handling the matter all the way up to the Supreme Court – in this case the court ruled that merely overlooking a property could constitute an actionable private nuisance. Leading Nathaniel Duckworth and Gavin Bennison , Jonathan Gaunt KC successfully acted for the defendant in Valley View Health Centre v NHS Property Services Limited in a test case to determine if GP tenants are liable to pay service charges to their NHS landlords. Stephen Jourdan KC acted in the enfranchisement case Cadogan Holdings v Alberti, a matter concerning statutory evaluations. Tricia Hemans appeared before the Supreme Court in Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Ltd v Ashloch Ltd and another, the court’s first case concerning the Electronic Communications Code.
Property litigation in
London Bar
Falcon Chambers
Testimonials
‘The clerks are very helpful. James Clarke and Frankie Penton deserve a special mention for delivering excellent service.’
‘The clerks at Falcon are excellent and very user-friendly across the board. Special mention to John Stannard and Jo Meah.’
‘The clerks are excellent. John Stannard is superbly helpful. Joanne Meah, John Davitt and Frankie Penton are also worth singling out for praise.’
‘Falcon Chambers is the leading set for property litigation. I regularly use them for all areas.’
‘The set as a whole is very impressive – and not so big that it has lost a personal touch.’
‘Falcon is undoubtedly a top set and has some of the best real estate litigation barristers in the UK.’
‘Falcon Chambers is an excellent set with great strength in depth across all levels. The best at property and related litigation.’
‘The clerks are responsive and approachable – keen to help and support, matching barristers to client budgets, timescale and the complexity of the problem at hand.’
Work highlights
Landmark Chambers
Crossing over with the set’s expertise in planning and public law, Landmark Chambers have established themselves as a leading set across all aspects of property litigation including landlord and tenant and real estate disputes, as well as more niche areas such as telecommunications, protestor injunctions and village greens. Tom Weekes KC led Richard Moules in Fearn v Tate Trustees, a Supreme Court case in which the residents of a development of luxury flats were found to have been subjected to a nuisance by the viewing gallery on top of the Tate Modern’s Blavatnik Building. Simon Allison and Kimberley Ziya represented the successful appellant in FirstPort Property Services Limited v Settlers Court RTM in a landmark decision concerning the statutory right to manage blocks of flats. Timothy Morshead KC represented the energy company in Breen v Esso Petroleum, securing an injunction, and then the committal to prison for contempt of court of an individual who breached it by digging a tunnel in an attempt to stop the construction of the London Pipeline Project, based on economic torts rather than the law of nuisance or trespass. Justin Bates is notable for his residential property expertise – he is instructed for the residents in Global 100 v Jimenez, a case due to be heard by the Court of Appeal, after a “property guardianship” company was found by the tribunal to have run an unlicensed house of multiple occupation, therefore subjected to local authority fines and rent repayment orders.
Testimonials
‘The clerks’ room is second to none. Mark Ball is impressive in his running of the team.’
‘Mark Ball is a great practice manager – commercial, proactive and responsive to client needs.’
‘The clerks are extremely responsive and helpful. Mark Ball and Harry Feldman, in particular, stand out as being very on the ball.’
‘Landmark Chambers haa excellent clerks. Mark Ball, Connor McGilly and Harry Feldman are highly recommended.’
‘Landmark’s property team has strength and depth, from a fantastically supportive group of juniors to silk level and expertise across the board. Down to earth and collaborative, roll up sleeves attitude.’
‘Landmark have built a highly capable property set from the ground up over the last few years. They are my starting point for anything complex.’
‘Landmark are an excellent set – our go to for real estate litigation matters, particularly where there is a public law or planning angle.’
‘Landmark Chambers remain a well respected and impressive set of property barristers.’
Work highlights
Gatehouse Chambers
Gatehouse Chambers features a particularly strong capability in commercial landlord and tenant matters, as leasehold disputes and other areas of real property. Brie Stevens-Hoare KC represented the successful respondents of White v Amirtharaja before the Court of Appeal; the dispute concerned the degree of intention required for an adverse possession claim, in this case concerning a passageway leading to the claimant’s property. John de Waal KC acted in Prime London Holdings 11 Ltd v Thurloe Lodge Ltd in the first and only High Court case about an access order under the Access to Neighbouring Land Act 1992. Lina Mattsson was sole counsel before the Court of Appeal, successfully representing the defendant in Mostyn House Estate Management Co Ltd v Youde, a dispute concerning proposed maintenance work to two former listed buildings, which a management company proposed to charge to both leasehold owners and the owners of freehold properties in the same development. Morayo Fagborun Bennett was appointed a District Judge in November 2023.
Testimonials
‘Clerking at Gatehouse is very good – courteous without being pushy. They tend to get lay-client pressures and are sensible at being commercial.’
‘Well organised, reliable clerking service. Realistic costs estimates that rarely need further negotiating downwards from the initial figure given.’
‘The clerks are extremely supportive and helpful.’
‘All their clerks are responsive and helpful, fees are reasonable and estimates accurate. They provide a very good service to chambers.’
‘Gatehouse is a good all round chambers with great clerking and a good range of juniors. It has managed its rebrand very well and its office move too.’
‘Great set with which we have worked for many years. It has great strength in depth, it’s very rare that the set will not be able to assist and it offers a great training program.’
‘The property set at Gatehouse is exceptional.’
‘Very commercial, impeccable service, but crucially A1 barristers.’
Work highlights
Tanfield Chambers
Tanfield Chambers are well established as experts in a variety of specialist fields such as landlord and tenant, commercial real estate and real property. The last year has seen the set grow in key areas such as the Electronics Communications Code, building safety, fire safety and secured lending work. Philip Rainey KC is part of the counsel team for the Ministry of Defence in Annington Property Ltd v Secretary of State for Defence in a judicial review of test claims to enfranchise houses previously entered into a sale and leaseback with Annington. Mark Loveday acted for the defendant in FirstPort Property Services v Settlers Court, the first right to manage case to reach the Supreme Court. James Fieldsend was involved in Alberti v Cadogan Estates, a prominent leasehold enfranchisement matter concerning the extent to which a tenant improvement – which caused one flat to be turned into five flats by 1971 – should be considered for enfranchisement valuation purposes.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are always helpful and quick to respond. They are reasonable when discussing fees.’
‘Clerks are all excellent. In particular I would single out Alex Southern.’
‘The clerks at Tanfield are very quick to respond with details of availability and provide assured assistance when preparing for a hearing.’
‘The clerks are always courteous, helpful and of great assistance when dealing with emergency listings.’
‘Tanfield is renowned for its property offering and in particular we use them for their enfranchisement offering as well as substantial and complex property disputes.’
‘Tanfield are excellent and their conferences and training are market leading.’
‘Tanfield Chambers is easily one of the best sets for leasehold enfranchisement and property litigation. They have a depth and range of counsel available to suit any matter upon which we require assistance.’
‘Tanfield Chambers has always been approachable, reliable and able to deliver quality barristers for each of the matters we have sought to instruct them on and they have a full spectrum of experience for what we have needed.’
Work highlights
Wilberforce Chambers
With a wealth of experience at the senior level, Wilberforce Chambers acts on all forms of property litigation. Core areas of focus for the set include commercial landlord and tenant, development, mortgages and property rights concerning economy. Jonathan Seitler KC acted before the Supreme Court in On Tower v AP Wireless, a group appeal brought by numerous cell site operators involving numerous issues of the Telecommunications Code, including the interpretation of the transitional provisions between the new and old codes. Joanne Wicks KC is acting on R (Annington Property Ltd & Others) v The Secretary of State for Defence, a case concerning a proposal by the MoD to reacquire married quarters it disposed of via a sale and leaseback arrangement using conventional enfranchisement law. Tiffany Scott KC represented the claimant in Clifford v Grosvenor West End Properties, in which the inhabitant of a Mayfair mews home sought to require the Duke of Westminster to eject prostitutes and drug dealers from an adjacent block of flats.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are excellent – particularly Andrew Barnes. He is always available and comes back with a response quickly.’
‘The clerks set Wilberforce apart. They are so responsive and always try and accommodate the instruction.’
‘Clerks are responsive and always seek to assist and accommodate to ensure preferred counsel can be available or made available.’
‘Superb. They move mountains in the interests of their clients and the case. The clerks are responsive and proactive. It really is a first class service.’
‘Wilberforce is a great set. The quality of the barristers in the real estate sector is second to none.’
‘Wilberforce Chambers is at the top of the game, their barristers are competent in so many areas it is hard for them not to be the first port of call.’
‘A very strong set at all levels. Set apart by both the quality and breadth of expertise their barristers. A particular strength is their ability to handle cases that span more than one specialist area because of the wide expertise of their barristers (without compromising on quality).’
‘A set bursting with talent at every level, experts across a wide playing field, strategic and adept.’
Work highlights
New Square Chambers
New Square Chambers is experienced in the full range of core property disputes, with a particular focus on matters crossing over with the set’s broader Chancery expertise. The set has also been involved in major disputes concerning public access to land. Alexander Learmonth KC appeared in Hudson v Hathway, a case concerning if detriment was required in addition to common intention before one half of a separating unmarried couple could make a TOLATA claim.
Testimonials
‘Clerks are friendly, responsive and always proactive.’
‘Clerking is effective and friendly. Charlie Sherwood is very good.’
‘We always found the clerks to be helpful and responsive.’
‘Cameron Grant and Michelle Greene in the clerks’ team are great and always fill me with confidence.’
‘I find the chambers very efficient and responsive. They will usually offer a range of options, even at short notice. Cannot be faulted.’
‘New Square Chambers is a highly regarded and well-known set of chambers with considerable breadth and depth of skill in its chosen areas’
‘New Square go above and beyond at all levels. Personable, responsive and cost effective. Juniors are a cut above.’
‘A good depth of knowledge throughout chambers, whose members offer relevant training on current developments.’
Work highlights
Selborne Chambers
With a mixture of prominent property silks and juniors, Selborne Chambers features considerable experience in real property and landlord and tenant disputes, as well as more specialist areas such as breach of covenant, rights of light and adverse possession matters. Nicholas Trompeter KC represented the landlord in London Trocadero (2015) LLP v Picturehouse Cinemas Ltd, an ongoing matter which reached the Court of Appeal on one point, concerning if a cinema operator was liable for rent payments during periods when the premises were closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Turning to the set’s juniors, Henry Webb represented the claimant in Hotel Management International Ltd v Coldunnell Ltd, a dilapidations trial in which the claimant received over half a million pounds, beating a Part 36 offer.
Maitland Chambers
Maitland Chambers contains juniors and silks who are experts in all matters of property litigation, including residential enfranchisement and property development, and act on behalf of a range of clients from private individuals to major multinational corporates. Christopher Pymont KC appeared before the Supreme Court in On Tower v AP Wireless, a high profile matter concerning the interpretation of the new Electronic Communications Code. Philomena Harrison was involved in Bank of New York Mellon (International) Ltd v Cine UK Ltd, a case concerning if rent was due on various of the defendants’ cinemas, which were unable to operate due to COVID-19 policies.
Testimonials
‘Very professional and efficient. I would single out Rob Penson, who is great.’
‘All clerks are very helpful indeed.’
‘Rob Penson is brilliant – very helpful and always willing to go the extra mile.’
‘Superb – the clerks at Maitland have been the best I deal with for the past 20+ years. Robert Penson is outstanding in his proactivity and ease of dealing.’
‘Maitland is a first rate, leading, commercial chancery set which I have used for many years. They have a large range of options for counsel across the piece. One can always rely on their quality.’
‘Maitland is brilliant with a good range of top quality barristers.’
‘The set has some of the best property litigation counsel in the country.’
‘Maitland offers a breadth and depth which means any of my property litigation work can be handled.’
Work highlights
Radcliffe Chambers
Radcliffe Chambers combines its knowledge of pure property litigation with more specialised and complex experience in issues involving property tax disputes and enfranchisement issues, with matters crossing over with the set’s expertise in Chancery work. William Moffett stood before the Supreme Court in Guest v Guest, a dispute which had serious ramifications regarding the appropriate remedy in cases of proprietary estoppel. Marie-Claire Bleasdale was involved in Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited & Barchester Nominee Limited v Roxbury Holding Limited, a case involving issues of boundary disputes, purported easements, and alleged trespass, against the backdrop of uncertainty caused by Land Registry delays.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are efficient, friendly, and approachable. They are always willing to discuss fees and be flexible to suit solicitors and lay clients. They work well under pressure and can always find a barrister on urgent instructions.’
‘The clerks at Radcliffe are always very helpful and responsive. Justin Allen in particular is a great asset.’
‘The clerks are very responsive and always on hand to help. They also understand the need to be competitive on fees and are all very friendly and easy to deal with.’
‘Radcliffe has an excellent choice of counsel to deal with most civil disputes and are able to offer counsel at a range of seniority.’
‘Radcliffe has enviable strength in depth on real property and chancery disputes. Their barristers are all highly capable, forensic in their detail, and approachable.’
‘Radcliffe are a fantastic set, offering a strong range of barristers across multiple disciplines.’
‘The set offers flexibility in terms of experience, cost and availability. They provide helpful webinars and seminars. They are our go-to set.’
Work highlights
Enterprise Chambers
Property litigation remains a primary focus area for Enterprise Chambers. The set specialises in landlord and tenant matters, with an offering supplemented by specialist expertise in the areas of insolvency and property-related professional negligence. Kavan Gunaratna acted for the claimant in Circus Apartments Ltd v Domus BWW Group, a High Court case in which the landlord was seeking unpaid rent and disrepair claims following the collapse of the tenant into insolvency administration. Edward Francis acted on behalf of various lessees in Camden Hill Gate Ltd v Duchess of Bedford House RTM Company Limited, which concerned the scope and application of the principle that parking enjoyed as of right by residents of a block can be converted into an easement of parking.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are approachable, reasonable and courteous. I often liaise with Mark Townsend and Ian Boardman who are both sensible and always wiling to assist.’
‘The clerks are very on the ball and efficient and Michael Ireland is really excellent.’
‘The clerks room are always quick to respond and to deal with any enquiries that we have. They are knowledgeable of Counsels work load, and easy to deal with.’
‘The clerks are very on the ball and efficient and Michael Ireland is really excellent.’
‘Enterprise is an extremely friendly set with a real team spirit. There are excellent barristers at all levels, but some of the senior juniors are hidden gems and exceptionally good.’
‘Chambers have a wide variety of counsel at hand to assist in a broad range of areas.’
‘A very strong set and varied set. Friendly and approachable.’
‘Extremely capable in property and insolvency work. They have good strength in depth.’
Work highlights
Henderson Chambers
Henderson Chambers includes juniors and silks active across the complete spectrum of real estate litigation. In particular, the set has considerable experience in real property, commercial property, residential landlord and tenant matters and co-ownership and trusts of land. Malcolm Sheehan KC is particularly known for his expertise in acting on property development issues for private and public sector developers, as well his experience in infrastructure disputes. Jonathan Steinert has over two decades of experience in contentious and non-contentious property issues, with particular experience in complex litigation involving covenant and dilapidation disputes.
Serle Court
Serle Court includes property silks and juniors experienced in a broad range of property disputes, including complex issues relating to easements, covenants, options, land registrations and trusts, often crossing over with the set’s broader expertise in Chancery matters. Rupert Reed KC represented the widow of King Fahd of Saudi Arabia in Asturion Foundation v HH Princess Al Jawharah bint Ibrahim al Ibrahim, a Court of Appeal case which raised complex issues of Liechtenstein, Saudi and Islamic law concerning the validity of a will which gifted the property to her. Turning to the set’s juniors, Andrew Bruce represented the successful seller defendants in a five-day case, after the buyers of a property alleged fraudulent misrepresentation after significant amounts of Japanese knotweed were found two years after the transaction.
Testimonials
‘Serle Court’s clerks are very accessible and responsive. They are quick to provide fee estimates and honour them. One of the best clerking services amongst the chambers I instruct.’
‘Best clerks in the business. The set is in very good hands with Nick Hockney and Dan Wheeler.’
‘Paul Ballard has been a clerk for many years and goes above and beyond to keep cases moving, and synchronised with counsel.’
‘Paul Ballard was prompt and easy to deal with, making the process quite smooth.’
‘Serle Court is a highly respected Chancery set with strength in depth.’
‘Real in-depth strength in other areas of litigation including commercial and trusts disputes, now growing their property disputes team.’
‘The breadth of talent at Serle Court is excellent. It has some of the leading silks and juniors at the commercial Chancery Bar, representing clients in multiple jurisdictions.’
‘Serle Court are the go-to chambers on matters of property litigation.’
Falcon Chambers
Testimonials
‘The clerks are very helpful. James Clarke and Frankie Penton deserve a special mention for delivering excellent service.’
‘The clerks at Falcon are excellent and very user-friendly across the board. Special mention to John Stannard and Jo Meah.’
‘The clerks are excellent. John Stannard is superbly helpful. Joanne Meah, John Davitt and Frankie Penton are also worth singling out for praise.’
‘Falcon Chambers is the leading set for property litigation. I regularly use them for all areas.’
‘The set as a whole is very impressive – and not so big that it has lost a personal touch.’
‘Falcon is undoubtedly a top set and has some of the best real estate litigation barristers in the UK.’
‘Falcon Chambers is an excellent set with great strength in depth across all levels. The best at property and related litigation.’
‘The clerks are responsive and approachable – keen to help and support, matching barristers to client budgets, timescale and the complexity of the problem at hand.’
Work highlights
Landmark Chambers
Crossing over with the set’s expertise in planning and public law, Landmark Chambers have established themselves as a leading set across all aspects of property litigation including landlord and tenant and real estate disputes, as well as more niche areas such as telecommunications, protestor injunctions and village greens. Tom Weekes KC led Richard Moules in Fearn v Tate Trustees, a Supreme Court case in which the residents of a development of luxury flats were found to have been subjected to a nuisance by the viewing gallery on top of the Tate Modern’s Blavatnik Building. Simon Allison and Kimberley Ziya represented the successful appellant in FirstPort Property Services Limited v Settlers Court RTM in a landmark decision concerning the statutory right to manage blocks of flats. Timothy Morshead KC represented the energy company in Breen v Esso Petroleum, securing an injunction, and then the committal to prison for contempt of court of an individual who breached it by digging a tunnel in an attempt to stop the construction of the London Pipeline Project, based on economic torts rather than the law of nuisance or trespass. Justin Bates is notable for his residential property expertise – he is instructed for the residents in Global 100 v Jimenez, a case due to be heard by the Court of Appeal, after a “property guardianship” company was found by the tribunal to have run an unlicensed house of multiple occupation, therefore subjected to local authority fines and rent repayment orders.
Testimonials
‘The clerks’ room is second to none. Mark Ball is impressive in his running of the team.’
‘Mark Ball is a great practice manager – commercial, proactive and responsive to client needs.’
‘The clerks are extremely responsive and helpful. Mark Ball and Harry Feldman, in particular, stand out as being very on the ball.’
‘Landmark Chambers haa excellent clerks. Mark Ball, Connor McGilly and Harry Feldman are highly recommended.’
‘Landmark’s property team has strength and depth, from a fantastically supportive group of juniors to silk level and expertise across the board. Down to earth and collaborative, roll up sleeves attitude.’
‘Landmark have built a highly capable property set from the ground up over the last few years. They are my starting point for anything complex.’
‘Landmark are an excellent set – our go to for real estate litigation matters, particularly where there is a public law or planning angle.’
‘Landmark Chambers remain a well respected and impressive set of property barristers.’
Work highlights
Gatehouse Chambers
Gatehouse Chambers features a particularly strong capability in commercial landlord and tenant matters, as leasehold disputes and other areas of real property. Brie Stevens-Hoare KC represented the successful respondents of White v Amirtharaja before the Court of Appeal; the dispute concerned the degree of intention required for an adverse possession claim, in this case concerning a passageway leading to the claimant’s property. John de Waal KC acted in Prime London Holdings 11 Ltd v Thurloe Lodge Ltd in the first and only High Court case about an access order under the Access to Neighbouring Land Act 1992. Lina Mattsson was sole counsel before the Court of Appeal, successfully representing the defendant in Mostyn House Estate Management Co Ltd v Youde, a dispute concerning proposed maintenance work to two former listed buildings, which a management company proposed to charge to both leasehold owners and the owners of freehold properties in the same development. Morayo Fagborun Bennett was appointed a District Judge in November 2023.
Testimonials
‘Clerking at Gatehouse is very good – courteous without being pushy. They tend to get lay-client pressures and are sensible at being commercial.’
‘Well organised, reliable clerking service. Realistic costs estimates that rarely need further negotiating downwards from the initial figure given.’
‘The clerks are extremely supportive and helpful.’
‘All their clerks are responsive and helpful, fees are reasonable and estimates accurate. They provide a very good service to chambers.’
‘Gatehouse is a good all round chambers with great clerking and a good range of juniors. It has managed its rebrand very well and its office move too.’
‘Great set with which we have worked for many years. It has great strength in depth, it’s very rare that the set will not be able to assist and it offers a great training program.’
‘The property set at Gatehouse is exceptional.’
‘Very commercial, impeccable service, but crucially A1 barristers.’
Work highlights
Tanfield Chambers
Tanfield Chambers are well established as experts in a variety of specialist fields such as landlord and tenant, commercial real estate and real property. The last year has seen the set grow in key areas such as the Electronics Communications Code, building safety, fire safety and secured lending work. Philip Rainey KC is part of the counsel team for the Ministry of Defence in Annington Property Ltd v Secretary of State for Defence in a judicial review of test claims to enfranchise houses previously entered into a sale and leaseback with Annington. Mark Loveday acted for the defendant in FirstPort Property Services v Settlers Court, the first right to manage case to reach the Supreme Court. James Fieldsend was involved in Alberti v Cadogan Estates, a prominent leasehold enfranchisement matter concerning the extent to which a tenant improvement – which caused one flat to be turned into five flats by 1971 – should be considered for enfranchisement valuation purposes.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are always helpful and quick to respond. They are reasonable when discussing fees.’
‘Clerks are all excellent. In particular I would single out Alex Southern.’
‘The clerks at Tanfield are very quick to respond with details of availability and provide assured assistance when preparing for a hearing.’
‘The clerks are always courteous, helpful and of great assistance when dealing with emergency listings.’
‘Tanfield is renowned for its property offering and in particular we use them for their enfranchisement offering as well as substantial and complex property disputes.’
‘Tanfield are excellent and their conferences and training are market leading.’
‘Tanfield Chambers is easily one of the best sets for leasehold enfranchisement and property litigation. They have a depth and range of counsel available to suit any matter upon which we require assistance.’
‘Tanfield Chambers has always been approachable, reliable and able to deliver quality barristers for each of the matters we have sought to instruct them on and they have a full spectrum of experience for what we have needed.’
Work highlights
Wilberforce Chambers
With a wealth of experience at the senior level, Wilberforce Chambers acts on all forms of property litigation. Core areas of focus for the set include commercial landlord and tenant, development, mortgages and property rights concerning economy. Jonathan Seitler KC acted before the Supreme Court in On Tower v AP Wireless, a group appeal brought by numerous cell site operators involving numerous issues of the Telecommunications Code, including the interpretation of the transitional provisions between the new and old codes. Joanne Wicks KC is acting on R (Annington Property Ltd & Others) v The Secretary of State for Defence, a case concerning a proposal by the MoD to reacquire married quarters it disposed of via a sale and leaseback arrangement using conventional enfranchisement law. Tiffany Scott KC represented the claimant in Clifford v Grosvenor West End Properties, in which the inhabitant of a Mayfair mews home sought to require the Duke of Westminster to eject prostitutes and drug dealers from an adjacent block of flats.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are excellent – particularly Andrew Barnes. He is always available and comes back with a response quickly.’
‘The clerks set Wilberforce apart. They are so responsive and always try and accommodate the instruction.’
‘Clerks are responsive and always seek to assist and accommodate to ensure preferred counsel can be available or made available.’
‘Superb. They move mountains in the interests of their clients and the case. The clerks are responsive and proactive. It really is a first class service.’
‘Wilberforce is a great set. The quality of the barristers in the real estate sector is second to none.’
‘Wilberforce Chambers is at the top of the game, their barristers are competent in so many areas it is hard for them not to be the first port of call.’
‘A very strong set at all levels. Set apart by both the quality and breadth of expertise their barristers. A particular strength is their ability to handle cases that span more than one specialist area because of the wide expertise of their barristers (without compromising on quality).’
‘A set bursting with talent at every level, experts across a wide playing field, strategic and adept.’
Work highlights
New Square Chambers
New Square Chambers is experienced in the full range of core property disputes, with a particular focus on matters crossing over with the set’s broader Chancery expertise. The set has also been involved in major disputes concerning public access to land. Alexander Learmonth KC appeared in Hudson v Hathway, a case concerning if detriment was required in addition to common intention before one half of a separating unmarried couple could make a TOLATA claim.
Testimonials
‘Clerks are friendly, responsive and always proactive.’
‘Clerking is effective and friendly. Charlie Sherwood is very good.’
‘We always found the clerks to be helpful and responsive.’
‘Cameron Grant and Michelle Greene in the clerks’ team are great and always fill me with confidence.’
‘I find the chambers very efficient and responsive. They will usually offer a range of options, even at short notice. Cannot be faulted.’
‘New Square Chambers is a highly regarded and well-known set of chambers with considerable breadth and depth of skill in its chosen areas’
‘New Square go above and beyond at all levels. Personable, responsive and cost effective. Juniors are a cut above.’
‘A good depth of knowledge throughout chambers, whose members offer relevant training on current developments.’
Work highlights
Selborne Chambers
With a mixture of prominent property silks and juniors, Selborne Chambers features considerable experience in real property and landlord and tenant disputes, as well as more specialist areas such as breach of covenant, rights of light and adverse possession matters. Nicholas Trompeter KC represented the landlord in London Trocadero (2015) LLP v Picturehouse Cinemas Ltd, an ongoing matter which reached the Court of Appeal on one point, concerning if a cinema operator was liable for rent payments during periods when the premises were closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Turning to the set’s juniors, Henry Webb represented the claimant in Hotel Management International Ltd v Coldunnell Ltd, a dilapidations trial in which the claimant received over half a million pounds, beating a Part 36 offer.
Maitland Chambers
Maitland Chambers contains juniors and silks who are experts in all matters of property litigation, including residential enfranchisement and property development, and act on behalf of a range of clients from private individuals to major multinational corporates. Christopher Pymont KC appeared before the Supreme Court in On Tower v AP Wireless, a high profile matter concerning the interpretation of the new Electronic Communications Code. Philomena Harrison was involved in Bank of New York Mellon (International) Ltd v Cine UK Ltd, a case concerning if rent was due on various of the defendants’ cinemas, which were unable to operate due to COVID-19 policies.
Testimonials
‘Very professional and efficient. I would single out Rob Penson, who is great.’
‘All clerks are very helpful indeed.’
‘Rob Penson is brilliant – very helpful and always willing to go the extra mile.’
‘Superb – the clerks at Maitland have been the best I deal with for the past 20+ years. Robert Penson is outstanding in his proactivity and ease of dealing.’
‘Maitland is a first rate, leading, commercial chancery set which I have used for many years. They have a large range of options for counsel across the piece. One can always rely on their quality.’
‘Maitland is brilliant with a good range of top quality barristers.’
‘The set has some of the best property litigation counsel in the country.’
‘Maitland offers a breadth and depth which means any of my property litigation work can be handled.’
Work highlights
Radcliffe Chambers
Radcliffe Chambers combines its knowledge of pure property litigation with more specialised and complex experience in issues involving property tax disputes and enfranchisement issues, with matters crossing over with the set’s expertise in Chancery work. William Moffett stood before the Supreme Court in Guest v Guest, a dispute which had serious ramifications regarding the appropriate remedy in cases of proprietary estoppel. Marie-Claire Bleasdale was involved in Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited & Barchester Nominee Limited v Roxbury Holding Limited, a case involving issues of boundary disputes, purported easements, and alleged trespass, against the backdrop of uncertainty caused by Land Registry delays.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are efficient, friendly, and approachable. They are always willing to discuss fees and be flexible to suit solicitors and lay clients. They work well under pressure and can always find a barrister on urgent instructions.’
‘The clerks at Radcliffe are always very helpful and responsive. Justin Allen in particular is a great asset.’
‘The clerks are very responsive and always on hand to help. They also understand the need to be competitive on fees and are all very friendly and easy to deal with.’
‘Radcliffe has an excellent choice of counsel to deal with most civil disputes and are able to offer counsel at a range of seniority.’
‘Radcliffe has enviable strength in depth on real property and chancery disputes. Their barristers are all highly capable, forensic in their detail, and approachable.’
‘Radcliffe are a fantastic set, offering a strong range of barristers across multiple disciplines.’
‘The set offers flexibility in terms of experience, cost and availability. They provide helpful webinars and seminars. They are our go-to set.’
Work highlights
Enterprise Chambers
Property litigation remains a primary focus area for Enterprise Chambers. The set specialises in landlord and tenant matters, with an offering supplemented by specialist expertise in the areas of insolvency and property-related professional negligence. Kavan Gunaratna acted for the claimant in Circus Apartments Ltd v Domus BWW Group, a High Court case in which the landlord was seeking unpaid rent and disrepair claims following the collapse of the tenant into insolvency administration. Edward Francis acted on behalf of various lessees in Camden Hill Gate Ltd v Duchess of Bedford House RTM Company Limited, which concerned the scope and application of the principle that parking enjoyed as of right by residents of a block can be converted into an easement of parking.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are approachable, reasonable and courteous. I often liaise with Mark Townsend and Ian Boardman who are both sensible and always wiling to assist.’
‘The clerks are very on the ball and efficient and Michael Ireland is really excellent.’
‘The clerks room are always quick to respond and to deal with any enquiries that we have. They are knowledgeable of Counsels work load, and easy to deal with.’
‘The clerks are very on the ball and efficient and Michael Ireland is really excellent.’
‘Enterprise is an extremely friendly set with a real team spirit. There are excellent barristers at all levels, but some of the senior juniors are hidden gems and exceptionally good.’
‘Chambers have a wide variety of counsel at hand to assist in a broad range of areas.’
‘A very strong set and varied set. Friendly and approachable.’
‘Extremely capable in property and insolvency work. They have good strength in depth.’
Work highlights
Henderson Chambers
Henderson Chambers includes juniors and silks active across the complete spectrum of real estate litigation. In particular, the set has considerable experience in real property, commercial property, residential landlord and tenant matters and co-ownership and trusts of land. Malcolm Sheehan KC is particularly known for his expertise in acting on property development issues for private and public sector developers, as well his experience in infrastructure disputes. Jonathan Steinert has over two decades of experience in contentious and non-contentious property issues, with particular experience in complex litigation involving covenant and dilapidation disputes.
Serle Court
Serle Court includes property silks and juniors experienced in a broad range of property disputes, including complex issues relating to easements, covenants, options, land registrations and trusts, often crossing over with the set’s broader expertise in Chancery matters. Rupert Reed KC represented the widow of King Fahd of Saudi Arabia in Asturion Foundation v HH Princess Al Jawharah bint Ibrahim al Ibrahim, a Court of Appeal case which raised complex issues of Liechtenstein, Saudi and Islamic law concerning the validity of a will which gifted the property to her. Turning to the set’s juniors, Andrew Bruce represented the successful seller defendants in a five-day case, after the buyers of a property alleged fraudulent misrepresentation after significant amounts of Japanese knotweed were found two years after the transaction.
Testimonials
‘Serle Court’s clerks are very accessible and responsive. They are quick to provide fee estimates and honour them. One of the best clerking services amongst the chambers I instruct.’
‘Best clerks in the business. The set is in very good hands with Nick Hockney and Dan Wheeler.’
‘Paul Ballard has been a clerk for many years and goes above and beyond to keep cases moving, and synchronised with counsel.’
‘Paul Ballard was prompt and easy to deal with, making the process quite smooth.’
‘Serle Court is a highly respected Chancery set with strength in depth.’
‘Real in-depth strength in other areas of litigation including commercial and trusts disputes, now growing their property disputes team.’
‘The breadth of talent at Serle Court is excellent. It has some of the leading silks and juniors at the commercial Chancery Bar, representing clients in multiple jurisdictions.’
‘Serle Court are the go-to chambers on matters of property litigation.’