Hall Of Fame

Property litigation in South West

Burges Salmon LLP

The ‘top tier’ team at Burges Salmon LLP advises a host of renowned public and private sector clients on a broad range of property litigation matters, including high-profile administrations, rent review arbitrations, and cladding disputes, particularly from the tenants’ side. ‘Outstanding solicitor’ James Sutherland has extensive experience advising on property-related insolvencies and large-scale rent reviews. Real estate development specialist Chris Preston‘s technical expertise sees him advising county councils on contractual interpretation disputes, among other matters. The ‘responsive’ Michael Duncan and Catherine Banton, a landlord and tenant specialist, are further names to note.

Practice head(s):

James Sutherland


Other key lawyers:

Chris Preston; Michael Duncan; Penny Shannon; Emily Geens; Catherine Banton


Testimonials

‘Regional partnership with London quality advice.’

‘Michael Duncan stands out as our key contact at Burges Salmon. He is always responsive and has delivered confidence and peace of mind to the Trustees during a challenging time.’

‘Emily Geens is a superstar. Friendly, approachable, and across the board on all the details.’

‘Burges Salmon has a strong property litigation team. They are a joy to work with and provide sound commercial advice and strategy.’

‘The team matches any of the other top tier solicitors I deal with for property litigation.’

‘James Sutherland is an outstanding solicitor and is hugely knowledgeable and commercial in his advice.’

Penny Shannon recently provided excellent advice and assistance in a high profile rent review arbitration dispute in central London.’

‘Always available, handle complex cases and interactions with other parties with style, have a deep bench, and can be relied on to deliver thoughtful advice in tight timescales.’

Key clients

Transport for London


John Lewis Partnership


The Crown Estate


Greater London Authority


Kent County Council


Severn Trent Water


Virgin


Abellio


Greater Anglia Trains


West Midland Trains


St James’s Place Wealth Management


Taper Building Residential Leaseholder Association


Historic England


English Heritage


Innovation City (London) Ltd (Delancey as asset managers)


Church Commissioners


Rail Delivery Group


EDF


Work highlights


  • Advised Wasps Rugby Club and its administrators, FRP, in relation to the administration of the club and the sale of the lease of the Coventry Stadium.
  • Advised St Modwen on contentious issues across its homes and logistics portfolios including projects at Locking Parklands and Access 8.
  • Advised Severn Trent on numerous transactions, including on contentious Electronic Communications Code issues relating to its regulated telecoms mast portfolios.

Clarke Willmott LLP

Clarke Willmott LLP regularly handles household name property portfolio work, an array of landlord and tenant litigation, and development disputes. Additionally, the team’s expertise in site clearance is sought after by a number of major clients in the retail sector. Bristol-based practice head Graham McIntyre‘s varied case load includes restrictive covenant issues and easements. Nicola Seager has a strong focus on commercial landlord and tenant relationships, while her Taunton colleague Simon Freeman has extensive experience of property-related litigation, arbitration, and mediation. Other names to note include telecoms specialist Kary Withers, who is handling a growing number of code-related mediations, and Naomi Cunningham, noted for her expertise in residential development disputes.

Practice head(s):

Graham McIntyre


Other key lawyers:

Nicola Seager; Simon Freeman; Kary Withers


Testimonials

‘Clarke Willmott LLP have worked on our property portfolio for a significant number of years and we have built up a significant level of trust in their ability to give good authoritative advice on all property related matters.’

‘Working with Graham McIntyre and Nicola Seager, they have provided expert and knowledgeable advice throughout and at all times provided commercial and practical solutions to any issues we instructed them on.’

‘Clarke Willmott are always so approachable and easy to work with. Always happy to speak plainly and set everything out clearly so there are no ambiguities are misunderstandings. They work fast and are very responsive.’

‘Naomi Cunningham and Nicola Seager are fantastic and great to work with. Always available and responsive and easy to talk to regarding specific issues.’

Key clients

Amber Valley Council


Ashville Group


Barratt Homes


Bath and North East Somerset Council


Burger King Limited


C G Fry & Sons Ltd


Crest Nicholson


Crosside Property Limited


Dial Holdings Limited


Eagle One


Farrow & Ball Limited


Fat Face Limited


The Guinness Partnership


Harbour Arch Quay Limited


Hyde Group


Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation


London & Quadrant Housing


Lidl Great Britain Limited


Mapeley Estates Limited


Marcol Group


Mileway


Orvis Group


The Peabody Trust


P G Group


Persimmon Homes


Rotolok Holdings Limited


Sovereign Housing Association


Stonewater


Summerfield Developments Limited


Summerfield Estates Limited


Sutton Harbour Group


The Trustees of the Rotolok (Holdings) Lyd (1979) Pension Fund


Vistry


Work highlights


  • Acting on Mileway’s extensive portfolio of last mile logistics real estate dealing with multiple forfeitures, lease renewals and sizeable dilapidations claims.
  • Acting for Lidl opposing a lease renewal application by a competitor to enable Lidl to expand its store.
  • Represented Bath Recreation Limited successfully opposing an application to appeal to the Supreme Court in Bath Rugby Ltd v Greenwood & Others v Bath Recreation Ltd.

Osborne Clarke LLP

Osborne Clarke LLP has strong expertise in infrastructure disputes, regularly representing clients from the electric power, telecommunications and utilities sectors. The firm has further specialisms in acting for clients from the retail sector as well as residential developers, student accommodation providers and investor clients. Practice head Leona Briggs has particular expertise in disputes arising under the Electronic Communications Code, as does Emily Van Schalkwyk, who, as the firm’s head of the power and utilities sub-sector group, also has a focus on land rights disputes for utilities clients as well as complex energy infrastructure claims. David Shakesby is noted for his work for utilities companies and developer clients focused on the renewables sector as well as investors in this space.

Practice head(s):

Leona Briggs


Other key lawyers:

David Shakesby; Emily Van Schalkwyk


Key clients

Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Limited


Vodafone Limited


Olympian Homes Limited


National Grid Electricity Distribution (South Wales), (South West), (East Midlands) and (West Midlands) Plc


National Grid Telecoms Limited


BDW Trading Limited (Barratt Homes)


British Land


Wales & West Utilities Ltd


PGIM Real Estate


EE Limited/BT PLC


Landform


Greystar


Bloor Homes


Marks & Spencer PLC


4 Fibre Limited


SCCI Alphatrack Limited


CBRE Global Investors


Work highlights


  • Advised WWU on a complex dispute with the owner of an industrial site in Somerset.
  • Acted for 4 Fibre Limited and SCCI Alphatrack Limited (part of the SCCI Group), advising on various commercial telecoms and Electronic Communications Code related matters.
  • Acted for a nationwide active PLC house builder, and successfully dissuaded the County Council from issuing proceedings against the developers of a site, which included the client, and obtained the necessary written confirmations from the council to allow plot completions to continue across the site while the issue was resolved.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

Commercial, residential, and agricultural property disputes are all covered by the property litigation team at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP, who are a popular destination for clients from the telecoms, retail and energy sectors. Heading the national team from Bristol, James Rees advises a range of clients - including national retailers, developers and charities - on a broad array of commercial property disputes. An active member of the property litigation team, Sasha Hinton has a strong focus on commercial landlord and tenant disputes, while Thomas Holdaway is recommended for his expertise in renewable energy projects.

Practice head(s):

James Rees


Other key lawyers:

Sasha Hinton; Thomas Holdaway


Key clients

Ministry of Justice (Estates Directorate)


NHS Property Services Limited


National Grid


New Look Retailers Limited


River Island Clothing Co. Limited


Npower / E.ON


RO Group


Majestic Wines


AA


Work highlights


Ashfords LLP

Praised by clients for its ‘good mix of private client and public sector experience‘, Ashfords LLP's broad capabilities are brought to bear on commercial landlord and tenant disputes, development and investment work, and constructive trusts claims, among other matters. Practice head James Hemsley advises various clients - including banks and multinationals - on a range of contentious property and property insolvency matters.  Sian Gibbon‘s practice includes equitable proprietary remedies, while Victoria Bonnet leads on many of the team’s professional negligence claims. 'Experienced litigator’ Robert Nicholson and the ‘cerebral’ Warren Reid are additional names to note.

Practice head(s):

James Hemsley


Other key lawyers:

Sian Gibbon; Victoria Bonnet; Robert Nicholson; Warren Reid; Sophie Michaelides; Marjorie Batten; Katherine Breckin


Testimonials

‘Victoria Bonnet is a tenacious litigator; willing to put the extra hours in to get the most out of her cases’

‘James Hemsley is a pragmatic and no-nonsense partner who sees the bigger picture for clients; Sophie Michaelides is a great solicitor with a super client care skills and a great attention to detail’

‘The team is very able and has strength in depth from partner to junior solicitor levels. It is capable of litigating substantial real estate disputes.’

‘James Hemsley is a superb partner and manages his team extremely well. Warren Reid is also very able. Sophie Michaelides is an absolute star and has an extremely promising career ahead of her.’

‘They have a good geographical reach for a firm based in the South West, and can provide a service on a level of experience and expertise of larger firms.’

‘Rob Nicholson is very pleasant to deal with, but tough with it. A very experienced litigator with great tactical judgement.’

Sian Gibbon is very experienced and knowledgeable.’

Warren Reid brings a very cerebral and thoughtful approach to his cases, and a pleasure to work with. Very sound judgement.’

Key clients

London Gateway (LG Park Leasehold Limited)


Watford Borough Council


Torbay Council


London Borough of Southwark


Bristol City Council


The Guinness Partnership Limited


London Boroughs of Wandsworth and Richmond


St Mungo


Pinnacle Group Limited


London Borough of Lambeth


Brick by Brick Limited


CDS (Superstores International) Limited (“the Range”)


University of Plymouth


State Credit and Investment Limited


Courtenay Group of Companies


Key West Holdings Limited


West of England Developments


Lone Eagle Retail Limited


Wood & Wood International Signs Limited


Allianz Global Corporate and Speciality


Subway Realty Limited


TJX UK Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised LG Park Leasehold Limited about options for ending the leases and the likely effect of the administration on the tenant’s obligations under the leases prior to determination.
  • Assisted the London Borough of Southwark in recovering possession of a telecom site which the Council needed to demolish.
  • Advised the London Borough of Wandsworth on obtaining possession of a large commercial premises that had been occupied by two guardians.

Bevan Brittan LLP

A slew of housing and health sector clients, from housing associations and social care providers through to NHS bodies, trust Bevan Brittan LLP‘s property litigation team with major disputes, portfolio litigation, and a growing amount of work related to the Building Safety Act 2022.  Steve Eccles, who leads the Bristol-based team, is praised for being ‘particularly knowledgeable in Landlord and Tenant Act matters’. Aimee Cottam advises on issues such as adverse possession and break notices, while Kevin Dawson‘s experience extends to telecoms matters and boundary disputes. Kate Hicks has a strong focus on the social housing sector.

Practice head(s):

Steven Eccles


Other key lawyers:

Aimee Cottam; Kevin Dawson; Kate Hicks


Testimonials

‘Great knowledge and ability to put advice into plain English so that our non-property expert clients are able to easily understand it.’

‘Steve Eccles is very personable and makes complex matters very simple for the clients.’

‘Steven Eccles is a class act and must now be regarded as one of the leaders in this field. He is particularly knowledgeable in 1954 Act matters – where he really knows his onions.’

‘Great team with broad expertise and knowledge of law, providing value for money service. Responsive, great customer service.’

‘Kevin Dawson has broad expertise, is very knowledgeable and razor sharp. Kevin is completely committed to his client’s interests, very responsive, and patiently explains complex legal matters in an easy-to-understand way. Kevin is also commercial and tactical in his approach, achieving excellent results. He’s top of the league!’

 ‘Mark Robertson has excellent expertise in telecoms matters, provides balanced advice, is proactive and responds quickly.’

Key clients

Canal & River Trust


Places for People Group


NHS Property Services Limited


Sanctuary Housing Group


University of Oxford


Peabody Group


Brent Council


Bath & North East Somerset Council


Oxford City Council


Orbit Group


Hastoe Housing Association


Allerdale Borough Council


LiveWest Homes


Sovereign Group


Abri (formerly Radian/Yarlington Housing Group)


Lloyds Bank


National Savings & Investments


Westmorland Healthcare Liited


Florin Court Management Limited


Work highlights


  • Representing NHS Property Services Limited in this ongoing litigation with 5 GP practices who are supported by the British Medical Association.
  • Acted for Brent Council on its dispute concerning whether a leisure centre site in the vicinity of Wembley Stadium is held by the Council as outright owner, or on some form of trust.
  • Advised Sanctuary Group on a range of contentious property matters across the Group’s portfolio.

DAC Beachcroft LLP

With notable expertise in the retail sector -particularly in relation to shopping centres - as well as in the private and public health sectors, DAC Beachcroft LLP‘s Bristol property litigation practice covers property disputes for commercial occupiers, lease renewals, forfeitures, and high-value rent reviews. The team is headed up by asset management specialist Nick Knapman, noted for his expertise in property contracts and associated Competition Act issues.

 

Practice head(s):

Nick Knapman


Key clients

Taylor Wimpey


Vistry Homes


Crest Nicholson


Unibail Rodamco Westfield


Persimmon Homes


Bellway Homes


Deely Freed Estates


Abacus Projects


Southampton University Hospitals NHS FT


Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS FT


IREEF Queensgate Peterborough Prop Co


Chippenham 2020


Backhouse Housing Ltd


Cala Homes


Canynge Bicknell Ltd


Somerset County Council


Waverley Borough Council


North Bristol NHS Trust


University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust


Redrow


Surrey Council


Ilke Homes


Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council


Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council


Countryside Properties


Wates Homes


Barratt David Wilson


Autograph Homes


Longacre Estates


Oakland Country Homes


Bouygues UK


Emily Estates


Dorset Healthcare University NHS FT


South Western Ambulance Service NHS FT


Legal & General


Eden Devco Lyd


Lovell Partnerships


Blackburn with Darwen Council


Work highlights


  • Advising Abacus on a c.373 residential unit planning application, located within the ‘sustenance zone’ for bats connected to the South Hams Special Area of Conservation.
     
  • Advising Taylor Wimpey in relation to their planning application and s.106 Agreement for a 2500 unit development.
  • Advising and acting for Canynge Bicknell Ltd in relation to their Business Park development in Street, Somerset.

Foot Anstey

Counting multinational retailers and media companies among its client roster, the team at Foot Anstey offers an active and broad-based contentious property practice that encompasses commercial, agricultural and residential litigation. The Bristol-based team is headed up by Patrick Wetherall, whose ‘excellent commercial instincts‘ have been honed in numerous visits to the Court of Appeal, High Court trials, and arbitrations. Anna Phillips handles a range of contentious work relating to properties belonging to charities and social enterprises. Stephanie Kingdon has significant experience of working with councils, while ‘superstar’ Rachel Small is a key contact for developer and utilities clients. David Benjamin departed in August 2023 to join Estate Legal.

Practice head(s):

Patrick Wetherall


Other key lawyers:

Anna Phillips; Stephanie Kingdon; Rachel Small


Testimonials

‘Unique: An individual approach to every issue and client rather than a broad generalist approach. I’ve found myself recommending Foot Anstey to clients on this basis.’ 

‘I readily recommend Rachel on many telecoms jobs because of her manner and expertise. I cannot recommend her enough.’

‘Rachel Small is a superstar. I’d always want her on my side!’

‘A very strong property litigation team with considerable experience in disputes about development land valuations and infrastructure, as well as all the more common types of property litigation.’

‘Patrick Wetherall has excellent commercial instincts and can be relied on to get his clients the best possible result in any property related dispute.’

‘Rachel Small is great. Swift to respond and keeps me updated, fees are sensible and good value.’

‘Steph Kingdon is probably the nicest person I’ve ever worked with. Genuinely, a pleasure to work with her.’

‘Patrick Wetherall leads this team. He is one of the most experienced and accomplished property litigators in the country.’

Key clients

Netflix


Beechcroft


Berkeley


Wales & West Utilities


Arch Co


Ashfield Land


Dandara


LSI


Wicron


HS1 Limited


Petrogas


Ikea


Work highlights


  • Represented the RTM Company in a hotly disputed right to manage claim in relation to prestigious residential apartments in Spire House, Lancaster Gate, London.
  • Represented the Arch Company Limited in a dispute relating to various breaches of covenant by a commercial tenant, and opposition to a new lease.

Stephens Scown LLP

With a niche strength in mines and minerals, Stephens Scown LLP‘s dual office property litigation practice is engaged by companies, charities and landlords for its capabilities in various contentious matters, including landlord and tenant issues, and overage claims. The practice is headed up by Richard Bagwell, who is based in the firm’s Exeter office. His colleague Mark Richardson – praised for his ‘encyclopedic knowledge of property’ – has experience extending to trespass and rights of way disputes. Michael Davies is noted for his expertise in restrictive covenant matters, while the Truro-based Ian Thomas regularly handles contentious land issues. Also in Truro, Ben Jones is a key contact for clients from the mining sector.

Practice head(s):

Richard Bagwell


Other key lawyers:

Mark Richardson; Michael Davies; Ian Thomas; Ben Jones


Testimonials

‘The team have a very wide breadth of knowledge and experience to draw upon depending on the complexity of your case.’

‘Rolls-Royce service at regional prices. Best in this region by a country mile.’

‘Mike Davies is unflappable. Always looking for the commercial deal, but he is a safe pair of hands for the fight.’

Key clients

Abri


Bodmin Town Council


Exeter Diocese


Hastoe Housing Association Limited


Holland and Barrett


Imerys Minerals Limited


Ivybridge Town Council


Kivells Limited


Lanhydrock Estate


Ministry of Sound Group Limited


St Aubyn Estates


Stillman’s (Somerset) Ltd


The Tregothnan Estate


Totnes Town Council


Welcome Break/Applegreen


Work highlights


  • Advising Holland & Barrett Retail Limited on the management of its property portfolio.
  • Acting for Fairhaven Shipping Company in the reported UTT decision of Fairhaven Shipping Company (UK) Limited v Mundig [2022] UKUT 260 (LC).
  • Acting for the successful respondents in the reported UTT decision of Collins and another v Howell and another [2022] UKUT 72 (LC).

TLT

Landlord and tenant disputes, rent reviews, and lease renewals make up some of TLT ‘s varied caseload, with the firm serving as a key address for clients in the leisure, clean energy and the public sectors, to name a few. Practice head Mark Routley is singled out for his expertise in matters pertaining to tenanted pubs and energy efficiency. Kane Kirkbride has a proven track record in property development cases, while Rob Whitaker specialises in contentious issues relating to commercial property. Maria Carrington‘s focus encompasses matters concerning the Pubs Code and dilapidations.

Practice head(s):

Mark Routley


Other key lawyers:

Kane Kirkbride; Rob Whitaker; Maria Carrington


Testimonials

‘The team is very friendly and approachable.’

‘TLT combines a nationwide practice with a personal touch. All the team are very focused and capable but are also very friendly and client-engaged.’

‘Kane Kirkbride is very wise, capable and empathetic, with a deep knowledge of the law.’

‘Daniel Ferguson is very intelligent and calm.’

‘Dominic Robson is very diligent, enthusiastic and always tries his hardest for the client.’

 

Key clients

Southern Housing Group Limited (SHG)


Rekom


Official Receiver


WH Smith Plc


Tui Travel


Admiral Taverns


Punch Taverns


Greene King


British Broadcasting Corporation


Metropolitan Police


Work highlights


  • Advised Grant Thornton UK LLP following the appointment of an enforcement receiver to enforce a Confiscation Order made against Dharam Gopee in Crown Court proceedings.
  • Handling the majority of the disrepair cases for Network Homes, as well as resolving cases under the Housing Conditions Protocol and taking cases to court when required.
  • Acted for Greene King Limited in an arbitration brought against it by one of its tied pub tenants pursuant to The Pubs Code etc. Regulations 2016.

VWV

VWV‘s contentious practice straddles healthcare, education, public sector and infrastructure work.  The ‘hugely impressive’ Michelle Bendall steers the team; engaged by private and public sector clients alike, her practice spans Landlord and Tenant Act issues, rent arrears, and overage disputes. Daniel Hall leads on much of the team's specialist infrastructure work, working with a varied clientele that includes pipeline operators and utilities providers. Work related to repossessions stands out as a recent focus for Georgina Little, while Philip Sheppard is a key contact for education and charities matters.

Practice head(s):

Michelle Bendall


Other key lawyers:

Daniel Hall; Georgina Little; Philip Sheppard


Testimonials

‘The team manage to make the experience of being involved in a dispute remarkably stress-free, with clear advice, constant focus, excellent availability, efficient systems and reasonable rates. I would definitely recommend.’

‘Michelle Bendall is hugely impressive. She is clearly very experienced, sets a clear strategy, is hands-on in delivering that strategy, and achieves excellent outcomes. Michelle inspires confidence and is a pleasure to deal with.’

‘Their breadth and depth of knowledge is impressive. A very approachable group of professionals that are always there to help.’

‘Very reactive and able to explain complex legal matters in a clear and concise fashion.’

‘Very easy to work with.’

‘Extremely approachable and always provide sound commercial advice very effectively.

‘Michelle Bendall is excellent and reacts very quickly, providing sound commercial advice tailored to our needs.’

Key clients

Airbus Operations


Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency


Dorset Council


University of Bristol


United Reformed Church


Dudley Building Society


Environment Agency


London Diocesan Board for Schools


Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


Work highlights


  • Assisted the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency with its management of its nationwide portfolio.
  • Advising on PricewaterhouseCooper’s property portfolio including advice on dilapidations, service charge disputes and end of lease arrangements.
  • Advising Dorset Council on a development agreement where one of the proposed developers was in breach and assisting the Council throughout the process.

Estate Legal

The ‘small but absolutely excellent’ property litigation practice at Estate Legal is well known in the market for its handling of Pubs Code matters, while additional areas of strength include complex lease renewals, rights of light cases, and break notices. Bonnie Martin and Amy Rudrum, who co-steer the practice, are described as ‘leaders in their field.’ Martin’s varied case load currently includes several high-value rights of light cases, while Rudrum is notably the only commercial property litigator on the British Institute of Innkeepers’ panel of solicitors. Abbie Mundell is also recommended. David Benjamin joined from Foot Anstey in September 2023.

Practice head(s):

Bonnie Martin; Amy Rudrum


Other key lawyers:

Abbie Mundell; David Benjamin


Testimonials

‘Strong attention to detail and ability to exhaust all possibilities. They fight as hard as they can, but if your case is high risk, they are not scared to tell you.’

‘Bonnie Martin is a very experienced, commercially savvy, outcome orientated partner.’

‘Bonnie and Amy are simply leaders in their field of property litigation. Despite this, they are approachable and almost always available to speak to when needs be.’

Key clients

The Rank Group, including Grosvenor Casino and Mecca Bingo Limited


Clermont Hotels Group, the largest hotel group in London (by number of beds)


Loungers UK Limited


Hub Box Limited


St Austell Brewery Company Limited


Parsons Bakery Limited


Pub tenants, including ABC Inns Group Limited and Wickwar Wessex Pub Company Limited


SOCOTEC UK Limited


Old City Trading Limited


Valley Resorts Limited


Capital Professional Limited T/A Ascot Lloyd


Brymain Investments Limited


Terry Olpin Property Management


Standford Properties Limited


Hartnell Taylor Cook


Nairn Developments Limited


Suma Developments Limited


Pang Properties Limited


Artefact Marketing Engineers UK Limited


R T Julian & Son Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for Mecca Bingo Limited in connection with a multi-million-pound damages claim being brought against their landlord in Luton.
  • Acting for Clermont in several high-value matters, including a multi-million-pound claim based on termination of an operating agreement of a hotel.
  • Acting for Loungers in relation to their contentious landlord and tenant property management related issues.

Freeths LLP

Freeths LLP‘s strong focus on telecoms, notably in Electronic Communications Code, cases is complemented by advice across the spectrum of property law, such as rights of light and dilapidation cases. The firm’s Bristol offering is spearheaded by Daniel Cuthbert, who draws superlative praise from clients and is noted for his fluency in Electronic Communications Code cases. Ella Carroll‘s contentious practice includes site clearances, tenant renewals, and telecoms work.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Cuthbert


Other key lawyers:

Ella Carroll


Testimonials

‘Freeths is extremely knowledgeable on telecoms and the Electronic Communications Code. Its work is very thorough, and it makes efforts to explain issues in a very efficient, concise way.’

‘Dan Cuthbert’s knowledge is outstanding, and he is at the forefront of all changes and new ideas.’

‘Ella Carroll is very knowledgeable and very thorough with good attention to detail.’

‘The firm is very adaptive and always able to communicate remotely at very short notice, especially by video conference. A very strong specialism in the Electronic Communications Code, and one of the very top firms in that particular area.’

‘Dan Cuthbert is very amenable and highly knowledgeable especially in the field of telecoms and regarding the Electronic Communications Code. He is a pleasure to work with, and a real specialist in that field – in the top two or three partners in the country.’

Ella Carroll is a highly efficient and capable associate, especially in the field of telecoms (Electronic Communications Code). She is a real specialist in that field, of which there are not many.’

Key clients

London Borough of Enfield


London Borough of Hackney


London Borough of Merton


London Borough of Ealing


Runnymede Borough Council


Gravesham Borough Council


Elmbridge Borough Council


Royal Berkshire Fire Authority


Buckinghamshare Fire Authority


Cambridgeshire Fire Authority


Dreams Limited


Chancerygate Assert Management and Development


Rushmoor Borough Council


Harborough District Council


South Somerset District Council


Cornwall Council


Nottingham City Homes Limited


David Stephenson


Citizen Housing Group


Coventry City Council


Liverpool City Region Combined Authority


Housing Gateway Limited


Otto Management Company Ltd


Carrington, Lord, Trustees of the 1963 Settlement


Flamingo Horticulture Investments Limited


Glenmore Business Park (Andover) Limited


TA Copas Family Settlement


Leicester City Council


Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution


GBE (Chartist) Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised the West London Alliance on the roll-out of open access agreements for micro cells across 200,000 street furniture in seven London Boroughs.
  • Represented the London Borough of Hackney in a case  concerning the rights of site providers to impose Health and Safety requirements on operators when accessing residential tower blocks.
  • Acted on behalf of an individual in EE Ltd & Anor v Stephenson & Anor [2022] a case that provided clarity for operators and landowners on the Electronic Communications Code.

Lester Aldridge LLP

Lester Aldridge LLP ‘s ‘knowledgeable’ team is active in construction and telecoms disputes, with an additional niche focus on matters concerning marine-based landlords. Kate Stewart leads the Bournemouth-based practice, where she regularly represents major house builders in a variety of pre- and post-completion matters, such as overage liabilities disputes. ‘Excellent property litigator’ Rachel Gimson is proficient in land disputes, landlord and tenant matters, and construction disputes. Rebecca Antill, who handles residential, commercial and real property disputes, is lauded as ‘a real asset to a litigation team’.

Practice head(s):

Kate Stewart


Other key lawyers:

Rachel Gimson; Rebecca Antill


Testimonials

‘Associate Rebecca Antill has been proactive and approachable. She has been available as and when required, and provided regular and continuous guidance and advice.’

‘Clear, concise and accurate information, reflected in their responses, communication, and billing.’

‘I have found their instructions to be very clear and well-prepared.’

‘I have been instructed by Rebecca Antill a number of times and found her to be very willing to work as a team with counsel, which promotes an enjoyable and effective working relationship.’

‘A friendly team who divide up work well across the levels of seniority. They are knowledgeable with a good understanding of the commercial realities in which their clients operate.’

‘The individuals I have worked with have a thorough grounding in the substantive law, good judgment on the merits, and a good sense of when a difficult or technical point has arisen which would benefit from Counsel’s advice.

‘Rachel Gimson is an excellent property litigator who is on top of the detail of the case, with good judgment. Approachable and dynamic in her engagement with both clients and counsel.’

‘Rebecca Antill is a real asset to a litigation team; really detailed understanding of the factual history and an excellent knowledge of the procedural.’

Key clients

Mr Mark Facer


Work highlights


  • Acted for an individual in a judicial review of the decision for the route of the Coastal Path.
  • Acting for a large care home provider in disputes arising from defectively designed roofs to their buildings via insurance. Each claim is likely to be worth circa £3.5m.
  • Acting in a long-running dispute which has involved judicial review and County Court proceedings regarding incorrect allocation of an area as public highway.

Michelmores LLP

Whether offering strategic advice to developers concerning disputes, specialist advice to high-net-worth individuals, or handling work for corporate occupiers and public sector clients, Michelmores LLP‘s team – divided between Bristol and Exeter – is a key port of call for property litigation. Andrew Baines, who leads the team, is well-equipped to handle lease renewals and overage arrangements. Charlotte Curtis handles a sweep of commercial landlord and tenant disputes, including breaches of covenant.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Baines


Other key lawyers:

Charlotte Curtis


Key clients

Battersea Power Station Development Company


Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime


Burrington Estates


Forestry Commission


Stanhope plc


Saba Park Services UK Ltd


Pennon Group PLC


Mole Valley Farmers Ltd


Praxis Group


Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust


Work highlights


  • Retained by Battersea Power Station Development Company to advise on contentious aspects of the letting of Phase 1 of the redevelopment of the London landmark site.
  • Represented the Mayor’s Office for Policing & Crime in the contested renewal of business leases for the North West London Vehicle Recovery & Examination Service site.
  • Retained by Stanhope plc advise on the resolution of issues from its redevelopment of Television Centre.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Able to advise on the full sweep of both commercial and residential landlord and tenant issues, Trowers & Hamlins LLP is well equipped to act for a range of clients, most notably in the leisure and public sectors. The practice is headed up by the Exeter-based Emma Barnfield, whose broad expertise ranges from the Electronic Communications Code to development disputes. Jeni Hancock and Charlotte Brasher further strengthen the team; Brasher is a key contact for agricultural property disputes, in particular.

Practice head(s):

Emma Barnfield


Other key lawyers:

Jenny Standfast; Natalie Thomas; Jeni Hancock; Charlotte Brasher


Key clients

Asahi UK Limited


J D Wetherspoon plc


Caprice Holdings Limited


Burrington Estates


Devonshire Homes Limited


BK UK Limited (Burger King)


Kent County Council


Delph Property Investments Limited


The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead


Westminster City Council


10 Haymarket London Limited


Bricks Finance Limited


Otter Nurseries


Cheltenham Borough Council


Telford Bridge Property


Abri


Kew Bridge Gate Developments


Catalyst Housing Limited


Vistry Partnerships Limited


Broadside Holdings Limited


Federated Hermes Property Unit Trust


Wolverhampton County Council


PNJB IV Limited


National Bank of Kuwait


Work highlights


  • Advising Delph Property Investments Limited on its ability to take action against the freehold owner and management company of a large residential unit.
  • Advising Kent County Council in relation to a request by a telecoms operator to site a mast on designated school playing field land.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

Lauded by clients as ‘second to none’, the real estate disputes team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is active across an array of residential, commercial and agricultural property litigation, handling disputes related to residential tenancy issues, farm business tenancies and lease terminations, among other matters. Practice chair Emma Humphreys, who divides her time between Cheltenham and London, is praised for being ‘at the forefront of new law’, while Emma Preece is recommended for possessing a ‘particular prowess in rights of way and boundary dispute matters’. 

Practice head(s):

Emma Humphreys


Other key lawyers:

Emma Preece


Testimonials

‘Emma Preece is bright, attentive and calm under pressure. She has good client management skills and presents the merits and risks in a straightforward and accessible fashion.’

‘A very strong property team across both its London and Cheltenham offices and is a very safe pair of hands.’

Emma Preece is a thoughtful and friendly practitioner who provides realistic and commercial advice to clients.’

‘The prop lit department at CRS is second to none. They have fantastically experienced and knowledgeable solicitors at both partner and associate level.’

‘Emma Humphreys is superb litigator and a market leader. She is also always at the forefront of new law (both case law and statutory); she writes articles and participates in podcasts that analyses new law and explains it to the market.’

‘Emma Preece is a fast-rising star of the property litigation scene. She has particular prowess in rights of way and boundary dispute matters and she is another who likes to get to grips with new law.’

‘Emma Humphreys is a real superstar. She is committed to the cause, clever, determined. Superb at identifying and addressing the issues that really matter. Exactly the sort of lawyer that you want on your side. The clients absolutely adore her.’

Key clients

Ballymore Group


Church Commissioners for England


LCP Group


Vanya Ivanova


The Executors of June Smith, deceased


Hackney Joint Estate Charity


West Bay Holdings Limited


Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance


Trustees of the Third Baron Hesketh


Work highlights


  • Acted successfully for the Ballymore Group to demonstrate the reasonableness of service charges and achieve full recovery of arrears owed.
  • Acted in an unusual dispute where the size of the holding meant that the tenant had to source income from elsewhere and was unable to satisfy the livelihood condition.
  • Secured a court declaration under TOLATA in favour of the beneficial owner of a flat, allowing her to realise her interest in a flat.

Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP

Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP‘s ‘well-resourced’ property litigation department sits within the firm’s dispute resolution team and is active in matters ranging from business lease renewals and restrictive covenant disputes through to property insolvency litigation. Practice head Lauren Day is well placed to advise on contractual disputes on behalf of property developer clients. Conor Maher and Florence Newton are further key contacts in the Bournemouth-based team.

Practice head(s):

Lauren Day


Other key lawyers:

Conor Maher; Florence Newton


Testimonials

‘The firm has excellent coverage for the property sector, including the complete process of purchase, development, conveyancing and management of property.’

‘The teams are well resourced, with a good mix of partners and more junior fee earners. They work well together and you get the impression that it is a happy ship.’

‘Lauren Day is excellent. She combines great subject matter knowledge, with a natural ease of delivery. Her advice is communicated in straightforward terms.’

‘The team has a strong land practice, dealing frequently with freehold covenants, easements and disputes over boundaries.’

‘Most of Ellis Jones’ work is of a local nature, but that also puts them in a particularly strong position when it comes to litigating over the meaning of freehold covenants that are commonly imposed in the area.’

Florence Newton is a junior of member of staff having qualified relatively recently. She is confident, great with clients and has a good grasp of property law in particular.’

‘Florence Newton is an exceptional and diligent solicitor.’

 

Key clients

Robert Spedding


Work highlights


  • Represented an individual in a highly successful judicial review application within the reported case of R (Spedding) v Wilsthore Council [2022].

Harrison Clark Rickerbys

The ‘strong team‘ at Harrison Clark Rickerbys is well placed to handle an array of landlord and tenant issues such as boundary disputes, 1954 Act lease renewals and high value dilapidations claims. The ‘hugely experienced’ Andrew Walker leads the Cheltenham-based practice; he has a particular focus on real estate portfolio work. Andrew Cave extends the practice’s property portfolio expertise while Kate Hallifax frequently assists with development disputes.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Walker


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Cave; Kate Hallifax


Testimonials

‘Andrew Cave is an experienced pair of hands. He handled a challenging lay client extremely well. He can be robust when he needs to be, is pragmatic and down to earth and thinks ahead.’

‘The contentious work is led by partner Andrew Walker. We have always found his team to be competent and approachable.’

‘A well-rounded litigation practice well able to serve both their regional client base and more widely. A greater depth of experience than might be expected of a firm in their locations, at a regional price.’

‘Andrew Walker is hugely experienced in property litigation, based on his long career in city and UK-wide firms. Really knows his stuff, both legally and especially commercially. .’

‘HCR has a strong team, capable of dealing with all manner of property disputes. There is a strong ethos of working ‘glove in hand’ with counsel on cases to ensure effective litigation.’

 

Steele Raymond LLP

The ‘first class’ team at Steele Raymond LLP advise on assignments, lease renewals and a number of landlord and tenant issues. Additionally, the unit work with house builder clients to resolve issues for which might otherwise block redevelopment. Practice head David Crockford – who joined from Foot Anstey in August 2022 – has considerable experience of advising on commercial property asset portfolios. Hannah Dare‘s property litigation practice has a particular focus on matters concerning the Landlord and Tenant Act. Laura Offer is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

David Crockford


Other key lawyers:

Hannah Dare; Laura Offer


Testimonials

‘I have worked with Hannah Dare for several years and she has always been extremely professional and efficient in providing advice. She is pro-active in her approach to dealing with potential issues and gives pragmatic solutions to avoid escalation of disputes.’

‘Steele Raymond has undertaken work for myself an my clients now for a number of years. Their communication, knowledge and understanding of our of needs is second to none. ‘

‘The standout feature of the practice in my experience were their speed of engagement, the clarity of their advice, and their willingness to work with us in the flexible way we wanted.’

Key clients

Goadsby Limited


Handston Investments Limited


Birchmere Limited


Vail Williams


Sydenhams


Bournemouth Churches Housing Association


Betting Shop Services Limited


Pennyfarthing Homes Limited


Charles Trent Property Limited


Broadshade Group Limited


West Wales Airport Limited


 


Willans LLP

Willans LLP‘s focus on commercial leasehold work, such as renewals and forfeiture, is complemented by its capabilities in real property disputes, particularly those concerning covenants and Trusts of Land Act claims. Practice chair Nick Southwell is recognised for his expertise in handling claims before the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) for adverse possession of land. His Cheltenham colleague James Melvin-Bath is particularly strong in residential landlord and tenant disputes, while Megan Bullingham works closely with the team’s clients in the charity sector. Nick Cox retired from the partnership in June 2022 but remains at the practice as a consultant solicitor.

Practice head(s):

Nick Southwell


Other key lawyers:

Nick Cox; James Melvin-Bath; Megan Bullingham


Testimonials

‘Clear prompt answers, and always helpful guidance.’

‘Efficient and calm, reassuring manner.’

‘Strong technical capabilities and work collaboratively with other professionals for the benefit of their client.’

Key clients

Knightsbridge Business Centre (Glos) Ltd


Panikz Express Limited


Gloucestershire Airport Limited


Lane, Britton & Holdings Limited


Sue Ryder


Shelter


Scope


Marie Curie


Macmillan Cancer Care


Greenwich & Beckley Community Hospice Ltd


We are With You


Western Computer Group Ltd


Claire House Children’s Hospice


Princess Alice Hospice


Trinity Hospice Shops Ltd


Victim Support


Trevose Golf and Country Club


Silverblue Homes Limited


Eagle Strategic Properties NW10 Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for Darby & Darby in a professional negligence claim arising out of advice given in the course of a land promotion agreement.
  • Acting for Shelter alongside its in-house legal team in all aspects of its property portfolio.
  • Acting for Gloucestershire Airport Limited in a complex dispute over implied covenants, rectification and boundary issues.