Property litigation in South East

‘David Haines is the best of the best. He is super-bright and is an excellent lawyer and strategic thinker. He gets fabulous results for his clients. He is also totally unflappable. Very well-liked and respected by colleagues and clients alike.’

‘They respond quickly, no prompting is required. Their expertise is excellent and cannot I cannot fault them.’

‘They are a cohesive and affable bunch, who obviously enjoy working together and bring the advantages of teamwork to their clients. They are efficient and shrewd litigators who correctly identify the strengths and vulnerabilities of their client’s case and manage the case from pre-issue negotiation to judgment and beyond.’

‘The team has strength in breadth from partner to associate. David Haines is the head of property litigation for the whole firm (including the London office) and is an excellent lawyer whose light touch with clients keeps them happy and who is able to plan and manage difficult and long-running litigation. Natalie Deuchar brings intellectual rigour to difficult landlord and tenant issues, has a very sharp eye for details and has a niche practise in leasehold enfranchisement. Richard Flenley is a tough commercial property litigator who makes the right calls early in the case and then relentlessly presses the client’s advantage in the home straight.’

‘David Haines is very easy to work with and a calming and relaxed influence on clients. Very willing and keen to help.’

‘David Haines is an exceptional litigation solicitor who leads his team with experience and dedication. Nothing is ever a problem for David.’

‘This is the stand out firm in property litigation in the South East, and stands head and shoulders above the rest. The whole team acts as a team, and though they have exceptionally good individual lawyers, they work together extremely well.’

‘Mike Scott, who is stepping up from head of team to senior partner of the firm is one of the best lawyers of his generation. He combines a keen legal analytical mind with an affability that clients love and is a pleasure to be instructed by. When you work with Mike, you are part of a team. Miles Paffard is also excellent and is similar to Mike in terms of being fiendishly clever, but extremely clever to work for.’

‘The team are approachable, available, dedicated and experts in their fields. We have had a number of difficult and complex cases. The real strength is the individuals, no problem or case is too trivial, they dedicate their time fully to us and feel like true clients not just a number or a fee. This is very different to other firms.’

‘I have worked with a number of individuals at the firm and each individual is approachable and available. Nothing is ever too much trouble, they react proactively to the cases we have and sometimes have very short timescales and turnaround.’

‘They are all outstanding and I have confidence in the advice being given at all times, there is never a point that as a client we feel exposed or unsupported.’

‘Dentons has a very good and effective property litigation team offering high quality advice.’

‘Bryan Johnston is an exceptionally intelligent and strategic partner.’

‘Great all round performance, expertise and very good to deal with.’

‘Standout team members are Gemma Hunter-Barnes and Thomas Nolan. Bryan Johnston is also an excellent partner, good to deal with and technically excellent.’

‘Personal attention at partner level and fees significantly below those of London practices.’

‘Emily Wood is knowledgeable and gives personal attention to property litigation matters. I have recommended her to clients in this field and have not been disappointed.’

‘Emily Wood is very knowledgeable and calm. She manages the case extremely efficiently and has excellent communication with the clients. Always on top of everything.’

‘This is a very good team with a lot of very experienced lawyers. They are all very easy to deal with but really know their stuff and are very commercial in their attitude to disputes.’

‘Vanessa runs a very good team and is very very good with clients. She is understanding, but also firm where necessary. She is an excellent advocate for her clients but well aware of commercial realties.’

‘Kristine Ng continues to go from strength to strength. Again very good with clients but also realistic and commercial. I would have no hesitation in recommending her.’

‘Vanessa Joll is an absolutely top-class practitioner. She provides first-rate advice across the whole spectrum of property litigation. Her client-care skills are second to none.’

‘The team is very commercial and knowledgeable.’

‘Adam Boyd is pragmatic with a good eye for detail. Always offers both excellent commercial and legal advice.’

‘Always available and helpful, with unique solutions to issues that we raise.’

‘The team handles a variety of work very well, from large development work to smaller matters.’

‘A good mix of expertise and experience in property disputes.’

‘Clare Bellis knows her stuff; very sensible and pragmatic, conscious of the right balance when it comes to costs; goes the extra mile.’

‘The firm’s property litigation practice is known for its combination of technical expertise and thoroughness.’

‘The team has innovated to present quarterly webinars to clients, during which the issues surrounding the pandemic on the commercial real estate market are discussed. I am not aware of other firms offering this.’

‘I work with Markus Klempa who stands out for being highly knowledgeable, commercially astute and friendly. I have the confidence to know that Markus is also well organised and proactive, unlike many of his competitors, so our clients’ backs will be covered from the basics up to the highest level of every instruction.’

‘Markus Klempa went the extra mile and gave an excellent level of service which ultimately saved our client hundreds of thousands of pounds. He was very detailed and ensured the correct advice was provided at all times but in simple and understandable layman terms.’

‘Very strong in the field.’

‘Helen Wheddon has been consistently helpful and proactive.’

‘The property litigation team at Stevens & Bolton provides us with an excellent level of service for various situations.’

‘The extremely friendly and hands-on approach in dealing with commercial counterparts who are often not expert in the area in question is very valuable. The ability to translate complexity to simplicity is a great asset.’

‘The firm has a broad commercial savvy which informs the strategies that they offer their clients. They are able to identify cost-effective solutions or directions even when litigation is the only option.’

‘Russell May has a very clear way of explaining things which helps get to the heart of things efficiently. He brings a very sharp mind to his clients’ cases but in a pragmatic, not academic, way, which is appreciated by clients and counsel. He attends to the nuts and bolts, as well as the big picture.’

‘Boyes Turner were extremely helpful and explained the process very clearly.’

‘The Boyes Tuner team were very capable. Russell May (our designated partner) was exceptional and a class act throughout.’

‘The important strength of this practice is the seamless link between the departments which is very reassuring from the clients point of view. Communications by telephone and email ensures rapid transfer of information and significantly speeds up the process.’

‘The property litigation was carried out by Simon Pestell, the legal director. His answers to queries were concise and promptly received and his response to left messages was always timely.’

‘Blake Morgan has worked with us for more than 20 years and understands our business. It offers expert advice and assistance proactively and in a timely manner.’

‘Prompt, professional pragmatic service. Claire understands our business and provides excellent guidance.’

‘Sound knowledge combined with obvious experience of property litigation matters.’

‘Simon Pestell was very responsive and proactive when the matter we were dealing with was stalling.’

‘Very knowledgeable and attentive to detail, especially in dealing with leaseholder issues.’

‘Sarah Woolnough is excellent and highly knowledgeable.’

‘Furley Page have provided me with outstanding advice and service over the years. The practice combines old-fashioned values with modern thinking.’

‘As a client, I found the legal team to be highly professional. I trusted their judgement at a time when I found it difficult to be objective, and found Jeremy Ferris to be serious, thoughtful and clear-sighted.’

‘I have been particularly impressed by the proactive way Jeremy Ferris has managed the case. He has been able to maintain clarity and a sense of dynamism throughout.’

‘Jeremy Ferris is what you look for in a partner. He is bright, engaged, understanding and commercial. He also has a good way with clients and is unfailingly polite. I am not sure I have spotted a weakness yet.’

‘Sarah is very competent and has significant experience. She writes well, understands the problems and works towards their resolution.’

‘Chris Marsden is a go-to lawyer in the region and known for his ability to cut through complex issues and find a commercial solution. Chris continues to build an excellent team of talented associates.’

‘As a firm, Moore Barlow have great solicitors who I have found to be approachable and provide clear professional advice every time.’

‘When dealing with dilapidations, I would want Simon Fulford on my team every time.’

‘A really strong team, with a depth of experience, good at building strong client relationships and excellent commercial judgment.’

‘Simon Fulford is a highly experienced property litigator and a great pleasure to work with. Sensible and efficient, and highly valued by clients for his clear and intelligent advice.’

‘Simon Fulford is a very experienced property litigator with good knowledge of the law and sound judgement. He provides an excellent service to his clients.’

‘Exceptionally competent and informative.’

‘John Morrison has always been exceptional.’

‘The team always provide prompt, insightful advice on matters with clear information and guidance so that I’m able to make informed decisions as needed.’

‘John Morrison is incredibly knowledgeable and personable. It is a pleasure to work alongside him. He deals with matters swiftly and is able to add valuable insights based on his extensive experience.’

‘I work with Amy Evans on a regular basis and she is able to provide valuable information in the context needed for the client. She is always keen to ensure that I’m happy with the knowledge provided. Time-critical matters are always dealt with impeccably and there is absolute confidence in things being handed with the necessary due diligence. ’

‘John Morrison provides a diligent and calm presence, and is excellent at providing commercial advice often at short notice.’

‘The team are simply fantastic. A major player in the property litigation sphere; their continued growth and impressive portfolio of clients speaks to the quality of the lawyers they have.’

‘In-depth knowledge of property law, well resourced and responsive.’

‘Ms Gabrielle Moffatt had the strength and key capabilities to unlock the case at a point that l thought all hope of winning was lost. l hold her in high regard.’

‘Would highly, personally recommend Gabrielle Moffatt. Excellent service, professional, dedicated and went above and beyond. Very knowledgeable.’

‘Dedicated, hard-working specialists. Well respected by clients, professional peers and the judiciary. Particular names; Gabrielle Moffat and Claire Whiteman.’

‘Claire Whiteman and Gabrielle Moffat are professional, trusted and always a pleasure to have on our side.’

‘I would say Dean Wilson is the best law firm in Brighton. All staff are extremely friendly and their practice is always immaculate. I have had several experiences with the firm in the last few years and have always been pleased with their service. Duncan Wilks has been a standout for me, and will regularly to reply to any messages outside of work hours when required.’

‘I have worked with many partners in my time and most of them will tell you what you want to hear, but Duncan’s honesty has saved us a lot of time and money. He was brilliant in finding us the right barrister and QC. He is a masterful tactician and I would not hesitate to use him again.’

‘The team offer a really personal service, reviewing each case on an individual basis and without making you feel like they are just in it for the fee. The advice is genuine and comforting during a troubling time.’

‘Mark Banham and Paul Dench are both exceptional litigation lawyers. Extremely diligent, sound advice and commercial approach.’

‘The property litigation team at FSP are my number one recommendation for most areas of property law. The combine in-depth knowledge with a very user-friendly approach. They can compete with the big players at much better value.’

‘Paul Dench is knowledgeable, efficient and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Julia Mactear really understands her clients’ objectives: very pragmatic and commercial.’

‘Mark Banham is very detail-oriented and responsive.’

‘A truly first rate property litigation department. I have worked with them for nearly 20 years and have always been impressed by their work ethic and attention to detail.’

‘Paul Dench is very knowledgeable and experienced in both real property and landlord and tenant litigation.’

‘The property team has gone from strength to strength since Paul Dench took the lead three years ago. It runs very efficiently and responds quickly to clients. The billing is extremely competitive compared to rivals. The team are often against premier City law firms, and certainly hold their own. The firm has managed to retain the best traits of a local solicitors firm, whilst being able to compete at a national level.’

‘The practice is responsive and diligent. It is tactically astute and puts in place a strategy for resolving a dispute.’

‘The individuals respond to queries in a timely manner and have good cover in place to keep things moving along. The lead partners stick with the case rather than getting a foot in the door and then moving into the background.’

‘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.’

‘They take time to know their clients and to tailor advice to what’s needed and wanted. Expert solution based advice which achieves great outcomes. Billing is open, transparent and collaborative.’

‘Anna Phillips is client-centric and always supportive of achieving great outcomes. She takes time to understand needs and reputational risk but is not afraid to play hard ball when required.’

‘David Crockford was really exceptional. He quickly grasped the issue we were dealing with and gave clear, sensible advice. He viewed our issue not only through a legal lens but also through a commercial one. After following his advice we arrived at a very satisfactory outcome.’

‘Gardner Leader is a strong and growing regional firm which I have worked with for many years. It knows its market well and its property litigation practice is very effective.’

‘Excellent quality for a smaller regional firm that serves the local community well, and has far better quality legal offering than its local competitors.’

‘B P Collins is everything you want in a firm – on top of all the material, honest and hard-working, and totally committed to their clients.’

‘Approachable and innovative with common sense commercial solutions.’

‘Phil Hind offers practical and commercially savvy advice. Extremely knowledgeable.’

‘They take a commercial, no nonsense approach and their advice is on point. The fees are reasonable.’

‘A forward-thinking dynamic firm. Phil Hind deserves particular mention.’

‘I have worked with Phil for a number of years and the experience is always extremely positive. Phil has an ability to understand and grasp the key issues early on and explain his advice clearly to enable the development and implementation of the most effective strategy.’

‘Professional, yet friendly . Big enough to cope, small enough to care . The team is quality and joined up.’

‘The team has a comprehensive real estate offering and they work very well together.’

‘Reading-based firm with a long and respected history.’

‘Philip D’Arcy is knowledgeable, experienced and sensitive to his clients’ objectives.’

‘Frankie Tierney was excellent and professional.’

‘A combination of a meticulous attention to detail with a firm but polite approach.’

‘Frankie Tierney is an excellent litigator and someone I regularly recommend.’

‘Reliable and approachable team, providing good knowledge and service but at non-City prices. We have used City firms previously for property advice and the quality of advice received at Herrington Carmichael is certainly comparable.’

‘Frankie Tierney is very prompt and responsive.’

‘We dealt with Herrington Carmichael for a number of years, they are very approachable and proactive in their dealings.’

‘I have dealt with several members of the team at Herrington Carmichael and I have found them very easy to deal with. They explain the pitfalls very well and they set their work out in plain English.’

‘The team has a diverse range of skills and are able to provide for a range of legal needs under one roof.’

‘Nicola Davies did an excellent job of taking the time to understand our situation and position, laying out the options available to us and associated benefits and costs, guiding us through our decisions making process, providing detailed background on the case law surrounding our situation and providing additional clarity, and producing a high quality final product based on detailed research.’

‘David is very competent and responsive, and an asset for Paris Smith and its clients.’

‘The team at Paris Smith are always highly efficient and provide a prompt response to any requests that I have for legal support and advice. The advice given is not only timely, but provides an appropriate balance of detail and succinctness and always includes pragmatic recommendations.’

‘The litigation team has always provided commercial well considered advice. They keep a cool head in a pressured situation. They will act within very tight timescales if required and ensure that risk is minimised to the client.’

‘David Eminton is a highly experienced but approachable individual. I would be confident that all bases are covered in the advice provided and the negotiations held on my behalf.’

‘Responsive and dedicated, no matter how tricky the task.’

‘They have a full range of professionals, enabling them to take on cases where more than one discipline is required. In my experience, this works well.’

‘Oliver-James Topping offered the best service I have had from any solicitor. He always answered the phone and gave us his mobile number if he was out of the office. He showed true knowledge of his subject at a very reasonable price.’

‘The team are very together and all seem to work incredibly well together. Every person is very knowledgeable and well educated in their field of expertise. Nothing is too much trouble and their work is of the highest standard and is always well presented. Very helpful, professional, high quality solicitors.’

‘Oliver James-Topping is an excellent solicitor. He is complete and conscientious.’

‘They are always available and able to assist with any situation that arises giving me confidence that they have the skill set required for the type of work that is required.’

‘Great knowledge and understanding of the law providing the client with comfort that they are in capable hands.’

‘Stephen Eccles ensures that the client is kept informed throughout the process, providing clear and concise advice to enable decisions to be made.’