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.
Property litigation in South West
Burges Salmon LLP
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.