Davitt Jones Bould > London, England > Firm Profile

Davitt Jones Bould
LEVEL 24, THE SHARD
32 LONDON BRIDGE STREET
LONDON
SE1 9SG
England

Public sector > Local government Tier 2

Acting for a significant number of local authorities, Davitt Jones Bould covers transactional, litigation, commercial and public law issues and assists across a spectrum of development mandates, such as expansions, redevelopments and infrastructure projects. Additionally, the team handles public inquiries and judicial reviews. The department is co-led by Madeleine Davitt, who shares her time between London and Manchester, and Malcolm Iley in London, renowned for his expertise in procurement and compulsory purchase work. Sean Bulman handles commercial property matters for his council clients. Yohanna Weber provides environmental counsel for major public sector projects, while Philippa Hipwell specialises in aiding councils with substantial investment endeavours. Planning specialist John Qualtrough assists on major projects and Stephanie Hall also stands out within the team.

Practice head(s):

Madeleine Davitt; Malcolm Iley

Other key lawyers:

Sean Bulman; Yohanna Weber; Philippa Hipwell; John Qualtrough; Stephanie Hall

Testimonials

‘As a local authority client, the team at DBJ provide us with invaluable assistance. The many capable individuals who make up the DJB team provide clear and easy-to-understand advice to help ensure LPAs say on top of negotiations with landowners and developers. They are attentive and proactive, actioning work quickly to get things over the line.’

‘Stephanie Hall is exceptionally knowledgeable, proactive and hard working. She has a fantastic understanding of planning and related law and also a clear understanding of client’s needs. She has provided excellent advice that has proven invaluable in securing positive outcomes for the LPA.’

‘We’ve worked with DJB Law for a few years now. They are always quick to respond to queries and deal with any issues arising. They are a friendly co operative company.’

‘The firms roots in a public sector team, whilst a long time ago, are clear in their understanding of the area. The feel is very much a positive blend of in house awareness but external specialist energy and focus. They show great respect for the instructing lawyers and local government professionals behind their awareness and understanding.’

‘Yohanna Weber has stood out in every way. Never letting go of a thread, working through all elements of a contentious matter and bringing a calm (if terrier like) approach to negotiations. A fighter in argument but fair and supportive through a seperate mediation process. She has been truly exceptional.’

‘Stephanie Hall: talented and hard-working.’

Work highlights

  • Advised North Somerset Council on 36 day public inquiry against Bristol City Airport and their plans to expand the airport in both size and infrastructure.
  • Assisted in defeating a judicial review challenge in the High Court against a Council’s development of a special needs school for profoundly disabled children.
  • Advised many local authorities – including South Oxfordshire Council, North Somerset Council and others – on the implementation and management of the new Biodiversity Net Gain laws.

Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 2

Clients praise the department at Davitt Jones Bould for its ‘excellent communication, collaboration, and transparency’. The firm advises on the full gamut of corporate occupier matters, ranging from lease portfolio management, pre-lets, asset management strategies, and the development of new offices, often advising local and international household names. Peter Allinson and Madeleine Davitt jointly head the group, with Davitt frequently leading large scale real estate projects. John Condliffe demonstrates transactional experience and has helped in developing distribution hubs for major retailers, Teresa Kamppari Baker advises developers and real estate investors, and Melanie Greer-Walker handles commercial property mandates. Sean Bulman focuses on real estate portfolio management, Philippa Hipwell’s strengths include landlord and tenant work, and Louisa Swanton advises on real estate matters in the agricultural sector. Clients come to Gillian Lewis for assistance on investment and corporate occupier work, whereas Mary Anderson is a key contact for real estate finance matters.

Practice head(s):

Peter Allinson; Madeleine Davitt

Testimonials

‘Responsive, commercially minded, practical, and efficient.’

‘The team are quick to respond to issues or concerns. I have very good and frank conversations with the contract lead but also individual lawyers who are very well versed in national Highways processes for disposals and acquisitions. We have had extremely tricky cases with complex leasehold agreements and the team are able to find different experience within the law firm and get advice.’

‘I feel we are part of one team. I find the team to be very professional. They are all brilliant and I am very pleased when our cases gets picked up by any of these individuals. I feel confident in their advice and actions.’

‘Excellent communication, collaboration, and transparency are all traits that Davitt Jones Bould (DJB) have demonstrated during our dealings with them.’

‘Davitt Jones Bould are very responsive to requests and proactive in keeping us up to date on progress. Expectations are set up front and clear from the outset.’

‘The level of service is exceptional with prompt responses and personal attention. They never fail to exceed expectations in terms of the experience & quality of legal advice. All the solicitors have substantial post qualification experience which always shows in the quality of advice provided. In comparison to the various legal firms we have used over the last 20 years, DJB is the best firm of property lawyers I have worked with for some considerable time! ’

‘Melanie Greer-Walker is prompt and attentive with excellent knowledge of landlord and tenant matters. Highly recommended.’

Madeleine Davitt maintains excellent client care and oversight. She clearly takes pride in her firm and has a great propensity to make clients feel valued and to see that work gets done on time and that the client is kept updated.’

Key clients

The Royal Parks

Integrity International

Guys and St Thomas Hospital

Rick Stein’s

Grant Thornton UK plc

UK Health Security Agency

Ministry of Defence

Smiggle

Department for Health and Social Care

National Highways

Surrey County Council

Fujifilm

Habitat for Humanity

Medical Research Foundation

Florence Nightingale Museum Trust

Woking Borough Council

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Natural England

Environment Agency

Brighton and Hove City Council

Optical Center

Integral UK plc

Skanska

Grainger Plc

Blue Orchid Hotels

Bournemouth Christchurch & Poole Council

University of Central Lancashire

London Mutual Credit Union

Losely Park

ReStore International

30 Gray’s Inn Limited

Achieve Together Limited

Well Pharmacy

Work highlights

  • Advised Smiggle on its UK-wide expansion strategy.
  • Advised The Royal Parks on all real estate cases relating to St James’s Park, Hyde Park, Richmond Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regents Park, and The Green Park.
  • Advised Habitat for Humanity and ReStore on its first UK store.

Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 3

Davitt Jones Bould is a boutique real estate firm experienced in providing its clients, which regularly include public bodies, on their development and regeneration schemes. Its expertise covers the full life cycle of a development project. The firm is well-versed in alternative asset classes, including affordable housing and film studio developments. The team is led by Peter Allinson, Madeleine Davitt and John Condliffe. Melanie Greer-Walker is a veteran in office development, whilst Philippa Hipwell often advises healthcare clients. The firm has seen sizable growth in the past year, with a number of new partners joining: Namita Maktar and Sandy Munroe joined in January 2024 from an in-house position and Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP respectively; Paul Davies joined in February 2024 from Harper James; and Stephanie Robinson joined in November 2023 from Bird & Bird LLP.

Practice head(s):

Peter Allinson; Madeleine Davitt; John Condliffe

Other key lawyers:

Louisa Swanton; Philippa Hipwell; Melanie Greer-Walker; Mary Anderson; Sophie Philippon-Thomas

Testimonials

‘A broad depth of work sectors gives a choice, but still a feeling you are dealing with a team.’

‘Mary Anderson is precise. She has a great ability to focus on what matters, and to stay focused.’

‘Very competent and knowledgeable and always add value to any discussion or situation.’

‘They advise clearly as to what concerns a client should have.’

‘The individuals understand what is of importance to an estates surveyor and do not overcomplicate, offering direct and pragmatic solutions.’

‘A high level of competence and an expertise to get things done.’

Key clients

The Royal Parks

Guys and St Thomas Hospital

Rick Stein’s

UK Health Security Agency

Ministry of Defence

Smiggle

Department for Health and Social Care

National Highways

Surrey County Council

Fujifilm

Habitat for Humanity

Medical Research Foundation

Florence Nightingale Museum Trust

Woking Borough Council

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Natural England

Environment Agency

Brighton and Hove City Council

Optical Center

Integral UK plc

Work highlights

  • Advising UCLan on their development of a new 45,000sqft veterinary school at their main campus.
  • Advising The Royal Parks on the different elements of the City of Westminster’s ‘Streetscape’ development project.
  • Advising Surrey County Council on the £500million expansion of Shepperton Studios, which would make it the second-largest film studio in the world.

Real estate > Commercial property: Manchester Tier 3

The Manchester-based practice at Davitt Jones Bould is highly regarded for its capabilities in advising on high-value developments, acquisitions and disposals, and lease-related issues. Key names include the ‘excellent’ Zaheer Bashir, Abigail Kay who is noted for her ‘fantastic commercial acumen’, and Nichola Gray. The ‘first-class and razor sharpTony Fitzmaurice is well-versed in relocation projects . Madeleine Davitt oversees the group from both Manchester and London.

Practice head(s):

Madeleine Davitt

Other key lawyers:

Abigail Kay; Zaheer Bashir; Nichola Gray; Sophie Philippon-Thomas; Tony Fitzmaurice; Richard Holmes; Stephen Chalcraft

Testimonials

‘A personal service from experienced individual solicitors.’

‘Friendly, approachable and competent.’

‘Zaheer Bashir is excellent.’

‘Abigail Kay is always engaged, helpful, and shows fantastic commercial acumen.’

‘The practice offers a variety of expertise across land and property acquisition. Friendly and approachable.’

‘Nichola Gray and Sophie Philippon-Thomas are both are passionate about the work they carry out on our behalf to achieve the outcomes we desire. They offer advice and solutions, are approachable and the collaboration is strong and valued.’

‘My main contact is Richard Holmes who I have a good working relationship with’

‘Tony Fitzmaurice is first-class and razor sharp, his vast knowledge of property gained over a long career is second-to-none.’

Key clients

National Highways

University of Central Lancashire

Sim Trava

Environment Agency

Natural England

Woking Borough Council

Grainger Plc

Westmorland Plc

Trafford Council

Skanska

Sandyford Properties

Health and Safety Executive

Office for Nuclear Regulation

Work highlights

  • Advised National Highways on several major road schemes including the A66 development.
  • Advised University of Central Lancashire on the development of two new campus buildings.

Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 4

The rapidly growing team at Davitt Jones Bould advises public and private clients on the full spectrum of real estate investment matters. Peter Allinson, Madeleine Davitt and John Condliffe lead the team. Davitt is experienced in supporting public bodies, whilst Condliffe is particularly active for major retailers. Teresa Kamppari Baker adds to the firm’s retail expertise alongside her hotel experience. Katy Bearn joined the practice in September 2023 from Gowling WLG.

Practice head(s):

Peter Allinson; Madeleine Davitt; John Condliffe

Other key lawyers:

Teresa Kamppari Baker; Sean Bulman; Philippa Hipwell; Melanie Greer-Walker; Mary Anderson; Katy Bearn

Testimonials

‘Efficient, responsive, practical.’

‘DJB has a unique approach, offering specialist real estate focussed support on a flexible basis.’

‘Depth in specialisms within real estate, and an ability to draw upon specialist resources, even when it may only be a small part of an overall transaction.’

‘We have been using Davitt Jones Bould for some of our external cases; they provide a fast and efficient service.’

Key clients

Primary Health Properties

Merchant Land Investments

Plato Estates

Sandyford Properties

Surrey County Council

Grainger Plc

Woking Borough Council

The Royal Parks

Guys and St Thomas Hospital

Rick Stein’s

UK Health Security Agency

Smiggle

Department for Health and Social Care

National Highways

Fujifilm

Habitat for Humanity

Medical Research Foundation

Florence Nightingale Museum Trust

Natural England

Environment Agency

Brighton and Hove City Council

Work highlights

  • Advising FTSE 250 company Primary Health Properties on the management of their portfolio.
  • Advising Merchant Land, who own a portfolio of offices and flats in prime London locations including 30 Grays Inn Road, 63/65 Charlotte Street and more.
  • Advising FTSE 250 property investment company Grainger Plc on matters relating to their portfolio.

Real estate > Planning Tier 4

Praised for its ‘strong project management capabilities’, Davitt Jones Bould is often engaged in development consent orders, infrastructure agreements, and planning inquiries. Peter Allinson and Madeleine Davitt jointly lead the practice, while the ‘talented and hard working’ Stephanie Hall is experienced in compulsory purchase orders and highway developments. Yohanna Weber is highly proficient in infrastructure and energy developments, while Nigel Hewitson focuses on public inquiries.

Practice head(s):

Peter Allinson; Madeleine Davitt

Testimonials

‘They are approachable, responsive, friendly, and knowledgeable about planning.’

‘They have sound knowledge, are good negotiators, and have the ability to devise innovative solutions.’

‘A solid team with excellent insight, clear views on strategy and tactics, as well as strong project management capabilities.’

‘Good value for high quality work.’

‘Stephanie Hall is meticulous in her work. We would have no hesitation in recommending DJB to others.’

‘I worked recently with Stephanie Hall on a land compensation case. She excelled, providing clear and value-adding advice on the interpretation and application of law and procedure.’

‘Stephanie Hall is talented and hard working.’

‘We work with Nigel Hewitson and Stephanie Hall, their collaborative working is valued as is sound advice and innovative thinking.’

Key clients

National Highways

Surrey County Council

North Somerset Council

New Forest District Council

Bath and North East Somerset Council

Wiltshire Council

Natural England

Woking Borough Council

The Royal Parks

Woking Borough Council

Brighton and Hove City Council

Habitat for Humanity

Office for National Statistics

Runnymede Borough Council

UK Health Security Agency

Exeter Science Park

Department of Health and Social Care

Work highlights

  • Advised North Somerset Council on a 36-day public inquiry relating to the expansion of Bristol Airport.
  • Advised multiple local authorities on their implementation of mandatory biodiversity net gain laws which came into force in early 2024.
  • Advised Surrey County Council on the expansion of the Shepperton Film Studio, which will become the second largest film studio in the world.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4

At Davitt Jones Bould, the group advises councils and national estates on development disputes, dilapidation claims, and contentious public law matters relating to real estate. Peter Allinson and Madeleine Davitt jointly anchor the firm’s property litigation practice. The ‘insightfulJonathan Warner-Reed has illustrated experience in the leisure sector, and advises on rights of light, adverse possession cases, and the judicial review of planning applications. Maeve Bonner assists major institutions on issues relating to estates, such as lease negotiations and contentious break notices, while the ‘exceptionalHelen Close focuses on landlord and tenant disputes, often involving rent review and the enforcement of covenants.

Practice head(s):

Peter Allinson; Madeleine Davitt

Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Warner Reed; Maeve Bonner; Helen Close

Testimonials

‘DJB are a regional firm who have made it into the big time.’

‘The impressive element that I would draw attention to is the breadth of their expertise across the range of areas in the world of real estate – from planning to disposals.’

‘Much of my contact with DJB has been with their Tigger-like Chief Executive and his boundless energy – Peter Allinson and his Partner Madeleine Davitt.’

‘The level of service is exceptional with prompt responses and personal attention. They never fail to exceed expectations in terms of the experience & quality of legal advice. All the solicitors have substantial post qualification experience which always shows in the quality of advice provided.’

‘Helen Close – an exceptionally good lawyer who communicates well and has a solid technical knowledge. She also has a lovely personality and is very calm in the face of a tricky situation. A pleasure to work with.’

‘Jonathan Warner-Reed: personal, insightful and infinitely patient with clients.’

‘Highly specialist and focused on the client’s objectives and well versed not only in the law but also in possessing a strategic focus.’

Key clients

The Royal Parks

North Somerset Council

Rick Steins

National Highways

Surrey County Council

Woking Borough Council

Brighton and Hove City Council

Habitat for Humanity

Office for National Statistics

Bath and North East Somerset

Runnymede Borough Council

Chichester District Council

Natural England

Plato Estates

Smiggle

Infinity Homes and Developments

Work highlights

  • Successfully acted for the respondent in the Mackenzie v Cheung and Infinity Court of Appeal Case, which concerned the interpretation of a general release provision in a conveyance.
  • Advising numerous national and foreign retailers on contentious property issues relating to their UK stores.
  • Advising Central and Local Government clients on the full spectrum of contentious issues including judicial reviews, dilapidation claims, and lease-related litigation.

Davitt Jones Bould is the largest specialist real estate law firm in the UK.  We advise on the full spectrum of real estate matters including commercial property, property litigation, property finance, planning, construction, environment and other niche areas.   All our lawyers are at least 10 years qualified and have come from senior in-house roles or leading city, international or national firms.  We are renowned for our experience and expertise in real estate.

Our focus on experience and expertise has meant that we have not only been able to build long term relationships with our direct clients but also with other law firms and professional service firms, ensuring commercial viability and client satisfaction – always.

Our advice is also sought after for complex and often high-profile work on landmark buildings.  For example, we have advised on cases relating to 10 Downing Street, Admiralty Arch, St James’s Park, Horseguards Parade, the Old Admiralty Building, the Bomber Command Memorial, Hyde Park, House of Lords, the Mall, Lancaster House and St Stephen’s Tavern.  We have a history of advising on high-profile cases from the London 2012 Olympic Games to the UK Health Security Agency’s estates response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Our clients include central government departmental and non-departmental bodies, national institutions, investors, corporate occupiers, local government and developers. Among them are The Royal Parks, Defra, National Highways, Fujifilm, Integral, TV celebrity chef Rick Stein’s restaurant group and Surrey County Council.

Davitt Jones Bould was established in 1999 by a team of Government Property Lawyers: an executive agency to of Treasury Solicitors. We established ourselves as the market leader for real estate law services in the public sector, before establishing itself as a key provider to the private sector.

Our services
Commercial property: we deal with of the full spectrum commercial property work including large property estate management, development work, joint ventures, investments and occupier acquisitions and disposals, and landlord and tenant matters.

Real estate support to other firms: we assist other law firms with advice on highly complex and specialist matters, investigations of title, certificates on title, warranties, clause drafting and more. The firm’s law firm clients include numerous UK Top 30 firms, leading international firms and Big Four accountancy firms.

Property litigation: we secure results for clients in litigious matters including lease breaks, dilapidations claims, site clearance and vacant possession issues, rent review disputes, debt recovery, judicial reviews and professional negligence cases.

Construction law: we assist with contentious and non-contentious construction matters, including a range of bespoke construction contracts, third party rights and collateral warranties, as well as other areas of construction law.

Procurement law: we advise on all procurement law issues relating to regeneration projects, acquisition or property and services and negotiations between the public and private sectors.

Agricultural and forestry law:  we have expertise in farm business tenancies, agricultural holdings, management agreements, advice relating to the Countryside Acts and Forestry Commission Acts and all other agricultural matters.

Public law: we advise on judicial review, human rights, European law, legal position of the Crown, Crichel Down Rules, the interrelationship of law and policy, and intra/ultra vires issues.

Environmental law: we advise on a range of environmental law issues including liability for contaminated land, flood defence schemes, sites of special scientific interest, national parks and nature reserve issues, management agreements, public access agreements and European environmental law.

Investment and capital markets: we advise on acquisitions and disposals of freehold and leasehold property in connection with investment, development, and owner occupation.

Estate management:  we advise on commercial leases, renewals, and terminations; dilapidations; clawback and overage.

Landlord and tenant: we advise on lease negotiations, business tenancies, lease renewals, rent reviews, break options, dilapidations, as well as agricultural tenancies.

Development: we advise on commercial and residential developments, covering matters such as planning permissions, Section 106 Agreements, Rights to Light, establishment of scheme and structure, site assembly, development and construction contracts, warranties, as well as funding.

Regeneration projects: we advise on compulsory purchases and appropriations, Joint Venture Agreements, procurement, housing and mixed-use schemes, planning, highways, public consultations, public inquiries, staid aid, PFY / PPP, as well as asset backed vehicles.

Planning: our planning specialists advise on regeneration projects, compulsory purchase and appropriation, Legal advice on strategic planning policy, planning appeals and inquiries, judicial review, affordable housing, highway agreements, as well as building regulations.

Real estate finance and tax UK: we advise on taxation, corporate taxation and finance, foreign taxation, VAT advice, SDLT advice, TOGC advice, loan agreements, mortgages and legal charges, funding agreements, capital raising and listings, forward funding agreements, Islamic finance, property finance, deposit deeds, bond security.

Department Name Email Telephone
Chief Executive Peter Allinson [email protected] 020 3026 8290
Senior Partner Madeleine Davitt [email protected] 020 3026 8295
Non-Executive Malcolm Iley [email protected] 020 7870 7500
Client Director Sue McCormick [email protected] 01823 328084
Client Director Sean Gardner [email protected] 0203 026 8303
Head of Operations Sarah Galley [email protected] 020 3026 0045
Head of Marketing Elizabeth Collin [email protected] 020 3026 9443
Support for Law Firms John Condliffe [email protected] 020 3026 9273
Support for Law Firms Peter Allinson [email protected] 020 3026 8290
Corporate Support John Condliffe [email protected] 020 3026 9273
Corporate Support Peter Allinson [email protected] 020 3026 8290
Central Government Madeleine Davitt [email protected] 020 3026 8295
Central Government Sean Gardner [email protected] 0203 026 8303
Central Government Chris Kerr [email protected] 0203 026 2827
Charities Chris Kerr [email protected] 0203 026 2827
Local Government Sue McCormick [email protected] 01823 328084
Local Government Malcolm Iley [email protected] 020 7870 7500
Local Government - London Yvonne Hills [email protected] 0203 026 3467
Defence Madeleine Davitt [email protected] 020 3026 8295
Defence Sean Bulman [email protected] 020 3026 8297
Energy Peter Allinson [email protected] 020 3026 8290
Education Sue McCormick [email protected] 01823 328084
Healthcare – Public Madeleine Davitt [email protected] 020 3026 8295
Healthcare – Private Peter Allinson [email protected] 020 3026 8290
Housing Sue McCormick [email protected] 01823 328084
Emergency Services Sue McCormick [email protected] 01823 328084
Banks John Condliffe [email protected] 020 3026 9273
Pension Funds John Condliffe [email protected] 020 3026 9273
Occupiers Abigail Kay [email protected] 0161 399 0181
Occupiers Richard Holmes [email protected] 0161 399 0183
Property Owners & Investors Peter Allinson [email protected] 020 3026 8290
Property Owners & Investors John Condliffe [email protected] 020 3026 9273
Property Developers Peter Allinson [email protected] 020 3026 8290
Retail & Leisure Abigail Kay [email protected] 0161 399 0181
Retail & Leisure Richard Holmes [email protected] 0161 399 0183
Logistics & Warehouses Richard Holmes [email protected] 0161 399 0183
Regeneration Malcolm Iley [email protected] 020 7870 7500
Regeneration Yohanna Weber [email protected] 020 3026 9276
Agriculture Nicola Boaden [email protected] 020 3026 9275
Real Estate Finance Stephanie Robinson [email protected] 020 3026 4729
Regeneration & Developments Andrew Taylor [email protected] 0203 026 8091
Property Litigation Helen Close [email protected] 020 3650 0366
Property Owners & Investors James Vernon Stroud [email protected]
Property Litigation Jonathan Warner Reed [email protected] 020 3026 3423
Property Owners & Investors Melanie Greer-Walker [email protected] 0203 026 9638
Construction Matthew Needham-Laing [email protected] 020 7189 1793
Property Owners & Investors Mary Anderson [email protected] 0121 798 0208
Property Owners & Investors Nichola Gray [email protected] 0161 399 0206
Social Housing Namita Matkar [email protected] 020 3026 2927
Development Sean Palka [email protected] 020 3026 2621
Property Owners & Investors Stephen John [email protected] 020 3026 2628
Total aggregate post qualification experience : 1700+ years
Minimum PQE per lawyer : 10 years
Average PQE : 25+ years

Davitt Jones Bould strengthens environmental offer with two key hires

Davitt Jones Bould (DJB), the UK’s largest firm to specialise entirely in real estate law, has appointed senior lawyers Andrew Waite and Stephen Sykes as Consultants, significantly expanding the capacity of its environmental team.