Firm Profile > Davitt Jones Bould > Taunton, England

Commercial property: The West Country Tier 1

Davitt Jones Bould demonstrates strong capabilities in large estate management projects, and development and regeneration projects. In addition, it has expanded its presence in the private investment space. Also notable is that the team has developed a niche specialism in handling conversions of schools into academies. Practice head Madeleine Davitt is, according to one client, ‘a true commercial property specialist with unrivalled property knowledge’. Davitt acts for some of the most significant landowners in the South West region. The ‘unique’ Robin de Wreede is experienced in handling major infrastructure and town centre developments for a number of local authorities and their joint venture partners. Stuart Bould and Sean Bulman are also recommended.

Local government Tier 2

Davitt Jones Bould's strong market presence in the South West is evidenced by the fact that it acts for a significant number of local authorities in the region. It recently advised clients on property investments, the delivery of development projects, and high-value regeneration projects. Robin De Wreede is adept at handling large infrastructure developments both for local authorities and their joint venture partners.

Planning Tier 3

Davitt Jones Bould's exclusive focus on real estate puts it on a strong footing to advise clients on related planning issues. In addition to having a strong presence in the South West market, its team handles planning projects further afield nationwide. It advises on regeneration projects and compulsory purchase orders. The group's client base includes established City clients, as well as landowners and local authorities. Robin de Wreede, who divides time between London and Taunton, advises on large urban regeneration projects.

Property litigation Tier 3

Davitt Jones Bould's exclusive focus on real estate law makes it a first port of call for many clients on their most complex contentious property issues, including dilapidations claims and rent reviews. The team is led by name partner Madeleine Davitt, and includes the ‘superb’ Maeve Bonner, who has more than 23 years of property litigation experience. Associate director Janani Puvi is also recommended. Clients include local authorities, central government departments and landowners.

Property litigation

Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 3

Davitt Jones Bould ‘specialises in commercial property and has a vast depth of talent in this particular area’. The team undertakes all relevant work for corporate occupiers, notably acting for high-profile landowners at a range of landmark locations. The full spectrum of relevant work is undertaken including large estate management projects and major projects work such as Hyde Park’s showing of the 2018 World Cup. In the investment space, high-value investment property acquisitions, estate management work and investments for local authorities form the caseload. A plethora of new arrivals have recently bolstered the practice, most notably Nigel Heilpern, who joined from King & Spalding LLP and regularly undertakes investment work for US and London-based pension funds.

Commercial property: investment Tier 4

Davitt Jones Bould ‘specialises in commercial property and has a vast depth of talent in this particular area’. The team undertakes all relevant work for corporate occupiers, notably acting for high-profile landowners at a range of landmark locations. The full spectrum of relevant work is undertaken including large estate management projects and major projects work such as Hyde Park’s showing of the 2018 World Cup. In the investment space, high-value investment property acquisitions, estate management work and investments for local authorities form the caseload. A plethora of new arrivals have recently bolstered the practice, most notably Nigel Heilpern, who joined from King & Spalding LLP and regularly undertakes investment work for US and London-based pension funds.

Commercial property: Manchester Tier 4

Davitt Jones Bould is 'focused on real estate and has great experience in the field'. The team offers advice on the full remit of real estate work and is regularly involved in large estates management projects. It is frequently instructed by central and local government bodies and is increasingly advising on private sector investment mandates. Department head Madeleine Davitt works across the firm's Manchester, London, Birmingham and Taunton offices. Tony Fitzmaurice, who recently re-joined the firm from Kuit Steinart Levy LLP, is regularly instructed on large real estate projects.

Local government Tier 4

Madeleine Davitt leads Davitt Jones Bould's national practice, which advises on a range of development and regeneration projects. Its work relates to commercial investments, commercial acquisitions and sales, and various housing schemes. It also advises council-owned investment companies. Robin de Wreede  and Sean Bulman are two of the senior lawyers who advise on commercial property, investments and planning matters. John Qualtrough  and Kevin Fry, who is noted for his real estate work, are other core team members.

Property litigation Tier 4

Acting for a number of the UK's largest landowners, real estate boutique Davitt Jones Bould is adept at handling a wide range of contentious real estate matters, most notably those arising from landlord and tenant relationships, such as securing key breaks in leases, rent reviews and dilapidation claims. Madeleine Davitt heads the team, while associate director Ted Dancey retired in February 2018.

Planning Tier 5

Real estate boutique Davitt Jones Bould offers planning expertise to a client base which largely consists of local authorities and other public bodies across the UK. Expertise includes handing CPO applications for mid-tier regeneration schemes, housing and mixed-use developments, and highway projects. The team is able to guide clients through the section 106 negotiation process, assisting with any relevant complications. The key planning contacts are Robin de Wreede and John Qualtrough.