James Lee > Cripps > Tunbridge Wells, England > Lawyer Profile

Cripps regularly acts for a broad array of public sector clients across the healthcare, education, social housing, and utility sectors, with the team’s noteworthy strengths spanning real estate acquisitions and disposals, development work, joint ventures, and commercial contracts. Following the merger with PDT solicitors in January 2024, real estate development specialist James Clewlow joined property litigator Miles Paffard and James Lee as practice co-head. Paffard is recommended for proficiency in landlord and tenant matters, while Lee leads the firm’s construction practice and specialises in procurements and capital investment programs. Holly Goacher is recommended for her expertise in the healthcare sector, focusing on acquisitions and disposals of retail pharmacy businesses.

The construction practice at Cripps is co-headed by Nitej Davda and James Lee in Tunbridge Wells, routinely advising clients on safety requirements under the Building Safety Act. Davda leads on the contentious side, 0ften handling claims of professional negligence and issues arising out of contractor insolvency. Lee is recommended for non-contentious issues, regularly advising on construction contracts and development agreements; he also has a particular expertise with advising on projects within the life sciences sector. The team is supported by Iain Benson, who regularly assists clients with construction insurance and bespoke contracts.

Cripps advises clients on a diverse range of developments, such as life science, residential, commercial and mixed-use projects. The firm is particularly skilled at providing planning and construction advice. Oliver Morris heads the team alongside Nitej Davda, a construction and litigation specialist. Fellow construction specialist James Lee adds strength to the team, as does Kay Evans, who focuses on the residential and mixed-use sectors. In October 2023, Jason Tann left the practice.