Public sector
Davitt Jones Bould acts for both lessors and lessees across the entire spectrum of corporate occupier work, handling both the public and private sectors. As co-founder of the firm, Madeleine Davitt’s reputation generates client activity for the team, while Melanie Greer-Walker has recently advised on major developments and headquarters relocations within prime London locations. Philippa Hipwell is well-equipped to advise on large-scale development projects, whereas Louisa Swanton’s practice sits at the intersection of agriculture and real estate. Gillian Lewis boasts a broad commercial property practice that includes disposals and acquisitions, while Abigail Kay leads on retail work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Work Department
Commercial Property
Position
Senior Partner and Co-Founder
Career
Madeleine is the Senior Partner and a co-founder of DJB. Madeleine is the lead lawyer to some of the UK's most important land owners including the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Parks. Prior to founding DJB, Madeleine worked for the Government Property Lawyers. Madeleine is highly sought after for her ability to manage the affairs of our clients' most important projects, ensuring they run as smoothly as possible. She is regularly highlighted by Chambers and Partners and was recently added to the Legal 500 Hall of Fame.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Commercial Property
Client Care
WORK HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights include being the lead lawyer to
-
The Royal Parks, managing all of DJB's services to them, including high profile projects such as the London 2012 Olympics, the new Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park and their annual events including Winter Wonderland.
-
The Crown Commercial Service on its last five contracts. She has led on major projects and estates on this framework.
-
Over thirty Central Government Departmental and Non-Departmental bodies including the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
Many of the organisations taking the fight to the Coronavirus pandemic, including Public Health England, Department of Health and Social Care and Care Quality Commission.
Year admitted: 1987
Founding member of DJB. Previously worked for Osborne Clarke and Government Property Lawyers.
Languages
English
Memberships
SRA number: 137956
Content supplied by Davitt Jones Bould
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Sound knowledge and client care are excellent with sustainable and pragmatic solutions, plus urgent instructions are progressed with speed as necessary.’
'The quality of service is excellent. Very responsive, personable, and most importantly able to explain things in a simple and understandable way.'
'Davitt Jones Bould act as our legal representatives on all commercial property matters and they consistently demonstrate a can-do solutions focused approach, ensuring all interactions (small & large) are handled with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail. They bring both strategic insight and practical knowledge to the table, allowing us to navigate property negotiations with confidence and assurance.'
'One of their most valued qualities is the personalised services they provide, treating every matter with equal importance and dedication. This client first mindset helps foster a strong working relationship assures us that are interests are taken seriously.'
'Importantly for us, DJB deliver excellent outcomes in a timely and efficient manner, consistently achieving results that are both cost effective and represent exceptional value for money.'
'Their transparency, proactive communication and commercial awareness do set them apart.'
'Level of knowledge at a good commercial charge rate.'
'Responsiveness.'
Key clients
- National Highways
- Langham Estate
- Peter Alexander
- Habitat for Humanity
- Smiggle
- The Royal Parks
- Optical Center
- Natural England
- Xtrafit
- Environment Agency
- Well Pharmacy
- Integrity International
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital
- Rick Stein
- Surrey County Council
- Fujifilm
- Medical Research Foundation
- Florence Nightingale Museum Trust
- Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
- Integral UK Group
- Skanska
- Grainger Plc
- Bournemouth Christchurch & Poole Council
- University of Central Lancashire
- Achieve Together Limited
Work highlights
Advising Brighton and Hove Council on various commercial property matters in relation to the Brighton Marina.
Advising Habitat for Humanity and their retail arm ReStore on their store roll-out in the UK.
Advising Peter Alexander, an Australian sleepwear designer brand, on their entry into the UK market.