With a ‘well-resourced, commercially astute and sophisticated’ team, Ashurst’s property litigation practice straddles property insolvency, development disputes, and property-related joint venture disputes. Alison Hardy heads the team and is a name to note for property-related insolvency and property investment, with a well-established client base of global investment firms and property developers. Kim Clifford is recognised for her work on insolvency-related real estate matters, while Chloe Meredith acts across a broad practice, with work including breach of covenants, forfeiture, and development agreement disputes. With a similarly far-reaching practice, Joe Perry-Courtade has advised on dilapidations, telecoms, and rights of light, whereas Debbie Eliad regularly advises on landlord and tenant disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Alison Hardy is a brilliant partner. She is across all of the details, knows our business inside out, and acts as an extension of our legal team, rather than a one-step-removed external counsel. I can't recommend her highly enough.’
‘Ashurt's real estate team has clients of the highest quality with hugely demanding and complex matters. The calibre of the work makes their legal, commercial and practical knowledge stand out from the competition. One of the key features of the team is that a lot of responsibility is given to more junior members who more than equal the trust extended to them.’
‘Alison Hardy led the team in the two matters I dealt with. She displayed expertise, energy and enthusiasm at all times. She has a thorough understanding of the law, was sensitive to, and made it her business to understand the clients’ commercial needs, provided reassurance and guidance throughout, and was a delight to work with. She was completely outstanding.’’
‘Alison Hardy is an experienced and highly respected operator. Kim Clifford is on her way to stardom in property litigation.’
‘The team has broad experience across all areas of high-value property work, both residential and commercial. A good range of seniorities within the team means that work gets allocated at the appropriate level, with strong partner oversight.’
‘Alison Hardy is a slick litigator; she is a tactical whizz. Joe Perry-Courtade is a dream to work with; always pleasant and a true team player.’
Key clients
- Almacantar
- Aviva Investors
- The Berkeley Group
- Countryside
- Regal
- Nuveen
- Hana Property
Work highlights
Acting for Almacantar in two High Court claims issued against WeWork tenant relating to the chapter 11 process ongoing in the US. This is a forfeiture claim, and involves the international principle of conflict of laws (US/UK).
Acting for Regal in a breach of contract claim in the High Court for damages of over £4.5m following failure to complete a purchase.
Acting for The Berkeley Group on a successful statutory review through High Court proceedings which led to the Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government granting permission to Berkeley Homes for the development of 165 houses in Turnden, Kent.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Alison Hardy
Other key lawyers
Kim Clifford; Chloe Meredith; Joe Perry-Courtade; Debbie Eliad