Hogan Lovells International LLP fields a team of specialists that continues to handle a varied stream of disputes across development, corporate occupiers, and building defects. The team is particularly renowned for its real estate insolvency work, where it frequently advises institutional landlords and tenants, with a recent uptick in retail and leisure restructuring instructions. Practice head Mathew Ditchburn is noted for his far-reaching practice, which has seen him engaged on insolvency-related matters and significant development disputes. Paul Tonkin showcases in-depth knowledge of rights of light and vacant possession strategy on complex development sites. Other key practitioners include Tim Reid, who draws from his insolvency technician qualification to act on high-profile insolvency matters, and Benjamin Willis, a go-to contact for landlords, tenants, developers, and investors across a broad remit.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘It's an excellent team - consistent across the board, well priced and quick to respond with calm, clear advice. They are my go-to team for UK property litigation. It is primarily their in-depth knowledge that sets them apart: there are very few issues they have not previously dealt with or advised upon.’
‘Paul Tonkin is widely recognised as a litigation rock star, and rightly so. He is superb. Ben Willis is also a very strong player.’
‘Deep understanding of their subject matter, but they promote it in clear and understandable language with an assessment of the options and are able to make recommendations as appropriate.’
‘They are simply the best: fast, responsive, brilliant and nice to know.’
‘Mathew Ditchburn is the team leader, and inspires all with his perception, determination and astuteness. He is ably assisted by Lucy Thomas, who is simply delightful.’
‘The three standout individuals are Paul Tonkin, who is an exceptional lawyer with good client skills, Ben Willis, who leads on the day-to-day running of the team and who is very much a partner in waiting, and Lucy Royle, who has great client care skills.’
Key clients
- British Land
- Landsec
- The Crown Estate
- Related Argent (King's Cross Central Limited Partnership)
- M&G Real Estate
- Oxford University
- Aberdeen
- HM Revenue and Customs
- Berkeley Homes
- Pontegadea
- ICG
- Curzon Cinemas
Work highlights
Representing London Biggin Hill Airport in High Court proceedings against the London Borough of Bromley for relief against forfeiture of a 125-year airport lease.
Acting for Curzon Cinemas on its High Court battle for a new lease of the iconic Curzon Mayfair.
Advising the Ministry of Justice on a £250m claim relating to the UK Prison Estate.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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.
Katie Dunn
Practice head
Mathew Ditchburn
Other key lawyers
Paul Tonkin; Tim Reid; Ben Willis; Lucy Thomas; Lucy Royle