Acting for a varied client base, Osborne Clarke LLP‘s London property litigation practice places a strong focus on rights to light, energy sector-related property disputes, and neighbourly matters. The group is led by Gary Lawrenson, who is sought after by property developers for his expertise in rights to light disputes. Carl Roche brings significant experience in the energy sector to the team, acting as a key advisor to renewable energy businesses. Rebecca Francis is noted for her work on mixed-use property mandates, while Shinead Wilson adds additional expertise in rights of light to the team. Other key practitioners include Victoria Woolf, who has experience in High Court appeals regarding party wall matters, and Donal Kelly, who handles commercial landlord and tenant disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have worked with Rebecca Francis and Sophie Abbott, both of whom are very impressive and good to work with. It is always clear that the clients have been given clear information about their case and have a realistic understanding of the merits and process.’
‘Gary Lawrenson is an excellent team leader, whose calming manner ensures that the team works productively to achieve its goals. His smiling and ever-cheerful demeanour belies his steely core. He is brilliant at handling difficult situations with aplomb.’
'Amongst the best property litigation firms in the City. Smart and very commercial, with an intense focus on the client's objectives.’
‘The practice has unique experience in party wall litigation, and there is a laser focus on the most favourable outcome by the speediest route. Exceptional experience in the field led to strong strategic planning. This resulted in an excellent negotiated outcome.’
‘Victoria Woolf had exceptional experience in party wall litigation and very shrewd judgement. She knew the major players in the field and was able to recommend a first-rate specialist junior barrister. She knew our opponents and how best to approach them due to her wealth of previous experience.’
‘I have worked particularly with Victoria Woolf and Shinead Wilson. Both are experts and industry leaders in their fields, Victoria Woolf particularly regarding party walls and Shinead Wilson particularly regarding rights of light.’
‘Fantastic team with broad reach and impressive client list. Working with both the London and Bristol offices, it is clear that this is a team that is at the top of the profession. They cover effortlessly a wide range of property-related disputes, from developers to HNW.’
‘Rebecca Francis - like a swan, always calm and collected but with an immense drive and ability to get the work done well. Shinead Wilson delivers a huge amount of energy to her cases and excels at rights of light matters.’
'The firm is well staffed and networked, based across various jurisdictions and well respected within the City. They also have senior, experienced lawyers within many specialist areas.'
'They are experienced legal professionals who are both commercially minded and extremely responsive to the demands of time sensitive advice on projects.'
Key clients
- EnerMech Limited
- GMS Parking Limited
- Ghelamco Group
- Alliance Property Asia Inc
- Plumbing Pensions (UK) Limited
- Paymentsense Limited
- Taylor Wimpey plc
- British Land plc
- Alfred Homes Limited
- Tilstone Industrial Limited
- NextEnergy Capital
- Revantage Europe
Work highlights
Instructed by EnerMech Limited to act in this complex, valuable case as it hinged on the same issues which arose in Woden Park Limited v MonSolar IQ Limited.
Instructed by GMS Parking Ltd to advise on various parking rights within the existing car park and de-risk the site to enable the redevelopment.
Appointed by Ghelamco Group to defend injunctive proceedings issued against 225 City Road Limited (part of the Ghelamco Group), a Belgium-based developer/investor, and its contractors.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Gary Lawrenson
Other key lawyers
Carl Roche; Rebecca Francis; Shinead Wilson; Victoria Woolf; Donal Kelly; Harry Bell; Sophie Abbott