Russell-Cooke LLP is home to a team of versatile practitioners, allowing the firm to remain active across a comprehensive offering, from telecoms to building safety remediation disputes to residential long leasehold and rights of light disputes. Paul Greatholder maintains a broad practice, with particular activity on business tenancy, restrictive covenants, and rights of light mandates. Stephen Small is an active advisor on landlord and tenant disputes, while Shabnam Ali-Khan oversees residential leasehold matters, handling enfranchisement and lease extensions. Edward Cracknell is a key contact for guidance on the electric communications code, spanning renewal and termination of telecoms leases. Pauline Lam is another notable name in the team due to her expertise in cladding and building safety. Jason Hunter left the team in June 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Russell-Cooke stands out for its ability to offer City-level expertise while maintaining a personal, highly collaborative service ethos. What makes the firm particularly unique is its combination of deep legal specialism with a practical, solutions-oriented approach that aligns closely with the commercial realities and sensitivities of our sector.’

  • ‘The individuals we work with at Russell-Cooke consistently demonstrate a rare combination of technical excellence, approachability, and commercial awareness. Their standout quality lies in their ability to deliver complex legal advice with clarity, confidence, and pragmatism, which, in our experience, is not always a given in the legal market.’

  • ‘What sets Edward Cracknell apart from many of his peers is his ability to see the bigger picture without losing sight of detail. He consistently acts as a true extension of our internal team — responsive, trusted, and always constructive. That level of trust is not easily earned, and it reflects both his expertise and integrity.’

  • ‘Pauline Lam is very effective at dealing with difficult neighbour disputes. She is diligent, thorough and very client supportive. A pleasure to work with.’

  • ‘The team possesses a well-rounded expertise that spans all key disciplines, ensuring a comprehensive and strategic approach to any challenge. Each member brings a deep understanding of their specialised field, while also maintaining a high level of competence in adjacent areas.’

  • ‘Paul Greatholder is superb: clever and personable. Edward Cracknell is terrific: clever and easy to work with.’

Key clients

  • Pret a Manger
  • Grainger Plc
  • Clipstone
  • Ilchester Estate
  • Matalan
  • Edward Gostling Foundation
  • Borough Market
  • Get Living
  • Publica Property Establishment
  • Alexander Devine Children’s Cancer Trust

Work highlights

Advised The Yellow Beigel Shop Group Limited, an iconic beigel shop in London’s Brick Lane, in saving the business following forfeiture of its lease.
Advised and represented Grosvenor Freeholds Limited in defending an application for a Remediation Order where the leaseholders were funded by insurers and the costs of the works were estimated to be in the region of £6.85m.

Practice head

Paul Greatholder; Stephen Small; Shabnam Ali-Khan

Other key lawyers

Edward Cracknell; Pauline Lam