Offering assistance on opposed lease renewals, rights of light claims, and serving charge disputes, Wedlake Bell LLP is predominantly instructed by landlords, investors, occupiers, and developers. Adam Colenso heads the team and stands out for landlord and tenant work, as well as work on litigation related to the development of land. Versatile practitioner Jonathan Hibberts adds further landlord and tenant expertise, which he lends to property investors, developers, and funds. Rachel Fitzgerald focuses her practice on both commercial landlord and tenant disputes and real property disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Wedlake Bell is a firm I look to work with if a matter is technical and challenging. They are a rare breed, being led by barrister Adam Colenso, who do not shy away from rigorously scrutinising the merits of their client's position and mounting robust, well-articulated arguments from the get-go.’
‘Adam Colenso heads the team. He continues to combine a razor-sharp and incisive legal mind with utter unflappability and level-headedness. He thinks laterally and creatively from all angles with determination to achieve the precise resolution is clients seek.’
‘Brilliant team with a number of standout individuals, undoubtedly leaders in the field.’
‘I have just finished a very substantial case with Jonathan Hibberts, and there is no doubt that the fantastically successful outcome was almost entirely down to his vision, energy and determination. A truly outstanding property litigator.’
‘Particular strength in disputes involving the development of land and crossover with planning issues.’
‘Jonathan Hibberts - a former barrister, he is excellent on legal analysis and attention to detail as well as being strategic and commercial.’
Key clients
- Fuller Smith & Turner PLC
- Care UK
- Robert Dyas
- Manpower
- CALA Homes
- Hugo Boss
- Devonshire Metro Limited
- Summix
- London City Mission
- London Diocesan Fund
- Cranmer Court
- Royal National Lifeboat Institution
Work highlights
Advising Dragon Investment Management Limited on a dispute against the developer, construction company and NHBC over the contracts for the construction and purchase of a large block of flats in London (65 units) which is subject to a significant number of defects.
Advised a leading housebuilder regarding the legal issues, strategy and action against a neighbour claiming an easement to prevent/obstruct a development of a large development site worth tens of millions in the south-east of England.
Advising a leading global property investment firm with diverse real estate portfolio on the property litigation issues relating to the purchase and leaseback of 10 Great Pulteney Street in London from fashion retailer Boohoo in an acquisition that completed within 5 working days of instruction.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
Adam Colenso
Other key lawyers
Jonathan Hibberts; Rachel Fitzgerald