With experience acting across various levels of the UK judicial system, including the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, Gowling WLG is a key port of call for developers, investment funds, corporate occupiers, and real estate businesses. Department head Clive Chalkley is recognised for his work on high-profile disputes, including major litigation regarding the validity of group guarantees. Anne Waltham maintains a niche focus on rights of light work, as well as demonstrating activity on rent reviews on major portfolios. Charlotte Weeks is a capable advisor on disputes both within courts and alternative dispute resolution, and Charlotte Tyfield has developed a wide property dispute practice, including lease renewals, development issues, and service charge disputes. Martin Thomas departed in April 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very good national base, with offices in London and Birmingham interacting seamlessly. Acts for some heavyweight developer clients and has strong knowledge and understanding of the development market.’
‘Charlotte Weeks is very good. Minerva Christiaan-Rakus is exceptional - the star of the future? No, she's the star of the here and now.’
‘Head of department Clive Chalkley is one of the cleverest lawyers in town, but he wears his learning lightly: underestimate him at your peril. He is always a gentleman and a delight to work with, but also a talented street-fighter. Up-and-coming associate Minerva Christiaan-Rakus is one to watch out for. ’
‘I would say that it is the individuals in the team who make Gowling unique - their energy, genuine passion for the work that they do, and ability to problem solve with focus on the client's business objective.’
‘Clive Chalkley is a reassuring presence for clients.’
‘The team are always on their A game, and really know their stuff. They are great to work with.'
‘Clive Chalkley and Nigel Hampton are excellent - super responsive and know their stuff to give sound commercial advice.’
‘A big and wide-ranging team with many differing talents and attributes.’
'Anne Waltham is one of the property litigation greats. There is nothing that she does not know about rights to light.'
'Nigel Hampton. He is clever, thorough, diligent and very pleasant to work with.'
Key clients
- Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Limited
- Ministry of Defence (MoD)
- 89 Holland Park (Management) Limited
- Cellnex/On Tower
- BL Goodman
- NFU Mutual
- ICG Longbow
- The Archco
- Land Securities
- The Pension Protection Fund
- Royal London Mutual Insurance Society
- La Salle Investment Management
Work highlights
Advised Segro (Radlett) Limited in High Court and Court of Appeal decision in relation to the redevelopment of former Council land at Radlett. This was a high profile judicial review challenging Hertfordshire County Council's right to sell the land to SEGRO.
Advised Rowland Bratt on Court of Appeal case (Bratt v Jones), the outcome of which is currently awaited, in which the law on the test for professional negligence in valuation claims will be set.
Acting for the Ministry Of Defence in the site rent review (carried out every 25 years) for the Service Family Accommodation in a private arbitration and continuing to support the MOD in the judicial review and damages claim brought by Annington Homes Limited, culminating in a £6 billion settlement.
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.
Practice head
Clive Chalkley
Other key lawyers
Anne Waltham; Charlotte Weeks; Charlotte Tyfield; Nigel Hampton; Minerva Christiaan-Rakus