Addleshaw Goddard continues to attract institutional investors, high-profile tenants, and developers to its property litigation practice through its strong presence in the residential sector and strength advising on rights of light work and building safety instructions. The latter has seen continued focus from the firm, with the hire of building safety expert Katie Dunn in October 2024, previously at Hogan Lovells International LLP. Practice head Frances Richardson is a key point of reference on the Building Safety Act. Gregory Simms acts primarily for institutional clients, developers, and forward funders on rights of light work. Dunn is experienced in property management duties, enforcement actions, and risk to portfolios relating to the Building Safety Act. The team benefits from Beth Wilton‘s building safety proficiency and Alison Oates’ far-reaching practice, particularly noted for her work on enfranchisement issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Team with real strength in numbers across multiple offices - notably London, Manchester and Leeds. Able to resolve any dispute quickly and effectively.’
‘Katie Dunn is a strong partner who works as hard as anyone for her clients. Great to work with.’
‘Excellent department leadership (Frances Richardson), wide real estate litigation experience, ability to focus on key issues at an early stage, strategy and risk identification.’
‘Market-leading expertise in rights of light matters. The team is trustworthy and very responsive. They work collaboratively with other consultants and the client team to deliver the best results for our projects.’
‘Gregory Simms maintains a high level of involvement in projects, which gives me confidence that we are receiving the best advice and service possible. He's a pleasure to work with and his unrivalled position in the market and successful track record with us mean I have a high level of trust in him.’
‘This is a sophisticated team that takes its clients' interests very seriously. They can be trusted to look out for any problems coming down the line. They can deal with the most technical and complex matters.’
‘I thought that Frances Richardson and Alison Oates showed real dedication to their client and fabulous strategic thinking.’
Key clients
- Standard Life Assurance Limited
- British Land
- Travelodge Hotels Limited
- Marks & Spencer
- Fortive Corporation
- Savills Investment Management
- Schroders
- Columbia Threadneedle
- Battersea Power Station Development Limited
- Almcor (Croyton Asset Holding Limited)
- HB Reavis
- Mount Anvil
- Schroders Ground Rent Income Fund
- Patrizia
- JTRE
- Watkin Jones
- University of Greenwich
- Vita
- Hub Group
- Grainger PLC
Work highlights
Advised Maizelands Limited, Arringford Limited and Scottish Widows Unit Funds Limited on a complex, high-value water ingress claim in the High-Court.
Advising some of the largest residential funds in the market on all aspects of the Building Safety Act, including on innovative ways to manage risk and liability while operating their businesses responsibly for the benefit of investors and tenants alike.
Acting for a landlord of an iconic mixed-use development in proceedings issued in the First-Tier Tribunal by 247 long leasehold owners challenging service charges since 2016.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Gregory Simms
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Alison Oates
Beth Wilton
Practice head
Frances Richardson
Other key lawyers
Katie Dunn; Gregory Simms; Beth Wilton; Alison Oates