The large and experienced property litigation practice at CMS stands out for its breadth of expertise, which encompasses business rates and rent reviews, alongside energy, telecoms, and residential matters. The group has extensive knowledge of both traditional and emerging real estate sectors, including energy, data centres, and leisure. Co-leading the department are Nick Wood and Emma Pinkerton, both of whom are seasoned real estate dispute lawyers. Wood has a particular strength in disputes within international elements, while Pinkerton concentrates on energy-related real estate disputes. The team also benefits from Marcus Barclay, who handles rent review mandates, whereas Eleanor Murray oversees enfranchisement and residential disputes. Julie Gattegno and Nick Lloyd stand out for their rights of light capabilities. Anna Ralston-Crane, Robin Biela, and Sara Keag are other key contacts in the team. Danielle Drummond-Brassington departed in April 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Eleanor Murray – first rate at dealing with enfranchisement, the right of first refusal, the right to manage, and all other aspects of residential property. She is also an excellent team leader.’
‘Emma Pinkerton is an excellent partner and is notable for her excellent judgment, listening and decision-making skills.'
‘Emma Pinkerton is a highly experienced property litigation specialist - nothing fazes her. Sara Keag is a calm and highly capable lawyer who is great to have in your corner.’
‘Marcus Barclay has unrivalled expertise in valuation disputes. He is thorough, thoughtful and very easy to work with.’
‘CMS' property team has established itself as a market leader in business rates litigation, and handles some of the most complex and contentious disputes in this field. I regularly recommend them to major clients looking for first-class advice.’
‘Marcus Barclay is a superb litigator - he radiates calm and professionalism and has a solid strategic sense allied with excellent legal instincts. A real class act.’
‘CMS has a strong property litigation team that works well together - genuine teamwork is on display whenever I work with them. They are particularly strong on leasehold and enfranchisement matters, and have growing strength and experience in building safety work.’
‘Eleanor Murray and Sarah Collins are the standout individuals in the team, in my view. Sarah is technically superb with excellent attention to detail. Eleanor leads the team in a calm and friendly manner that clients appear to appreciate - she gains the trust of clients and opponents quickly and easily.’
Key clients
- Columbia Threadneedle Investments
- Landsec
- SEGRO plc
- Mileway
- Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd / Argos Limited
- The Wellcome Trust
- Barings Real Estate
- Legal & General
- Aberdeen
- Hammerson
- Mitsubishi Estate London
- Channel Tunnel Group Limited and France Manche (Eurotunnel)
- The Crown Estate
- Multiplex Construction
- Southern Electric Power Distribution (SSE)
- AEW UK REIT PLC
- All England Lawn Tennis Club
Work highlights
Acting for Picturehouse Cinemas Limited in ongoing, highly contested litigation with its landlord, with recent High Court proceedings regarding liability for landlord commissions as part of the insurance rent premium.
Advising the All England Lawn Tennis Club in relation to the Wimbledon Park Plan, which is its proposed extension of the Wimbledon tennis courts.
Acted for Valero Energy obtaining the first final injunction to prevent protest activity at its seven sites in England and Wales, following the handing down of judgement from the Supreme Court in the Wolverhampton case.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Nick Wood; Emma Pinkerton
Other key lawyers
Marcus Barclay; Eleanor Murray; Julie Gattegno; Nick Lloyd; Anna Ralston-Crane; Robin Biela; Sara Keag; Sarah Collins