Clifford Chance LLP covers the full gamut of property litigation, with experience extending from the High Court and Court of Appeal to the Upper Tribunal and alternative dispute resolution. The team is particularly active on high-value property contract disputes and title, easement, and covenant disputes. Team head Ben Hatton is especially well-positioned to handle development issues, including rights of light, but also excels in rent review advice, property-related insolvency, and asset management disputes. Jordan Gulwell‘s broad knowledge of property disputes and landlord and tenant issues covers 1954 Act disputes, contractual disputes, and dilapidations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Ben Hatton is fantastic, very knowledgeable and responsive and is just what you need.’
‘Combining legal expertise with practical, commercially-focused advice. Able to think strategically. Very user-friendly.’
‘Ben Hatton - The consummate modern litigator. Jordan Gulwell is one to watch for the future.’
‘Ben Hatton is the main member of this team, ably supported by his junior colleagues. He runs an efficient team and is always keen to ensure his clients receive the best service from the firm, and to bring in counsel when the matter requires it.’
‘Ben Hatton is commercially very astute, understands his clients' needs and is well versed with establishing the right team to ensure his clients get the best possible advice and service.’
'Extremely competent and experienced. Have advised on complex dispute and how to attempt to avoid expensive litigation whilst at the same time ensuring that the client is best prepared for presenting their case.'
'Ben Hatton and Jordan Gulwell have been approachable and there is no doubt about their legal and technical ability in exploring ways to avoid complex and costly litigation whilst at the same time preparing for Court if all else fails.'
Key clients
- American International Group
- Anglo Gordon
- Asphaltic Land Limited
- Bank of America
- Canary Wharf Group plc
- Elliott Management Corporation
- Flatfair Limited
- General Electric International
- GIC Private Limited
- Goldman Sachs
- Hammerson plc
- Heimstaden Bostad AB
- Helical plc
- Hemisphere
- Hondo Enterprises
- Horizon Nuclear Power Wylfa Limited
- King Abdallah District Management & Development Company
- Menta Developments Ltd
- Mitsubishi Estate London Limited
- Native Land
Work highlights
Created a vacant possession strategy for Helical Plc (the Landlord) for 100 New Bridge Street in London, including carrying out the relevant 1954 Act and break option procedures to ensure each tenant of the premises vacated in advance of the planned development.
Acted for a leading hotel operator in central London in relation to a claim against the developers of a nearby Government premises, which are being redeveloped into high-value residential apartments.
Advised UK pensions insurance specialist Rothesay Life Plc in respect of dilapidation issues, tenant default and rent arrears, including assistance with the interpretation of the Notional Rent provisions in a lease.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Ben Hatton
Other key lawyers
Jordan Gulwell