The practice at Freeths LLP is co-headed by Clare Bellis in Oxford and Mark Brown in Milton Keynes. Bellis focuses on resolving disputes in the rural development space, while Brown is recommended for a broad range of landlord and tenant issues, such as dilapidation claims and contested lease renewals. 'Expert litigator' Adam Boyd has vast experience in disputes concerning rent arrears, restrictive covenants, and forfeitures. Rosalyn Shephard is noted for her deep knowledge of agricultural property disputes. The Oxford team was strengthened by the addition of Aimee Teague, who joined the firm from Shoosmiths LLP in September 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Adam Boyd is a go-to lawyer for property litigation. Whether it's a quick query, advice on a commercial approach, or going to trial. His advice is widely regarded as being both commercial and straight forward.'
- ‘Adam Boyd is an expert litigator. He is determined and committed to always delivering the best outcome for the client. His attention to detail is second to none.’
- ‘The team is great to work with. They are thorough and focused on getting the best results for their clients.’
- ‘Rosalyn Shephard and Clare Bellis are both extremely able. They are thorough and knowledgeable about the ins and outs of property litigation. They are good at spotting and dealing with the legal technicalities. They are also good at standing back and seeing the big picture.’
- ‘Clare Bellis is a bright, experienced litigator with a depth of expertise in both property litigation and professional negligence. She is very easy to work with, committed to the case, and willing to go the extra mile.’
- ‘An efficient, impressive property litigation team’
- ‘Aimee Teague is smart, switched on, and responsive.’
‘The team stands out for its attention to detail and accurate advice.’
Key clients
- Punch Taverns
- Tavern Propco
- Vauxhall Tavern London Limited
- Fuller, Smith & Turner plc
- Countryside Properties
- Burger King UK
- PPR Estates
- Harworth Group Plc
- Investra Capital
- Wagamama Limited
Work highlights
Acted for the operator of the Royal Vauxhall Tavern in a £500,000 damages and specific performance claim against its landlord, which was under an obligation to keep the structure of the property in repair. The case settled in June 2023 enabling the Vauxhall Tavern to re-launch its Pride party.
Acted for PPR Estates successfully defending a High Court claim for an injunction made by a high street supermarket to restrain it from serving notice under an agreement for lease that the development of a shell unit was practically complete, with the effect that the supermarket would be liable to complete the lease.
Advising a landowner who had sold land at agricultural value subject to covenants not to develop the land and to use it only for agricultural use. The new owner was proposing to use the land to implement a business selling Biodiversity Net Gain Credits under the proposed new BNG marketplace.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Rosalyn Shephard
Aimee Teague
Practice head
Clare Bellis; Mark Brown
Other key lawyers
Adam Boyd; Aimee Teague; Rosalyn Shephard; Andrew Dashwood-Begg