Private client
The ‘responsive, client-centric and commercially focused’ real estate litigation team at Freeths LLP demonstrates a deep focus on the leisure and agricultural sectors. An ’experienced litigator with a depth of expertise’, Clare Bellis heads up the team and leads on dilapidation, easement, possession, nuisance, and rent arrears claims concerning commercial, educational, and agricultural property. Demonstrating ‘great insight and problem-solving skills’, Mark Brown is a key contact within the leisure sector and represents developers, landlords, and tenants in contentious lease renewal proceedings and dilapidations and possession claims. Adam Boyd is ’an expert in his field’ and is highly sought after for his advice on contract, construction, and development disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Mentions
Profile
Work Department
Clare heads up the property litigation team in our Oxford office. She acts for developers, public sector, retail, tenants, property investors, landed estates and charities in helping to resolve the full range of disputes relating to commercial, residential and agricultural property – all with the aim of maximising the value and enjoyment of the property.
She specialises in working with the rural and development sectors, acting as a property lawyer on option/promotion and development disputes and agricultural tenancy disputes. Clare also has wide experience in professional negligence claims, particularly those involving property.
Clare’s approach is to work alongside clients to fully understand their business and objectives, with an aim to resolve disputes as swiftly and cost effectively as possible. This may involve court proceedings, Land Registry adjudication or some form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (such as mediation, arbitration or PACT).
Position
Director
Content supplied by Freeths LLP
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Incredibly responsive, client-centric and commercially focused.’
‘Negotiated brilliantly and quickly to achieve a solution and were clever and tactical in negotiations.’
'Freeths provides first class legal advice alongside a deep understanding of our needs and objectives as a business. Freeths always goes that "extra mile" and look for ways in which they can add value for the client.'
‘A breadth of expertise across the property litigation and real estate landscape.’
'Clear, pragmatic advice, coupled with great client service in terms of availability and responsiveness.'
‘Clare Bellis is a bright, experienced litigator with a depth of expertise. She is very easy to work with, committed to the case, and willing to go the extra mile.’
‘Mark Brown has great insight and problem-solving skills.’
'Adam Boyd is an expert in his field. Understands the fine details and leaves no stone unturned. Determined to get the best outcome for clients.'
'Freeths have a large and strong property department.'
'Claire Bellis has been very sensible, and her knowledge is very good.'
Key clients
- Punch Taverns Tavern Propco Galliard Homes Fuller, Smith & Turner plc Countryside Properties Burger King UK Entindale Limited Harworth Group Plc Investra Capital Wagamama Limited Oxford University Press Tarmac Group of Companies Micheldever Tyre Services Limited The Carington Estate, Buckinghamshire Sir Edward Dashwood New College, Oxford Response Organisation Bellway Homes Limited IDVerde UK Limited Dogs Trust
Work highlights
Acting for Entindale Limited and other associated companies in resisting two applications to have acquired land listed as an asset of community value.
Acting for Howarth Estates Investments Limited in proceedings in the High Court for payment of a £400k retention due under a sale contract with Westfield Park Limited.
Advising private trustees on Agricultural Holding Act issues in respect of prospective development land subject to an AHA tenancy.