The real estate dispute resolution practice at DMH Stallard LLP stands out for its ‘knowledgeable, proactive’ advice. The team is headed up by the ’experienced, efficient’ Emily Wood, who acts for property investors, local authorities, commercial tenants, and private landlords on complex breach of covenant, vacant possession, and business rates claims. James Picknell represents major commercial landlords and tenants in covenant disputes, navigating lease exit strategies, and dilapidation claims. Further experts include Tina George, a specialist in lease extensions and enfranchisement; Graham Halsall, who acts for commercial developers and local authorities on land disputes concerning access issues and recovering possession; and Cheraine Williams, who focuses her practice on landlord and tenant issues including dilapidations, lease renewals, and vacant possession issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Legally very competent but also very strategically aware.’
‘Really strong team and very adaptable.’
‘Extremely knowledgeable, good communicators and very professional. The advice we receive is always first class.’
‘Knowledgeable, proactive team.’
‘Great expertise and knowledge.’
‘Very quick to respond and very helpful.’
‘Emily Wood is experienced, efficient, and cut-throat when she needs to be.’
‘James Picknell is top-tier and very calm under pressure.’
Key clients
- Crawley Borough Council
- Wealden & Rother District Council
- Cats Protection Trustees Limited
- St Catherine’s Hospice Limited
- Dorrington PLC
- Cadogan Estates Limited
- Newhaven Port and Properties Limited
- University of Brighton
- Liverpool & Victoria
- Horsham District Council
Work highlights
Advising the Dervia Foundation on its significant portfolio of commercial and residential properties in Sussex, including commercial lease renewals, advice on dilapidations, residential possession recovery, and redevelopment projects
Acting for Roffey Homes Limited on a range of property matters including voluntary and statutory lease extensions, service charge issues, and contentious property matters
Acting for a consortium of energy supplies in test case appeals to the Valuation Tribunal against the Valuation Office challenging the current methodology of rating in green energy.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Emily Wood
Other key lawyers
Tina George; James Picknell; Graham Halsall; Cheraine Williams