James Picknell

Partner

James has specialised in advising clients on property dispute matters since 2003, gaining significant experience in the areas of commercial landlord and tenant and land disputes.

James represents commercial landlords and tenants in respect of a broad range of matters, such as opposed and unopposed commercial lease renewals, insolvency, assignment and subletting, forfeiture, rent arrears, and service charge disputes.  James has significant experience dealing with complex dilapidations claims, break clauses and lease exit strategies.

For many years, a consistently large part of James’ caseload has included advising on private client and commercial land issues, such as access disputes, restrictive covenants and nuisance claims.  James also has considerable experience advising clients on boundary disputes and adverse possession claims.

James works primarily in our Guildford office but also collaborates closely with colleagues in our other locations.

Work highlights:

• Representing an international firm in its defence of a substantial dilapidations claim of high end commercial office premises in the City.
• Representing a developer in High Court proceedings concerning attempts by a commercial neighbour to prevent the client and future owners from gaining access to a residential development.
• Acting for a group of neighbours who were parties to proceedings in the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) and the High Court in respect of their objection to a developer’s claims for the modification of restrictive covenants and a declaration of the Court.
• Advising and providing strategic advice to well known high street retailers in respect of asset management issues such as 1954 Act renewals, break clauses and dilapidations disputes.