Burges Salmon LLP is go-to for a large swathe of real estate disputes with experience covering asset management issues for large property portfolios, dilapidations and lease issues, including terminations and renewals, as well as disputes relating to planning work and property insolvencies. The team is also known for its substantial water sector expertise together with its strong reputation in Building Safety Act disputes, notably regarding cladding. Practice head and ‘master tactician’ James Sutherland splits his time between London and Bristol and is experienced in advising landlords, occupiers, high-net-worth individuals, and financial institutions. Described as ’excellent and extremely user-friendly’, Chris Preston has a strong track record acting for public and private sector groups; he also stands out for his expertise in the Telecoms and the Electronic Communications Code. Catherine Banton and Michael Duncan are also of note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A very sophisticated team which understands the property and the needs of their client.’
‘All individuals provide the highest standard of advice and professionalism, whilst also feeling like an extension of the client team.’
‘Chris Preston is very approachable and provides clear and excellent advice.’
‘The team is comprised of very well-trained solicitors. Their response times in providing the advice is excellent and accessibility to the team is also excellent. Key strengths of the team relate to rent review and lease renewal advice, and they add value to the situation by understanding the commercial objectives and help shape and put in place the strategy.'
‘James Sutherland leads the team and is excellent. In terms of his advice, knowledge, commercial awareness and accessibility. You feel very confident with James and his team on your side to help make the right decisions.'
‘They're of the highest quality - able to roll their sleeves up and get to the bottom of difficult disputes, cutting through complex issues and presenting facts and commercial options in a clear and user-friendly manner. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone.’
‘Chris Preston continues to be excellent and extremely user-friendly. His pragmatic advice prioritises problem-solving over litigation for the sake of it - a breath of fresh air. Chris has repeatedly demonstrated that he can be relied upon to identify unseen challenges and ably navigate strategy on complicated disputes.'
- 'Michael Duncan is very reliable - he seems to be ever-available and has a great grasp of the issues.’
Key clients
- The Crown Estate
- John Lewis & Partners
- St James’s Place Wealth Management Group Limited
- Virgin Management Limited
- Kent County Council
- South West Water/Pennon Group
- Severn Trent Water
- Saudi Arabian Airlines
- Tryst Enterprises
- JTI Group
Work highlights
- Advised Virgin Management on multiple contentious issues linked to its Head Office move from Paddington to new premises in Bloomsbury, including breaking the lease of its former HQ, settling the dilapidations claim, and advising on the development works to the new HQ.
- Advising Pennon Group on issues relating to its regulated and non-regulated real estate portfolio, including a High Court litigation relating to damage caused to strategic water mains supplying water to Cornwall, and advice relating to Electronic Communication Code issues within its entire portfolio of third-party telecoms masts sites.
- Acting on behalf of Taper Building Residential Leasehold Association (TBLRA) in respect of a complex multi-party dispute relating to cladding works of a high-rise residential building in London.
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.
Catherine Banton
Practice head
James Sutherland
Other key lawyers
Chris Preston; Catherine Banton; Michael Duncan