Covering a wide range of property disputes, spanning from lease terminations to right of light cases, Shakespeare Martineau LLP regularly acts on behalf of national universities and multinational corporations. The practice’s knowledge extends to claims regarding landlords’ repudiatory breaches and obtaining emergency Possession Orders, all headed up by Vanessa Joll. Based in Birmingham, Martin Edwards is highly knowledgeable in restrictive covenant and dilapidation proceedings, while the ‘excellent’ James Fownes covers all aspects of commercial landlord and tenant disputes. Other key figures include Justine Ball, who routinely acts for developers and landowners.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have worked most with James Fownes and Pia Eames, on a number of complex cases. They are both excellent, and easily comparable with other top property litigation teams. The team has good working relationships internally, which seems to me central to good litigation. You need a team which communicates and supports well within itself so that each member can perform well.’
‘James Fownes is an excellent partner. In part it is because he really likes property law and the property law points that come up in the cases. Pia has a really determination which helps when trying to root out the key pieces of evidence which will make a case succeed. She is too very good at client handling.’
Key clients
- University of Birmingham
- Vision Express (UK) Limited
Work highlights
Assisted Birmingham University to successfully manage a peaceful protest on its campus by obtaining Campus Wide Possession Order.
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.
Practice head
Vanessa Joll
Other key lawyers
Martin Edwards; James Fownes; Justine Ball; Pia Eames