Walker Morris LLP advises national and international businesses, retailers, occupiers, landlords, developers, and public sector bodies on complex real estate litigation and large portfolio matters, including work in the insurance sector, particularly regarding defective title insurance claims. Martin McKeague and Karl Anders jointly lead the team from the Leeds office. McKeague is experienced in landlord-tenant disputes, portfolio management, and insurance issues; and Anders specialises in residential landlord-tenant law, representing lending institutions, fixed charge receivers, managing agents, and national private and public sector landlords. David Manda acts for landlords and tenants in the retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors; while the 'knowledgeable' Lewis Couth handles property portfolio issues, including contested lease renewals, rent reviews, and forfeiture proceedings.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Lewis Couth is the best property litigator in the north. An absolute star. Very thoughtful, knowledgeable and down to earth.'
- 'Walker Morris stands out as a leading UK law firm with a strong independent team structure, a commitment to innovation, and cutting-edge technology integration. The firm has embraced legal tech advancements, including AI-driven tools, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement through initiatives. With a single-site strategy in Leeds, it promotes collaboration and cost-effectiveness while offering specialised, client-focused legal services.'
Key clients
- Starbucks
- Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
- Sky plc
- Unite plc
- Avant Homes
- London Borough of Tower Hamlets
- Next
Work highlights
Advising Great Jackson St Estates Limited in relation to a claim to modify several restrictive covenants in a lease that restrict the proposed development of the property, with the permission to appeal being granted and matter to be heard by the Court of Appeal in April 2025.
Advising Unite Group, the UK's largest operator of student accommodation, in defending an application for a remediation order pursuant to section 123 of Building Safety Act 2022, with the estimated value of the remediation works exceeding £10m.
Advising the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in respect of dual action seeking remediation order and remediation contribution orders under the Building Safety Act 2022.
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.
David Manda
Practice head
Martin McKeague; Karl Anders
Other key lawyers
David Manda; Lewis Couth