Renowned for its ‘specialist sector knowledge’, DLA Piper handles all contentious aspects of real estate ownership, management, investment, development and funding. This includes disputes related to joint ventures, right of light, trespass injunctions, service discharge, and rent reviews. Petra Billing and Rob Shaw jointly lead the team from the Sheffield and Leeds offices, respectively. The ’highly popular’ Billing has extensive expertise in both property and mining litigation, representing clients in mineral disputes and offering strategic guidance on acquisitions and planning matters. The ‘bright and focused’ Shaw brings valuable experience in utilities agreements advisory, with a particular focus on the implications of the Electronic Communications Code; and Peter Gardner focuses on high-profile claims related to opposed lease renewals, vacant possession strategies, and recovery of land for development schemes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'High profile, known for their specialist sector knowledge - their name carries weight. The team can handle disputes of all varieties including agricultural, commercial landlord and tenant and dilapidations claims.'
- 'Petra Billing - a wonderfully and highly popular team leader. Rob Shaw - fantastically bright and focused - a joy to work with.'
Key clients
- National Highways Limited
- British Airways Plc.
- HS2 Limited
- Heineken UK Limited
Work highlights
Advised National Highways Limited on securing multiple high-profile injunctions against protestors, including a legal first nationwide injunction covering the Strategic Road Network, and successfully representing them in contempt proceedings and the Court of Appeal.
Advised Heineken UK Limited on litigation matters for a portfolio of 3,000 public houses, including disputes, forfeiture actions, COVID-19 rent concessions, and compliance with Pubs Code Regulations.
Advised HS2 Limited on the renewal of a final injunction covering the entire proposed high-speed rail route, with further counsel on a review hearing set for May 2025.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Petra Billing; Rob Shaw
Other key lawyers
Peter Gardner; Claire Swailes; Mary Barraclough