The real estate disputes team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner handles complex lease disputes, restrictive covenant cases and landlord and tenant matters for a wide-range of blue-chip clients. ‘Expert in his field’ Akhil Markanday leads the team and is experienced in all aspects of contentious property work, including complex joint ventures and sale and purchase disputes. Roger Cohen advises investors, owners and occupiers on real estate disputes and transactional risks, whilst ‘top-rate lawyer’ Rebecca Campbell handles complex disputes surrounding exit strategies, dilapidation claims and insolvency claims. The ‘brilliant’ Anna Iceton is also a key team member with strong abilities acting for a range of institutional clients in both commercial and residential contexts. Michael Metliss left the team to join Fladgate LLP in October 2022.

With one of the largest teams in the market, CMS is capable of providing the full spectrum of commercial advice to clients involved in business-critical, complex disputes. The team is led by the 'unrivalled' Danielle Drummond-Brassington who has a strong track record in handling significant real estate telecoms matters. The 'enormously experienced' Marcus Barclay specialises in rent reviews, whilst Julie Gattegno is experienced in disputes stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic. 'Outstanding property litigator' Nick Lloyd is a specialist in rights of light matters and Robin Biela focuses on development and redevelopment work. Anna Ralston-Crane is noteworthy for her experience in residential licensing law and Covid rent arrears-related cases, whilst 'first-rate' practitioner Eleanor Murray leads the enfranchisement and residential dispute team.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is well-known for its experience in acting for clients in business-critical real estate litigation matters. In particular, the firm handles work concerning enfranchisement, judicial review, rent review and significant developments. The team also contains specialists in telecoms and urban explorer-related cases. Team leader Will Densham has impressive experience in rent review and right to light disputes. Stuart Wortley is involved in market-leading cases concerning protest law in addition to his work concerning urban explorers. Thekla Fellas leads the telecoms code group, whilst the 'incredibly knowledgeable' Rashpal Soomal focuses on supporting high-profile developers on large-scale development matters.

The property litigation team at Forsters LLP has recently acted on a series of complex market-leading matters before the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. The team handles a diverse range of commercial and residential disputes, particularly those regarding developments, service charge disputes and dilapidation claims. Practice head and ‘masterful litigator’ Ben Barrison has particular expertise in rights of light matters, as well as development disputes and property insolvency issues. ‘Very knowledgeable’ senior partner Natasha Rees is an expert in residential disputes and enfranchisement. Jonathan Ross, who is noted for his ability to find ‘ingenious solutions’, is experienced in property-related professional negligence claims, whilst the 'bright, hardworking and engaging' Anna Mullins handles residential and commercial landlord and tenant matters.

Hogan Lovells International LLP‘s ‘bright, resourceful and personable’ practice handles a wide-range of complex, high-value real estate disputes, particularly in regard to insolvency issues and development matters. The team frequently acts at the forefront of base-build defect claims. Mathew Ditchburn leads the firm’s international real estate litigation practice and has a particular specialism in insolvency-related matters. The ‘super bright’ Paul Tonkin acts on all forms of real estate dispute on behalf of institutional landlords, developers, retailers and financial institutions. Noteworthy team member Tim Reid is an expert in leasehold enfranchisement. Katie Dunn and Benjamin Willis are also key names in the cohort. Senior counsel consultant Nicholas Cheffings departed to an in-house role in December 2022.

Mishcon de Reya LLP regularly handles business-critical property litigation work across all levels of court, including in matters concerning injunctions, rent review and development. The 'cohesive' and 'highly commercial' team also features a strong rights of light practice, led by Chhavie Kapoor. Team leader and 'incredibly strategic' practitioner Daniel Levy is known for his experience with complex landlord and tenant matters such as dilapidation and development disputes. Joanna Lampert is experienced in complex disputes, whilst Emma Macintyre handles complex contractual and joint venture disputes concerning significant London developments. Mark Reading handles all aspects of residential and commercial property law.

Addleshaw Goddard‘s real estate disputes team is active in a number of the market’s most rapidly growing sectors, including the living sector, rights of light matters, joint venture disputes and concerns arising from the Building Safety Act. Frances Richardson leads the team with considerable experience relating to contract disputes, insolvency, dilapidation and professional negligence claims, whilst Gregory Simms deals with all forms of real estate litigation with a particular focus on overage, development and contract disputes.

The real estates disputes team at Ashurst works closely with the firm's other teams, both domestically and abroad, allowing them to offer the full breadth of dispute services to clients at local and international level. This includes in matters regarding rights of light, restrictive covenants, dilapidations and insolvency. 'Astute operator' Alison Hardy leads the global practice and has particular experience working with property investment companies, commercial landlords and property developers. Kim Clifford, noted for her 'tactical nous' specialises in insolvency-related disputes, whilst Joe Perry-Courtade is experienced in dilapidations and rights to light matters.

Working across the whole spectrum of property litigation, the ‘strong and well-resourced’ practice at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP features particular expertise in rights of light and leasehold enfranchisement matters. The team also contains experts in London Urban Estates and the telecoms sector, particularly the Electronic Communications Code. 'Outstanding lawyer' Emma Humphreys has a particular focus on break rights, insolvency matters and rent arrears. 'Superbly gifted practitioner' James Souter leads the firm’s enfranchisement group and has a notable specialism in development-related work. David Haines leads the team, splitting his time between London and Guildford.

The property litigation team at Clyde & Co handles the full range of contentious commercial property matters, with a particular focus on landlord and tenant work, while also handling matters concerning dilapidations, service charge disputes and rent arrears. The 'massively experienced' Keith Conway leads the team, specialising in development matters in the office, retail and hospitality sectors; Jeremy Stephen is particularly experienced in land development; and senior associate Robert Wood who joined from CMS in September 2022 has ‘great technical knowledge’ regarding complex commercial property disputes.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is experienced in handling contentious landlord and tenant work alongside big ticket litigation concerning development, as well as rights of light, lease renewals, telecoms and trespassers. The team is led by 'legend in his field' Matthew Bonye, who handles all manner of commercial real estate disputes such as those relating to land purchases, ratings appeals and contractual issues. He is supported by Frances Edwards, who namely handles complex contractual disputes and professional negligence matters.

The 'top-notch' real estate litigation team at Osborne Clarke LLP handles complex disputes across all levels of court. Most notably, the team acts for a number of the firm’s energy clients on their real estate matters, while also handling development disputes, commercial landlord and tenant matters and residential mixed-use property disputes. 'Fantastic team leader' Gary Lawrenson works across the whole market, with particular experience in rights of light disputes. Carl Roche is especially active on real estate disputes in the renewable energy sector, whilst the 'excellent' Shinead Wilson handles a range of neighbourly matters.

Pinsent Masons LLP acts for a range of prominent property developers, housebuilders and investors on a variety of high-profile development and infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on rights of light, investments, trial work and energy-related property disputes. Practice head Melissa Thompson advises on all areas of property litigation and has significant expertise in development disputes, and landlord and tenant matters. Richard Bartle, noted as a 'star of the real estate field at the top of his game' handles property litigation in the energy, infrastructure and advanced technologies sector.

Utilising the firm’s global network, the property litigation team at Dentons handles disputes for a range of national and international clients. Particular areas of expertise for the team include landlord and tenant disputes, insolvency, development disputes and rights of light matters. 'Star in his field' Bryan Johnston leads the team, specialising in business rates and the Electronic Communications code. Thomas Nolan, noted as being 'experienced beyond his years', is another key name with a strong focus on high-end residential property litigation.

DLA Piper‘s property litigation team is experienced in handling complex cross-border property disputes surrounding planning and development. 'Standout partner' Ian Brierley leads the team with decades of experience advising clients on property, planning and development matters across Europe and the US. James MacDonald-Pearce is particularly well-known for his experience handling rights of light cases.

Farrer & Co regularly handles high-profile, complex real estate disputes across a range of specialisms, particularly for charities, schools and other not-for-profit organisations. 'Top-notch lawyer' Siobhan Jones has over twenty years' experience acting for commercial and residential property owners and managers in landlord and tenant, insolvency and neighbourly disputes. Jo Ord has significant experience in dealing with real property issues like rights of way and the enforceability of covenants.

Fieldfisher‘s practice has experience working on complex and high-profile real estate disputes in London. In particular, the team is known for its strong track record in the fields of preemptive injunctive relief and professional negligence. Antony Phillips leads the team and specialises in dilapidations and secured lending recoveries. Other key figures include Lesley Webber, who has over 40 years of experience with rent reviews.

With a strong track record in court and trial work, Howard Kennedy LLP's team acts across the full spectrum of real estate disputes. In addition to residential and commercial property management, the practice handles development matters surrounding fire strategy, rights of light and restrictive covenants. 'Go-to solicitor' Amanda McNeil leads the team with a particular focus on the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors. Edward Cooper is a key name to note, as is Stephen Scott who joined the team in November 2022 from CMS.

Lewis Silkin covers all areas of commercial and residential property litigation before all levels of court. The team acts for major corporates and high-net-worth individuals with a particular focus on dilapidations, rights of light, insolvency and development matters. Practice head Brian Kilcoyne, who is noted as ‘one of the leading property litigation solicitors in the country’, has over 30 years of experience with contractual and development disputes. ‘Top litigator’ Mario Betts handles a range of commercial landlord and tenant matters, whilst Paul Hayes has a strong track record in professional negligence.

The real estate litigation team at Maples Teesdale LLP places a particular emphasis on management and development work. Rent arrears are a particular area of expertise, alongside rights of light, contested break notices, insolvency and telecoms. Dellah Gilbert is the head of the team, with a particular specialism in rights of light matters and disposals, she advises across the whole spectrum of property litigation. Rosalind Cullis advises on all aspects of commercial property litigation, particularly in matters concerning Covid.

Russell-Cooke LLP‘s property litigation practice is split into two teams, being the property and housing litigation team, and the enfranchisement team. Together, the teams have a strong track record in commercial property litigation for a client base of major market players. This includes in matters concerning telecoms, building safety and real property. Practice head Jason Hunter advises on landlord and tenant law, as well as disputes surrounding party walls, trespass and rights of way. Paul Greatholder regularly handles property litigation for businesses, individuals and charities.

Stephenson Harwood offers a ‘committed, efficient service’ for clients involved in any aspect of property litigation. The team is led by Andrew Myers, who is regarded as 'one of the best in the business' and has decades of experience supporting clients with dilapidation claims, tenant insolvency, restrictive covenants and vacant possession strategies. Sophie Schultz acts on some of the largest professional negligence claims in the market, while also specialising in rights of light and development matters. Andrew Bambury is another key name, regularly advising on lease renewals, dilapidations and enfranchisement matters.

Taylor Wessing LLP advises a number of major institutional, residential and private clients on a broad-range of matters including rights of light, dilapidation, service charges and injunctions. Team head and 'star partner' Saleem Fazal splits his time between London and Liverpool, advising clients on rent reviews, vacant possession strategy and dilapidations. The ‘practical and reliable’ Stephen Burke specialises in lease renewals, and recovery of rent and break notices, whilst the 'top-notch' Alicia Convery handles lease renewals and rights of light issues.

The property litigation team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP advises on a wide array of disputes. The main areas of focus for the firm are development, commercial property institutional investment, residential leasehold management and enfranchisement. Nicholas Levy leads the practice, specialising in handling disputes relating to the acquisition, management and disposal of real estate. Paul Marco handles disputes concerning vacant possession strategies and service charge issues, whilst Douglas Rhodes leads the landlord and tenant practice. 'Standout individual' Rachel Kerr is another key name, acting on high-profile rights of light matters.

Wedlake Bell LLP works for a broad-range of landlords, occupiers, developers and receivers on all manner of real estate litigation, particularly within the retail, development and religious sectors. Areas of expertise for the firm include dilapidations, forfeiture and possession claims, service charge disputes and overage payments. Department head and ‘exceptional property litigator’ Adam Colenso specialises in landlord and tenant litigation, as well as disputes concerning land development. Jonathan Hibberts is experienced in dealing with lease renewals, disrepair and termination disputes for both landlords and tenants.

Winckworth Sherwood LLP is best known for its experience with development risk and disputes, as well as property asset management. The team is also active on a number of rights of light matters, as well as disputes concerning building safety and cladding issues. The ‘very experienced’ Emma Chadwick leads both the property litigation team and the firm’s wider litigation department, specialising in land, development and commercial and residential lease disputes in particular. Paul Dunbar has over 20 years of experience handling landlord and tenant work, whilst Tim Fogarty focuses on rights of light and neighbourly matters.

Boodle Hatfield LLP works with a diverse roster of major estates, property management companies, and private individuals, who turn to the team for its capabilities in all manner of high-value disputes. The practice is headed up by Colin Young, an experienced litigator whose regular workload spans breach of covenant issues, damages claims, and disputes arising from sale processes, among other matters. Kellie Jones is another seasoned contentious partner with expertise in both commericial and residential property disputes, appearing before the High Court and the Court Appeal.

Clifford Chance LLP is experienced in handling property disputes at all levels of court. Key areas of expertise for the team are contract disputes, professional negligence, covenant disputes, insolvency and property finance-related litigation. The team is led by the 'outstanding' Ben Hatton, who specialises in development issues such as rent reviews, rights of light and professional negligence. Jane O’Leary specialises in insolvency disputes for real estate clients.

Cripps works for some of the largest property investors and occupiers in the country, acting as the go-to firm for leasehold enfranchisement issues and other disputes in the residential, retail and leisure sectors. 'Master of her field' Laura Southgate leads the team, specialising in all aspects of commercial and residential landlord and tenant disputes. Kerry Glanville is known for her work concerning enfranchisement disputes in the residential sector. Elena Chrysostomou has particular expertise supporting high-net-worth individuals with party wall disputes.

Davitt Jones Bould is best known for advising local councils in litigation matters surrounding locally and nationally significant projects, including such national landmarks as St. James’ Park and Hyde Park. Maeve Bonner advises clients on the full-range of property issues, including disposals, contentious break notices and dilapidations. Jonathan Warner-Reed is frequently involved in prominent cases concerning rights of light, adverse possession and judicial review. Peter Allinson and Madeleine Davitt, who work across the firm's national offices, are at the helm of the offering.

Edwin Coe LLP regularly handles cases in the High Court and the Court of Appeal while also offering advice to a wide-range of landlords, tenants and developers. The team works across the full spectrum of property litigation, with particular experience in joint venture disputes, professional negligence and issues stemming from the Building Safety Act. Practice head Joanna Osborne ‘leads the team brilliantly’ and has particular experience in joint venture and conveyancing issues.

Fladgate LLP‘s real estate litigation team advises on a wide-range of matters in the sector, including those surrounding commercial landlord and tenant issues, development disputes, corporate real estate disputes and insolvencies. Adam Gross leads the team, frequently handling development issues surrounding restrictive covenants, rights of light and joint ventures. Janet Keeley is experienced in settling disputes through court claims, arbitration and expert determination. The ‘unflappable’ Michael Metliss joined the team from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner in October 2022, following Alison Mould‘s September 2022 retirement.

Covering both residential and commercial work, Glovers Solicitors LLP is known for its work in the hospitality and leisure sector, as well as in disputes relating to property finance and insolvency. Kenny Friday, noted as being ‘at the top of his game’ leads the team with extensive knowledge of professional negligence, insolvency and commercial litigation matters. Friday co-leads the team with Paul Dench who specialises in forfeiture, lease renewal and boundary issues.

Hamlins LLP supports a wide-range of clients including property managers, investors, residential leaseholders and commercial landlords and tenants. The team is led by Kate Andrews, who has considerable experience handling leasehold covenants, dilapidations, service charges and rent reviews, alongside other landlord and tenant issues. Andrews is supported by 'truly excellent solicitor' Sarah Finch, a specialist in commercial property disputes arising from issues in blocks of flats.

Norton Rose Fulbright acts for leading investors and developers in both the local and international market on contentious aspects of their UK investments and development projects, including rights of light and security of tenure disputes. Practice head David Stevens advises clients on the full-range of property litigation matters with a particular focus on development constraints, rights of light and vacant possession strategies. He is supported by Greg Rouse.

The real estate litigation team at Payne Hicks Beach LLP has a strong track record acting for high-net-worth individuals in the central London residential sector. In particular, leasehold disputes are an area of expertise, alongside professional negligence and countryside issues. The ‘very experienced and accomplished’ Matthew Spring spearheads the department, specialising in leasehold enfranchisement and other landlord and tenant matters. Scott Goldstein is experienced representing noteworthy clients on both commercial and residential matters.

Reed Smith LLP‘s team has a strong track record for dealing with significant and complex litigation across a range of issues. Focus areas for the firm include regulatory matters, asset recovery and disputes involving fraud. Insolvency is another area of expertise. Katherine Campbell leads the team and is ‘extremely knowledgeable’ in landlord and tenant issues, conveyancing disputes and nuisance claims. She is supported by Brad Trerise, who also handles dilapidations and commercial lease matters.

The property litigation team at Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP acts for a diverse range of domestic and international clients on disputes surrounding construction, rights of light and enfranchisement. Commercial redevelopment and insolvency are also key areas of focus for the practice. David Burns co-leads the team alongside Rudi Ramdarshan who has a particular specialism in development and lease renewal proceedings, often acting against prime retail companies; both are regarded as 'standout lawyers'. Victoria Huxley handles disputes concerning lease renewals, land options and telecoms.

Travers Smith LLP is best known for its work handling development disputes, particularly those surrounding rights of light, rights of way and restrictive covenants within the retail and hospitality sectors. The team is led by Andrew Ross, who has substantial experience acting for developers, landowners and insolvency practitioners. Ross is supported by Lucy Thomas who is experienced in restrictive covenants and service charge matters.

Wallace LLP supports clients on all aspects of landlord and tenant disputes and leasehold enfranchisement matters. This includes forfeitures, dilapidations and telecoms. Meera Patel leads the property litigation team, acting primarily for high-profile landlords on lease renewals, forfeitures and tenant insolvencies. Samantha Bone leads the leasehold enfranchisement sub-team, frequently handling complex disputes in the sector. The 'massively experienced and knowledgeable' Simon Serota is another key name, who handles landlord and tenant disputes and breaches of covenant matters in particular.

Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP has a strong track record handling disputes in the residential sector on behalf of both landlords and tenants. The team is frequently involved in high-profile disputes concerning disrepair and safety, as well as possession claims, breaches of contract and boundary disputes. As team leader, Andrew Brookes has almost 30 years of experience acting for tenants and leaseholders, having previously represented survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire. Giles Peaker has acted for leaseholders in building defect and cladding issue-related work. Sarah Cummins and Robin Stewart are also key names.

The real estate litigation team at BDB Pitmans is experienced handling high-end residential property disputes and works closely with the firm’s commercial property department, as well as the planning, infrastructure and public law department. Simon Painter leads the team with experience in both commercial and residential property disputes, including insolvency matters and leasehold enfranchisement litigation. He is supported by Aoife Murphy who regularly handles breach of covenant and disrepair claims.

With 'fantastic knowledge and strategic thinking', Burges Salmon LLP is a strong choice for a host of major public and private sector clients, who turn to the team for its wide-ranging capabilities across commercial and residential property litigation. Practice head James Sutherland is a key contact for some of the firm's most high profile clients - from investment banks to utilities providers - with recent engagements including arbitration proceedings and disputes concerning cladding. Chris Preston is particularly noted for his experience with developer and retail clients, as well as local authorities in London and beyond. Other names to note include Sarah Taylor, who clients regard as 'a good negotiator' with a 'very good understanding of client's needs.' All named lawyers work between the firm's offices in London and Bristol.

 

Active across both residential and commercial property, Druces LLP has a particularly strong track record in landlord and tenant matters, as well as property finance disputes, business tenancy breaks and joint ventures. The team is led by Benjamin Lomer, who is experienced in business tenancy termination, dilapidation claims and rent recovery matters. Nigel Adams leads the wider dispute resolution team and regularly handles matters ranging from service charge issues to rights of light, while also being experienced in international arbitration.

Keystone Law is best known for acting for major hotels dealing with acquisitions, rent reviews and construction disputes. The team also acts for corporate occupiers dealing with rent reviews, lease renewals and dilapidations. Andrew Tugwell is particularly skilled in litigation surrounding valuation and surveying issues. 'Lighthouse in the storm' Ed John is experienced in dealing with developers in matters concerning building defects in the hotel and hospitality industries.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP‘s practice is active across a wide array of matters in the sector, including on development disputes, telecoms, insolvency and block management work. The team also features a prominent fire safety practice led by ‘exceptional partner’ Ben Robinson, who acts on a number of residential property issues. Department head Donald Lambert is focused on development disputes such as rights of light, forward-funding and conditional sales.

The ‘professional, supportive, responsive’ property disputes team at RWK Goodman is experienced in handling a range of residential and commercial disputes. Angela Gregson leads the team in London, specialising in neighbourly matters and rights of light issues. Ian McEwan focuses primarily on commercial property disputes in the retail sector for both landlords and tenants. Nick Martyn is particularly experienced in leasehold enfranchisement work.

Simmons & Simmons handles contentious matters for a broad client base consisting of established property companies, developers, funds and banks. The team is led by Jason Juden who regularly acts on property litigation issues surrounding rent review, dilapidations, rights of light and forfeiture.

Active across the full-range of contentious real estate services, Watson Farley & Williams LLP is particularly experienced in regard to development and infrastructure disputes. Other focus areas include cladding and fire safety, residential disputes and property insolvency. The 'excellent' Dev Desai leads the group and specialises in landlord and tenant disputes, while also representing developers and financial institutions.

Weightmans' team is known for its work with clients in the healthcare, social housing and public sector industries, wherein the property litigation team handles a range of commercial and residential disputes, including dilapidation claims and leasehold enfranchisement cases. Simon Hartley leads the team as a ‘stalwart ally’ for landlords and tenants in the retail, leisure and healthcare sectors, where he is skilled in matters concerning dilapidation, in particular.