The property litigation practice at Birketts LLP is 'very proactive and commercially aware, particularly in high-profile matters'. A diverse workload encompasses Telecoms Code property matters, rights to light, leasehold enfranchisement, town and village green issues, and more. In Ipswich, 'sharp, incisive' practice head Richard Eaton and telecoms property expert James Robinson are the key practitioners. Legal directors Alice Harris and Laura Tanguay are notable for housing law and TOLATA respectively. In Cambridge, new partner Lynsey Ellard is 'reliable, responsive and resilient'. 'Market nous is as good as any City firm', say clients of the Norwich team led by senior associate Simon Woodhead, who advises on the management and disposal of surplus property. John Scannell retired.

Howes Percival LLP's property litigation group is 'responsive and geared to getting good commercial outcomes'. East Anglia is a significant hub for the firm-wide practice, which is led by the 'knowledgable, tenacious and committed 'Jamie Kidd in Norwich, and the 'responsive, practical and pragmatic' Simon Murphy in Cambridge. Kidd's team focuses on land and development issues for landed estates, housebuilders and large corporates. Murphy's team, in which director Leanne Davis is a key figure, has in-depth experience in landlord and tenant matters, and manages numerous property portfolios, as well as handling lease renewals and exits.

Mills & Reeve LLP‘s property litigation group has ‘a good understanding of the dynamics of the market and an excellent presence‘. Led from Cambridge by Richard New, the firm provides comprehensive advice on high-profile national, and increasingly international, property matters. New is a leading expert in business rates. In Norwich, the vastly experienced Richard Hanson and special counsel James Hordern, who is a recognised expert in agricultural law, are the names to note. The team is heavily involved in disputes in the telecoms sector. Principal associates Julian Steed in Norwich and Samuel Maw in Cambridge (who is ‘down to earth, but extremely sharp and knowledgeable‘) are also recommended.

Ashtons Legal is ‘an excellent provincial firm that punches well above its weight'. The firm handles contentious property matters for Cambridge colleges, estate agents, property developers, insolvency practitioners, and landlords. It also provides specialist enfranchisement advice to both landlords and tenants. The 'absolutely superb' Kirsteen Durrant in Cambridge leads the practice. She recently handled a £1m breach of covenant claim for a restaurant tenant. Head of dispute resolution Michael Frape in Cambridge and senior associate Annabel Mayer in Bury St Edmunds also handle property disputes as part of their broader litigation practices.

Greene & Greene in Bury St Edmunds is 'a very solid high street firm with a hugely pragmatic approach to litigation which is client-focused and responsive'. Rob Adam and Michael Batty are expert litigators who oversee a practice that is particularly well regarded for landlord and tenant matters. Experienced partner  Sarah Western and associate Bee Belby are also recommended, and clients note that 'it's reassuring to find no-nonsense, City-type service from a regional player'.

HCR Hewitsons in Cambridge is part of a firm-wide property litigation practice led from Cheltenham that handles commercial landlord and tenant matters, freehold developer disputes, and residential and agricultural litigation. Local lead partner Natalie Minott is ‘thorough, approachable, and professional‘. ‘Her attention to detail is exceptional‘, say clients of senior associate Kate Church. Senior associate Georgia Dinallo, who frequently assists portfolio retail tenants with lease renewals, is also a key member of the practice.

Buckles Solicitors LLP has shown 'a genuine compassion and understanding of the human condition' in dealing with contentious property matters. Legal director Paul Branch is the key practitioner in East Anglia. He frequently assists the National Allotment Society with day-to-day matters including disputes, a recent example concerning land to be purchased from the Co-op and on new terms and conditions for allotments.

Norwich firm Fosters is 'extremely understanding and helpful' in dealing with property disputes. Head of litigation Chris Fielding ' is outstanding and gives clear explanations'. The firm has a loyal client base across Norfolk for boundary disputes, landlord and tenant conflicts, commercial property litigation, leasehold matters and other contentious issues. Commercial property partner James Allen also assists with complex matters.

Led from London by Chi Collins, the property disputes practice at Greenwoods relies heavily on expertise in its Peterborough office, particularly head of litigation Huw Wallis and senior associate Amy Castleman. The firm acts for commercial landlords and tenants, to developers, leaseholders, managing agents, schools, retailers and high-net-worth individuals, with work ranging from dilapidations claims, lease extensions, and lease renewals to enfranchisement and property guardianship matters. Clients appreciate the 'effective, prompt communication’.

Hunt & Coombs LLP in Peterborough is 'detail-oriented, collaborative with counsel and eager to put their clients on the best foot'.  Head of dispute resolution Helen Townsend oversees contentious property matters, while senior associate Rebecca Beynon-Phillips handles matters concerning forfeiture, lease extensions and renewals, dilapidations claims, landlord and tenant issues, boundary disputes and repossessions. 'Their customer service and timeliness to respond to queries was excellent', remarks one client.

Nicholsons Solicitors LLP in Lowestoft has 'a very professional team that oozes confidence'. The firm handles contentious matters for key market participants in Norfolk and Suffolk including local authorities, developers, insurance companies, institutional landlords, large property and land owners. Lead partner Sabina Haag is 'personable and knowledgeable, instantly putting clients at ease with clear and realistic advice'. She handled a £1m dispute for Lowestoft Town Council concerning a historic Victorian footbridge.

The dispute resolution practice at Norfolk firm Spire Solicitors LLP is frequently involved in contentious property matters, including boundary disputes, restrictive covenant matters, dilapidation claims, and landlord and tenant issues. Philip Lumb joined from Clapham & Collinge Solicitors in Norwich in late 2023, adding expertise in property litigation and contentious probate matters. He joins practice head Siân Carrel in Dereham and Jane Liddle in Norwich.