Firms To Watch: Property litigation

The team at Bexley Beaumont was bolstered in 2023 with the arrival to the Preston office of Sarah Savage and of Matthew Wayman to the Manchester office in July and May respectively.
Experienced property litigator Jessica Parry joined Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s Manchester practice in May 2023 from Brabners LLP.
September 2023 marked the arrival to Davis Blank Furniss' Manchester team of its new head of property litigation Seán Hackett from Stamford Legal.

Property litigation in North West

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard's property litigation practice is noted for its ‘dynamic approach’, and is considered ‘a leading team in Manchester’ by clients. The team advises a number of lucrative clients, including the Co-operative Group, Vue Cinemas, and Marks & Spencer, on matters relating to business rates, dilapidations and development issues. ‘Go-to partner in the property litigation world’ Chris Perrin heads the practice following the June 2023 retirement of Charles Jagger. Key practitioners in the team include the ‘incredibly hardworking‘ Vicki Sandbrook , the ‘extremely conscientious’ Patricia Love, and Joanne Mills who is noted for her ‘meticulous attention-to-detail’. Andy Feehan has particular expertise in handling institutional landlord disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Chris Perrin


Autres avocats clés:

Patricia Love; Joanne Mills; Andy Feehan; Vicki Sandbrook; Alex Wolfenden; Annie Hennis


Les références

‘What sets Addleshaw Goddard apart is their seamless collaboration with the wider project team. By fostering a dynamic approach, they ensure that the legal expertise aligns with the project goals. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also results in comprehensive legal solutions. This dynamism is represented across their team.’

‘Andy Feehan and Joanna Mills stand out individually for their exemplary contributions. Andy’s strategic insights and Joanne’s meticulous attention-to-detail make them invaluable assets on disputes. Their dedication sets a high standard, driving successful outcomes and commercial results.’

‘Patricia Love goes above and beyond for all of her clients. She is extremely conscientious and detail-orientated and leaves no stone unturned. For counsel she is very easy to work with, adopting a collaborative approach. Clients undoubtedly value her sound advice and judgement.’

Principaux clients

abrdn


Bruntwood Group of Companies


Co-operative Group


Hillview Group


Marks and Spencer


Network Rail


Santander UK Plc


Property Alliance Group


Vue Cinemas


Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's property litigation group is led by David McGuirk, who is noted for his provision of ‘commercially sound advice grounded in legal expertise’. The Manchester team is well-equipped to assist its clients with contentious landlord and tenant matters, the management of real estate portfolios, and development and property disputes revolving around the range of property types, from Grade II listed buildings to large and high-value commercial city centre properties. The ‘excellent’ Alex Wright is known for his extensive knowledge of rights of light disputes and protest actions, while landlord and tenant disputes are Carly Fishwick's primary area of expertise. Elin Owen is a key member of the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

David McGuirk


Autres avocats clés:

Carly Fishwick; Alex Wright; Elin Owen


Les références

‘David McGuirk and Carly Fishwick are both very approachable and give sensible, commercial advice.’

‘In comparison to other legal practices, I would certainly consider them to be in the ‘premier league’ of firms.’

‘They are highly commercial and just want to get the job done in the best format in the optimal time, with David McGuirk is a standout individual.’

Principaux clients

HS2


The Co-Operative Bank PLC


SI Properties Limited


European Tyre Enterprise Limited


The Emerson Group


Four Seasons Health Care


G4S


DXC Technology


INOVYN


Tobermory S.À.R.L


Brabners LLP

Brabners LLP's ‘first-rate’ property litigation practice is led by the ‘incredibly knowledgeable’, Liverpool-based Andrew Rogers and the ‘vastly experienced’ Helena Davies, who works out of the Manchester office and stands out due to her longstanding expertise in real estate disputes. The team’s expertise sees it acting on disputes for landlord and tenants, developers, and local authorities. Jessica Crowther is noted as being ‘extremely diligent and thorough’, regularly acting for clients in the retail, sport, manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Jessica Parry left the firm in May 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrew Rogers; Helena Davies


Autres avocats clés:

Sarah Hall; Jessica Crowther; Oskar Murial


Les références

‘Andrew Rogers is incredibly knowledgeable and clients trust his judgement. They have a great team. Sarah Hall and Jessica Crowther are standout stars.’

‘Approachable and easy to talk to with fantastic technical ability and commercial realism. Helena takes in a keen interest in our business and seeks to understand our commercial considerations that could inform a choice of approach.’

‘Brabners is a first-rate property litigation firm that delivers efficient, nimble and effective litigation for its clients and has an excellent reputation in the sector.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advising a client on a multimillion pound claim arising out of an alleged breach of an agreement for lease.
  • Advising a well-known client on the disposals, and related litigation, of the stores to dispose of in order to obtain CMA approval for its acquisition of another company’s portfolio.
  • Securing an injunction against identified and unidentified ‘urban explorers’ to protect recurrent trespassing which was a threat to life.

DLA Piper UK LLP

DLA Piper UK LLP's property litigation team is based in Liverpool. ‘Stupendous lawyer’ Rachael Jones has expertise in assisting well-known clients with the full range of work, including real estate portfolio matters, rights of light issues, and rent review disputes. Martin Griffiths, who has longstanding experience in handling complex disputes, heads the team from the Liverpool and Manchester offices. Leasehold enfranchisement work is key area of specialism for Liverpool’s Sally Adams, and Amber Houghton is a key figure in the Manchester practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Martin Griffiths


Autres avocats clés:

Rachael Jones; Amber Houghton; Sally Adams; Olivia Parrington


Les références

‘Rachael Jones is a stupendous lawyer; extremely knowledge and approachable.’

‘Amber Houghton is deserving of special mention – friendly, efficient, organised and always on top of every point – a real pleasure to work with. Martin Griffiths also is a standout and he has an extremely quick mind and great commercial acumen.’

‘Martin Griffiths is excellent and clients clearly appreciate his commercial acumen which is married to top tier legal expertise. He provides considered expert advice and has achieved excellent settlements in resolving complex and difficult disputes.’

Principaux clients

AECOM Limited


Ares European Real Estate Fund


Arvato Limited


British Airways PLC


CBRE Investment Management


Heineken UK Limited


LaSalle Investment Management


Liverpool Football Club


London Borough of Southwark Pension Fund


Merlin Entertainments Group Limited


M.R.C. Pension Trust Limited


Nuveen


Picton


Pilkington UK Limited


St James’s Place UK Plc


Schroders Real Estate


Shaftesbury CL Limited


The Pollen Estate Trustee Company Limited


Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited


USF Nominees Limited


UK Insurance Ltd


4th Industrial Limited


ABB Limited


Atos IT Services UK Limited


Auto Trader


Elan Homes Limited


Ares Trading SA


ASM Global


BC Invest


Business Growth Fund Limited


Capital & Centric Limited


Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council


Corum XL


Emerson


Orbit Investments (Northern) Limited


Downing Developments


Halton Borough Council


Hines UK Limited


Hochtief UK Construction Limited


Institutional Investment-Partners


John Wood PLC


Lab Selkirk House Limited


Kroll Advisory Limited


MAPP (Property Management) Limited


Merlin Entertainments (Sea Life) Limited


North West Legal Consortium


Oval Real Estate


Peter Thwaites SIPP and AJ Bell


Pfizer R&D UK Limited


SCI Penplus A


Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council


Sertec Corporation Limited


SGS-UK Limited


Shaftesbury Chinatown Plc


Shaftesbury Soho Limited


Telefonica Digital Limited


Telestream UK Limited


The University of Bolton


Toys R Us Properties (UK) Limited


Transport for Greater Manchester


Wood Group UK Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising the client in relation to storm damage to the cladding panels on the outside of their UK headquarter office buildings in the City.
  • Advised on various aspects of a £350m city centre redevelopment involving new retail, hotels, cinema, restaurants, housing and the relocation of the market and its complex pre-let.
  • Advising an institutional investor on the impacts of the BSA 2022 on its mixed-use site in Camden, London for fire safety works including an application for dispensation from service charge consultation in the Tribunal.

Hill Dickinson LLP

‘First-rate’ practitioner Kevin Lee divides his time between the Manchester, London and Liverpool offices, and heads Hill Dickinson LLP's Liverpool-based practice. Ralph Bullivant has vast expertise in managing large portfolios for well-known retailers. Helen Evans works out of the Manchester office and is particularly adept at acting in protester-related oil and gas disputes cases, as well as matters relating to trespassing. Leeds and Manchester-based Thomas Broughton regularly handles boundary and title disputes. Phil Parker left the firm in October 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kevin Lee


Autres avocats clés:

Thomas Broughton; Helen Evans; Ralph Bullivant; James McHugh


Les références

‘The team bring accumulated knowledge, intellect, insight and experience. Practice of choice in terms of specialist inputs and capabilities on rights of light and other issues related to development. Well-respected within the industry and their involvement shows that they mean business.’

‘Kevin Lee has an ability to quickly identify and grasp the key issues and contribute to the overview no less than the detail. They are solutions-minded and offer clear, considered advice.’

‘Proactive and commercial with considerable legal ability.’

Principaux clients

Dandara Homes


UKOG Plc.


London Clubs International


First Title Insurance Plc


Countrywide Legal Indemnities Limited


Aviva Insurance Plc


Iceland Foods Limited


Co-Operative Group


Transport for Greater Manchester


Lancashire County Cricket Club


National Car Parks Limited


Downing Students


DHL Group


Lookers Plc


Kuehne + Nagel Limited


Derwent Holdings Limited


Hamilton Heath Estates Limited


Persimmon Homes Limited


Rainier Group


The Helmsley Group


Various NHS Trusts


Frasers Group


Bensons For Beds


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for Transport for Manchester in relation to a multi-million pound claim brought by the head lessee of Deansgate Arches, a historic Victorian structure.
  • Acting for the owner of a mixed-use city centre development in relation to a multi-million-pound claim brought by a former commercial tenant.
  • Acting for a developer of a city centre hotel in relation to rights to light issues.

TLT

‘First-rate lawyer’ Matthew Forrest heads up the Manchester-based property litigation practice at TLT. Forrest is well-equipped to handle matters for a broad range of clients, including leisure operators, retailers, and developers. Assisting with property disputes and handling management issues forms a large portion of the team’s workload, as does handling landlord and tenant disputes which is a key area of specialism for both Tom White and Sam Molyneaux. Kelly White is noted as being ‘hugely conscientious’ by clients.

Responsables de la pratique:

Matthew Forrest


Autres avocats clés:

Tom White; Kelly Hackford; Sam Molyneaux


Les références

‘Matthew Forrest is a first-rate lawyer – good technically and great with clients.’

‘Excellent resourcing of litigation matters, led by a hugely capable and knowledgeable partner. The team has a conscientious approach to billing and a strong knowledge of the retail sector, as well as excellent collaboration with key people in the business.’

‘A depth of knowledge, commercial acumen, and an intelligent approach to finding solutions.’

Principaux clients

Pets at Home Group plc


Vets 4 Pets


Companion Care Services


J Sainsbury plc


WH Smith


Nationwide Building Society


TUI UK Retail Limited


Manchester Airport Group plc


Stonegate Pub Company


Punch Pubs


Landmark Investments


Burrington Estates


Covent Garden Market Authority


MCR Property Group Limited


Edinburgh Woollen Mill


JD Sports plc


Co-operative Group


Skipton Building Society


Principaux dossiers


  • Handling property litigation and estate management matters for TUI Travel Plc.
  • Acting for Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council in relation to all property litigation and estate management matters following their acquisition of two large town centre shopping centres and their subsequent redevelopment programme.
  • Handling all property litigation and estate management matters relating to Nationwide’s high street branch portfolio which consists of over 700 branches in the UK.

DAC Beachcroft LLP

DAC Beachcroft LLP's Manchester-based property litigation practice is well-equipped to assist well-known clients, including L’Oreal and Property Alliance Group, on major real estate disputes. The team is headed by Rachael Reynolds from Manchester, who is known for her expertise in landlord and tenant disputes. George Taylor is well-versed in termination and dilapidation-related matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rachael Reynolds; Clare Hartley


Autres avocats clés:

George Taylor


Principaux clients

Royal London


Landsec


Lendlease


Cale St Partners


Marsh McLennan


L’Oreal


Mobile Mini


Paul Bakeries


A J Gallagher


Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council


Property Alliance Group


Quintain


Trafford Council


Burnley Council


HSS Hire Service Group Ltd


Places for People


Bellway


Taylor Wimpey


Principaux dossiers


DWF

DWF's Manchester practice is led by ‘fantastic all-round lawyer’ Stuart McCann. Shell UK Limited, Costa Limited and The adidas Group are all key names in the team’s client portfolio. The team is adept at assisting with a broad array of matters, from rent reviews and renewals, to dilapidations and rights of way disputes. Thomas Armstrong has a niche focus on telecoms litigation work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stuart McCann


Autres avocats clés:

Alexandra Hughes; Thomas Armstrong; Catherine Haslam


Les références

‘They are extremely experienced in all aspects of property litigation and in particular the crossover between property issues and telecoms.’

‘Catherine Haslam is a standout partner – a very good litigator with knowledge of all aspects of property and telecoms law.’

‘Stuart McCann is approachable and has a good knowledge of the law.’

Principaux clients

Tesco Limited


EE Limited


Costa Limited


Premier Inn Hotels Limited


Whitbread PLC


BT Plc


Greene King Limited


Severn Trent Water Limited


The adidas Group


The Insolvency Service


Shell UK Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting on an exclusive basis for Costa Limited in England, Wales and Scotland in relation to all real estate litigation matters.
  • Advised EE Ltd in the landmark case law decision EE Ltd and Hutchison 3G UK v Meyrick 1968 Combined Trust of Meyrick Estate Management.
  • Advising Tesco Stores Limited on landlord and tenant matters in various situations.

J B Leitch Ltd

The team of ‘real specialists in their field’ at J B Leitch Ltd is based in Liverpool. Philip Parkinson leads the team alongside residential leasehold disputes specialist Jonathan Leitch , who is an expert in leasehold litigation. Katie Edwards is well-equipped to handle service charge and ground rent disputes, forfeiture, breach of covenant and trespass matters. Camilla Waszek left the firm in October 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jonathan Leitch; Philip Parkinson


Autres avocats clés:

Katie Orr; Katie Edwards; Lauren Walker


Les références

‘Philip Parkinson runs a tight and focused team that is a match for any competition.’

‘Philip Parkinson is one of the standout practitioners in this complex and ever-developing area of law. As well as having a thorough understanding of the law and practice, Philip can be relied upon to develop novel approaches and solutions to what are often challenging management issues.’

‘Katie Orr is very good and very detailed.’

Principaux clients

Abbeystone Management Limited


Alliance Managing Agents Limited


Blenheims Estate & Asset Management Ltd


Bright Willis


Broadlands Estate Management


Centrick Limited


Chaneys Limited


Cloud Student Homes


DJC Property Management Limited


DRH Property Solutions


E & J Estates


Elmdon Real Estate LLP


Encore Estate Management


Estates & Management Ltd


Estates & Management Ltd LRA


FirstPort Property Services Limited


FirstPort Property Services Limited


Freehold Managers PLC


Great Places Housing Group


Ground Solutions UK Limited


Hadrian Property Management Ltd


Hallmark Property Management Limited


HHL Property Management (UK) Limited


HomeGround Management Limited


Inspired Property Management


JFM Block & Estate Management


Kingston Property Services Limited


Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward


Knight Frank


Landmark Collections


Lee Baron Group Ltd


Liv Group Limited


Mainstay Residential Limited


Managed Exit Limited


Marlborough House Management


Marshall Property


Matthews & Goodman North


MetroPM Limited


Michael Laurie Magar Limited


Parkfords Management Limited


Pembroke Property Management Limited


Persimmon Homes


Pier Management Limited


Plymouth Block Management Ltd


POD Group Services Limited


Premier Estates Limited


Principia Estate & Asset Management Ltd


Principle Estate Management LLP


Professional and Dependable Ltd


Property Management Matters Limited


RCP Property Management Limited


Remus Management Limited


Rendall & Rittner Ltd


Residential Management Group Ltd


Scanlans Property Management LLP


Specialist Property Asset Management Limited


Transparent Property Management Ltd


Trinity Estates


Warwick Estates Property Management Ltd


Wildheart Residential Management Limited


Xenia Estates Limited


Zenith Management Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for a landlord affiliated with Grey GR Limited Partnership, seeking dispensation from the service charge consultation requirements contained at section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 in respect of proposed building and fire safety works. Works value is £10.3m.
  • Acted for the landlord affiliated with Mann Island Properties Limited in this high value section 27A application made against it by the leaseholders of the subject development; the dispute relates to service charges and insurance charges with a value of £1m.
  • Acting on behalf of the landlord affiliated with Adriatic Land 5 Limited in respect of an application to the First-tier Tribunal under section 20ZA Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 for dispensation of the consultation requirements in respect of cladding remediation works.

Land Law LLP

Damage and trespass, and rights of light cases form a key part of the Altrincham-based property litigation practice's workload at Land Law LLP. The team is headed by commercial property disputes specialist Steven Jennings. David Varley regularly assists with issues surrounding adverse possession and breaches of restrictive covenants, and Siân Westby is experienced in advising clients on landlord and tenant issues, including forfeitures and boundary disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Steven Jennings


Autres avocats clés:

Siân Westby; David Varley


Principaux clients

Bruntwood Group


Peel Holdings and group companies


Watch This Space Limited


The District Estates Limited


The Dunard Group


Oddfellows Friendly Society


Eric Wright Group


Hollins Murray Group


The Roundhouse Group


Harbourside Marina, Liverpool


PTS Property Limited


John Lugo


B I Properties Limited


Myerson Solicitors

Myerson Solicitors's Altrincham office houses a property litigation team with ‘fantastic leader’ Laura Pile at its head. Disputes regarding lease renewals, break notices and maintenance issues, form a significant part of the team’s workload. ‘Really safe pair of hands’ Vikki Wright is a key figure within the team, as is Karen Taylor who is experienced assisting property portfolio management disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Laura Pile


Autres avocats clés:

Karen Taylor; Jennifer Hartley; Karen Taylor; Vikki Wright


Les références

‘Myerson’s property litigation team is a small but dedicated team who I highly rate for landlord and tenant matters. Approachable and easy to work with but with expert knowledge in the field.’

‘Laura Pile is excellent – extremely knowledgeable and approachable. An expert in the field of landlord and tenant. She is ably assisted by Jennifer Hartley who is a pleasure to work with. She is conscientious and works hard for her clients.’

‘The diligence of this team shines through in everything that they do. Every piece of work is treated with the high-level of care and concern for the client. There is great legal knowledge here along with the confidence to make difficult but correct tactical decisions when needed.’

Principaux clients

Akzo Nobel NV


Imperial Chemical Industries Limited


Philip J Davies (Holdings) PLC


Atmore Investments Limited


LB Europe Limited


AQA Education


East Ham Regeneration Limited


Stroud Regeneration Limited


Dransfield Properties Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for Akzo Nobel and Imperial Chemical Industries PLC in respect of its multimillion-pound rental portfolios lease renewals.
  • Advised LB Europe Limited and Sealed Air Limited in respect of exercising its break right, with a potential multi-million pound liability.
  • Advised East Ham Regeneration Limited in relation to an overage dispute worth over £1.2m.

Pinsent Masons LLP

‘Excellent tactician’ Michael Smith, who splits his time between Manchester and Leeds, heads up the ‘enthusiastic,’ property litigation group at Pinsent Masons LLP in Manchester. Smith is particularly adept at handling Electricity Act 1989-related disputes. Standout examples of the team’s work include its acting for United Utilities in the Supreme Court, in a case involving discharges into the Manchester Shipping Canal. Bethan Holley is a key name of note. Hannah Carter left the firm in April 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michael Smith


Autres avocats clés:

Joseph Green; Bethan Holley


Les références

‘Michael Smith is always a real pleasure to work with – a pragmatic and efficient litigator who never fails to see the wood for the trees. Joseph Green also stands out – he has great attention-to-detail and runs a very tight ship.’

‘The team is a real star line-up – Joseph is very clever and always cool as a cucumber.’

‘Michael Smith is unflappable and an excellent tactician; responsive to the clients’ needs.’

Principaux clients

United Utilities Water Limited


Water Plus Limited & United Utilities Water Limited


Dartford Borough Council


The University of Huddersfield


University College London


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for United Utilities Water Limited in respect of the Manchester Ship Canal’s appeal to the Supreme Court, which was heard in March 2023 in respect of discharge in the canal.
  • Acted for United Utilities Water Limited and Water Plus Limited in litigation arising from claims by the University of Salford for the reimbursement of allegedly overpaid surface water and highways drainage charges, which settled on very favourable terms for our client immediately prior to the start of a 10-day High Court trial.
  • Advising Dartford Borough Council on strategy for the removal of electricity pylons and overhead electric lines from a site on Cotton Lane, Stone, Dartford.

Shoosmiths LLP

The property litigation team at Shoosmiths LLP is well-equipped to handle disputes that arise from the transfer of properties, and landlord and tenant issues, such as high-value dilapidation claims. Kirsty Black, hailed as ‘the queen of work for retailers’, leads the team from the Manchester office. Ashona Chakraborty is recommended for her ‘efficiency and experience’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kirsty Black


Autres avocats clés:

Ashona Chakraborty; Sophie Tracey; Emily Holt; Anjali Patel


Les références

‘What a fantastic team! Top quality through and through. Excellent clients, legal analysis and client care.’

‘Ashona Chakraborty is highly recommended, making her way up in the property sphere – I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her for her efficiency and experience.’

‘Competent and responsive, offering common sense advice.’

Principaux clients

Allied London LLP


Anywl Homes


Anywl Land Limited


Anwyl Construction


Bellway Homes


Bolton Council


Buccleuch Group


Cole Waterhouse


Countryside Partnerships


Dixons Carphone


Estee Lauder Cosmetics


Euro Garages


Frasers Group


Henry Boot Developments


Holland and Barratt


Humberside Airport


Landmark Investments


Mountain Warehouse


Muse Developments


Peel Group


Property Alliance Group


Select Property Group


Shoezone Retail Limited


St Modwen Properties Plc


Taylor Wimpey


The Restaurant Group


Travelodge Hotels Limited


Walgreen Boots Alliance


Wain Homes


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised numerous occupier clients, including Frasers and Boots, on their strategy to deal with RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) across their portfolios.
  • Acted for the administrators of Wilko to deal with the property aspects arising out of the administration including dealing with the solicitors acting for Poundland and B&M who both took numerous stores out of the administration.
  • Advising Hallam Land on preventing a Just Stop Oil protest from derailing a multi-million pound development.

DTM Legal LLP

‘Excellent lawyer’ and experienced litigator Anna Duffy is based in DTM Legal LLP‘s Liverpool office and heads its property litigation group. Duffy is experienced in acting for retail and investment clients on a broad array of landlord and tenant matters. Chester-based ‘straight-talking property encyclopaedia’ James Holton is key figure within the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Anna Duffy


Autres avocats clés:

James Holton


Les références

‘The most important thing for me was their ability to successfully, spin many legal plates at the same time, without dropping any. Their performance was outstanding.’

‘DTM Legal has an excellent reputation as a polished, professional team that is friendly and client-focused in Chester and Liverpool. They are extremely well-resourced and go the extra mile to provide an excellent comprehensive service to clients.’

‘Anna Duffy as head of property is an excellent lawyer, very client-friendly and always a pleasure to work with – she is organised, knowledgeable and very pragmatic.’

Principaux clients

The Atmore Group


Hooton Estate


McKesson Group


JSM Property Group


Handelsbanken Plc


Scottish Power


Gorvins Solicitors

The property litigation group at Gorvins Solicitors is well-versed in landlord and tenant disputes, often acting for both commercial and individual clients. ‘Extremely diligent and tenacious practitioner’ Guy Lightowler heads the practice, which is based in Stockport. Danielle Clements is a key name within the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Guy Lightowler


Autres avocats clés:

Danielle Clements; Sunita Patel; Rachel Lipschutz


Les références

‘Gorvins are always responsive and proactive, and considerate of clients’ needs and requirements ensuring deadlines are maintained in a diligent manner using experienced and competent legal professionals.’

‘Their approachable style and accommodating nature differentiates them from other legal practices.’

‘Guy is extremely diligent and tenacious in all work elements he has undertaken for the company, not being afraid to deal with issues in a head-on manner to reach a resolution.’

Principaux clients

A & J Property Limited


District Surveyors Association Limited


Ian Edgar (Liverpool) Limited


Williams Group


Lundy Projects Limited


Sheet Pilling UK Limited


Vernon Building Society


Brassbank Limited


The Rowlinson Group


Principaux dossiers


gunnercooke LLP

The property litigation team at gunnercooke LLP houses a range of specialists across the North West, who are experienced in acting for a range of clients, including BBC Northern Ireland and Wentworth Estate. Tom Seabrook is well-equipped to advise on disputes regarding the development of significant city centre projects, and Jen Morris is noted for her extensive commercial expertise.

Autres avocats clés:

Tom Seabrook; Jen Morris


Principaux clients

Ebiquity plc


Boxmoor Capital Limited


Wentworth Estate


Danshe Limited


Cloud Imperium Games Limited


Green Pastures CBS Limited


Henry Boot PLC and associated companies


Claridges Finance Limited


Berens Group Limited


BBC Northern Ireland


Harrison Drury & Co

Harrison Drury & Co‘s practice is well-regarded for its ‘vast experience’ in all matters relating to property litigation. Preston-based practice head Colin Fenny is noted by clients as being ‘standout in terms of his sheer experience’. The team regularly handles significant disputes, predominantly for individual claimants. Kendal’s Joseph Mitchell is ‘efficient and effective’. Also based in Kendal is Ros Monk, who joined the team from Mishcon de Reya LLP in January 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Colin Fenny


Autres avocats clés:

Alex Walmsley; Joseph Mitchell; Zoe Taylor; Simon England; Luke Holden; Ros Monk


Les références

‘A strong property litigation team, able to deal with complex litigation effectively including when urgent application is needed. They have a good focus on the overall issues as well as the detail. ’

‘Alex Walmsley and Joseph Mitchell are both very capable, have a good collaborative approach, and are both efficient and effective. They are pleasant to work with and keep on top of what needs doing.’

‘Always friendly and provided the necessary advice.’

Principaux clients

Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising longstanding client Cumbria Zoo Company Limited in long-running and high-profile litigation with the landlord.

Pannone Corporate LLP

Regularly acting for well-known clients such as Canal and River Trust and Transport for Greater Manchester, the team at Pannone Corporate LLP often acts in disputes relating to renewals, lease exits, and commercial dilapidations. Gemma Staples, who has longstanding experience in advising retail clients in particular, is well-regarded for her encyclopaedic knowledge of property law’, heading the team from Manchester. David Brown is a key team member

Responsables de la pratique:

Gemma Staples


Autres avocats clés:

Kenneth Tang, David Brown; Jack Taylor


Les références

‘A very cohesive property litigation team led by Gemma Staples – very reactive and responsive.’

‘Pannone Solicitors bring a diverse team who are extremely client-focused and go above and beyond to provide sound advice based on current market trends and expectations. Pannone have kept appraised of current developments and have been able to advise us as a business in the most appropriate way to secure the very best outcomes.’

‘The breadth and depth of knowledge that Kenneth possesses sits him head and shoulders above many other solicitors. In each of my dealings with Kenneth he has gone above and beyond to provide thorough and concise information regarding the case in hand.’

Principaux clients

Canal and River Trust


Emerson Group


Manchester City Council


New Balance Athletic Shoes (UK) Limited


Revolution Bars Limited


Silentnight Group Limited


Slicker Recycling Limited


Total Fitness Health Clubs Limited


Transport for Greater Manchester


Tradebe Management Limited & Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for a national retailer in connection with its diverse residential and commercial portfolio and successfully engineering strategic exits from a number of commercial locations.
  • Advising an international waste management client initially in connection with complex rent review provisions within one of its leases, and subsequently on the landlord’s dilapidations claim involving issues concerning environmental liabilities and supercession.
  • Advising NW building in its claim for renewal of the lease of an iconic north west building in the face of opposition from the landlord on the grounds of redevelopment.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

The Manchester-based team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP is experienced in handling cases concerning lease renewals, rights of light, dilapidations and breaches of covenant. The team is led by Sam Coward from Manchester, in place of former team head Lynn James who departed in March 2024. Further changes to the team include the arrivals of Camilla Waszek from J B Leitch Ltd in October 2023, and of Daniel Banks from Fieldfisher in May 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sam Coward


Autres avocats clés:

Camilla Waszek; Megan Daniels; Daniel Banks


Principaux clients

East End Homes Limited


The Guinness Partnership Limited


Accent Housing Limited


The Riverside Group Limited


One Housing Group


CareTech Holdings PLC


Hyde Housing Association


Samson Properties


Salix Homes Limited


L&Q Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising in relation to a claim for forfeiture, and in particular, how to protect East End Homes Limited ‘s property rights as sub-lessee.
  • Acted for Riverside in the Upper Tribunal case, Braganza v The Riverside Group Ltd (2023), an appeal from the first-tier Tribunal where we also represented Riverside.
  • Advising The Guinness Partnership Limited in relation to TGP’s possible liability, as landlord of shared ownership and leasehold flats, related to the costs of the remediation of relevant buildings as defined pursuant to the Building Safety Act 2022.

Weightmans LLP

Housing specialist Sian Evans, who works from Liverpool, has longstanding expertise in property litigation and oversees the team at Weightmans LLP, which is well-regarded for its ‘commercial and dynamic approach’. Peter Hall is described by clients as ‘extremely courteous, professional and proactive’, while John Darnell is noted for his experience in business renewal and lease termination disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sian Evans


Autres avocats clés:

Peter Hall; John Darnell


Les références

‘The company has strength in depth and a capability to address and resolve issues across a multitude of interdisciplinary lines. Collaboration between teams is good, allowing joined up decision making when a number of different legal matters are involved.’

‘The team has proper specialist expertise.’

‘A commercial and dynamic approach.’

Principaux clients

BDW Trading Limited


Royal Mail Group


Clarion Housing Group


AS Watson


Transport for Greater Manchester


Derbyshire County Council


Various Eateries Trading Limited


Merseyside Police


Halton Housing


Safety-Kleen UK Limited


Principaux dossiers


Butcher & Barlow LLP

Butcher & Barlow LLP's Northwich-based property litigation practice is headed by Greg Porter. Former team head Alexander Sandland left the firm in April 2023. Dispute resolution specialist Mark Turner is a key figure within the practice, which was bolstered by the arrival of Asim Din from Knights plc in April 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Greg Porter


Autres avocats clés:

Asim Din; Mark Turner


Les références

‘The practice houses a very extensive and experienced team and are well-placed to deal with all manner of legal issues. They operate from various locations in the North West and we’ve found them very responsive to our needs which were dealt with in a speedy and efficient manner.

Principaux dossiers


  • Advising a Landed Estate on all litigation matters including disputes in respect of commercial; agricultural; and residential property portfolios and contentious issues arising from Estate Management.
  • Advising a supplier of equestrian supplies; farming apparatus and country stores in the north west on a number of key contentious commercial property issues in order to protect the integrity of the business and/ or its premises.
  • Advising a family-owned plastic recycling firm on a contentious commercial property issue which was of significant value and importance to the business.

Forbes Solicitors

Forbes Solicitors' property litigation practice works across Manchester and Central Lancashire, and is headed by Georgina Kenny, who is well-regarded for her expertise in cases concerning easements and boundary issues. Kenny is supported by commercial property specialist Adam Bromley. Paul Magee left the firm in June 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Georgina Kenny


Autres avocats clés:

Adam Bromley


Les références

‘Georgina Kenny is personable, communicative and clearly capable.’

‘Forbes handled my case with the utmost professionalism and speed. The team was recommended to me by a friend.’

‘I cannot thank Georgina Kenny enough for the help and support she gave me throughout my case. Employing a solicitor to act on matters of a property dispute is not an easy decision to make but she very quickly and professionally dealt with the issue and ensured the best of outcomes.’

Principaux clients

Six by Nico


KC Freehold Limited


Brockhall Village Limited


Affinity Packaging Limited


St James’ Land Co Limited


Pilkington Bros Pension Fund


Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service


Trust Inns Limited


Søstrene Grene


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised on two successful section 20 process at a property management companies site in Blackburn meaning that essential fire safety works and HSE works could be undertaken to ensure safety across the site to tenants and leaseholders alike.
  • Obtained vacant possession of three commercial properties on the same site to permit a huge planned redevelopment and regeneration project in Leyland for a manufacturing company.
  • Advised a north west-based charity in relation to their residential and property portfolio including the possibility of rent reviews and breaks. and assisting the charity in relation to removal of trespassers and ex-employees from charity premises.

KK Thompson Solicitors

KK Thompson Solicitors is noted for its strong focus on property litigation. The ‘superb’ practice is co-headed by Kate Thompson, who leads alongside Karl Thompson; both are ‘trusted solicitors’. The team’s workload includes advising clients in the industrial, retail and leisure sectors on the full spectrum of landlord and tenant matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kate Thompson; Karl Thompson


Les références

‘By being a family-run business, the service you receive is exceptional. I’ve used solicitors in the past who are abrasive and take an age to respond to your needs. KK Thompson are both responsive and very approachable.’

‘Karl is very responsive, knowledgeable and helpful. His customer care is second-to-none.’

‘The Team at KK Thompson is superb. Their key strengths include flexibility, adaptability, pragmatism and extensive knowledge and experience regarding property litigation. Their capabilities include their ability to understand extremely complex partnership arrangements and produce a bespoke solution.’

Principaux clients

Roubaix Group


LiveWire (Warrington) CIC


Taylor Estates (Cheshire) Limited


Crowd UK


Severn Centre Trust Ltd


The Manc Creative Limited


Warrington 2000+


Halo Leisure Services Limited


Roger Hannah and Co


Culture Warrington


Barnfield Construction Limited


Munroe K Asset Management


Green and Partners


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Halo Leisure Services Limited in relation to the restructuring of a multi-let property in order to accommodate an NHS Trust for an extended period.
  • Providing property advice to Roubaix Group across their mixed portfolio throughout the UK including dealing with a complex third party occupation at one of their sites.
  • Advising on an off-shore pension fund relating to a service charge dispute in a multi-let property in Manchester City Centre prior to a £1.5m development being commissioned.

Kuit Steinart Levy LLP

The property litigation group at Kuit Steinart Levy LLP's Manchester office is headed by David Moroney, who leads alongside new dispute resolution head Nichola Evans, who arrived from Ward Hadaway LLP in November 2023; the team is particularly experienced in landlord and tenant disputes. Niall Helferty is a noteworthy member of the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Moroney; Nichola Evans


Autres avocats clés:

Niall Helferty


Principaux clients

Jackson’s Row Development Limited


David Samuel Properties


Hollowood Chemists Limited


Wey Securities Limited


Philip James Partnership Limited


HG7 Private Investments Limited


Maple Investments


Latitude Trustees Limited


Slater Heelis

The property litigation team at Slater Heelis in Manchester is regarded by clients as being ‘extremely talented, professional and competent’. The group is well-equipped to act for individuals in disputes ranging from claims for possession, to professional negligence claims regarding the drafting and negotiation of complex leases. Daniel Stern heads the practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Daniel Stern


Autres avocats clés:

Dan Leone; Lisa Rivers; John Gorner


Les références

‘Lisa Rivers is competent and efficient, good at dealing with clients, has a good sense of what is needed during the course of litigation but also keeps an eye on the bottom line.’

‘Daniel Stern has a solid understanding of the law and is a tenacious advocate for his clients.’

‘Dan Leone’s support has been invaluable.’

Principaux clients

Tipton Training Limited


Feltham Group of Companies


Greenthumb Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising a developer client in a debt recovery action against its former employee, which involves a complex factual background.
  • Advising individual clients in a multi-faceted boundary, nuisance and trespass dispute with a linked professional negligence claim and/or misrepresentation claim against predecessor.
  • Advising the client in a potential professional negligence claim against a solicitor who advised client in buying a long lease of a high-valued commercial property by way of a sub-lease, wherein mistakes in the drafting of rent review clause meant they were paying ten times market value.

Woodcocks Haworth & Nuttall (WHN)

Woodcocks Haworth & Nuttall (WHN)'s ‘extremely personable and attentive’ Bury-based offering is led by Daniel Long, who is an expert in commercial lease and rent related matters. ‘Brilliant solicitor’ Eleanor Longworth is also key member of the team, which is well-regarded for its long lease and landlord and tenant disputes-related work in particular.

Responsables de la pratique:

Daniel Long


Autres avocats clés:

Eleanor Longworth


Les références

‘The team has a wide-range of specialists who are all easy to talk to and give clear and concise guidance. The company has a very professional attitude whilst remaining friendly and approachable.’

‘Daniel Long has been very professional throughout our very challenging and somewhat extraordinary matter. Daniel has been clear in his advice and has ensured my legal position is clear to all concerned.’

‘The team at WHN are extremely personable and attentive. As a client, you are clearly in a stressful situation and the way that people within WHN engage with you is extremely reassuring – it really helps to lighten the load, just knowing that you have a caring person as well as a specialist there to help you.’

Principaux clients

Lindsay Court (St Annes) RTM Company Limited


Custom Moulded Polyurethane Ltd


Park Newton Estates Ltd


Whoop Hall Country Club Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for Park Newton Estates Ltd to resolve multiple disputes arising from breach of the terms of long leases with tenants taking short-term holiday/AirBnB lettings.
  • Advising in relation to a multi-faceted dispute between landlord and tenant, acting on behalf of Whoop Hall Country Club Ltd; this concerned contested arrears and a multitude of contentious liability issues.
  • Acting on behalf of a group of long leaseholders, where the Right to Manage was contested but ultimately acquired by the tenants.