Charles Russell Speechlys LLP maintains its market leading reputation for property litigation. With in-depth understanding of both commercial and residential property matters, the team is skilled at resolving a wide range on real estate disputes. Located in Guildford, David Haines leads the practice, and is recommended for landlord and tenancy issues, including dilapidation claims and covenant disputes. Richard Flenley acts for a diverse client, which spans individuals and small businesses to large corporations; Flenley regularly handles matters relating to development disputes and building safety concerns. Peter Levaggi is an expert in property insolvency cases.

Described as an ‘exceptional legal mind’, Nitej Davda heads the team at Cripps. Based in Tunbridge Wells, Davda has longstanding experience in commercial landlord and tenant disputes as well as professional negligence claims relating to both property and construction. Miles Paffard handles real estate disputes across a variety of sectors, including retail, infrastructure, and hospitality. Mike Scott and Richard Housley are standout lawyers in the team. Scott is recommended for developer disputes, right to light claims, and restrictive covenants, while Housley is skilled with matters relating to property insolvency and leasehold enfranchisement.

DMH Stallard LLP continues to be a go-to firm for clients, handling full spectrum of property litigation matters, including developer disputes, restrictive covenants, and property-related professional negligence claims. Heading the practice from Gatwick, Emily Wood regularly advises developers, local authorities, educational institutions, and retailers. James Picknell often assists commercial landlords and tenants with dilapidation claims, lease exit strategies, and rent arrears related cases. Graham Halsall has broad experience in contentious real estate matters, which includes possession claims, nuisance claims, and boundary disputes. Andy Meatcher is noted for his capabilities with dilapidation and forfeiture claims.

The practice at Freeths LLP is co-headed by Clare Bellis in Oxford and Mark Brown in Milton Keynes. Bellis focuses on resolving disputes in the rural development space, while Brown is recommended for a broad range of landlord and tenant issues, such as dilapidation claims and contested lease renewals. 'Expert litigator' Adam Boyd has vast experience in disputes concerning rent arrears, restrictive covenants, and forfeitures. Rosalyn Shephard is noted for her deep knowledge of agricultural property disputes. The Oxford team was strengthened by the addition of Aimee Teague, who joined the firm from Shoosmiths LLP in September 2023.

Stevens & Bolton LLP advises on a wide range of contentious real estate matters, including developer disputes, fire safety concerns, and lease renewals. Based in Guildford, Helen Wheddon leads the ‘very professional’ team, and is an expert at handling commercial landlord and tenancy disputes. Caroline DeLaney is skilled at handling disputes before the First-Tier Tribunal, particularly in relation to right of light claims, easement issues, and property related professional negligence claims. Praised for being ‘knowledgeable’ and ‘highly experienced’, Markus Klempa advises on forfeitures, dilapidation claims, and restrictive covenants.

The property litigation team at Blake Morgan LLP regularly represents retailers, local authorities, educational institutions, and both commercial and residential developers. Located in Reading, Zoe Wright is well-known for her distinctive focus on property litigation within the telecom sector, and her broad knowledge of restrictive covenants, easements, and site clearance issues. The ‘tactically astute’ Simon Pestell regularly advises on right to light claims, lease renewals, and dilapidation claims. Thomas Djan-Krofa is another key member of the team based in Oxford, whose areas of experience include rent arrears, disrepair claims, injunctions, and anti-social behaviour actions.

Brachers routinely handles real estate disputes across a range of sectors such as education, healthcare, and charities. The team also has vast experience assisting financial institutions on issues concerning mortgages for residential and commercial properties. The ‘brilliant’ Allis Beasley is recommended for the full spectrum of contentious property matters, including dilapidation claims, contested lease renewals, fraudulent land registry applications, and agricultural tenancy disputes. James Millis stands out due to his expansive knowledge of landlord and tenancy disputes. The practice is headed by Michael Oatham in Maidstone.

The real estate litigation practice at IBB Law advises a diverse range of clients, which includes social housing providers, local authorities, developers, retailers, and institutional landlords. Leading the team in Uxbridge, Jon Mowbray is ‘an experienced and knowledgeable property litigator’ who assists commercial landlords and tenants with a range of disputes, including dilapidation claims and rent reviews. Andrew Olins is well-known for his vast knowledge of disputes involving restrictive covenants and easements. Based in Reading, Caroline Cowley is recommended for contentious development matters such as construction and contract disputes. Annabelle Randell is also noted for her experience advising on restrictive covenants, possession proceedings, and neighbour disputes.

Moore Barlow has extensive experience assisting with landlord and tenant disputes for clients in both the commercial and residential sectors. Leading the team in Southampton, Chris Marsden is an ‘extremely effective litigator’, who regularly handles lease renewals, construction disputes, right to light claims, and covenant breaches. Zoe Thompson is also noted for her capabilities in handling possession claims, forfeitures, and injunctive proceedings. Anna Iceton joined the Guildford practice in December 2023 from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner; she is recommended for her knowledge of disputes within the telecom sector. Simon Beetham left the firm in August 2023.

The real estate litigation practice at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP regularly advises on lease renewals, restrictive covenant enforcement action, and contested easements. Noted for his longstanding experience, John Morrison heads the ‘very talented, dedicated, and personable’ team in Oxford. Morrison focuses on advising clients in the commercial and residential sectors on a range of property disputes, including forfeitures, dilapidation claims, and boundary disputes. Amy Evans is another integral member of the team, and is known for her knowledge of injunctions, disrepair claims, and possession proceedings.

Shoosmiths LLP houses a strong team in Thames Valley that advises on the full spectrum of commercial and residential property disputes, including leasehold enfranchisement, development agreement disputes, and dilapidation claims. Heading the practice in Reading, Simon Foster regularly acts for investors, charities, social landlords, housebuilders, and private individuals. The team is strengthened by the addition of Laura Ford, who joined the firm from Blake Morgan LLP in October 2023. Ford has experience with lease renewals, break clause executions, and boundary disputes. Aimee Teague left the firm in September 2023.

The real estate disputes team at Thomson Snell & Passmore regularly advises developers, investors, charities, and private individuals. Heading the practice from Tunbridge Wells, Mark Steggles is a seasoned litigator who is skilled at acting in commercial landlord and tenant disputes. The ‘extremely experienced’ Alison Sparks is recommended for her handling of cases in the High Court and County Court. Guy Evans and Grace Mercer are also notable lawyers in the team; Evans specialises in development disputes, while Mercer advises on a breadth of matters such as rent arrears, boundary disputes, and adverse possession claims.

The property disputes practice at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP is headed by James Rees in Bristol and Mark Barley in Southampton. Barley has a great deal expertise in restrictive covenants, lease renewals, rent reviews, and contract breaches. Vicki Young divides her time between Southampton and Bristol, often advising on a range of contentious commercial and tenant matters, including dilapidation claims, service charge disputes, break clauses, and adverse possession. Key clients for the practice include housebuilders, educational institutions, retailers, telecom companies, and lenders.

The real estate litigation team at Boyes Turner assists clients with a variety of contentious property matters, including right of light claims, right of way disputes, service charge arrears, and adverse possession cases. Leading the team in Reading, Russell May often advises housebuilders and telecom companies. Richard Pulford is a key member of the team, who focuses on dilapidation claims and lease extensions.

BDB Pitmans regularly advises on an array of property disputes concerning development, landlord and tenant, and boundary issues. David Williams is recommended for matters relating to insolvency within the real estate sector. Philip Smith leads the team from Reading. David Gwillim has moved to Keystone Law.

Dean Wilson LLP houses a dispute resolution team in Brighton, that is skilled at handling a wide range of matters, including lease extensions, possession claims, and service charge arrears. Heading the team, Duncan Wilks advises both landlord and tenants on dilapidation claims, rent reviews, and lease renewals, while the ‘very knowledgeable’ Claire Whiteman has extensive experience in representing clients before the First Tier Tribunal. Gabrielle Moffatt is noted for her expertise in fire safety matters.

The growing Southampton-based team at Foot Anstey was bolstered by the arrival of Helen Dickie and Simon Beetham. Dickie joined the team in January 2024 from an in-house position, contributing her broad expertise in advising institutional landlords and occupational tenants. Beetham joined from Moore Barlow in August 2023, bringing his experience in adverse possession claims and fire safety issues. Described as ‘an exceptional lawyer’ and ‘a legend in the industry’, practice head Kate New is another addition to the firm, having joined from Osborne Clarke LLP in July 2023.

Based in Newbury, the team at Gardner Leader LLP is led by Michelle Di Gioia, while Alastair Goggins heads the overarching litigation practice at the firm. The team routinely handles a wide variety of mandates concerning boundary disputes, adverse possession claims, breaches of contract, and watercourse disputes. The ‘exceptional’ Daniel Smith has broad experience in disrepair, nuisance, and misrepresentation claims, and Andrew Shipp is noted for his strong knowledge of TOLATA claims.

Helix Law is a specialist litigation firm located in Brighton, which handles a broad range of property matters such as boundary disputes, trespassing cases, and contested easements. The ‘superb’ Laura Albon co-heads the team, and is skilled at handling cases relating to service charge recovery, covenant breaches, and possession. Leading the team alongside Albon, Alex Cook regularly advises property investors, businesses, and individuals on complex disputes.

Neil O’Callaghan heads the dispute resolution team at Machins Solicitors LLP. The team handles a variety of landlord and tenant disputes, which ranges from disrepair and nuisance claims to rent arrears and other breaches of tenancy. Based in Luton, the ‘incredibly hardworking’ Holly Baker has experience in injunction proceedings, neighbour disputes, and TOLATA claims. Specialising in contentious trusts and probate matters, Benedict Smith is another prominent member of the team.

Mayo Wynne Baxter LLP assists clients with a broad range of property disputes concerning breaches of covenant, TOLATA cases, and property related professional negligence claims. The Brighton team is headed by Helen Bell, who routinely advises developers, commercial landlords and tenants, and private individuals. Based in Lewes, Jo Ironside is skilled at handling matters relating to lease extension proceedings and acquisition orders. Paul Rooke is also noted for his experience with dilapidation claims and boundary disputes.

With a strong presence in both Winchester and Southampton, the property litigation practice at Paris Smith LLP is co-led by David Eminton and Nicola Davies. Eminton is an ‘experienced litigator’ who is recommended for high-value dilapidation claims. Davies has broad expertise, which spans possession claims, breaches of covenant, forfeiture, and contested easements. Lucy Taggart is a key member of the team who regularly advises on service charges arrears, lease renewals, and break clauses.

In Hornchurch, Stephen Eccles leads the property litigation practice at Pinney Talfourd LLP. Eccles is well versed at handling property disputes in both the commercial and residential sectors, particularly in relation to rent recovery, lease terminations, dilapidation claims, boundary disputes, and evictions. The ‘knowledgeable’ Oliver-James Topping routinely advises on forfeitures, adverse possession applications, and leasehold extensions. Lisa Eastwood is another recommended member of the team, who handles a range of landlord and tenant disputes.

TWM Solicitors LLP handles an array of contentious real estate matters, from rent recovery and restrictive covenants to development disputes and forfeitures. The Guildford practice is co-headed by David Hitchcock and David Stockley. Hitchcock routinely advises on landlord and tenant disputes, while Stockley specialises in lease extensions and enfranchisement matters. Simon Burdett-Dixon is recommended for his vast experience in covenant breaches, break notices, and dilapidation claims.

Located at Gerrards Cross, Elliott Brookes leads the ‘exceptional’ property litigation team at B P Collins LLP. The practice handles the full range of matters concerning landlord and tenant issues, possession claims, and boundary disputes. Brookes has extensive experience assisting clients with contested easements, forfeitures, and break clauses. Phil Hind left the firm in October 2023.

The property litigation practice at Blaser Mills Law handles a wide array of disputes, including forfeiture proceedings, contested lease renewals, and rent reviews. Jonathan Lilley spearheads the team in High Wycombe. Lilley has a breadth of experience, which encompasses dilapidation claims, breaches of covenant, and lease extensions. Sara Davies is also noted for her capabilities with enfranchisement matters.

Following the merger with Gardner & Croft in May 2023, Richard Giles joined the dispute resolution team at Boys & Maughan. Based in Canterbury, Giles co-heads the practice and has experience advising on boundary disputes, property misrepresentation claims, and right of way issues. Leading the team alongside Giles, Andrew Baker is located in Margate. Matt Champ left the firm in April 2024.

 

Based in Reading, Mark Banham leads the property litigation team at Field Seymour Parkes LLP. Banham has an expertise in dilapidation claims, boundary disputes, and adverse possession. Tim Brookes is an integral member of the team, regularly advising a diverse client list of developers, financial institutions, charities, institutional landlords, and corporate occupiers.

The real estate disputes practice at Harrison Clark Rickerbys routinely represents its varied client base of commercial landlords and tenants, developers, retailers, and private individuals. Cheltenham-based Andrew Walker leads the ‘multi-talented, extremely organised, and proactive’ team. Located in the Thames Valley, Gary Parkinson is recommended for his experience advising on break clauses, dilapidation claims, and commercial lease renewals.

Based in Farnborough, Stephen Baker heads the real estate litigation team at Herrington Carmichael LLP. Notable members of the team include Frankie Tierney and Edward Jones. Tierney is a seasoned litigator with a wealth of experience handling dilapidation claims and restrictive covenant issues, while Jones is noted for his skills with advising on boundary disputes and rent reviews.

Heading the Essex team at Paul Robinson Solicitors LLP, Lorraine Lancaster  is noted for her extensive experience in handling a variety of contentious property matters, including boundary disputes, forfeiture proceedings, dilapidation claims, and commercial lease renewals. Juwayriyah Badrudin exhibits vast knowledge of neighbour disputes and injunction applications. The team regularly advises property companies and private individuals.

Thackray Williams LLP houses a capable team in Bromley which handles a range of contentious real estate matters. David Hacker is well-known for his vast expertise in property disputes. Both David Gibson and Vikki Herbert are recommended for their expertise in lease extensions and enfranchisement matters. The ‘excellent’, Andrew Raby heads the team in Sevenoaks.

The property litigation practice at Trethowans LLP is led by Karl Cameron in Southampton. Linden Talbot is a ‘tactically astute litigator’, often appearing before the High Court, County Court, and First-Trier Tribunal. The team was strengthened by the addition of Louise James, who joined from Dutton Gregory in March 2023. James often advises on dilapidation claims, lease renewals, and rent arrears.

The Tonbridge team at Warners Solicitors is headed by Michael McNally, who specialises in contentious matters within the agricultural sector, including boundary disputes and trespassing. Robert Twining is also noted for his experience with nuisance claims and restrictive covenants.