Real Estate Litigation: London

"A heavily partnered outfit that is going from strength to strength," Berwin Leighton Paisner continues to grow its client base and its team, recently welcoming high-profile partner Michael Metliss to the firm. The group's varied workload features a substantial amount of professional negligence, as well as advisory work on pre-development issues and tenant insolvency. The team's long-standing clients include BlackRock, Canary Wharf Group and Tesco, and the group also features on the panels of organisations such as UBS and Great Portland Estates.

Client Service "The team is very approachable and easy to talk to, and the lawyers strive to have a good understanding of our business, which makes dealing with quite complicated or stressful issues easy."

Commercial Awareness "BLP is efficient, pragmatic and commercial - it doesn't let law 'get in the way,' but reaches a conclusion that is commercially realistic."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joanna Lampert is "peerless in running cases. There is nobody I would rather be in the trenches with," said one source. Lampert recently represented Korn/Ferry International in proceedings brought against the landlord of its London headquarters in connection with the operation of a break clause. "Property litigation heavyweight" Roger Cohen successfully defended Aviva Investors at the Court of Appeal recently. He co-heads the real estate disputes team along with Wendy Miller, whose recent work includes advising on rights of light disputes and settling an arbitration concerning overage payments under a sale agreement. Miller "has such vast experience that you feel privileged when you work with her because you learn so much," according to commentators. Sources are united in their praise for David Cox, who is described as "a real team player who is great to work with." He handles the full range of property-related disputes, recently representing pro bono clients in proceedings for relief against forfeiture of a lease of business premises. "Driving force and leading light" Michael Metliss joined the team in December 2010 from SJ Berwin and he is experienced in handling vacant possession issues and dilapidations claims. Associate Jeremy Stephen is "a young and very bright solicitor who maintains good relationships with clients," say commentators. He works across a range of property disputes, including lease renewals and terminations, boundary disputes, claims relating to breaches of covenant, and arrears of rent and service charges.

Nabarro is a "standout firm that remains pre-eminent in this field." The firm boasts one of the largest property litigation offerings in the country, with practitioners based in London and Sheffield. Nabarro has seen a continuation of recessionary work, bolstered by a surge in transactional and development-related work. The team acts for a stellar client base, which includes Land Securities, Hammerson, British Land and the Portman Estate.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources describe Jennifer Rickard as a "very energetic and likeable partner." She has recently provided advice on vacant possession strategy and rights of light relating to 100 Bishopsgate, a joint venture between Brookfield and Great Portland Estates. Head of team Iain Travers is regarded as "a great, worthy opponent." He has represented Westminster City Council in a matter worth £36 million, defending proceedings brought by Paddington Gardens for judicial review of the decision to appropriate a multi-storey car park for planning purposes. Julie Gattegno's recent caseload includes advising on rights of light issues concerning a prominent redevelopment. She is admired for being "particularly impressive in the driving seat." Up-and coming partner Nick Lloyd is experienced in all manner of landlord and tenant disputes, and recently provided rights of light advice on the 100 Bishopsgate matter. Nick Wood is marked out as a "star of the future." He has assisted Kestrel Properties on an overage claim relating to the development of the Fire Service's control centre in South London.

This successful group has dealt with a diverse range of cases in the past year, encompassing real estate fraud, professional negligence and development disputes, as well as judicial reviews, rights of light claims, dilapidations disputes and insolvency-related issues. Recent highlights have included acting for long-standing client Tesco in settling a dispute with Thames Water in relation to the sale of land on which Heathrow Terminal 5 was constructed. The team's clients include Berkeley Homes, British Land and BAE Systems.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Since publication, Michael Madden has joined Winston & Strawn.

Hogan Lovells continues to increase its client roster and is viewed by many as a leading firm for real estate insolvency matters. Other issues currently occupying the team include dilapidations, break clauses, professional negligence, rights of light and rent reviews. The firm has a predominantly blue-chip client base, including Barclays Bank, Prudential and KPMG.

Client Service "It is a team of lawyers that is very easy to deal with. You know you will never fall out with them as they are incredibly reasonable and measured."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Nicholas Cheffings is a "high-profile litigator who is very clever, able and good with clients," say sources. He continues to have a hands-on role with clients and he is an elected member of the Hogan Lovells Global Board. Property insolvency specialist Mathew Ditchburn was recently made a partner, a development that is endorsed by market sources, who say he is "committed with very solid experience." He successfully settled a lease dispute on behalf of Coal Pension Properties as landlord of a BHS store in Reading. Dellah Gilbert is a recognised authority on rights of light issues and recently represented Coin Street Community Builders in a case against King's College London concerning light obstruction notices. She represents many of the firm's major institutional investor clients, such as CCLA Investment Management and The Crown Estate. Paul Tonkin is lauded as an "excellent associate." His recent caseload has included assisting on the Coin Street Community Builders and Coal Pension Properties cases, as well as acting for Barclays in a series of professional negligence claims.  

"An up-and-coming team that is perfectly balanced," Mishcon de Reya is attracting attention and gaining market share. In recent times, dilapidations and rent review work have been boom areas for this growing department, as well as rights of light and boundary disputes work within London. The team regularly acts for leading property entrepreneurs such as Simon Halabi and Jon Hunt, the founder of Foxtons. Institutional clients are also well represented, including UBS and Regus Group.

Commercial Awareness "These solicitors are very on the ball, they understand what I need. I don't want a 10-page opinion - they give me a direct answer that will allow me to move on in a commercial way."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of real estate disputes Daniel Levy "is pushing the practice forward and creating an empire of property litigation that many envy. He is very on the ball and can charm the birds out of the trees," declare sources. He advises Capital & Counties on all litigious aspects of its work in Earls Court and Covent Garden. Emma Macintyre is experienced in dilapidations and property management issues, and was recently promoted to the position of legal director. She wins praise from commentators, who say she is "an impressive litigator for whom no point is too difficult. Ever." Laura Odlind is "an excellent associate who has the full confidence of her clients," say market sources. She joins the rankings having impressed in landlord and tenant issues, including business lease renewals, dilapidations, rent arrears recoveries and service charges disputes. Richard Anyamene is "a sensible litigator with an interesting client base," say sources. He specialises in providing strategic advice to property owners and investors, resolving development disputes and advising on insolvency-related real estate disputes.

The client base at Allen & Overy encompasses tenants, landlords, property companies and high net worth individuals. The firm has recently been instructed on a mixture of recessionary work, including professional negligence, dilapidations and break options, as well as handling rights of light cases. Highlights of the past year have included successfully representing RBS and Schroder Exempt Property Unit Trust in a break clause dispute against The Hotgroup.

Client Service "All the lawyers are efficient, very detailed, and certainly look around all aspects of the job before coming back to me very promptly. I trust their work and I like them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Beverley Vara heads the team and commands respect in the market. "You trust her work and she has a very good reputation because she takes the protection of her clients very seriously," say sources. Also commended is associate Sophie Schultz, who is "very astute and provides clear advice. She is excellent at delivering to the demands of the task at hand," say clients.

Charles Russell's London presence is complemented by its property litigators based in offices in Guildford and Cheltenham. The team acts for many commercial clients, and maintains a traditional stronghold in residential and private client circles. Organisations that instruct the team include The Dulwich Estate, The Broadgate Group and London and Cambridge Properties.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Robert Highmore is deemed a "very assertive and pragmatic lawyer," and is the key relationship contact for The Church Commissioners for England. Partner Louise Clark is singled out by clients for her ability to provide "really sensible opinions that lead to a successful outcome." She represents St George and The Broadgate Group. Partner Emma Humphreys "has an excellent reputation, and is formidable and well respected," say commentators. She advises clients including Lemon Land and Berwick Hill Group on their commercial and residential property issues.

This team provides strategic advice on the full range of property and landlord and tenant disputes. Sources are unsure of the full impact of the recent retirement of department head John Pickston, although they agree that the team continues to attract complex, high-profile work. Clients include Chevron, Legal & General Group and City of London Corporation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Benjamin Hatton recently acted for Canary Wharf in complex negotiations with the administrators of the insolvent tenant of 25 Bank Street concerning the high-profile forfeiture of the lease. Bryan Johnston is "as well prepared and conscientious as anybody, and really sets his mind to what the law is and how best to use it to the client's advantage: he gives an intelligent and informed steer to matters," say market sources. He recently represented Woodford Land in a dispute with Persimmon Homes.

Field Fisher Waterhouse's recent workload has included rent review, secured lending, professional negligence and insolvency disputes. Highlights include acting for a consortium of high-profile retail tenants in a service charges dispute with their landlord in connection with the Westfield London Shopping Centre. Clients include Shell Pension Funds, BP, Southwark Council and the Department for Transport.

Client Service "I find FFW approachable at all times; we have built up a strong rapport with the team. Requests are dealt with in a timely, friendly manner."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of the property litigation group Antony Phillips is an authority on dilapidations, and he is also experienced across the spectrum of landlord and tenant disputes. He recently advised City of London Corporation in relation to multiple lease renewals at Smithfield Market, and he is a "very strong litigator who is as enthusiastic as ever," say sources. Lesley Webber is "a litigator with fire in her belly who is incredibly supportive to colleagues," say commentators. She is recognised throughout the market as a leading light in rent review work, recently settling an arbitration for the Department of Transport in respect of its headquarters premises. Joe Payne is "a property insolvency guru - a lawyer who never gives in, he is tenacious and impossible to ignore." He is a solicitor advocate whose recent work has included advising Begbies Traynor on the disposal of a large residential development and right of first refusal claims by tenants, as well as advising BP Oil UK on contentious issues relating to its petrol station operations.

This team works on both residential and commercial matters, recently handling a growing amount of tenant insolvency issues, as well as rent review, dilapidations and forfeiture claims. The firm has also taken on a qualified barrister, Charlotte Black, from Wilberforce Chambers. Recent highlights for the team include its involvement in the Court of Appeal case Cadogan v McHale, which concerned the valuation of a tenant's interest in a collective enfranchisement claim. Major clients include Invista Real Estate, The Crown Estate and the Portman Estate.

Client Service "It's a personal service - it's very easy to pick the phone up and get an answer."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan Ross is "a brilliant property veteran with a brain the size of a planet. Nobody instils confidence in the rest of the team like he does." He recently acted in St Pauls Court Limited v Brennan, successfully resisting an appeal by a tenant to the Upper Tribunal, based upon service charges being irrecoverable if not demanded within 18 months. Natasha Rees is "a lovely person who is a particularly impressive lawyer," say clients. She has recently acted for tenants in a collective enfranchisement claim against Jafton Properties, and for Borodex concerning a tenant's appeal to the Court of Appeal on the determination of rent on an assured tenancy. Rosalind Cullis is "extremely commercial and clearly knows her stuff, and is someone you get on well with," say sources. She has particular experience of lease renewals, acting for both landlords and tenants.

This team handles all manner of property disputes for a client base of institutional investors, such as AXA Sun Life, Liverpool Victoria and BMW (UK). Lawrence Graham has expertise in retail investment and it has been reappointed to the Sainsbury's panel. Recent work has included acting for the administrators of the Agora Group and advising the Whitbread Group on its original tenant liability following the sale of business and retail properties to First Quench.

Commercial Awareness "They are highly responsive, offer clear legal advice and apply commercial acumen to allow us to make informed decisions in our business dealings."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Carole Peet is "good at assessing risk and balancing up the case - she gives proper, commercial opinions," say clients. She recently acted for Telereal in an arbitration with Fitzwilton Developments. Jane Fox-Edwards "offers a dedicated service of the highest quality. She adds commercial nous and provides sound advice," according to clients. Her recent caseload has included advising Geo Networks on a statutory right to cross a canal with a fibre-optic cable, contained within the Telecoms Code.

Linklaters acts for multinational clients on complex, high-value disputes. The firm is a market leader in property-related insolvency and rent reviews, and other work in the past year has included development disputes such as rights of light claims and obtaining injunctions as a result of civil unrest. The firm's client list includes Barclays Bank and PwC, in its role as administrator of Lehman Brothers.

Commercial Awareness "Linklaters gives each case incisive and penetrative thought; it is a thorough and well-led practice where I have yet to find a flaw."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Katie Bradford is "a property guru who gets involved in titanic battles. She is skilled at keeping her clients happy," say sources. She has recently been acting on the Woolworths administration. Frances Richardson is "a very good opponent who is taking up more of the mantle," say sources. She has recently acted in the Lehman's administration and in professional negligence matters, acting for clients such as HSBC and Alecta.

This team has traditionally specialised in contested lease renewals and dilapidations, break clause and contractual disputes. Since its success in the prominent Goldacre case, the team has been instructed on a growing number of insolvency-related real estate disputes. Olswang acts for many financial institutions, among them UBS and F & C Reit Asset Management.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marcus Barclay is a "heavyweight litigator" who heads the real estate litigation team. His recent successes include acting for Legal & General to regain possession of three leisure park premises from third parties let into occupation by the administrator of the Regent Inns pre-pack administration. Cameron Lawes recently represented UBS Global Asset Management (UK) in its claim against a previous tenant for wants of repair allowed to accrue at large industrial premises. He represents commercial landlords and tenants on all manner of disputes, with other clients including Delancey Estates and Royal Mail Group. Anna Bevan-Jones joins the rankings having impressed sources as "a very effective associate." She advises on all aspects of real estate litigation for clients including Goldacre, UBS and BDO.

Pinsent Masons merged with McGrigors LLP on 1st May 2012 - the merged entity is known as Pinsent Masons.

This growing group recently represented Piccadilly at trial as it sought to remain in occupation of its Manchester city centre business premises. Other highlights include acting for Lloyds Banking Group to defend a number of complex dilapidations claims. Pinsent Masons has attracted a number of new clients recently, among them Capital & Counties, John Lewis and Linden Homes.

Commercial Awareness "They give very clear, concise advice as to the outcomes that particular decisions we make will have. They understand our rationale, our way of behaving and what we are trying to achieve."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Siobhan Cross "provides excellent assistance - she is clear and concise and ensures a strong service," according to clients. She is experienced in all aspects of landlord and tenant dispute resolution, and acts for the Portman Estate and Linden Homes. Stuart Wortley "listens intently, doesn't miss a thing and understands the business very well. His quick response and way of dealing with things has prevented problems from becoming litigious," say clients. He leads the national property litigation team.

Partner Katharine Davies and associate Dev Desai were both members of McGrigors' Real Estate Litigation team prior to the merger. Davies's practice encompasses a wide range of general commercial and property disputes. She recently represented Phides Estates in High Court proceedings to secure possession of the site of the former Ashford airport from trespassers. Desai is "very down-to-earth and easy to deal with," say clients. He specialises in property disputes and has expertise in property-related insolvency.

Speechly Bircham works for many developers and investors and has a strong reputation in the area of enfranchisement on behalf of estates and high-end residential tenants. Key clients include Barratt, Mount Eden Land and Countryside Properties.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeremy Hudson practises in all aspects of landlord and tenant law, with particular expertise in enfranchisement, and represents Howard de Walden Estates. Head of real estate litigation Graham Ling provides a "responsive, competitive service and is there whenever we need him," say clients. He recently represented Belgrave Place Management in the recovery of substantial service charges arrears from a tenant.

Wragge & Co's practitioners are based in London and Birmingham, from where they assist a wide range of corporations in all types of property dispute. Recent work has included representing Global Switch, landlord of Lehman Brothers' critical data centre facility, in a dispute arising from the Lehman administration. Other major clients include B&Q and JPMorgan Funds, while HMV is among the new clients the firm has attracted this year.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Anne Waltham heads the department and her recent workload has included a substantial rent review and various rights of light disputes. She has also achieved a settlement for NCP in relation to High Court proceedings involving a dispute over a historic service charge. Director Alison Hardy recently represented Goodman Real Estate and Calico Quays in an appeal case relating to the interpretation of a right of way granted by deed. She also has expertise in telecoms-related property disputes.

Asset management is at the core of this practice, which acts for clients including Scottish Widows, Threadneedle and Standard Life. The firm is also noted for its expertise in insolvency-related disputes and enforcement of assets work. Addleshaw Goddard advises Primark on issues concerning the acquisition and development of the retailer's store portfolio.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Blower runs the team. He recently represented Dixons Retail and associated group companies in a professional negligence claim against a firm of solicitors, relating to the service of a break notice.

This group specialises in landlord and tenant disputes involving leasehold enfranchisement, winning praise for the "uniformly high quality of its people." The team acts for private estates such as Grosvenor, Bedford Estates and Calthorpe Estates.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Hindle acts on commercial and residential disputes, and is a key contact for Grosvenor. Colin Young heads the team and sources find him "a pleasure to work with." He has recently been acting for Hosebay in its case against Day Estate concerning the definition of a house.

This team serves owners, occupiers, developers and institutional investors. The group has recently seen an increase in insolvency-related work, and has acted for RBS and BDO on property-related aspects of the administration of law firm Halliwells. Other clients include Procter & Gamble, KPMG and Taylor Wimpey. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Andrew Walker is "consistently good - he understands the role that I need him to undertake and advises accordingly," says one client. His recent work includes acting in connection with the Halliwells administration, and advising the Wellcome Trust on a consultation covering 1,500 tenants of its South Kensington estate.

This firm's large network of offices lends it strength on property disputes with regional, national and international aspects. Recent work for the property disputes team has included acting for Humber Oil Terminal Trustees in respect of an opposed renewal of leases on Immingham Oil Terminal and Jetty, and representing pub tenant Onifas in High Court injunction proceedings seeking to restrain the tenant from removing beer flow monitoring equipment.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of real estate litigation Ian Brierley is deemed to be "an impressive fellow" by market commentators. He acts for clients including Yeoman's Row Management and Blackstone. Senior associate Duncan Freeman is a "very personable lawyer with a great professional reputation," say sources. He is a specialist in insolvency-related real estate disputes and has recently completed a secondment with Barclays.

Eversheds acts for a broad mix of investors, public sector bodies, developers and occupiers. Recent highlights have included advising Credit Suisse on its position as a creditor of insolvent law firm Halliwells, and assisting Associated British Ports in relation to the contested repossession of an oil jetty. Other clients of the firm include SEGRO, Waitrose and the London Development Agency.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head William Densham is at the forefront of the firm's property litigation offering. "A likeable, fighting litigator who works hard on behalf of his clients," he has recently been advising EDF in relation to the first private noise claim to be made against a wind farm in the UK.

This West End practice has a mixed client base, including many private clients and retailers, and it is commended for taking "a focused approach to its clients' needs." The firm's recent caseload has included many contested break clauses and dilapidations claims. Clients include Zog Group, Nomura and Spaghetti House.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of team Alison Mould is "a technical yet commercially focused litigator who gives it to clients straight and always makes herself available." She is the key contact for the British Steel Pension Fund and Odeon Cinemas. Partner Janet Keeley advises on commercial landlord and tenant disputes and has recently resolved a number of disputes for private clients.

This property disputes team has recently seen a significant volume of recessionary work involving insolvent parties or distressed debt. The group's most high-profile work in recent times has been for Standard Life in a civil fraud claim against property developer Topland. Herbert Smith is instructed by clients such as Chevron, Selfridges and TAG Farnborough Airport.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Matthew Bonye "always has time for you, for any query no matter how silly - he has developed a good understanding of our business and is very commercially aware and mindful of costs," say clients.

This firm is applauded for its expertise in residential and enfranchisement work. Pemberton Greenish specialises in assisting tenants with financial difficulties, recovering arrears and dealing with administrators. The practice acts for major estates such as the Portman Estate.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of property litigation Kerry Glanville is "a very sensible and pragmatic lawyer who just gets things done," say commentators. She acts for both landowners and tenants. 

This team is often referred work by City firms, usually for corporates and high net worth individuals requiring Russell-Cooke's expertise in mixed use and residential matters. The practice is also referred retail and charity clients by internal departments. Among the firm's clients are Grainger, Pret A Manger and ING Real Estate Development.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jason Hunter is head of the contentious property department. "Working with him is easy; he makes sure we completely understand each other," say clients. Paul Greatholder "makes a real effort to understand our business and our priorities. He always seems to be available and can act urgently when required," report clients. He recently acted for the claimant purchasers of a high-value residential property in a conveyancing misrepresentation case relating to flooding. Associate to watch Edward Cracknell advises on rent and service charge recovery, possession proceedings, business lease renewals and contentious leasehold enfranchisement.

Market sources highlight the impact of personnel changes within this team, most notably the departure of long-term department head Michael Metliss, who has joined Berwin Leighton Paisner. Despite such losses, SJ Berwin remains a "good, credible player" in this field. The firm acts on all types of property disputes for clients including AXA Sun Life, British Land and Marks & Spencer.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner Jason Juden is the new group head. Sources report he is "ambitious and driven, whilst being easy-going and personable. He is strong technically and commercially, and good to deal with." 

This firm is admired by clients for "taking an open-minded view and engaging in dialogue with us." The recent caseload for Taylor Wessing has included insolvency work and break option, rent review and service charge disputes. The team has also seen an increase in development-related work. The group acts for American Express, Borough Market and Diageo, among others.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Saleem Fazal is "very much service-oriented and fills clients with confidence. The success of the team is down to his management," market sources say. He has recently acted on disputes involving the HSBC European Active Real Estate Fund portfolio. Associate Joe Copping joins the rankings this year. He "takes a commercial view and stands out for being a calm, sensible performer," say sources. He works on all manner of property disputes for clients including McClaren Construction Group and The Gym Group.

This firm fields a "strong team" whose recent highlights include Moutrant v Miss Sixty, representing the Met Quarter Shopping Centre, Liverpool, in a successful challenge to Sixty UK's company voluntary agreement. The group also negotiated a settlement on a large dilapidations claim for Halifax Equitable. The practice also acts for Liberty Property Investment, Persimmon Homes and Arab Investments. On November 1st, Davies Arnold Cooper will merge with Beachcroft. The resulting firm will be known as DAC Beachcroft LLP.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner Thekla Fellas has recently acted on a dilapidations case for Panasonic and a termination of purchase agreement and recovery of deposit for David Wilson Homes. Experienced practitioner Andrew Chesser is "very focused on the commerciality of the matter," say clients.

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Dewar Hogan is a specialist property litigation boutique set up by founding members of the Property Litigation Association. Recent work for the firm has included numerous professional negligence claims against solicitors, party wall disputes and rights of light advice. The firm is commonly referred work from London-based US firms without real estate practices.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner Ronald Hogan is "user-friendly, incisive and has unparalleled knowledge and experience," according to commentators. 

This firm covers both residential and commercial disputes. The team acts for a mixed client base, which includes banks, housing associations and private clients. Among the clients the team acts for are Pizza Express, Corus Hotels and Dunster Properties.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner Brian Kilcoyne concentrates mainly on commercial landlord and tenant disputes but also regularly advises on development matters, insolvency issues and high-value residential property disputes. "It is always real teamwork working with him - he knows his stuff, is absolutely on the case and is very dedicated and energetic," say sources. Associate Mario Betts works on disputes for developers, landlords and commercial occupiers. He is "well prepared and absolutely makes sure he does the best job he can," say commentators.

Macfarlanes offers a comprehensive property disputes service, acting for public companies, developers, institutional and retail investors and private individuals. The group's recent caseload includes acting for Castle House Developments on issues arising from the sale of more than 400 apartments in its Strata development. The team acts for clients including AXA, Brookfield Europe and the Department of Health.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Willie Manners is an "excellent practitioner and a likeable character," say sources.  

This practice works on the full range of property disputes, with recent highlights including advising JPMorgan on its acquisition and refurbishment of 25 Bank Street, Canary Wharf. This growing team has taken on two lateral hires recently, and sources praise the outfit for its client focus, saying: "The group works hard to integrate the client, so they feel their lawyers are standing shoulder-to-shoulder rather than working away in a distant office."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Hartley heads the team and sources say: "Simon is a tough litigator who always focuses on the commercial needs of the client - he is good at bringing original thought to cases."

This team is well placed to handle any type of property dispute and is instructed by commercial and residential landowners and tenants, as well as government bodies and other public-sector organisations.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources say head of UK property litigation Julian Cridge is "a brilliant litigator who runs the team well." He focuses on landlord and tenant disputes, with a particular focus on real estate insolvency work.

Stephenson Harwood is commended for its work on insolvency issues, possession procedures, break clauses and dilapidations claims. Recent highlights include acting for a high net worth individual in relation to a fraud case involving property in five jurisdictions. The firm's clients include Canary Wharf Group, Mount Eden Land and InterContinental Hotels Group. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Sean Fitzgerald has recently acted for the London Development Agency in the termination of development documentation with Silvertown Quays.

Break notices and dilapidations work have featured heavily in this firm's recent caseload. Thomas Eggar acts for insurers, banks, larger property management companies and retailers, with clients including The Crown Estate, Maplin Electronics and Telereal Trillium. Sources approve of how the firm has "maintained a personal touch."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner Jacqui Joyce is a litigator, mediator and current chair of the Property Litigation Association. Sources credit her with "building up a formidable property litigation practice and having enormous charisma."

Trowers & Hamlins has recently dealt with a large volume of work with an insolvency bias, as well as seeing a noticeable increase in development-related instructions. The team recently acted for Nuffield Health in a rent review dispute with one of its private hospital landlords. Other clients of the group include Hermes Real Estate, Threadneedle Investments and Home Retail Group.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner Paul Marco works on insolvency and professional negligence matters, contractual and development disputes, and property management. He has represented TR Property Investment Trust in the forfeiture of a commercial lease and contested rent review, and given advice on asset management issues. Nicholas Levy "is very approachable and gives good, practical advice," say clients. He specialises in commercial landlord and tenant disputes, as well as property-related insolvency and professional negligence matters.

This "sturdy firm" works on a wide range of disputes for commercial clients, charities, third-sector bodies and registered social landlords. The team also has a strong tradition of union representation, recently advising RMT on various disputes arising from its property portfolio. Representative clients include GDF SUEZ, ActionAid and UNITE.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Lesley Robinson is popular with sources, who find her "very businesslike and easy to deal with." She acts for a range of commercial, charity and private clients.

Clients find this firm "efficient and reliable." The team has recently acted for Crest Nicholson Regeneration in a Court of Appeal case against Akaria, concerning a development agreement for a shopping centre in Hemel Hempstead. Other clients include Cheval Property Holdings and Aldersgate Investments.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner Matthew Marsh is a "really thoughtful lawyer who lends a lot of help and support when you're working with him," say sources. Michael Grace "is very hands-on and has a commercial approach to resolving matters," say commentators. He heads the team, acting for investors and developers on all manner of contentious property issues.

This group works on all types of property litigation for a client base including a large proportion of institutional landlords and retailers. Among those that have instructed the firm lately are BHS, Arcadia and ING.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Group head Jeremy Grose practises all types of real estate litigation, including landlord and tenant, lease renewal and rent review disputes, as well as property-related insolvency, construction litigation and disputes arising out of the sale of land.

This firm has recently advised on insolvency-related disputes and rent reviews, as well as a number of dilapidations claims, including three for CBRE Investors. Other clients instructing the firm include Hermes Real Estate Investment Management, the Royal Academy and British Land.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Craig Shuttleworth is a key contact.

This firm has recently acted in a great number of disputes and arbitrations arising from the recession, acting for major retailers and developers. The team is currently representing WHSmith in a number of lease renewal proceedings, and it has acted for Delph Property Group in successful claims against investor groups relating to non-performance of purchase contracts. Other clients of the firm include Winkworth and Liberty.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Marshall is joint head of the firm's litigation and property litigation teams.

This team has a strong retail practice, representing ASDA Wal-Mart and The Mall Corporation in property disputes. Memery Crystal also acts for The Freshwater Group of Companies on a wide range of property disputes across its residential and commercial portfolio. The group lost partner Andrew Darwin last year when he moved to RLS Law.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Eugene O'Keefe is the head of real estate.

This firm has a growing presence in the sector, achieving a successful outcome in the Supreme Court for Star Energy in connection with a trespass claim by Mohammed Al Fayed’s company, Bocardo. The group has recently been acting for Anadarko Algeria in connection with the exercise of a tenancy break option, and also represents Citi and ING on property disputes.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Charlotte Bijlani made partner this year and is head of the real estate litigation team. Sources say she is "a young, dynamic practitioner who is building up the practice with bags of style." She recently achieved a High Court victory for Warner Estate Property in connection with an unlawful underletting by a corporate tenant.

Penningtons continues to act in a substantial number of tenant insolvency cases, but has also taken instructions concerning conditional contracts and development agreements. The firm acts for Aviva Investors, Aegon UK Property Fund and Trustees of the Borough Market Southwark.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Donald Lambert "is very approachable, easy to get on with and supports his clients' needs," say those who instruct him. Associate Jenny Reid continues to impress sources. She acts in complex residential and commercial landlord and tenant matters, such as dilapidations, recovery of rent arrears, tenant insolvency and collective enfranchisement.

This team acts for a mixture of property investor and occupier clients. Reed Smith has recently represented Telereal Trillium in the recovery of rent from Regus, and acted for Akzo Nobel (UK) in a dilapidations claim in respect of premises in Stevenage. Other clients include Reuben Brothers, Laura Ashley and Expedia.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Katherine Campbell is a "pleasant, solid practitioner," say sources.

This team of four covers all aspects of property litigation and has a wide client base, acting for major financial institutions and corporates, as well as national charities and private individuals. Wedlake Bell is instructed by CALA Homes (South) and has recently acted on a break clause for MasterCard UK. The team also works for Jaeger and Ashtenne Industrial Fund.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Freeman is the main contact.

This team has recently worked on a number of insolvency disputes and seen an upturn in development work, notably advising Barratt on a range of issues spanning rights of light issues, restrictive covenants and commercial leases. The firm's large social housing practice means the real estate litigation team acts for a number of housing associations such as L&Q London Housing Association and Places for People. As well as acting in matters concerning retail premises and licensed premises, the firm is building a strong reputation for representation of telecommunications clients.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Emma Chadwick "has an excellent brain - she is practical, tactical and very focused on what the client wants to achieve," say sources. Her recent work includes representing Southern Housing Group in a commercial lease forfeiture, appeal and relief from forfeiture application.