Real Estate Litigation: North West

This Manchester-based team is praised for its “commitment to understand a business and all the issues, concerns and ambitions that involves.” The group advises banks on claims of possessions and recently acted for NatWest in a dispute over the possession of farm holdings. Other clients include Barclays Bank, Primark and Sainsbury's.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bringing a "businesslike perspective to deals," Charles Jagger leads the team in Manchester. Sources appreciate his "pragmatic and constructive approach.” Patricia Love has been advising VG Systems on a disputed break notice. “She really cares about advising the client properly and always goes the extra mile.”

This group handles all aspects of property litigation for clients from a wide range of industries. It has an especially strong - and growing - reputation in the telecoms field. Clients include adidas, Lancashire County Council and Sportsdirect. Sources say: “Objective advice is communicated in a clear and timely manner, and they also know the region well.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alan Walker heads the team and “he responds rapidly to any request for information,” say clients. Peter Stone has a broad practice and “the service he provides is of the very highest standard.”  

This team is spread between Liverpool and Manchester and is experienced in both prosecuting and defending disputes in the interests of an impressive list of clients. The lawyers are renowned for devising business-oriented solutions, and sources agree “the professionalism and general standard of the team uphold the global reputation.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Team head Steven Jennings is based in Manchester and praised for his “flawless knowledge.” He is a prominent figure in landlord and tenant issues.

With offices in Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle, this regional powerhouse is prominent in high-profile cases. It was recently successful in securing an injunction for British Waterways against a neighbouring landowner. “The service is very good and they have a commitment to quality. The advice is provided on time and on budget,” stated one source.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Regional group chief James Batham acts for blue-chip retail occupiers and developers. A "dynamic leader," clients say “he prioritises our needs and makes sure his team is engaged with us.” David McGuirk continues to grow his practice and reputation and recently worked on the British Waterways case.  

This thriving team acted recently on a number of disputes, including a potential nuisance claim against York City Council and a contentious boundary matter. It remains the sole provider to HM Courts Service of real estate and construction advice regarding its multibillion-pound portfolio. Other clients include ASDA, Hermès and Westfield Group. On November 1st, Davies Arnold Cooper will merge with Beachcroft. The resulting firm will be known as DAC Beachcroft LLP.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Moss's varied commercial practice includes contract disputes, recoveries and property-related insolvency.

This team has seen a welcome growth in instructions over the past year, notably from the utilities sector. Clients value its balanced regional spread across Liverpool, Manchester and Chester.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kevin Lee handles complex litigation for property companies and developers, educational establishments and financial institutions. Ralph Bullivant acts for a variety of clients including high-street retailers, developers and landlords. By all accounts, "he never misses a trick.”

This firm has offices in Liverpool, Manchester and Preston. “The team is made up of individuals who each have a unique skill,” say commentators. The team handles all areas of property litigation and is especially well regarded for its dilapidations work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeff Lewis is the main contact at the firm.

This team recently acted for Liverpool City Council to secure vacant possession of redeveloped commercial units on the outskirts of the city centre. Clients say: “They have a good model, good people, and an expert for everything that we encounter.” 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Located in Manchester, Graeme Dixon is “a consistently good lawyer.” His specialisms include contested lease renewals, forfeiture and boundary disputes. 

This team acts for Thames Water on a variety of issues. Other clients include Optical Express, Chevron and Wilcox Group. Sources applaud the lawyers' “depth of knowledge and the excellent application of it.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kate Hamilton Ryan acts for a mix of landlords, tenants and developers, including household-name companies and private individuals.

The merger between Hammonds and Squire Sanders & Dempsey has increased the profile and visibility of this property disputes team. The group has been representing British Steel Pension Fund Trustee in proceedings to recover the cost of works. Other clients include Eddie Stobart and Northern Rock.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Helen Hoath recently acted for The Stobart Group in a successful application to forfeit the lease of a tenant in administration.