Set rankings
We are recommended as a set for:
- Commercial Dispute Resolution
- Construction
- Professional Negligence
- Professional Negligence: Technology & Construction
- Property Damage
- Real Estate Litigation
- Social Housing
Testimonials
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Chancery Commercial
Charles Raffin
Strengths: “Incredibly user-friendly and very bright. He has very good attention to detail and is very well organised. Charles is very good on his feet and so meticulous in preparing for a case – he really has every angle covered.”
Recent work: Instructed in Patel and Another v Water Babies Limited, a case involving breaches of restrictive covenants in a franchising context.
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Chancery Traditional
Brie Stevens-Hoare KC
Brie Stevens-Hoare QC is noted for her handling of complex probate matters and those with a real property aspect. Her recent work has included the high-profile Ilott case. She is widely praised for her straightforward and practical approach, and is further noted for her work as a mediator.
Strengths: “She is very good with clients because she has that adaptability of style which allows her to deal with everyone. She is gentle with clients when she needs to be but also more than capable of being firm when necessary.”
Recent work: Acted for 27 clients in Reynolds v Long. The case concerned claims arising out of the defrauding of clients to the sum of £24-30 million in cash and property.
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Clinical Negligence
Charles Bagot KC
Charles Bagot QC is a well-liked silk with a comprehensive understanding of clinical negligence law. He represents both claimants and defendants in a broad range of instructions, relating to such matters as catastrophic brain injuries and fatal accidents. He has developed particular expertise in cases involving secondary victims.
Strengths: “He is exceptional – his pleadings are sharp and he is a kind and compassionate advocate.” “A very calm and robust advocate who is methodical in his approach.” “He is very impressive and incredibly knowledgeable.”
Recent work: Acted for NHS Resolution in sensitive secondary victim claims by two children who witnessed the death of their father from a heart attack in the street, following allegedly negligent cardiac treatment.
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Clinical Negligence - Western Bar
Emma Zeb
Emma Zeb offers a broad clinical negligence practice encompassing claims arising from misdiagnosed cancer and negligent care of vulnerable individuals leading to pressure sores and other conditions. She offers further expertise in gynaecology and surgical negligence cases, and is instructed by both claimants and defendants.
Strengths: “She is extremely thorough in her advice and very good in conference. She has a real empathy for her clients and is able to explain everything thoroughly so clients fully understand without any legal jargon. She is also extremely good in conference with experts and knows the exact questions to ask.”
Vanessa McKinlay
Vanessa McKinlay has a broad medical law practice, derived from past experience as a senior physiotherapist. Adept at representing both claimants and defendants, she routinely acts in catastrophic injury cases. Her expertise also covers surgical negligence matters, as well as the delayed diagnosis and treatment of cancer. She is also adept at handling claims involving obstetric and midwifery care.
Strengths: “She really just understands the underlying medical issues, which really stands out with experts.” “Her advocacy is first class.”
Recent work: Represented the claimant in Thacker v Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, a case arising from nerve damage sustained following a femoral nerve block given during a knee replacement surgery.
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Commercial Dispute Resolution
Nigel Jones KC
Strengths: “He always has the ear of the court.” “His legal analysis and breadth of knowledge are superb.”
Recent work: Defended Sanjay Shah and his 22 internationally based companies in a case brought by SKAT, the Danish tax authorities, who allege that they, and numerous other defendants, were involved in a multi-jurisdictional fraud totalling £1.5 billion.
PJ Kirby KC
Strengths: “Bright and user-friendly.” “He’s a fine and diligent advocate, who is a pleasure to work with.”
Recent work: Represented the Road Haulage Association before the Competition Appeal Tribunal on various costs and funding issues.
David Lewis KC
Strengths: “Builds strong relationships with clients and provides pragmatic advice.”
Recent work: Represented five defendants in La Cotte Consulting Ltd v Sovereign Steel (a partnership) defending claims of fraud, mistake, restitution, unlawful means conspiracy, procuring breach of contract and breach of contract.
Charles Raffin
Strengths: “Well organised, incredibly user-friendly, very bright, and someone with good attention to detail. He is very good on his feet and so meticulous in preparing for a case; he really has every angle covered.”
Recent work: Has acted for a number of years for the All England Lawn Tennis Club in complex claims furthering the club’s work to prevent the unlawful sale of tickets to the Wimbledon Championships.
Emily Betts
Strengths: “Really strong and hard-working, she is personable, likeable and really smart.”
Recent work: Appeared in Hassenfeld v (1) Lloyds Bank Plc, (2) Barclays Bank UK Plc, (3) HSBC UK Bank Plc, acting for Mr and Mrs Hassenfeld, two high net worth US citizens, in relation to an application for a Norwich Pharmacal order against three UK-registered banks.
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Commercial Dispute Resolution - South Eastern Bar
Lauren Godfrey
Lauren Godfrey is adept at handling a broad array of commercial disputes, including cases concerning professional negligence, restraint of trade, breach of fiduciary duties, confidential information, IP rights and data protection. He is also experienced in the handling of insolvency-related matters. He acts for a broad range of clients including insurers, banks and senior employees.
Strengths: “Lauren is very good at cross-examination and is a strategic thinker.”
Recent work: Acted for the claimants in a £1.4 million professional negligence claim concerning building defects, where the defendant attempted to argue that COVID-19 justified the defects.
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Construction
Paul Reed KC
Paul Reed QC is a popular silk with a quality practice both domestically and in the Middle East. His construction offering is enhanced by his acknowledged expertise in the insurance sector. His client base includes contractors, insurers and developers.
Strengths: “A leading figure in the sector on all things construction and insurance.”
Recent work: Acted in a claim against geotechnical engineers for £6 million arising out of the collapse of a housing association development due to an undiscovered cavity in the ground.
Nigel Jones KC
Nigel Jones QC skilfully handles complex construction claims on behalf of developers, contractors and public authorities, among others. His practice is international in scope, with a focus on Malaysia and the Middle East, and is complemented by his significant experience in insurance-related disputes.
Strengths: “He is outstanding on his feet and grasps the issues that turn a case.”
Recent work: Acted for AIG as Balfour Beatty’s professional indemnity insurers in relation to flaws in the design and construction of a school in Oldham built under the PFI initiative.
Catherine Piercy KC
Catherine Piercy is a quality junior whose diverse practice includes regular appearances in adjudications, ADR and high-value litigation. She is regularly instructed by a client base of contractors, insurers and other insurance professionals. Her recent work includes disputes concerning allegedly defective cladding.
Strengths: “She provides creative solutions to legal problems.” “An incredibly able junior and forceful advocate whose written work is fantastic.”
Recent work: Instructed in a case concerning the construction of the Bolton bus exchange. The case is significant in defining the scope of duty of a checking engineer where there is a specialist subcontractor with a specialist subconsultant designer.
David Pliener KC
David Pliener is a highly regarded senior junior who regularly acts in litigation, arbitration and adjudications nationwide and abroad. He has advised on disputes in sectors as diverse as renewables, structural engineering and leisure. Clients that typically instruct him include contractors, construction professionals and property owners. He is strong in construction-related insurance and property damage litigation.
Strengths: “He is a superb construction barrister – very analytical and gets into the detail on a case.”
Recent work: Instructed by 70 leaseholders in a £20 million claim arising from defective redevelopment works to The Lancasters, a landmark development overlooking Hyde Park.
Ebony Alleyne
Ebony Alleyne has a strong construction practice covering TCC proceedings, as well as adjudications and arbitrations. She acts for the full range of construction industry clients including employers, contractors and other related professionals.
Strengths: “A talented junior.” “She is commercial, enthusiastic and hard-working.”
Helena White
Helena White has a practice covering a broad array of construction and engineering disputes, including cases involving related insurance and professional negligence issues. She has particular expertise in cases arising out of water and waste disposal-related projects.
Strengths: “Knowledgeable, technically excellent and very well prepared.”
Recent work: Acted for the claimant owners of a house in Devon when it transpired, after purchase, that it suffered from many defects, including extensive water ingress and various apparent breaches of building regulations, arising from refurbishment works carried out by the previous owner.
Michael Wheater
Michael Wheater is a strong junior with a UK-focused practice who represents clients from across the construction industry, including developers and contractors. He is particularly proficient in construction disputes involving professional negligence claims, and also has experience of advising on insurance mandates.
Strengths: “He is an all-round excellent barrister – very bright, user-friendly and very commercial.” “A solution-orientated and user-friendly barrister whose written work is highly impressive.”
Recent work: Instructed in a delay claim concerning the refurbishment of two Grade II listed buildings in Liverpool to provide new accommodation for the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts.
Sarah McCann
Sarah McCann acts on a variety of domestic disputes including TCC claims and adjudications, with a particular focus on professional negligence and insurance-related construction work. She has a strong track record of handling complex cases, both led and unled, and is particularly well versed with handling defect claims.
Strengths: “Accessible, approachable, commercial and willing to take time to talk through both legal and commercial issues.”
Recent work: Acted for an electrical installation and security systems service company in its dispute with the defendant integrated housing services provider. The case concerns concerning alleged defects and non-payment.
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Costs Litigation
PJ Kirby KC
A knowledgeable commercial silk whose practice encompasses all areas of costs law, including cases relating to detailed assessments, wasted costs and funding arrangements. He has experience of acting before the SCCO as well as the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Kirby further acts as a costs expert, appears in private hearings and advises in out-of-court settings. He also has experience as an ADR group-accredited mediator.
Strengths: “He’s a strong court advocate and very knowledgeable on technical costs disputes.” “He’s fantastic as a mediator.”
Recent work: Acted on behalf of the claimant in Belsner v CAM Legal Services. This was an important test case concerning the provisions of Section 74(3) of the Solicitors Act, which limits a solicitor to recovering costs that would be recovered inter partes unless they have expressly agreed otherwise with the client.
Robin Dunne
A costs and litigation funding specialist who handles a number of high-value, complex cases and has experience of appearing in both the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. He is particularly expert at solicitor and client costs cases and is noted for having written important texts on the subject, such as ‘A Practical Guide to Solicitor and Client Costs’.
Strengths: “An absolute expert in the field with encyclopedic knowledge. He’s someone you can form a direct relationship with.”
Recent work: Appeared for the defendant in Ainsworth v Stewarts Law, a very important decision regarding the powers of a costs judge to strike out generic points of dispute for lack of detail.
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Court of Protection: Health & Welfare
Alison Meacher
Alison Meacher has experience of handling cases involving forced marriage, capacity to marry and other issues surrounding mental capacity law. She regularly acts for and advises vulnerable clients, local authorities, care home providers and landlords.
Strengths: “Very pragmatic.”
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Court of Protection: Property & Affairs
Alison Meacher
Alison Meacher offers expertise in cases involving lasting power of attorneys, deputy appointments, gift approvals and statutory will applications. She is also experienced in the handling of health and welfare cases.
Strengths: “Has great attention to detail.”
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Education
Shazia Akhtar
Shazia Akhtar has a wide-ranging education practice, fielding particular strength in SEN and school governance matters, as well as academy conversions and challenges to Ofsted inspections. She is also regularly called upon to advise universities on their responsibilities under the Equality Act. Her diverse client base also includes students, schools, NGOs and charitable organisations.
Strengths: “She’s very committed to her clients, has a deep knowledge of the education world and is very persuasive before a tribunal.” “Her advice is clear, thorough and concise. Her advocacy is excellent, as is her client care.”
Recent work: Acted for the claimant in Fasseau v Portsmouth City Council, a case involving an appeal around the educational and therapeutic provision of a young person with SEN.
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Employment
Paul Strelitz
“He’s excellent: very commercial and good with clients.” “He has a fantastic courtroom presence.”,“He’s very commercial and hands-on, and very easy to work with.” “He is very thorough and is able to cut through a large case and see the key issues very quickly; his advocacy is superb.”
Rajiv Bhatt
Rajiv Bhatt exhibits an impressive understanding of substantial employment issues. His practice spans worker status, discrimination, victimisation and whistle-blowing cases.
Strengths: “He quickly gets to grips with the details, he is responsive, he is hands-on, he is a very strong advocate and he deals well with issues that arise during hearings.” “He is a meticulous barrister and it is clear that he was very well prepared; he is a thorough and courteous advocate.” “He gets into the detail, he’s there by your side the whole way, he provides commercial advice, he is hard-working and responsive, and he is very good on his feet – I’d always want him on my team.”
Recent work: Successfully represented Tyra Stoodley-Dowty in her claim against the Chief Constable of Surrey Police for failure to make reasonable adjustments as well as making claims for discrimination arising from a disability in respect of bonus payments and unfair dismissal.
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Employment - South Eastern Bar
Lauren Godfrey
Lauren Godfrey represents both claimant and respondent clients in connection with a vast array of employment matters. He is especially proficient in unfair dismissal claims.
Strengths: “Lauren is very responsive. He is very good at cross-examination and is a good strategic thinker.” “Lauren is a very tenacious advocate who fights hard for his clients.”
Recent work: Continued to act for the respondent in Margaret Dundas v ODT Professionals, defending two co-joined claims of unfair dismissal and discrimination brought by a former fee-earner and regulated conveyancer.
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Inquests & Public Enquiries - The Regions Bar
Emma Zeb
Emma Zeb is well regarded for her experience in complex inquests. She has significant expertise in Article 2 and jury inquests involving a range of issues including psychiatric care in prisons, and probation. Her clients include healthcare providers, private businesses and government departments.
Strengths: “She is a very knowledgeable barrister in the field of coronial law. She is excellent with witnesses and a very persuasive advocate.”
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Insurance
Nigel Jones KC
Nigel Jones QC takes on significant insurance claims arising from a broad array of underlying incidents, including construction, company and insolvency-related disputes. Jones is frequently instructed by insurers but is also experienced in acting for policyholders in insurance disputes.
Strengths: “Nigel is brilliant – he’s very calm and very organised.”
Recent work: Acted for AIG in a case involving arguments about the meaning of standard design exclusions in CAR project policies.
Paul Reed KC
Paul Reed QC typically takes on high-value insurance cases relating to construction and property damage. His matters often involve major international projects. He offers additional expertise in professional negligence and indemnity matters. He remains a recognised authority on matters relating to constructional risk.
Strengths: “He is a standout. He is very accessible and down to earth.”
Recent work: Continued to act for the leaseholder claimants in a claim arising from defective redevelopment works to ‘The Lancasters’, a prestigious residential development.
David Pliener KC
David Pliener is a highly capable insurance junior who also has considerable property damage and construction expertise. He represents many of the leading insurers in complex coverage and policy disputes and is also adept in reinsurance disputes and arbitrations.
Strengths: “David is clever and sharp. He is a very effective communicator.” “He offers very specialist expertise.”
Recent work: Continued to act for the leaseholder claimants in a dispute arising from defective redevelopment works to ‘The Lancasters’, a prestigious residential development.
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International Arbitration: Construction/Engineering
Paul Reed KC
Paul Reed QC is highly respected in the market. He is commended for his ability to handle construction-related arbitrations, such as those concerning large infrastructure and energy projects. He is notably astute at handling matters under LCIA rules.
Strengths: “Paul has an exceptional ability to quickly grasp the key issues in complex matters.” “He is very accessible, down to earth and a thoroughly lovely guy.” “Our go-to counsel for large and complex indemnity disputes on power, gas and energy claims.”
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Personal Injury
Charles Bagot KC
Charles Bagot QC is a well-regarded silk with an excellent reputation for personal injury litigation. He has developed a practice, primarily acting for defendants and insurers, that focuses on catastrophic injury, psychiatric shock and allegations of fraud. He has been deeply involved in legal developments surrounding secondary victims.
Strengths: “He is absolutely excellent and exceptionally good with clients.” “He is fantastic and extraordinarily approachable. He explains things clearly.”
Colm Nugent
Colm Nugent manages a diverse caseload of catastrophic injury, psychiatric injury and fatal accident claims. He is known for his focus on occupiers’ liability cases and his knowledge of the Defective Premises Act. His practice is balanced between claimants and defendants.
Strengths: “A flamboyant advocate who has real charm with judges. He is very forceful in the courtroom and makes difficult concepts sound very easy.” “He is really down to earth and always perfectly prepared. He works phenomenally hard to get the right results.”
Jasmine Murphy
Jasmine Murphy is experienced in the handling of employers’ and occupiers’ liability claims arising from accidents in the workplace. She also has a specialist expertise in injuries caused by animals and accidents involving air travel.
Strengths: “Robust in negotiations and takes a friendly, patient and pragmatic approach to relationships with clients and instructing solicitors.” “She has a very tactical style and is very clever. She will advance a case in a way that isn’t obvious but makes tactical sense.”
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Personal Injury - Western Bar
Emma Zeb
Emma Zeb is a specialist in the personal injury field who represents both claimant and defendant clients. She often handles cases involving catastrophic brain and spinal injuries. She also has strong expertise in Highways Act claims. She is also experienced in the handling of multiple internal injury cases with life-changing consequences.
Strengths: “Emma is diligent and responsive – she gets to grips with cases very quickly.”
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Professional Negligence
Nigel Jones KC
Nigel Jones QC skilfully handles complex construction claims on behalf of developers, contractors and public authorities, among others. His practice is international in scope, with a focus on Malaysia and the Middle East, and is complemented by his significant experience in insurance-related disputes.
Strengths: “He is outstanding on his feet and grasps the issues that turn a case.”
Recent work: Acted for AIG as Balfour Beatty’s professional indemnity insurers in relation to flaws in the design and construction of a school in Oldham built under the PFI initiative.
John de Waal KC
John de Waal QC handles a broad range of professional negligence cases, most often on behalf of defendants, and is particularly well versed in claims concerning solicitors, architects and property developers. He also serves as a mediator.
Strengths: “He gives very good advice, and has very good knowledge of case law that assists on complex technical matters.” “He’s just thoroughly sensible and competent, and he keeps a close eye on the issues.” “Accessible, he responds quickly and he reads the mood of the situation really well.”
Recent work: Acted for the claimant in an action arising from alleged negligence by their former solicitors in advising on the dissolution of a family property development firm, resulting in loss of opportunity.
James Hall
James Hall takes on substantial professional negligence claims relating to surveyors, architects and solicitors. He is able to draw upon his previous experience as an employed barrister in the financial services department of a national law firm. He is also adept at handling claims against valuers.
Strengths: “Very thorough, responsive and technically strong; he has really impressed me.” “He takes the complex and makes it practical, is easy to work with and collaborates well. He’s very refreshing, and he’s not overly adversarial when it would be unhelpful.”
Sarah McCann
Sarah McCann focuses her practice on defending liquidators and architects from claims of professional negligence, as well as representing solicitors, insurance brokers and others. She is experienced in advocacy before the appellate courts.
Strengths: “She is a strategic thinker and an accomplished advocate.”
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Professional Negligence: Technology & Construction
Paul Reed KC
Paul Reed QC has a strong practice in professional negligence disputes concerning construction projects and is the author of the leading legal text on professional indemnity in the construction industry.
Strengths: “He has a very good reputation for his work in the area.”
Recent work: Acted for over 70 claimant leaseholders of The Lancasters, a high-value development near Hyde Park, in a claim alleging professional negligence on the part of the developers, insurers and construction companies arising from defects and damage.
David Pliener KC
David Pliener is instructed extensively in claims of professional negligence in the construction industry. He regularly represents property owners, contractors and engineers, as well as their insurers. He has experience of handling litigation, adjudication and arbitration, and his professional negligence practice is well served by his knowledge of insurance law. He is adept at handling both domestic and international matters.
Strengths: “Not only is he clever and sharp-witted, but he is very clear and an effective communicator.”
Recent work: Acted for 70 claimant leaseholders in a claim arising from redevelopment of a high-value residential property.
Catherine Piercy KC
Catherine Piercy is a widely admired barrister who is regularly instructed as sole counsel to defend claims against structural engineers and other contractors and their insurers.
Strengths: “Our whole team speaks very highly of her; her diary is very full and she is highly rated.” “She is highly recommended, she has a top-notch reputation.”
Recent work: Acted for KD Facades, an architectural cladding firm, in litigation concerning the installation of flammable cladding at a Premier Inn at Gatwick Airport.
Michael Wheater
Michael Wheater appears unled in a variety of TCC negligence claims brought by private, commercial and public agents against construction professionals. He has appeared unled in the Court of Appeal.
Strengths: “An all-round excellent barrister, he’s very bright, user-friendly and commercial. He’s more than capable of punching above his weight with silks. He knows his stuff and gets on very well with clients, who have real confidence in him.” “Technically excellent and extremely approachable, he always impresses.”
Recent work: Represented the defendant architect in a multimillion-pound claim alleging negligence in the handling of a planning application and involving new decisions on the extent to which architects are expected to understand planning law and processes.
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Property Damage
Paul Reed KC
Paul Reed QC is a popular silk with a quality practice both domestically and in the Middle East. His construction offering is enhanced by his acknowledged expertise in the insurance sector. His client base includes contractors, insurers and developers.
Strengths: “A leading figure in the sector on all things construction and insurance.”
Recent work: Acted in a claim against geotechnical engineers for £6 million arising out of the collapse of a housing association development due to an undiscovered cavity in the ground.
David Pliener KC
David Pliener is a senior junior who is known for handling disputes of a highly technical nature with aplomb. He also possesses invaluable understanding of the construction industry and is often instructed in cases with an international aspect. Pliener is skilled in handling both the insurance and negligence aspects of damage claims.
Strengths: “We have faith in his technical ability and lateral thinking.” “He provides really helpful advice.”
Recent work: Acted for around 70 leaseholders in a claim concerning defective redevelopment works to The Lancasters.
Michael Wheater
Michael Wheater offers expertise across a broad range of property damage disputes, including those arising from fires, explosions and floods. His broad client base includes insurers, property owners and tenants.
Strengths: “He’s user-friendly and commercial.” “He is excellent at homing in on the points that matter in court.” “He’s sensible, pragmatic and strategically provides the exact input that’s needed.”
Recent work: Represented one of the claimants in an over £28 million claim against contractors and members of the consultant team. The dispute concerned a care home that was destroyed in a fire following a PFI project.
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Real Estate Litigation
Brie Stevens-Hoare KC
Brie Stevens-Hoare QC regularly works with property developers and owners on significant professional negligence litigation matters, as well as disputes arising from real estate transactions.
Strengths: “She is immediately at one with clients and she gets the psychology of the parties involved. She is approachable, responsive and one of the best in her field.” “Absolutely outstanding for property problems.” “A great advocate who provides brilliant service and is good on strategy.”
Recent work: Acted for Blacks Outdoor Retail in a service charge dispute following the exercise of a break clause.
John de Waal KC
John de Waal QC is a prominent real estate litigation silk who frequently works with insurers on contentious real estate mandates. He is renowned for his leading advisory practice working with clients on a range of construction and property issues. De Waal has particular strength in property-related professional negligence issues. His clients tend to be property developers and commercial property owners, as well as insurers.
Strengths: “An excellent specialist to call upon for complicated, high-stakes matters that require the attention and skill of a QC.” “He provides excellent commercially sound advice, instils confidence at the first meeting and has a unique ability to cut through thousands of documents to get to the point.”
Recent work: Acted for a property developer in a dispute with a neighbouring property owner over rights to a roadway which both properties use for access.
Daniel Gatty
Daniel Gatty handles a wide range of property matters, and has a strong focus on professional negligence disputes arising from real estate issues. He is also known for his work in cases involving land registration, secured lending and mortgages. He is an accredited mediator and sits as a judge of the First-tier Tribunal.
Strengths: “He is very good at some very knotty technical issues.” “He is very responsive, strong on the law and on written and oral advocacy.” “Daniel is very calm, great with clients and provides a QC standard of advice.”
Recent work: Acted in One Hundred New Cavendish Street v Howard de Walden Estates, a dispute over the terms of a service charge deed between the head lessee and a freeholder.
Emily Betts
Emily Betts is a well-regarded junior who is recognised for her work particularly in landlord and tenant matters. She tends to represent corporate landlords and other commercial interests, with recent cases involving issues of occupation and development, among others.
Strengths: “She gets to the crux of the matter quickly and she is talented, thorough and unflustered. She instils confidence in clients.” “She punches above her weight in terms of the strength of the advice she gives and the complexity of the cases she can deal with.” “An excellent advocate in the courtroom.”
Recent work: Acted in Triplark v Reiner & Wismayer, a forfeiture claim related to an estate of mansion blocks in London.
Jamal Demachkie
Jamal Demachkie is recognised for his work in commercial and property law. His practice concentrates on commercial disputes, chancery litigation and landlord and tenant claims. He is also an accredited mediator. He has recently appeared before the High Court.
Strengths: “What is really striking is he is so responsive and available.” “He is a good, strong advocate, very strong on paperwork and excellent with clients.”
Recent work: Acted for a tenant in a dispute with a landlord who had undertaken a six-year campaign of harassment against the tenants, for which the landlord was committed to prison.
John Clargo
John Clargo accepts instructions on the full range of landlord and tenant and property-related professional negligence matters. He predominantly acts for landlords on residential work, and also accepts instructions from landlords and tenants on commercial matters.
Strengths: “An excellent advocate, great at client management and his advice is always spot-on.” “Good written advice, very calm advocacy, very thorough and his delivery is exceptional.”
Recent work: Instructed by the developer claimants in a case in which the court ordered a decree of specific performance where there would be no transfer of land.
Lina Mattsson
Lina Mattsson has a broad practice which covers commercial and residential landlord and tenant matters, restrictive covenants and title disputes, among other real estate issues. She draws instructions from top instructing solicitors.
Strengths: “Lina is dynamic, results-focused and always goes above and beyond on every matter. She uses her excellent commercial awareness and strategic approach to ensure that her advice and how she assists with a matter places the client in the best position in proceedings.”
Recent work: Acted in Khoury v Kensell, an appeal concerned with the enforceability of covenants between adjoining landowners and what constitutes a nuisance in common law.
Monty Palfrey
Monty Palfrey is a highly popular choice for a wide variety of commercial and residential property mandates. He regularly represents clients in court in numerous landlord and tenant, easement and boundary disputes. Palfrey has noted expertise in cases involving pubs and restaurants.
Strengths: “He knows the law very well and he understands the point is to negotiate a deal and advance commercial interests.”
Recent work: Instructed by Chelsea Food & Wine Co in an opposed business tenancy renewal dispute in which the preliminary issue was what constitutes ‘use as a high-class supermarket’.
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Real Estate Litigation - South Eastern Bar
Charlotte John
Property-focused barrister with a wider chancery practice. She undertakes instructions on residential and commercial landlord and tenant matters as well as land and boundary disputes. She often appears in property cases with probate elements.
Strengths: “Charlotte is extremely knowledgeable, hard-working and approachable. She is always willing to go the extra mile, and her written work and oral advice is always detailed and very well thought through.” “Charlotte is a real technician with an eye to detail.”
Recent work: Acted for one of three trustees in two claims arising out of the administration of a trust consisting of a mix of agricultural and residential land.
Jamal Demachkie
Skilled barrister with a diverse property practice covering landlord and tenant disputes and real property work. He also undertakes instructions concerning co-ownership and constructive trust matters. He has recent experience of tackling cases involving alleged breaches of covenants.
Strengths: “Jamal produces really brilliant written advice. Clients love him because he gives clear advice and is a good advocate.” “He is very cooperative and pragmatic.”
Recent work: Acted in a case in which it was decided that an arbitrator erred in law when considering whether a Pub-Owning Business had offered a compliant Market Rent Only tenancy, by incorrectly comparing the old tied lease with the proposed MRO lease and asking whether the new lease would leave the tenant worse off when compared with the old.
John Clargo
Has a strong practice in landlord and tenant and real property law. He has experience of a wide range of cases, from fraudulent property sales to forfeiture claims and complex ownership disputes.
Strengths: “John is an exceptional advocate in both interim hearings and final trials. He’s great with clients and has a calm reassuring manner.” “He clearly has an air of authority about him and is very confident about the law.”
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Restructuring/Insolvency
Jonathan Titmuss
Jonathan Titmuss is regularly instructed to act on behalf of insolvency practitioners, as well as companies, debtors and creditors, in a range of restructuring and insolvency matters. He has experience appearing in cases involving allegations of fraud or misfeasance.
Strengths: “An exceptional barrister with an eye for detail, unparalleled knowledge and the ability to marshal a client where required. A pleasure to work with.”
Recent work: Instructed in Re Conqueror Holdings, a matter relating to a hotel room scheme where the hotel in which the rooms were sold was in London but the structure operated through companies offshore in the Channel Islands, one of which was in liquidation.
Sarah Clarke
Sarah Clarke is a well-regarded insolvency junior, noted for her expert handling of both corporate and personal insolvency work. She is regularly instructed to act on behalf of parties including debtors, creditors and insolvency practitioners. She is also noted for her expertise in civil recovery.
Strengths: “Sarah is prompt to respond, clear in her advice on complicated issues, and her drafting and advocacy are excellent.” “She is hugely commercial while also offering excellent technical expertise.” “She’s excellent to work with – a very good junior who is easy to talk to, very switched on and very good at getting into the technical details of a case.”
Recent work: Instructed in Green Deal Provider Networks v Garry Lee Stevens-Smith and others, a claim brought against the directors and shareholders of an insolvent company to recover payments received and compensation for breaches of fiduciary duty.
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Social Housing
Alison Meacher
Alison Meacher is a specialist in housing work, which crosses over with Court of Protection, mental capacity and other social welfare matters. She habitually acts on behalf of local authorities, registered providers and vulnerable tenants, and regularly appears before the Upper Tribunal and Court of Appeal. She is particularly strong on cases where a person’s right to occupy is contested.
Strengths: “She fights hard for her clients.”
Recent work: Acted for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council in a dispute involving 20 joined appeals relating to housing benefit entitlement for exempt accommodation and lack of commerciality.
Laura Tweedy
Laura Tweedy is a top choice for many large housing associations to act in homelessness and possession cases, among others. She elicits praise for her deft client-handling and cross-examination skills, and makes regular appearances before the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
Strengths: “Laura is someone I always go back to because the clients love her, she is solution-focused, she is able to gather information quickly, and her advocacy is very good.” “She is very down to earth, tenacious, very good at client relationship building and very responsive.”
Recent work: Represented the tenants in a case involving a claim for possession on significant rent arrears. The case was settled with the landlord agreeing to reduce the arrears by almost £30,000 and to rehouse the tenants.
Morayo Fagborun Bennett
Morayo Fagborun Bennett handles a wide range of social housing matters, and has a practice with a particular emphasis on homelessness and disrepair cases. She also acts in complicated possession proceedings. She regularly receives instructions from housing associations, local authorities and individuals. Her esteemed work in the area is complemented by her substantial property practice.
Strengths: “She is good to work with and very responsive.”
Recent work: Represented Adactus Housing Group in a case concerning disrepair claims, including those related to the presence of asbestos.
