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Commentators are quick to highlight the
prominence of this outfit as "a strong competitor in this market."
It has a large team of real estate litigators and has developed a commitment
to the sector unmatched by many others. It continues to act for the
Church Commissioners for England on its residential property litigation
portfolio. This year it acted for a large investment and development
company over its acquisition of commercial premises worth £3.5
million in Bristol for the purposes of redevelopment as a hotel.
Robert Highmore is the joint head of
the property litigation group across the firm, and heads the London
team. Described as "a bright lawyer and a nice chap," this
year he acted in the reported case of Church Commissioners for England
v Meya in the Court of Appeal. Louise Clark is "well on her way
to becoming a leading light in this area." The site acquisition
in Bristol for the hotel redevelopment, she drafted the modification
of restrictive covenants governing the use of the premises. Commentators
believe Emma Humphreys to be "a great litigator with a thirst for
the work." She advised a leading educational establishment on arrears
of more than £800,000 owed by commercial tenants.
Clients/Work Highlights: The Broadgate
Group; Lemon Land; Dolphin Square Trust; Milton Group and the Royal
Academy of Dramatic Art.
Robert Highmore is ranked in tier 2 of
5 as a leading individual.
Louise Clark is ranked in tier 3 of 5 as a leading individual.
Guildford
The Guildford office of this firm has
been highly active in the region, making the most of its extensive client
base to compete strongly with the longer-established practices. Observers
noted its "reputation for fine work in the area" and drew
attention to the talent of the individual lawyers involved. The team
acts for PRG Powerhouse, advising in relation to the restructuring of
the store chain's 100 shops under a company voluntary arrangement. The
group has also acted for the directors against the administrators and
liquidators of the Imperial Group; the disputes stemmed from transactions
that took place in Argentina, Bahamas and England.
Peter Levaggi has led the team acting
for the directors of the Imperial Group and is a specialist property
litigator. A well-known figure, he also led the firm's bid for work
for the Morris Group and is commonly called upon to provide advice on
property litigation and insolvency matters. Associate David Haines is
"a very capable litigator." His property litigation experience
includes Romeomarch Property Management in a contentious leasehold enfranchisement
case.
Clients/Work Highlights: Dawnay Day Property
Group; Business Design Centre; Smith & Williamson; Glenny's and
Dairy Crest.
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