Dispute Resolution

Disputes between agents and their principals can often arise under the Commercial Agents Regulations. Our recognised team understands the importance of these regulations and actively seeks to resolve disputes that involve these or the breach of any other agency or distributor agreements. If alternative forms of dispute resolution fail to reach an agreement between the parties, our team is experienced in pursuing litigation through the courts. 

• Acted for international steel company in an LCIA arbitration in London in relation to an agency agreement with a third party for commission payable. Claim value: US$20m.
• Advised a LSE listed pharmaceutical company in relation to various distribution agreements; advices included ability to rely on a limitation of liability clause for alleged deliberate breach of the agreement, and the amount of compensation payable under the Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations.
• Acted on the successful resolution of a Commercial Agents Regulations dispute for Mittelstand exporter of high-tech manufacturing machinery.
• Advised and acted for an agent of four English Premiership clubs to recover advertising fees from their contracting parties subject to Singapore law and arbitration in Singapore.
• Advised a PR agency on a substantial fee claim against a client in the context of a listing.
• Advised an estate agency business on claims of negligence relating to the sale of property and the funding of sale/purchase.
• Represented a large group of individuals in respect of their claims against a company that provided extended motor warranties and to which they were contracted as agents, that was put into liquidation by its parent company, a leading international motor manufacturer.
• Advised the seller’s agent (who procured the refund guarantees to be issued to the buyer by its bank) on an LMAA arbitration commenced by the buyer for refund of the advance payments made by the buyer to the seller due to the buyer’s administration.
• Acted for a client who is the agent of Diageo (formerly Guinness) and who distributes alcohol in the DRC, Congo Brazzaville and Sao Tom.

Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution and we have a team of experts in this field that works hand in hand with clients to ensure disputes are resolved without the need to go through the courts. Our arbitration team has specific experience in the shipping and shipbuilding sectors and also regularly advise on ad-hoc arbitrations in other sectors when required. See also our expertise in International Arbitration. 

• Acted for a partnership bringing a LCIA arbitration claim against departing partners for breaches of restrictive covenants and fiduciary duties.
• Advised on two arbitration disputes relating to contracts falling for performance in Zimbabwe and Ghana. Both disputes related to contracts offered by the local government for mining and energy rights. Values were circa $20 m and $5 m respectively.
• Acted successfully for an international construction company in a London-seated arbitration in a claim against a state respondent for damages of $6 billion arising out of a contract for the supply and processing of natural gas.
• Advised on the case which became the first-ever English legal precedent for the recovery of third-party litigation funding under the English Arbitration Act 1996. The case involved India’s largest multi-national corporation in connection with the challenge of an ICC Arbitration Award in the High Court.
• Advised an offshore engineering company on an ad hoc arbitration in connection with a dispute arising from the delay in completing an offshore construction project.
• Acted for a Central Asian country in a multimillion-dollar investment dispute in an LCIA arbitration.
• Represented investors in claims alleging breach of fiduciary duties and investment agreements across numerous jurisdictions under an LCIA arbitration.
• Obtained a multimillion-dollar award on behalf of an international client in the London Court of International Arbitration.
• Represented oil traders in a dispute in a London arbitration over the source of contamination as between shore tanks and ship tanks.
• Advised a Nigerian oil company in ICC Arbitration proceedings concerning a claim for over US$300 million in connection with the purchase of an oil mining licence.

High-value commercial disputes require specialist knowledge and acumen. Our team of litigators are experienced in dealing with client disputes across a wide range of sectors including technology, media, hospitality, aviation, energy, and financial services.

• Obtained discontinuances against a utility company who brought a number of claims under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 against a local authority for property damage to their underground apparatus arising out of street works.
• Defended a  claim brought by a statutory undertaker against a contractor for breach of easement valued at £1.6 million.
• Acted as counsel and supervising lawyer in Thaler v Comptroller, concerning patent protection for an AI-generated invention. Appeared in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court actions. [2023] UKSC 49.
• Acted for a large limited company against a computer software and hardware supplier in a breach of warranty claim.
• Advised an institutional property client in connection with banking contracts following a bank changing its lending criteria and seeking to assert a breach of conditions by the client.
• Advised on all aspects of foreign direct investment into Libya, including agency and distribution, shareholder agreements, incorporation, procurement and employment.
• Advised both limited companies and individuals as both principal and agent in connection with agency agreements for the supply and distribution of goods across the EU including Italy, France, Poland and the United Kingdom.
• Advised companies in connection with supply contracts in connection with supply of IT equipment (both hardware and software), the financing of vehicles, invoice discounting in connection with facilities available for working capital, and employment-related matters.
• Provided advice to HSBC on the enforcement of judgements and arbitration awards in various jurisdictions.
• Successfully acting for a consortium of over 30 airlines in substantial claims against a major travel agency group.
• Advised an airline on a dispute with another airline, including asset freezing.
• Acted for an overseas hospital in High Court proceedings for alleged breach of duty.
• Represented an overseas company in connection with a claim for faulty manufacturing equipment and consequential losses.
• Negotiated a settlement in a dispute between two overseas motor companies.

Disputes in the construction sector require specialist legal construction knowledge. Our team of expert litigators in this area regularly interpret construction related contracts including those produced by the Joint Contract Tribunal (JCT) and other standard contract forms. The team has also a wealth of experience carrying out a number of adjudications including under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996. 

• Acting for an international manufacturer of electrical components – defending claims against them arising out of fires caused by defective miniature circuit boards in consumer units and then pursuing recoveries from “Part P” electricians for ignoring recall notices.
• Claim by a large construction company against an architect for failing to incorporate movement joints into the design of an office block in Manchester (headquarters for national law firm) (value of claim £2 million).
• Negotiated extension of time and settlement without payment of LADs re a claim against a piling contractor with design responsibility relating to the installation of foundations at a wind farm development as a result of poorly designed crane pads which failed load tests (value of claim £800,000).
• Developer’s claim issued in the Technology and Construction Court against a structural engineer for alleged poor design of steel frame leading to demolition of a large commercial building prior to practical completion (value of claim £2 million).
• Developer’s claim against an architect for poor design of wood furnishings and panelling in an Abbey, alleging that the design concept was unbuildable leading to extensive cracking (value of claim £1.5 million).
• Adjudication against a quantity surveyor following an allegation by a council of negligent project management which caused delay to the completion of a new school (value of claim £200,000).
• Defending a specialist plumbing subcontractor whose poor workmanship was alleged to have caused leaks throughout a large block of flats (value of claim £1 million).
• Provided advice on insurance and product liability aspects to L’Occitane Limited, after one of client’s contractors entered liquidation and a dispute then arose with the liquidators regarding what mutual credits and debits were owed by the parties.
• Acted in an adjudication in respect of issues arising from the delay in construction with a multimillion-pound renovation of a super-prime house in Knightsbridge with input required from numerous expert witnesses including on delay and quantum.
• Acted for Insolvency Practitioners in respect of claims for companies in administration focussing on claiming sums due under the insolvency provisions of JCT contracts and included adjudications against some opponents.
• Responded to a £1.5million ‘smash and grab’ adjudication concerning a JCT design and build contract which required an extremely fast and complex analysis of a large amount of documentation concerning around 15 separate applications for payment made during a period of over a year. 95% of the sums claimed were dismissed.

We understand the frustrations that can be caused to businesses and individuals when they are owed debt and the stresses put on debtors to pay this back. We work flexibly and sensitively with clients to ensure that the process of recovering outstanding monies is done appropriately and in accordance with the stipulations of regulators when required.

• Acted for numerous individuals and entities in recovering substantial debts.
• Advised on the new binding arbitration process to resolve outstanding commercial rent debts related to the pandemic under the Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Act 2022.
• Freezing orders and ancillary disclosure orders pursuing Nigerian debtors on behalf of banks and defending third party banks.
• Co-ordinated debt collection strategies for companies and sensitive service providers, including care homes, private schools, and estate agents.
• Provided advice in connection with litigation, arbitration and debt recovery in Libya.
• Defended a claim by a London casino for payment of a £2m gambling debt incurred on one night of a period during which the client gambled £90m.

Defamation disputes have become a news hot topic over the recent years, and the access to social media has certainly helped this happen. Whether a client believes that they have been slandered (defamed by the spoken word) or been victim to libel (published writings), we have a team of experts on hand to help. We understand that no type of dispute is an easy process, but in the case of defamation and the personal nature of such a dispute we understand emotional distress caused to our clients and act as sensitively as possible in guiding them through the process.

• Advised on Cairns v Modi – Britain’s first libel action over a tweet.
• Advised a high profile South American entrepreneur in relation to libel claim against UK newspapers.
• Brought libel claim for leading FTSE 250 inter-dealer broker against a solicitors’ firm.
• Successfully defended Private Eye magazine in the longest-running UK libel claim.
• Advised on a high-profile New York defamation claim, representing a US hedge fund manager in a claim for $100 million.
• Successfully obtained take-down and an apology from The Sunday Times for a FTSE 100 company.
• Acted for a large London property developer in a claim for libel and malicious falsehood resulting from the publication of defamatory statements to a London planning inspectorate.
• Via a series of Norwich Pharmacal applications, identified the person behind an online harassment campaign, resulting in a criminal prosecution.

A company director is bound by an increasing number of statutory obligations. We understand these risks and challenges and have a team of experts who can advise on the full range of duties faced, whether as a non-executive director or executive director. 

• Acted for Mr Savva and Next Step Care Management in relation to a shareholder dispute. Mr Savva and his two co-directors each owned a 1/3 share in the company, and the other two directors sought to oust Mr Savva by raising allegations of fraud
• Acted as a non-executive director for a cultural cinema charity responsible for negotiations with a global cinema chain.
• Advising directors regarding their duties when faced with the insolvency of their company.
• Advised a company co-founder on an unfair prejudice dispute.
• Acted for the defendant in high-profile complex fraud/breach of directors’ duties proceedings alleging fraud against the billionaire director of a publicly listed Indian company with damages claimed in excess of £350m.
• Advised a company in a claim against its former directors and corporate service provider as a result of a number of fraudulent payments to one of the former directors amounting to over £10m.
• Advised and represented a company in claims against its own directors for breaches of statutory duties causing the company losses exceeding £3 million.
• Acted for a company director faced with claims exceeding £15 million for breach of directors’ duties and wrongful trading.
• Advised companies, directors and shareholders in connection with the rights and obligations of directors and shareholders and the management of companies, including drafting shareholder agreements and supporting documents and drafting memoranda and articles of association.
• Advised directors in connection with the requirements for corporate governance, for insuring themselves and their obligations and duties with regard to both them and the company.

Disputes arising among family members can be extremely challenging. Our resolution lawyers understand the distress and difficulties faced, and are on hand to guide clients through the most effective resolution strategies. 

• Acted in a proprietary estoppel claim in a family dispute.
• Advised the executors of a billionaire’s estate on an application to seek the court’s direction on the ownership of the deceased’s family home, as a result of a number of failed trusts and an erroneous conveyance made in the deceased’s lifetime.
• Advised on numerous claims under the Inheritance Act (Provision for Family and Dependents), including infant children, adult children and cohabitees of the deceased.
• Represented a wealthy individual based in Singapore in a claim for the restitution of the value of the shares in the family business. The claim is for US$40m.
• Acted in relation to a family farm dispute which settled at mediation.
• Acted for the directors of a significant Indian-owned hotel chain in relation to a shareholder dispute amongst the owner family.
• Acted in a proprietary estoppel claim in a family dispute which settled shortly before trial.

Our team of litigators has vast experience advising both franchisors and franchisees when a dispute occurs. Whether the dispute is over a commercial agreement or regarding the exploitation of trade secrets and intellectual property, we have a team dedicated to the enforcement of any legally binding contracts. 

• Acting for a franchisor client in defending injunction proceedings.
• Represented a leading franchisor in the food & beverage industry in the MENA region in arbitration proceedings against a franchisee, and in subsequent English court proceedings to enforce the arbitration award in their favour in excess of USD8 million.
• Advising director/shareholders of a valuable franchise operation company on a dispute with their co-director/shareholders.
• Advised a franchisee company in respect of a dispute with a multinational franchisor.

We represent individuals who have been accused of carrying out fraud or breaching their fiduciary duties. We have vast experience in advising clients in respect to matters in the Magistrates’ Courts as well as in the Crown Courts and work closely with selected barristers to ensure our clients receive a seamless defence service to enable them to promptly and strongly respond to any allegations made. 

• Advised on a fraud recovery investigation arising from the liquidation of an international food distribution business.
• Acted for the respondent law firm following its discovery of a large-scale fraud perpetrated by a former consultant.
• Advised a company in a claim against its former directors and corporate service provider as a result of a number of fraudulent payments to one of the former directors amounting to over £10m.
• Acted for a defendant in high-profile complex fraud/breach of directors’ duties proceedings alleging fraud against the billionaire director of a publicly listed Indian company with damages claimed in excess of £350m. .
• Acted for two governors of London schools, involving high-profile individuals in a claim involving conspiracy, fraud and breach of statutory law.
• Advised a start-up incubation company on a number of issues arising from a director’s breach of fiduciary duties and fraud, including the director’s removal and recovery of losses from the director.
• Acted for the former director of a joint venture company after his co-director had conspired with a PLC to defraud him.
• Acted for sugar traders and producers in a claim for in excess of £30m involving allegations of conversion, procuring breach of contract and conspiracy.

We understand that the effects of workplace incidents and accidents can be detrimental to a business. The risks involved can be significant, and can be both financial and reputational. Our disputes experts can advise on all workplace health and safety-related issues and spring in to action to protect your business when things go wrong. Additionally, we have proven expertise in advising businesses on product liability issues, from steps to minimise and manage risk through to creating effective product-recall programmes and managing reputational damage.

• Acting for a supplier of meat products in relation to impurities alleged to have been found in its products.
• Advised on product liability involving medical devices, pharmaceuticals, electrical products, food, kitchen equipment etc. which, among other products customarily used in care homes, can cause injury or death if defective or negligently used or dispensed.
• Acted for the manufacturer of stacking equipment claimed to have caused a warehouse fire.
• Defended the manufacturer of a lift control valve following a fatal accident.
• Acted for hospitality venues on health and safety claims, including in relation to an incident involving the death of a patron.
• Successfully defended at trial a claim under the Manual Handling (Operations) Regulations 1992 by a refuse worker who was required to lift a large load on to a refuse truck. The case was of importance to the Defendant as a large number of allegedly unmeritorious claims had been brought by operatives at this particular depot and the Council was keen to maintain a robust stance to these claims.
• Acted for a contractor defending claims concerning alleged defective cladding and fire safety issues and defects on several hotels.
• Advised high-net-worth private clients on the management of workplace health & safety and defence of injury claims from household staff.
• Advised a wide variety of businesses on Covid claims relating to return-to-work policies, masks and vaccination.
• Successfully defended German brewer on glass injuries and claims.
• Successfully defended at trial a claim under the Manual Handling (Operations) Regulations 1992 by a refuse worker who was required to lift a large load on to a refuse truck.
• Advised construction and manufacturing companies in relation to accidents including attending on fatal accidents, carrying out interviews and investigations, inquest and criminal prosecution.
• Advised companies on historic asbestos claims and liabilities.
• Advised a manufacturing company following a fatal accident inquest and subsequent prosecution.

Our disputes team understands the importance of insurance and insurance–related security to any business. We are on hand to assist with any matters subject of a disagreement including the breach of contracts such as undertakings, covenants, direct agreements, brokerage, underwriting, and all other insurance-related matters. We are also available to advise on any compliance–related issues. 

• Acted for a UK group of 19 construction companies in successfully negotiating a multimillion-pound Covid-19 business interruption claim on their behalf against a well-known insurer, involving complex arguments on liability and aggregation.
• Acted for a senior executive in successfully bringing a multimillion-pound income protection insurance claim.
• Acted for an industrial gas supplier in negotiating the settlement of a substantial property insurance damage claim following an explosion at their premises.
• Acted for a commercial laundry in a major fire loss insurance claim involving complex issues concerning alleged breach of the Fair Presentation of the Risk duty under the Insurance Act 2015 and alleged breaches of warranty. The insurer agreed to pay the claim in full.
• Acted for a high-profile individual in a substantial travel insurance dispute in which the insurer alleged that an exclusion clause was engaged entitling them to decline the claim. The insurer backed down and agreed to pay the claim in full.
• Acted for several construction companies in substantial disputes with their insurers over a claims brought under contractors all risks policies involving many complex and technical points.
• Acted for numerous ex-service personnel involved in the security business in bringing claims for permanent total disablement pursuant to group personal accident policies.
• Acted for a homeowner on a complex subsidence insurance claim which was successfully concluded via the Financial Ombudsman Service.
• Acted on behalf of an Isle of Man-based trust and corporate services provider in a complex multimillion-pound coverage dispute under their D&O and PI covers. The dispute, which was centred around complex coverage arguments, was settled favourably via negotiation. A subsequent negligence claim against their insurance brokers for the unrecovered balance of their claim was also settled favourably via negotiation.
• Acted for a yacht owner on a hull damage claim following a grounding incident. The claim was brought under a yacht hull & property insurance policy. The insurers alleged various breaches of conditions precedent, including alleged late notification, but backed down and agreed to pay the claim after our input.

Intellectual property is one of the key assets to any organisation and the theft or misuse of such can have devastating consequences. We have a team of contentious IP experts who regularly advise clients who are facing the prospect of such a dispute against either a competitor, an employee, or other third party. Our expertise include dispute correspondence, internet take–down procedures, settlement agreements, and international litigation proceedings. 

• Advised on Ludlow v EMI (‘Jesus in a Camper Van’ case) – a claim brought by Woody Guthrie’s publishers alleging breach of copyright in two lines of a Woody Guthrie song in Robbie Williams’ song, ‘Jesus in a Camper Van’
• Advised an international beverage company on a plant variety rights dispute at the CPVO, copyright and trade mark issues as well as advertising compliance.
• Successfully acted for a publishing client facing trade mark infringement and passing off threats by the owner of a renowned motor racing event.
• Advising a multi-award-winning textile/materials company on an international technology collaboration and patent licensing transaction with a major US player.
• Advised on a passing off claim in the High Court – Other Creative Ltd v Mother Family Ltd [2021] EWHC 3172 (Ch).
• Acted for Tangle Inc in an IPEC copyright dispute over its best-selling Tangle product (2023).
• Acted for the Asia-Pacific distributor of an additive for household products in a contractual dispute with the US-based trademark owner, leading to termination of the contract, claims for repudiation, enforcement of post-termination provisions and claims and cross-claims for damages.]Robert Harvey]
• Acted for Geneva Laboratories in respect of its skincare brand Bio-Oil on anti-counterfeiting trade mark disputes including a High Court action against Groupon (2017/18) and multiple IPEC actions against various defendants (2018 onwards).
• Advised Italian shoe company Geox SpA on IP disputes.
• Advised global retailer WH Smith on IP disputes.
• Advised luxury brand Jimmy Choo on IP disputes.

For more complex matters, particularly where a cross-border element is involved, international arbitration is an increasingly common method used for resolving disputes. Our specialist international team has dealt with a vast range of arbitrations, across many jurisdictions, and is well-versed in conducting them under numerous procedural and substantive laws and forums, including but not limited to the ICC, LCIA, ad hoc and local courts. With the largest all-partner level disputes team in the UK, our practice has a highly established track record of success when it comes to handling high value, intricate cases.

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that requires specialist training and knowledge and today forms a central part in the UK’s dispute resolution landscape. Our specialist mediation lawyers are well positioned to guide our clients through the mediation process as a number of our advisors are accredited and experienced in this field. Our experts work tirelessly to ensure that the best possible representation in any alternative dispute resolution is on offer for their clients. 

• Acted for a wealth management company in relation to a professional indemnity insurance policy dispute concerning UCIS sales claims. The multi-million-pound claim was successfully settled at a tripartite mediation.
• Acted for a plumbing and heating services company following a large fire loss, challenging policy avoidance due to alleged under-declaration of stock. The claim was settled favourably at mediation, with the remaining loss recovered from the client’s broker.
• Advised on a claim against a surveyor in respect of a measured building survey, with the dispute settling at mediation.
• Acted for G15 housing association in a high-value defects dispute culminating in mediation with a local government authority for wholescale structural defects inherited on disposal of property units; seeking to recover remediation costs (c.£12m).
• Acted for a HNW client in a dispute with the contractor and subcontractors regarding wholescale defects in a private dwelling house, as part of a pre-action process before litigation (unresolved at mediation).
• Acted for a farming couple of a c.£3m farm in a proprietary estoppel and constructive trust claim against them, securing a settlement on a nuisance basis of the claim at mediation.
• Acted for Cambridgeshire County Council in TCC proceedings (including mediation proceedings) in relation to a delay and disruption dispute concerning the construction of the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway on the NEC 2 Contract for damages in the region of £100 million.
• Settled at mediation a claim against a geotechnical engineer relating to a poorly designed flood defence where it was alleged that the defence could not withstand a full head of water, and leaked (value of claim £2 million).

We are experts in mental capacity and best interests disputes relating to a person’s health and welfare and property and affairs. We provide expert advice pre proceedings and representation in complex disputes in the Court of Protection relating to the actions of attorneys or deputies, and all other disputes about a person’s capacity or best interests. We also provide advice and representation before the High Court when it acts under its Inherent Jurisdiction in relation to vulnerable adults. 

• Acted on behalf of a billionaire with Lewy Body Dementia, in proceedings brought by his brother; involved allegations of restrictions on contact and of manipulation and undue influence in the creation of his lasting powers of attorney.
• Acted on behalf of a very-high-net-worth Montenegrin national living with dementia; she was resident in London but her sister argued that she should be returned to live in Montenegro, against the wishes of her attorney and the relevant authorities. She remained in London in line with her latterly expressed wishes.
• Acted on the instructions of a high-net-worth individual whose wife lacked capacity to make decisions about where she lived; the relevant authority had concerns about his exercise of control over her in their marital home. The concerns were ultimately deemed unfounded.
• Acted on the instructions of the mother of a young man with severe learning difficulties; challenged inadequate provision of services in his private supported living placement and a lack of court authorisation. He was moved to alternative accommodation and an authorisation was granted, with his mum appointed as the relevant person’s representative (RPR).
• Acted on behalf of a severely disabled young woman moved to England from the United States by her mother; the proceedings dealt with mother’s application for recognition of Letters of Guardianship granted in New York, a challenge to the Standard Authorisation in place at the time and further care planning and a trial placement in the care of mother.
• Acted on behalf of an elderly client seeking to challenge an NHS decision to amputate his leg, arising from unstable diabetes.
• Acted on behalf of an Irish man living with dementia in a London care home. He wished to return to Ireland but this option had not been investigated on his behalf. He returned to Ireland in line with his wishes.
• Acted for a Deputy in proceedings brought against her brother to recover misappropriated assets and which concluded by settlement under the terms of a statutory will.
• Acted for an attorney in defending claims against her incapacitated husband which involved claims by his brother to property, based on constructive trust and/or mistake and forgery of the trust deeds. The matter was also in the First-tier Property Tribunal and was resolved by complete withdrawal of the claim in favour of the client following a negotiated settlement.
• Acted for an attorney in a successful application to the Court of Protection to make IHT mitigating gifts.
• Client has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and is therefore unable to manage his own finances. Instruction was given to take over the deputyship and an extensive review was required of the finances as the previous deputy had not considered the cashflow position and affordability of paying large gratuitous care payments on top of privately funded care. His funds are now set to last until he is 99 years old whereas it would have previously run out in his 70s.
• Client suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2015 in a road traffic accident which resulted permanent cognitive impairment. Appointment of deputyship was obtained as client struggles handling large sums of money. Global capitalised settlement in excess of £17M.

We have a team of experts dedicated to advising clients in relation to disputes arising from all matter of partnership disagreements and disputes. We regularly advise clients affected from standard partnerships under the Partnership Act 1896 and affected through a limited liability partnership (LLP) and have successfully resolved these types of disputes through alternative resolution, including arbitration, and through litigation in the courts. 

• Acted for two members of a world-famous pop group in a dispute between its members following the group’s break-up.
• Advised on an LLP dispute for an AI-driven hedge fund.
• Advised on a confidential dispute between a fund management group and their seed investor as to whether a revenue sharing payment hurdle had been met.
• Advised on doctors’ partnership disputes.
• Acted for partners of firm in arbitration brought by former partner alleging unfair treatment.
• Acted for majority shareholder defending unfair prejudice claim.

Professional negligence cases are complex and require specialist knowledge in order to resolve these cases successfully. We have a team of experts on hand to guide clients through the legalities and procedures, and who can recommend accounting professionals able to quantify the claim. 

• Acted for an employer in a claim against architects and contractors.
• Acted for a high-net-worth individual in successfully bringing a claim against his former solicitors for failing to advise that he should have taken out after-the-event insurance in a proprietary estoppel dispute in which he sustained substantial and avoidable legal costs.
• Acted for a high-net-worth individual against an architect for defectively designing an air heating/cooling system in his substantial London property.
• Brought numerous claims against insurance brokers on behalf of individuals and commercial clients for breaches of duty, including failure to advise clients correctly as to the presentation of risks and failure to secure policies that met their clients’ demands and needs.
• Brought numerous claims against insurance brokers on behalf of individuals and commercial clients for breaches of duty, including failure to advise clients correctly as to the presentation of risks and failure to secure policies that met their clients’ demands and needs.

Our team of real estate lawyers has a long history of successfully resolving disputes that concern real estate. They regularly advise clients on all related matters including high–value commercial property disputes between companies and those between commercial landlords and their tenants. 

• Acted for the developer of prime real estate in the West End of London in a multimillion-pound completion claim.
• Acted for a major landed estate in a multimillion-pound dispute regarding restrictive covenants.
• Forfeited three leases of a major co-working provider in the City of London and defended the associated proceedings.
• Obtaining possession of premises from those with diplomatic immunity and from members of a foreign royal family.
• Undertaken arbitration of a contested completion and handover of a mixed-use development in Battersea.
• Dealt with issues related to development including: utility relocation, stopping-up orders, rights of light, party walls, interference with easements, adverse possession, prescriptive easements, and restrictive covenants.
• Dealt with and settled via deed of release complex rights of lights claims for the rooftop airspace development of a new medical facility in Islington.
• Dealing with telecoms disputes under the Electronic Communications Code, including contested applications code agreements, applications for interim agreements, termination and removal of code apparatus as well as “lift and shift” notices and agreements.
• Acted for a major retail tenant in opposed lease renewal proceedings of premises in Covent Garden.
• Advising Transport for London in respect of various opposed lease renewals relating to the commercial use of a number of underground stations.

Today’s political climate has led HMRC to be under more pressure than ever to be seen to be clamping down on organisations and individuals suspected of improperly handling their tax affairs and those advising them to do so. We regularly help our clients resolve disputes related to tax in relation to COP9 investigations, and both criminal investigations and prosecutions. We have also successfully advised clients on statutory tax appeals within the Tax Tribunal.

• Advised a UAE shareholder in respect of £1.5bn alleged conspiracy to defraud claim in respect of trades and tax claims.
• Advised an on-line retailer on a claim against its tax adviser following claims made by HMRC.
• Acted in various claims against accountants involving negligent advice relating to entrepreneurs’ relief, CGT, rollover relief and R&D tax relief.
• Defended a London-based CFO in a US$1.5 billion alleged fraudulent dividend arbitrage litigation commenced by the Danish Customs and Tax Administration.
• Advised a US client on claims made against her for recovery of tax due on lifetime gifts of property.
• Acted for appellants in their successful appeal against HMRC in relation to alleged VAT liabilities amounting to over £16 million.