Gowling WLG

Energy; Public Sector; Tech; Dispute Resolution; Real Estate; Real Estate Litigation

Partner

"a technically sound and commercially astute practitioner who is able to focus in on the commercial points that go to value and risk allocation without becoming bogged down in 'legalese'" Legal Counsel, a major energy firm

Rob Bridgman is a partner who helps clients to protect or assert their real estate rights, whether that be in the context of getting a deal done or resolving a dispute.

Rob advises on a wide range of commercial property matters, including land options, overage, development disputes, landlord & tenant claims, adverse possession and breach of covenant disputes, contentious rent reviews and service charge issues. Rob also advises on a number of niche areas including telecommunications, mines & minerals disputes and agricultural issues in the context of commercial and residential developments.

A solicitor-advocate, Rob is part of the team's advocacy unit. He has appeared in court on behalf of a number of clients, including acting as junior to a silk in a 2014 Court of Appeal case.

Praised for his "concise advice and professional approach", Rob advises a wealth of well-known corporates on their property disputes. His clients include housebuilders, commercial property developers, investment funds, high street retailers and telecommunications operators.

Rob is also the founder and co-musical director of the (award-winning) Gowling WLG Chorus.

Clients

Major housebuilders, high street retailers, investment funds, commercial landlords, telecommunications operators.

Recognition

Rob is described as "a technically sound and commercially astute practitioner who is able to focus in on the commercial points that go to value and risk allocation without becoming bogged down in 'legalese' and someone who 'is friendly, responsive and exhibits grace under pressure'." Legal Counsel, a major energy firm

Experience

Representing a commercial landlord in a long-running dispute against its tenant in relation to shop premises in Bridgnorth (which went all the way to the Court of Appeal, where Rob acted as Junior Counsel to John Randall QC).

Advising WM Morrison Convenience Stores in relation to their acquisition of a number of retail units from Jessops, HMV and Blockbuster.

Acting for E.ON UK plc in their successful High Court dispute against Gilesports Limited, part of the Sports Direct group (which involved successfully running novel points of law).

Acting for a steel stockholder based in Birmingham on a complicated and emotionally-charged possession dispute.

Acting for a major manufacturing business in relation to the potentially defective exercise of a break right which could have cost them £1m in rent.

Advising a fund in relation to a £1m dilapidations claim.

Advising a property developer in relation to a VAT dispute relating to a property in Birmingham.

Advising the operators of a major international airport in relation to a squatter who had claimed adverse possession over part of the airport site (and successfully regaining possession).

Advising on the acquisition of c.140 high street stores by Vodafone from the Administrators of Phones 4U.

Advising a property developer in relation to a potential claim for breach of contract relating to 200 apartment units on a development in Manchester which were being affected by solar gain.

English