The property litigation practice at Birketts LLP is 'very proactive and commercially aware, particularly in high-profile matters'. A diverse workload encompasses Telecoms Code property matters, rights to light, leasehold enfranchisement, town and village green issues, and more. In Ipswich, 'sharp, incisive' practice head Richard Eaton and telecoms property expert James Robinson are the key practitioners. Legal directors Alice Harris and Laura Tanguay are notable for housing law and TOLATA respectively. In Cambridge, new partner Lynsey Ellard is 'reliable, responsive and resilient'. 'Market nous is as good as any City firm', say clients of the Norwich team led by senior associate Simon Woodhead, who advises on the management and disposal of surplus property. John Scannell retired.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Intelligent and good communicators - very willing to explain matters and discuss nuances.’
‘Birketts has a team of six lawyers in Norwich, ably led by Simon Woodhead. They cover all aspects of property litigation, and their wisdom and market nous are just as good as any City firm.'
‘Simon Woodhead is a very smart and thorough cookie. His colleague James Humphreys is very good.’
‘James Robinson - brilliant with clients, great strategist. Richard Eaton - smart as a tack. Tim Kirkconel - solid under fire, you would want him in your team.’
‘Birketts is in the sweet spot for property litigation firms: a large and specialist team; a broad range of clients from large national housebuilders, developers and funds all the way to private individuals; excellent technical knowledge; but all at rates reflecting the lower overheads of a regional firm.’
- 'Richard Eaton has a very deep knowledge of property matters and is vastly experienced. Very good at giving clients confidence. Alice Harris is very practical and efficient and very down to earth - great to work with. Laura Tanguay combines a toughness with being extremely pleasant to work with. She brings a rigorous approach to everything she does. Cheryl Chisholm is very good and is able to approach difficult issues in a practical way. James Humphreys has a very knowledge of property law and a reassuringly calm manner. Danielle Eley is lively and easy to work with - definitely one to watch as she gains experience.’
‘Lynsey Ellard is simply fantastic: reliable, responsive and resilient.’
‘Lynsey Ellard is very professional. Willing to help at any point and go the extra mile to ensure the clients needs are met. Has built strong relationships with our firm. Her attitude is modern, making her approachable for all levels of our team. Setting up the equestrian group with events within her branch is a great initiative.’
Key clients
- TT Group
- Kent County Council
- Andrew Cheale Trustees
Work highlights
- Acting for Kent County Council in a significant dispute over the provision of land and funding for the construction of a primary school provided for in a Planning Agreement (s.106).
- Acting for the Andrew Cheale Trustees, advising the trustees in objecting to the Application for a new town and village green on development land subject to a condition contract with a leading national housebuilder.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Richard Eaton