Ashtons Legal is ‘an excellent provincial firm that punches well above its weight'. The firm handles contentious property matters for Cambridge colleges, estate agents, property developers, insolvency practitioners, and landlords. It also provides specialist enfranchisement advice to both landlords and tenants. The 'absolutely superb' Kirsteen Durrant in Cambridge leads the practice. She recently handled a £1m breach of covenant claim for a restaurant tenant. Head of dispute resolution Michael Frape in Cambridge and senior associate Annabel Mayer in Bury St Edmunds also handle property disputes as part of their broader litigation practices.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
Annabel Mayer has shown she was willing to go beyond what we would expect to quickly answer any questions and offer us her advice.’
‘Ashtons Legal instructs us in respect of property and commercial matters. Our main points of contact there are Kirsteen Durrant and Yasmin Natt. They are an excellent provincial firm, who punch well above their weight. They are outstanding and very knowledgeable and fantastic with clients. I would have no issue with recommending Ashton Legal to clients, as they provide real support and value for money!’
‘Kirsteen Durrant is absolutely superb. Kirsteen specialises in resolving property disputes for private, commercial and public clients. Kirsteen is very knowledgeable of the law, thorough and gives her clients a superb and fabulous service.'
‘Kirsteen Durrant was extremely professional, engaged and easy to work with throughout the process. I would not hesitate recommending her to our clients on similar property instructions.’
'I've always found Kirsteen Durrant to be accessible and engaged, and willing to take the time to explain more complex legal matters in a easy to understand format.’
- 'The firm always aims to provide value for money for its clients with all fee earners going the extra mile.'
- 'I value the work of Sheree Richardson in particular. Her tenacity stands out as does her robustness in dealing with her opponents.'
Key clients
- Savills PLC
- Cambridge University Colleges - Christ’s College, Churchill College, Clare College, Clare Hall, Corpus Christi, Emmanuel College, Hughes Hall, Jesus College, Magdalene College, Newnham College, Pembroke College, St Catherine’s College, Wolfson College, Kings College
Work highlights
- Advising and acting for tenant restaurant in claim against landlord for breach of covenant to repair building over 12 year period causing frequent flooding to basement restaurant.
- Advising Savills (UK) Limited on its entire England and Wales occupied portfolio.
- Representing a pension SIPP client who was misadvised by another law firm when granting a long lease to a Church, who subsequently served notice under the Places of Worship (Enfranchisement) Act 1920 to compulsory purchase the premises.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Kirsteen Durrant