Freeths LLP's property litigation team is known for its ability to advise on a range of issues, including lease terminations, breaches of obligations, forfeitures, and professional indemnity claims. Paul Tomkins handles the full range of real estate disputes, while Simon Baigent has distinct knowledge of restructurings, insolvencies and landlord and tenant litigation. Edward Pickard specialises in all elements of landlord and tenant matters, and Beth Jenkins oversees a broad caseload including trespass issues, lease renewals, dilapidations, and adverse possession claims.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The litigation team is strong. They immediately identify the correct direction of travel, and lay out the strategy in clear, concise terms. And then they deliver.’

  • ‘Outstanding legal representation whilst maintaining a personable approach, and collaboratively leveraging all areas of expertise within the practice where outside the immediate domain of litigation.’

  • ‘Paul Tomkins is the consummate professional with a holistic approach. His professionalism and expertise are a given, but what’s impressive is his absolute dedication and passion; his ability to truly listen and engage on a personal level; and his willingness to communicate the uncomfortable truth when necessary but equally provide commercial solutions to problems rather than just the legal position.'

  • ‘They are very efficient with robust processes. The individual lawyers are responsive, communicative and commercially astute.' 

  • ‘Paul Tomkins in particular is a first-class leader of their litigation function, he is well-organised, articulate, easy to get hold of and although he acts for many clients and we are by no means the biggest, he always seems to have time for us.’

  • 'I think the real strength is the close relationship between the transactional team and the litigation team.'
  • ‘Edward Pickard is an extension of our team. We value his willingness to give off-the-cuff advice and provide a sense check to our day-to-day management of a property portfolio.' 

  • ‘The Litigation team at Freeths, led by Paul Tomkins, are always responsive with clear understandable advice and recommendations. They guide you as a client through the litigation minefield to ensure that client objectives are met to achieve the best legal and financial solutions to each matter. They are good people to worth with.’

Key clients

  • Halfords
  • Euro Garages
  • Tarmac
  • Timpson
  • Travis Perkins
  • Toolstation
  • Wickes
  • Flogas
  • Poundstretcher

Work highlights

  • Advising Poundstretcher on all property litigation issues arising following its Company Voluntary Arrangement.
  • Advising a university on the evacuation of its students from halls of residence due to fire-safety issues.
  • Advising one of the UK’s leading discount supermarkets on a successful claim to recover possession of land.

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.

Paul Tomkins

Other key lawyers

Simon Baigent, Edward Pickard, Beth Jenkins