England - London • Real estate
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is experienced in handling contentious landlord and tenant work alongside big ticket litigation concerning development, as well as rights of light, lease renewals, telecoms and trespassers. The team is led by 'legend in his field' Matthew Bonye, who handles all manner of commercial real estate disputes such as those relating to land purchases, ratings appeals and contractual issues. He is supported by Frances Edwards, who namely handles complex contractual disputes and professional negligence matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘HSF has a cracking property litigation team - but they also have the huge resources of the wider practice standing behind them, so you can rest assured that if there is a planning, insurance or other dimension to your problem, the firm will be there for you.’
‘Matthew Bonye is one of the nicest people to deal with - but do not assume that he is a soft touch: he is vastly experienced, and able to think around a problem in the depth that sophisticated clients want.
‘The team are confident with their recommendations. Have top knowledge of case law. Will advise promptly and give support.’
‘One of the top, if not THE top, firm of property litigators in the London market.’
‘Matthew Bonye is really a legend in his field. Not only a brilliant lawyer, but a lovely person to boot.’
‘Very detailed level of knowledge, vast resources to draw upon.'
'The team has great breadth and depth of service.’
‘Very good at initial review and investigation and advice.’
Key clients
- Ludgate House Limited (part of Native Land)
- Portigon AG
- Federated Hermes
- The Board of Trustees of The Tate Gallery
- British Land Plc (BL CW Holdings Limited)
- Nuveen
- The Madison Square Garden Company
Work highlights
- Advising British Land on all contentious matters flowing from the largest urban regeneration project in Europe (Canada Water, Southwark).
- Acting for the Board of Trustees of the Tate Gallery in the groundbreaking case of overlooking and the torts of nuisance.
- Acted for Ludgate House Limited in their high-profile test case on the validity of property guardianship as a business rates mitigation tool.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Matthew Bonye